Downtown, United States
Small heated outdoor pool and fitness center
Walking distance to Little Italy and the harbor
Great views of the bay and downtown San Diego
Rooms have perks like microwaves and private (but tiny) balconies
Bayside Bar & Grill serves comfort food
Free hot breakfast buffet
Free airport shuttle
Free Wi-Fi
On a bland street
Restaurant doesn't serve dinner on weekends
Fee for secure parking
The Best Western Plus Bayside Inn is on a bland business street, a ways from the center of San Diego's action but close to San Diego Bay's maritime attracts. The rooms were updated in 2008 and most have views of either the bay or the city. Common areas underwent renovations in 2015. There's a fitness center, small pool, and hot tub. Business travelers or couples looking to be near the harbor while avoiding touristy bars and shops can check a few boxes here, but those looking for more nightlife should look closer to Fifth Avenue or the Gaslamp Quarter. Alternatively, the nearby Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Downtown or the stylish Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy are both significantly cheaper and fully renovated.
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Scene
Renovations brought needed updates
This high-rise had partial renovations to the rooms and hallways in 2008, and the common areas underwent further renovations in 2015. The greenhouse-like lobby now has contemporary decor elements, such as tree trunk wall art and modern furniture, but the sitting area inside is somewhat narrow and awkward. Nevertheless, light wood floors, wooden paneling, and cream-colored paint job significantly brighten up the formerly dark space. A new work station includes two computers and a printer.
Location
Between Little Italy and the downtown San Diego area
Three blocks from the San Diego Harbor on West Ash Street, this hotel is convenient to the cruise ship terminal, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and other attractions in the bay. The Star of India -- a merchant ship from 1863, now a floating museum and the oldest active sailing ship in the world -- can be seen from the hotel when it's in the harbor. The hilly, historic neighborhood of Little Italy is just to the north. It's full of dining options and nearby highway I-5 provides easy access to other destinations. It's a 10-minute drive to San Diego International Airport, or about 20 minutes to the Mexican border (35 minutes to Tijuana).
Rooms
Tiny private balconies, work desks, and iPod docks make these rooms sufficient, if not upscale.
Renovated in 2008, the contemporary rooms are furnished in the style typical of a chain hotel in this price range, with a neutral decor and framed black-and-white photography adding a little character. Oversize arm chairs are a nice addition (some with ottomans), as are the functional work desks with ergonomic desk chairs. The balconies are private, but tiny and disappointing (especially at these rates) with no seating to speak of. Rooms on higher floors have good views of the bay, or the city, though some face the pool too. Though the bathrooms were also updated, they retain their old shower/tub combos. All rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and iPod docks.
Features
Freebies like hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, and an airport shuttle
Bayside Bar & Grill serves as the hotel's convenient restaurant, dishing up American standards. A free, daily hot breakfast buffet includes scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, biscuits and gravy, and pancakes. The hotel offers a discount for dinner Monday through Friday. (The restaurant is closed for dinner on the weekends). Same-day dry cleaning service is available, but only on weekdays. The small outdoor pool is heated, although the high-rise keeps it in the shade for much of the day. A fitness center, added after our visit, includes a few cardio machines. Guests can take a free shuttle to the airport, as well as to the nearby Amtrak Station, cruise ship terminal, and the Greyhound bus terminal. There is also free Wi-Fi, but guests must pay for parking.
