Mission Valley, United States
Within a 10-minute drive of Sea World
Some rooms have microwaves and mini-fridges
Free airport shuttle, hot breakfast buffet, coffee, snacks, and weekday newspapers
24-hour dry cleaning and laundry service
Outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool
Fitness center features modern equipment
Express check-in services
Free high-speed Wi-Fi
In-house ATM
2,000 square feet of meeting space
Located in a gritty neighborhood; the surrounding area is not kid-friendly
Hotel is located right off the freeway
Freeway can become gridlocked around rush hour; entrances/exits can be difficult
Fee for parking
This three-floor, 208-room hotel is a family-friendly value option with a pool located within a 10-minute drive of Sea World. Multiple freebies are on offer, including free hot breakfast, a free airport shuttle, free coffee in the lobby, free Wi-Fi, and free weekday newspapers. Parking costs a fee, however, and the immediate area -- right off the freeway -- is a bit gritty: Two strip clubs are in close proximity. The lobby is modern and attractive, while rooms are typical generic chain hotel fare; some have microwaves and mini-fridges. It's also worth considering the Best Western Plus Hacienda, which has a more appealing setting near Old Town.
Scene
A value chain near Sea World that draws families and business travelers
The expansive lobby at the Four Points by Sheraton San Diego - SeaWorld makes a positive first impression; light laminate floors, streamlined furniture, a cool color palette of grays, whites, and blues -- the overall feel is modern and even stylish. The front desk has mosaic tiling, and there's a glass dispenser for ice water. Plenty of tables and chairs are provided for breakfast seating, though this area can still get crowded. Computer stations and printers sit opposite of the concierge desk.The rest of the hotel doesn't live up to the expectation set by the lobby; rooms are typical bland chain hotel fare. The exterior is of stone and stucco, and the gated pool is located in the back of the property. The clientele is primarily families heading to Sea World and business travelers.
Location
Walking distance to Old Town and a short drive to Sea World
The hotel is located in a slightly gritty area halfway between the airport and Sea World. It's also only a 10-minute walk to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which has numerous historic buildings, and where trolley tours depart. The walk isn't particularly pedestrian-friendly or attractive, though -- guests must cross busy Camino Del Rio West and go under freeway overpass, so most prefer to drive the short distance. The immediate area is home to strip clubs, fast food joints, and warehouses. This area can become gridlocked around rush hour; the offramp of the freeway passes right in front of the parking entrance.- Seven-minute drive to Sea World
Rooms
Generic, chain-like rooms, some with microwaves and mini-fridges
The rooms are typical for a Four Points: white bedding, beige carpets, basic wood furniture. Beds are quite comfortable, though, with pillow-top mattresses and triple sheeting. The LCD flat-screen HDTVs have quality cable channels and pay-per-view movie options; video-game consoles are available upon request. Wi-Fi is free. Lamps with power sockets and USB chargers in the base are a convenient touch. The rooms feature air-conditioning and coffeemakers, and some have microwaves and mini-fridges.Bathrooms have wood vanities with granite countertops and shower/tub combos. Some bathrooms feature a landline phone by the toilet.
Features
Outdoor swimming pool and hot tub; a fitness facility; and a 2,000-square-foot business conference center
The hotel inn offers all of the Four Points by Sheraton brand staples: free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, a free hot breakfast buffet, and free coffee in the lobby. There's also a free airport shuttle, an unexpected extra. The 2,000 square feet of meeting space helps make this hotel popular with business travelers. A small fitness room has a few modern cardio machines and free weights. The small pool and whirlpool, surrounded by a white fence, white plastic loungers, and white patio furniture, are out back.