Inn at the Park

Discerning travelers who enjoy older hotels might appreciate this stately, seven-story brick building that dates from 1926. The hotel has a boutique ambience, with a smart lobby decorated in white, black, and silver, sporting marble floors in a diamond-shape pattern. A crystal chandelier hangs from a coffered wood-panel ceiling, while a large white marble pedestal sits amid an upholstered sofa bench. Graceful archways lead to the staircase -- and the hotel claims it's home to San Diego's second-oldest elevator (its slow speed betrays its age). The ambience is elegant yet relaxed. There's a rooftop terrace, where guests can gather to sip drinks while taking in the amazing views of Balboa Park, the city skyline, and the bay. The hotel draws travelers from across the spectrum -- couples, families, groups of friends traveling together, business travelers, even solo voyagers.

The Inn at the Park borders Balboa Park and its world-famous attractions, such as the San Diego Zoo, although it's still a 25-minute walk through the massive park to its visitors center and the zoo, or about a six-minute drive. It’s in the hip and vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood, with a nice Mexican restaurant and convenience store across the street. Other restaurants are also within walking distance, and a Whole Foods is less than a four-minute drive away. Fashion Valley Mall, home to several restaurants, a cinema complex, shops, and Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus department stores, is a seven-minute drive from the hotel. Most of San Diego’s major attractions are about a 15-minute drive or taxi ride, including SeaWorld, Old Town, Mission Beach, and such downtown hot spots as the Gaslamp District, the convention center, and Petco Park. The Amtrak Station and San Diego International Airport are also about a 10- to 15-minute drive away.

The Inn at the Park's spacious suites combines a creamy white motif with geometric patterns and splashes of mauve and lilac. The overall effect is chic and slightly feminine. Beds with curvaceous padded headboards rest against mauve accent walls. And mauve and gray appear in the carpeting and throw pillows on the upholstered sleeper sofas. The white lacquer furniture includes nightstands and dressers. The suites' narrow kitchens have small tables and chairs, black-wood floors, white cabinets, and black-granite counters. They are equipped with full-size fridges, microwaves, stovetop burners, coffeemakers, cookware, dishwashers, and sinks with garbage disposals. Roomy closets give plenty of space for luggage. Bathrooms are just as stylish (and mauve-accented) as the rest of the suites. They feature walk-in showers with clear glass doors and rainfall showerheads. Black marble frames the white-tile floors, and sinks are either ceramic pedestals or stainless-steel vanities with black granite tops. Room categories include King or Double Queen Studios and One- and Two Bedroom Suites -- all include sleeper sofas. Some suites have small balconies, and many offer Balboa Park views. All rooms come with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, robes, safes, and magnifying mirrors. Basic Wi-Fi is free for up to four devices, and premium Wi-Fi comes with a fee. Fresh towels are provided upon request, and daily housekeeping is available for a fee -- otherwise it's weekly. Note that past guests have complained about ambient noise from neighboring rooms. 

As a self-catering property, the Inn at the Park lacks a restaurant or bar. But a concierge is on hand to arrange for valet laundry and dry cleaning, and there's a coin-operated guest laundry. The smallish rooftop fitness center includes cardio- and weight-training machines. A lovely rooftop sundeck with seating offers sweeping views of the city and Balboa Park. Free coffee and water are available in the lobby. Event space is available, as is valet parking for a fee. The hotel has a computer station with internet access. Standard Wi-Fi is free, but several guests have reported it to be spotty, and premium Wi-Fi comes with a fee. Limited free street parking is available. Thanks to its time-share status, Inn at the Park subjects guests to a time-share sales pitch during their stay.