HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN, AN IHG HOTEL $140 ($̶1̶7̶2̶) - Updated 2024 Prices & Reviews - CA
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel

Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel

Walk away to elevator to cut time walking around the corner
Traveler (300)
Lots of natural light in our comfortable guest rooms
Room & Suite (155)
You can't have breakfast without sausage and fresh cooked bacon!
Dining (30)

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About

4.0
#128 of 263 hotels in San Diego
Location
4.1
Cleanliness
4.2
Service
4.3
Value
4.1
Close to the best of downtown San Diego! Welcome to the Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown Hotel! Our hotel is clean and safe and every room has a mini fridge. We are near Balboa Naval Hospital and Sharp Hospital. Our downtown San Diego hotel is a prime location for several popular San Diego attractions and bustling nightlife. We are a short walk from Petco Park (home of the Padres), Maritime Museum of San Diego, Balboa Park, USS Midway, Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, the New Children's Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. We offer free Wi-Fi to all of our guests to keep you connected with your family, friends, and work while you are away from home.
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Property amenities
Paid private parking on-site
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Children's television networks
Free airport transportation
Business Center with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Parking garage
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Shallow end in pool
Fence around pool
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Vending machine
Free shuttle or taxi services
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
ATM on site
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Iron
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Centrally Located
Family
Languages Spoken
English, Spanish
Hotel links
Special Offer:Book Direct & Save with IHG One Rewards

Location

1430 Seventh Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 80 out of 100
80
San Diego Intl Airport
Rodriguez Airport
16.5 mi
See all flights
Santa Fe Depot
14 min
889Reviews31Q+A100Room tips
Traveler rating
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Detailed Reviews
Mike wrote a review Apr 2023
New Jersey98 contributions36 helpful votes
Hotel's Favorite
4.0 of 5 bubbles
I stayed here in February 2023 and wasn't expecting much since my colleagues recently stayed here and didn't have a good experience. However, I did enjoy my time here. I had a room with a balcony which def made a difference. Bed was comfy and room + bathroom were clean. Obviously the free breakfast was the best part. Different food everyday which was appreciated and go get the cinnamon rolls!

Overall, standard hotel and a good place for a business trip.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
Room Tip: Ask for a room with a balcony
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stephanie Downs, General Manager at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel
Responded Jun 13, 2023
Thanks for choosing us and being our guest!
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
brtraveler wrote a review Feb 2020
Greenwell Springs, Louisiana42 contributions77 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This Holiday Inn Express impressed us with amenities of the airport shuttle, free snacks, clean rooms, port shuttle, zoo shuttle, tables to visit with friends and breakfast. We stayed at this location prior to a Hawaiian cruise. We really enjoyed our time and everyone in our group had a good experience. The hotel was full yet the staff was patient and helpful. There are ample restaurants in walking distance and drugstores for last minute items you may need.
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Date of stay: January 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ferdusing wrote a review Jul 2020
Wilmington, North Carolina114 contributions78 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I stayed here for two nights last week while visiting my brother in the Navy. We were given a room on the second floor with two beds. It was small, but this is a downtown hotel so I can understand that. The room was cleaned well and boasted a nice balcony which we enjoyed.

We left the hotel at about 9 am and didn't return until around 5 pm to find we never received housekeeping. If this has something to do with COVID I would have appreciated being informed this at check in. We had overflowing trash bins when we left on night one and had to use grocery bags for trash the next day. The trash bin by the elevators was surrounded by other people's grocery bags full of trash as well so I can assume that I wasn't the only one having the issue.

Parking is $23 daily at this hotel which for a downtown location isn't too bad. The garage is behind and underneath the hotel and it is the tightest parking garage I have even been in and I grew up in Chicago and have used a lot of them. Just about every corner you have to back up to clear the pillars in the garage. Obviously this is no fault of the hotel, but I just thought I would notate it. I was in a Toyota Highlander, which is an SUV but not the largest of SUV's. If I were in a Suburban or full size truck you wouldn't have fit!

Overall, I would stay here again post-covid on my next trip to San Diego, as long as the lad of housekeeping is only due to COVID.
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Date of stay: July 2020
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
Room Tip: Pay the extra for a room with a balcony. It was only $8 when we stayed!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from IHG Service, Owner at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel
Responded Aug 8, 2020
Hi there, ferdusing! I appreciate you for staying at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown and for giving us your thoughts about your recent visit. I understand that you had issues with the cleanliness and size of our rooms. Our hotel is committed to providing our guests with the highest quality services and facilities. I am sorry for letting you feel otherwise. I'll definitely share your thoughts with our hotel management team as a reference for future enhancements. I truly hope that we will have a chance to make it up to you and provide you with a better experience upon your return. All the best, Peter J. Case Manager IHGServic
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Kathy04106 wrote a review Feb 2020
South Portland, Maine23 contributions43 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We just stayed at this downtown hotel for a week-long vacation and loved it! Great customer service at the desk (we loved Patrick, but everyone else was great, too). Very comfortable beds, clean sheets, two pillows per person (one firm, one soft). Excellent water pressure in the shower and nice bathroom amenities. Nice balcony to relax on. We liked the breakfast selections each day and especially loved the automatic pancake machine. At the front desk, they sell discount tickets to local attractions (we definitely saved money with those). The shuttle service was very convenient - to/from the airport, waterfront, or the zoo at Balboa Park - and drivers were always friendly and gave great tips for enjoying the area. We didn't use the pool, but it was very clean (we only saw one person in it all week). We didn't want to leave. Can't wait to go back for a visit again!
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Date of stay: February 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane Doe wrote a review Mar 2020
Phoenix, Arizona41 contributions51 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Used their "Snooze and Cruise" package so we could leave our car in their underground parking for 7 days while we went on a cruise out of San Diego ($280 for one night but included 7 days of parking...which is pretty expensive everywhere in downtown). They have free shuttle service to the port (plus other places around downtown...like the zoo, and airport). Patrick at the front desk was very helpful when we checked in with info on places to eat, and how the shuttle worked. Room was clean and comfy. (basic room). The free breakfast was above average. My only complaint was the really low toilets... Wish toilets were a little higher (if you have bad knees or hips suggest you get a handicap room). You need to use your key card in the elevator to access the room floors. Within walking distance of the Gaslamp district and Petco Park. (but it's all uphill walking back!)
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Date of stay: March 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marco_RD458 wrote a review Jan 2020
Faenza, Italy907 contributions248 helpful votes
+1
3.0 of 5 bubbles
I’ve been here a night during my visit to San Diego.
The hotel is not bad for the US standards, but there are many things letting me prefer for other solutions in that city.
The position is quite good. It is located in the downtown.
The room is good enough, but it is possible noticing like everything is a little aged.
The only exception is the TV. The bathroom is fine, but it is really old style. The metal parts everywhere are a little oxidized and the lighted switches are starting to become brown-yellowed. The breakfast is standard and it looks like many other hotels in the area. The corridors are a little sad and the door is too (see picture). The room is NOT equipped with automatic air conditioning. A manual heater/cooler is present (see picture). The soundproofing is quite poor. You can easy hear other rooms and other toilet drains.
The WIFI works really well and there’s a the shuttle to the airport !
The price is at average value for the kind of hotel and it could be considered as cheap if you consider the position. I can suggest the Holiday’s Inn in case it is cheaper than other solutions you considered. The receptionists are really kind. Don’t get me wrong. The place is fine, but you can find something better just moving a little outside the city. It has been not easy to decide between 3 and 4 dots, but in the end the poor cleaning, the obsolete air conditioning system and the aged parts made me vote just 3.
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Date of stay: January 2020
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from IHGService, Guest Relations Manager at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel
Responded Feb 7, 2020
Hi Marco_RD458, Thank you for sharing your thoughts from your recent visit. I was very disappointed to learn that we were unable to exceed your expectations during your most recent visit. We strive to provide the best for each stay, and I'm sorry that it was not enough to complete your near-perfect experience. Your feedback is much appreciated and shared with the management for future improvements. I hope this matter will not prevent you from giving us another chance to share the joys of your future travels! Regards, Virgil N. Case Manager IHGService
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Maureen FitzGer... E wrote a review Apr 2022
Vancouver, Canada293 contributions214 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
This hotel is located equidistance between Little Italy, the Gaslamp District and the waterfront. It's within easy walking distance to everything, however, there are no grocery stores or restaurants in the immediate vicinity. As a matter of fact, we couldn't find a grocery store anywhere in the downtown area.
Our room was large enough to accommodate us for three days without feeling overcrowded. The little balcony overlooking the pool was a nice feature but the weather was poor while we were in town. Our room was at the end of the hallway which made for a long walk from the front desk, but was very quiet. The place was spotless and even though the cleaning staff did not come into our room, we had access to plenty of towels, etc. Staff will enter the rooms only upon request.
The check-in/check-out were seamless with friendly staff. The breakfast was typical of Holiday Inn and substantial enough to keep us going throughout the day. The breakfast room was clean and the staff did a good job but I felt they should have worn masks as they were handling and replacing food constantly. Lots of food items were prepackaged except the hot items. Holiday Inn Express is a go to hotel for us and Covid-19 hasn't changed their operating practices as like most hotels who use it as an excuse for poor cleanliness and service.
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Date of stay: April 2022
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L Tamaki wrote a review Nov 2023
Kelowna, Canada68 contributions59 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Staff was very friendly and helpful. The area is in an older area of town and at first appears a little sketchy. We wandered out at night a couple times and were quite safe. Hotel was secure with room key required for access to most places. Breakfast service was clean, plentiful and changed every day. All baked goods were well portioned and individually wrapped. Take out containers and bags were supplied for breakfast on the go. We stayed 5 nights and had bacon once. Rooms were clean, we only used housekeeping services one day out of 5. We had a king room with a sofa and a balcony with outside seating. It was nice to have a fridge and microwave in the room. Laundry facilities available at $4 cash to wash /dry a load. Detergent available to purchase at the front desk. Walkability was difficult with the uneven terrain. $6 to $10 Uber ride to most places.
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Date of stay: November 2023
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Appeared to be renovating one wing. Parking is $29/night
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stephanie Downs, Owner at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel
Responded Nov 21, 2023
Thank you FL918 for the feedback. We look forward to being able to welcome you back again in the future.
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Capt203 wrote a review Jul 2020
Beloit, Wisconsin23 contributions41 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Stayed from 6/23 to 6/30. Overall, we were happy and the facility was clean. Gave it an average score for the following issues: Bathroom toilet sits low and is NOISY. It has a power flush that lasts ten seconds. No way you can flush without waking everyone else up. Toilet sits way too close to the floor, hard to get up and down. Bathroom door is a sliding door and is horrible. There would be no way a kid could slide the door as it took quite a bit of strength. Plus, there is a 1" gap between door and frame so everyone can see you. They had a modified "to go" breakfast due to the Covid-19. One of the reasons we booked at this place was because of the hot breakfast. We understood the pandemic conditions, but if they had hot oatmeal to serve, we couldn't they have the other hot foods as well? Or, at least give us some money back. Make sure to read their website carefully. They make it sound like the Sole Luna Cafe is on sight, but it is actually across the street. We did eat there a couple times and it was excellent food, but it is NOT part of the hotel. Workers were very nice so no complaints there. Within a 20 to 30 minute walk to numerous restaurants, shops, etc.
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Date of stay: June 2020
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from IHG Service, Owner at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel
Responded Aug 1, 2020
Hello Capt203, Thank you for your stay and for taking the time to leave us feedback. I am sorry to learn about the issues encountered with the bathroom amenities. I have alerted the hotel management regarding your comments, and I am positive that the measures that will be taken will avoid similar issues from reoccurring in the future. I hope you choose us again! Best regards, Clayton G. Case Manager IHGService
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OMGYoga wrote a review Apr 2021
Los Angeles, California56 contributions30 helpful votes
+1
4.0 of 5 bubbles
After being on the road for hours, we arrived at our hotel. We took just enough time to put things down, then went out for food. When we came back and kicked off our shoes, "squish." The carpet was soaked. My husband went to the bathroom and discovered the sink was clogged. Upon closer examination the room was very "lived in." When we called Guest Services, the manager DeAndre did not hesitate to dispatch housekeeping. When the plumbing repair was going to be more involved, DeAndre brought up new room keys himself, and moved us. The new room was perfect, quiet, with a lovely view of the San Diego skyline. We slept soundly and our romantic weekend getaway was saved. Thanks!
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Date of stay: April 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hobar asked a question Jan 2024
Scottsdale, Arizona124 contributions89 helpful votes
Does the hotel offer a shuttle to the cruise terminal?
Answer from Susanne T
North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina1,582 contribution192 helpful votes
No, they don't. We just called an Uber.
Miguel V asked a question Oct 2023
Zapopan, Mexico8 contributions6 helpful votes
What is the daily fee for parking in this hotel?
Answer from JT1982
5 contributions13 helpful votes
You can go to information and they will call for you. Go once you have all your luggage.
Erin B asked a question Aug 2019
Calgary, Canada2 contributions1 helpful vote
Are there rollaway beds available? If so, which rooms will accommodate a rollaway?
Ryan H wrote a tip Mar 2024
Walnut Creek, California248 contributions128 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Hotel is on a hill, some rooms have views/balconies. "
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Susanne T wrote a tip Dec 2023
North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina1,582 contribution192 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Ask for a room facing the pool"
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SharonCO55 wrote a tip Nov 2023
Denver, Colorado78 contributions9 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"If you need to use the room's refrigerator, make sure it's working. Mine needed defrosting but was replaced immediately when I mentioned it."
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L Tamaki wrote a tip Nov 2023
Kelowna, Canada68 contributions59 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Appeared to be renovating one wing. Parking is $29/night"
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Phil Edwards wrote a tip Sep 2023
5 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"This hotel is in a great location with a number of good restaurants to choose from. "
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the San Diego area.
PRICE RANGE
$171 - $253 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
holiday inn express san diego downtown hotel san diego, holiday inn san diego, san diego holiday inn
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSan Diego
NUMBER OF ROOMS
148
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN, AN IHG HOTEL $140 ($̶1̶7̶2̶) - Updated 2024

Frequently Asked Questions about Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel?
Nearby attractions include San Diego Symphony (0.2 miles), San Diego Civic Theatre (0.3 miles), and St. Joseph Cathedral (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel?
Yes, a parking garage, paid private parking on-site, and paid public parking on-site are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Donut Bar, The Taco Stand, and The Local Eatery and Drinking Hole.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel have airport transportation?
Yes, Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.4 miles away from the center of San Diego.
Are any cleaning services offered at Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown, An IHG Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
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