Spent a few nights here last week and was satisfied for the price. Hotel has many good and bad points, but overall it met my needs. The room was cramped but well appointed, staff was friendly and helpful, pool was enjoyable, food and drink were acceptable. The hotel is being renovated and really needs it. If it meets your needs it's fine, just don't go out of your way.

Check In

Driving up the hotel gave a small-resort-in-the-developing-world vibe due to the lush but unkempt tropical landscaping and modern but tired building. Check in went smooth and was treated well by friendly FDC, who clearly explained the hotel's features and provided good directions. Recognized SPG status and was pre-upgraded (as Gold) to a 2Dbl Deluxe room even though hotel was sold out; amenity and MAGC points offered and posted after checkout. Lobby area was large and inviting; hallways were bright but bland and institutional.

Room

Room was cramped but in good shape, except for one of the beds being broken on one side. It had a nice view of the pool and curtains worked well controlling light and view. Desk was big, desk chair was flimsy and wouldn't adjust, desk light was bright but power socket was broken. Deluxe room included refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker, all of which worked well and were appreciated. Closet was small and didn't have a safe. Bathroom was adequate with decent hot water but a weak fan. It was convenient to be on first floor near the pool and parking.

Service

Staff was always polite and helpful. Called to get sink unclogged and they responded quickly. Asked Housekeeping for a couple of clean towels and they refreshed the whole room. Bartenders, waitresses, and snack shop attendents were very nice and responsive. Shuttle bus driver was pleasant and courteous. Staff really made the stay.

Dining

Enjoyed the Happy Hour in the small bar with outdoor patio, and Manager special in the lobby, including some free appetizers and drinks. Breakfast buffet in Citrus was $15 for less than what many hotels give for free. In-room coffees and teas were okay, and they offered coffee in the foyer in the morning. Snack shop food was expensive for being so basic but glad it was available. Overall, F&B was nothing special but acceptable.

Location

It's near the highway and a few bus lines so it was easy to get around. It's also surprisingly far from SAN airport to have a free hourly airport shuttle (and some local stops), which was useful. Thus, you don't need a car but probably want one because there is nothing touristy around it, though paying $12 for parking, and having to display a big, ugly yellow hang tag, was very annoying.

Amenities

The best amenity is the large pool, hot tub, and deck area around it. It was easy to lay there and pretend you're somewhere more exotic, though it needed more deck chairs and tables. The pool and hot tub were very pleasant and it was nice to have bathrooms nearby and an outoor shower to rinse off. The adjacent fitness room was small and basic; a few weights, treadmills and an exercise bike but had a nice view.

I wanted to play the surrounding golf course but it looked more like a unkempt park and is only playable if you're interested in off-road golf; my lawn is more puttable than many of the greens.

The place must live off the meetings, shows and small conventions that transpired the whole time I was there. The indoor/outdoor facilities seemed adequate, and everything seemed well attended, well managed, and gave the hotel some needed energy.

Overall

Previous reviews over the years suggest this place is always in need of, and/or undergoing renovations. The place shows its age in some places but had a nice feel in other places. Our Deluxe room was adequate for 2 people but would be pretty cramped for more, though connecting rooms are available. The friendly, helpful staff and tropical landscaping made the stay pleasant and I appreciated the amenities available. For the price paid, if I needed to be in the area again I'd come back.