Experience The Bristol, a premier boutique hotel designed for both leisure and business travelers in the heart of Downtown San Diego, at the doorstep of the Gaslamp Quarter. Revel in charming, stylish rooms and suites, enhanced by inviting services and amenities with no hidden fees.
Customer experiences with staff service were mixed; while some praised the friendliness and helpfulness, others reported indifference and poor communication.
Cleanliness
Several reviews highlighted cleanliness issues, including dirty rooms and inadequate housekeeping services.
Location
The hotel is well-located in downtown San Diego, close to attractions and public transport, but some guests noted concerns about safety in the surrounding area.
Value for Money
Guests expressed mixed feelings about the value for money, particularly regarding high valet parking fees and the lack of amenities like breakfast.
Room Quality
Room quality varied, with some guests appreciating the comfort and decor, while others reported issues like noise, outdated features, and cleanliness.
DR
Delia Ramos-Cano
2 days ago
5.0
Besides the construction at the front desk, all the employees are fantastic!! Beautiful customer service. Russell and Eric are great! They helped my daughters and I settle into our very clean room, also made sure my truck was parked in a safe spot for me. Room is very clean and super cute. Walking distance also great to downtown.
TD
Thomas Dizon
3 days ago
3.0
The front desk and valet staff were very helpful! Especially the valet staff, very kind. It was very unfortunate that the front desk was under construction. What's more unfortunate, is the price. The price in comparison to the room quality and decor is not justifiable. Look somewhere else if you want something worthwhile for what you pay for.
NC
Nathan Craig
Nov 6, 2025
4.0
Nice hotel with spacious rooms and an excellent gym. Very well located, lots of amenities nearby and limited valet.
Service was generally good apart from a frosty welcome from the first receptionist we encountered. The rooms are big but poor view on once side of the hotel.
Valet only holds c. 20 cars and spaces are not solely reserved for hotel guests. Valet is $42 per day which is pretty pricey.
SS
Shining Sun
Nov 4, 2025
3.0
Hotel Bristol has a convenient location and friendly staff, but there are a few drawbacks. The ceilings in the rooms are quite low, some areas of the hotel haven’t been renovated, and there can be noticeable noise from outside. The atmosphere feels functional but somewhat anonymous, lacking distinctive charm. Suitable for a practical stay, but don’t expect luxury or a particularly memorable experience.
TB
Todd Burleson
Oct 25, 2025
1.0
If you don’t care about connectivity, you can’t beat the rate and location.
However, if you need to be even slightly connected to the outside world, don’t stay here. I had a lovely check in process, hotel was easy to find, staff was friendly and everything was good in those areas. After getting to my room on my fifth day of work travel and a little extra time to sit down and respond to emails, I opened up my computer and tried connecting to the internet. Over and over again, across multiple devices, I had issues. Turning everything off and back on multiple times, troubleshooting galore. To top it off, I had no cell service so I couldn’t even use my phone (AT&T). I called down and the very very nice but unhelpful gentleman at the front desk gave me a couple suggestions including working from the lobby and waiting til morning when operations would be in.
I’m sorry but I spend a lot of time outside of “my” space when I’m traveling for work, the last place I want to be during my down time is in the lobby. I get that it’s a solution but I wasn’t offered to try a different room or anything like that. So I left. I didn’t stay the night and now they won’t respond to my request for a refund. I’m just a little surprised that a boutique hotel like this doesn’t have better customer service practices in place.
All in all, you want cute and boutique and disconnected and you’ll be self sufficient, this is your place. If you might need some assistance or want to talk to the outside world, stay somewhere else.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Bristol Hotel - San Diego
What are the operating hours of The Bristol Hotel - San Diego?
The Bristol Hotel - San Diego operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with continuous service from 00:00 to 23:59 every day.
Where is The Bristol Hotel - San Diego located?
The Bristol Hotel is located at 1055 First Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States.
What type of accommodations does The Bristol Hotel offer?
The Bristol provides charming, stylish rooms and suites designed for both leisure and business travelers, enhanced by inviting services and amenities with no hidden fees.
What payment methods are accepted at The Bristol Hotel - San Diego?
The Bristol Hotel accepts American Express, Cash, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.
Which languages are spoken at The Bristol Hotel - San Diego?
English and Spanish are spoken at The Bristol Hotel - San Diego.
How can I contact The Bristol Hotel - San Diego?
You can contact The Bristol Hotel by phone at +1 619-232-6141 or via email at info@thebristolsandiego.com.
What social media platforms is The Bristol Hotel - San Diego active on?
The Bristol Hotel is active on Facebook, Instagram (@bristolhotelsd), and Twitter (@bristolhotel).
Are there any fitness or physical therapy facilities near The Bristol Hotel - San Diego?
Yes, nearby facilities include Pro Kinetix Physical Therapy and Performance and Anytime Fitness, ideal for guests interested in fitness and rehabilitation.
What dining options are available near The Bristol Hotel - San Diego?
Nearby dining options include The Courtroom Grill and Lounge (Italian cuisine), Nekter Juice Bar (smoothies and health food), Lucy's Taco Shop (Mexican), Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill (Japanese), Yoshinoya Beef Bowl (Japanese fast food), and Grab & Go Subs (sandwiches).
What notable attractions or points of interest are close to The Bristol Hotel - San Diego?
Guests can explore the Gaslamp Quarter nearby, as well as local points of interest like the Smile, You're in San Diego Mural for arts and entertainment.