Sweetwater Inn

08/03/06

Beaucoup Value for the Bucks

by tjanvier at Citysearch

My experience at this San Diego-area inn was very positive (a far cry from a reviewer elsewhere who believed there was a crime operation next door. The only activity I saw in the quiet, single-family home next door were some children's inflatable toys that appeared by the backyard pool one afternoon).

The neighborhood is safe, working class Latino and characterized by Sweetwater Blvd's middle-brow assortment of businesses, including Robinsons, JC Penny, Outback Steakhouse, Appleby's, and Starbucks.

The hotel itself is a modest 80s-era inn with gray wood Cape Cod styling outside. My room was clean and tastefully decorated with a firm, sleepable bed. Besides the usual bedside tables and wall lamps, there were a chest of drawers with a 20-inch color TV on it, a conference table with two black padded chairs, and an a floral print over the bed. Most of the furniture was done in matching pale oak veneers with about average wear.

The tiled dressing area and bathroom were spotless. The water faucet in the tub/shower is one of those two-part deals that allow the traveler to set the temperature once and then turn the water on or off with the "Volume" nob. Very nice if you pay attention to the labels. The thermostat-controlled air conditioner/heater worked great. I didn't know San Diego was experiencing a 110-degree heat wave until I stepped out of my room.

The staff was solicitous, friendly, and helpful. There was a small-but-clean swimming pool with lounging chairs. The 7-11 next door surprised me with some very nutritious, pre-packaged, meals (sushi, stir-fry shrimp, Creole-Cajun rice dishes, organic sandwiches, etc) and they have a microwave available if needed.

The inn is privately owned and some of the family members work the desk. This probably wouldn't be the place to take someone to impress them, but if you need a clean, budget place it's hard to beat.

• Pros: good value overall, free parking, 7-11 next door
• Cons: drab location, no restaurant within easy walking distance