07/06/07

Great value for the locatoin

by newguysfo

This review is current as of July 2007. I gave a four star rating here, not to imply this is a four star hotel, but because it was a decent value. You should know you are getting a former YMCA, actually the building was built in 1924 as the serviceman's YMCA. But it has been fixed up and converted to a hotel. Yes there are shared baths, but I never had a problem getting one when I needed it. Half have showers and half have toilet/sink combinations. You get what you pay for here, and when I stayed, my rate was $55/night but understand that can vary with demand. The place was full of budget minded tourists like myself and some using the communal kitchen. The location is pretty good, with Horton Plaza walking distance, I walked to the convention center and the USS Midway museum and the ferries and trolleys are very close. The 992 bus to the airport passes right in front of the hotel and is about 12 minutes to the airport for $2.25.

I got a twin bed, and a cute flat panel tv in the room. I commend the maid service and desk people as friendly and responsive. My only complaint is that one of two elevators was not working and I understand it has not been working for quite some time. That will cause a big problem when the remaining elevator fails, and I believe you can count on that happening some day.

• Pros: price, location, transportation nearby
• Cons: shared bath (but tolerable), not good for parking, elevator not working

06/24/07

Great value for traveling thru or for an extended stay!

by janascally

I found this place in listings for san diego hostels. it is hostel living where you share bathrooms and kitchen common areas, but they also have hotel like private rooms (which are very dorm-like). the service reps are fantastically friendly, as is housekeeping. The bathrooms really are cleaned all day/night long. They're european style, so your key allows you to lock the individual bathroom/shower for privacy, so it's shared private bathroom showers. The weekly rates are great value ($220-260 weekly, go online for best rates 500westhotel dot com). the rooms are small (like small apt. bedrooms). but you get funky ikea-ish, michael graves inspired furniture- cheap chic. the downtown location is great, close to all major tourist locations. parking is the bummer, as you have to pay garage fees, but that's cost of downtown accommodations. high recommendation for budget but cool traveling!

• Pros: Cost, lobby, cleanliness, totally friendly service
• Cons: small rooms. few amenities

YMCA-turned-budget hotel, where small rooms and shared bathrooms are part of the reasonably priced stay.

by Contributor

In Short
A former U.S. Naval housing project during WWII, this historical landmark is now home to modest hotel accommodations with funky modern furniture. Standing amid the hustle and bustle of downtown, the European-style spot has dorm-reminiscent rooms with Internet access, flat-screen TVs and platform beds. Each floor offers up to 16 shared bathrooms and unisex lavatories and large windows that overlook the ocean harbor.