Very pleasant stay; comfy bed, clean, great b-fast, yes, there is a train behind the hotel but it didn't really bother us (note: we have a sound conditioner); location very convenient for the trolley and Little Italy and last but not least very clean garage with elevators that take you directly to your floor.

Just returned from a 4 night stay at the Hampton Inn in Downtown San Diego. I love San Diego, and this hotel is a perfect location. Walking distance to Gaslamp and Little Italy, and a short drive to the beach. This is my 3rd stay here in 3 years, and my only complaint this time was that our room was at the back of the hotel, right by the train tracks. It can get pretty noisy, but unless you are a light sleeper, it is not so bad. The room is clean, breakfast is good (though beware of other travelers not using proper utensils to select food from the serving platters), and the staff is helpful. By the way, go to Indigo Grill in Little Italy! My husband and I were unsure, but so glad we ate there! It was the best meal of our trip.

My husband and I stayed here while he was in town for work. We got one of the newly renovated rooms on the 6th floor and it was fantastic...comfy bed, nice large bathroom with good amenities, a pull out sofa, tons of extra space, and kept very clean. The staff at this hotel is out of this world. I would compare them to the Four Seasons...that is how good they are. Everyone from the front desk staff to the breakfast attendant went out of their way any time we asked for something.

The breakfast was good...not fantastic, but met expectations. The lobby/common areas are nice and newly renovated.

However, this hotel has a serious problem with those trains. They are SO loud. Thankfully they did not wake us at night, but they are frequent and LOUD. The hotel is obviously aware of the problem and apparently are working out a deal with Amtrak. They left us a white-noise machine in our room as well as ear plugs without any prompting, and the white-noise really helped.

Do not pay the $12 for parking unless you just have to have the convenience. There are plenty of metered spots and free spots around the hotel if you are willing to walk/search/have change on you.

All in all, I would highly recommend this place if they can figure out the train nightmare.

I was in town for the BIO 2008 conference and moved here from another hotel (Bristol-see review). I lucked out on them having a room as the city was full. Here is what is odd. I liked this hotel despite the trains and rather plebian decor (light white oak pressboard....with plastic chrome strip). It was the staff and their friendliness. And despite the fact the hotel rooms were BORING, it was super clean and that matters a lot. Breakfast was fine- I mean it is free, how can you go wrong? Free shuttle around town if you ask and he is free. Again, a plus. Pool was absolutely beautiful- overlooking the harbor and nobody was ever in it///how NICE! Adequate but small fitness center. Anyway-take a chance on this place-I am glad I did.