DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Hotel Circle

The hotel offers a welcoming touch with its signature warm chocolate chip cookies upon arrival, a detail consistently appreciated by guests. While the property boasts spacious family suites that are particularly well-suited for families exploring the area's attractions like SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, it also serves as a convenient base for sightseers and business travelers due to its central location. Many guests highlight the generally friendly staff as a significant positive aspect of their stay. However, a pervasive theme across reviews points to the hotel's aging infrastructure, with many areas described as dated and in need of significant renovation. To ensure a comfortable stay, guests are advised to manage expectations regarding room condition and be prepared for potential inconsistencies in cleanliness and amenity availability. Additionally, it is highly recommended to clarify parking arrangements upon booking, as the on-site garage presents challenges.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a pool and hot tub area, which many guests find enjoyable and appreciate for being heated, often noting the presence of a fire pit for evening relaxation. However, some reviews mention the jacuzzi being closed or having broken features, and the pool area occasionally appearing dirty. The lobby is generally described as nice and welcoming. A recurring issue highlighted by numerous guests is the condition and functionality of the elevators, which are frequently reported as slow, ancient, out of service, or chaotic, leading to long wait times. Some guests also note that ice machines are often broken on various floors. While the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, the overall impression of the facilities is mixed, with many feeling they are worn and could benefit from significant updates.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly inconsistent, with a significant number of guests reporting issues. Many rooms are described as run down, dirty, and dated, with widespread complaints about stained carpets, snags, holes, and dings in the walls. Some guests encountered peeling wallpaper, rust in bathtubs, and broken furniture. A common concern is a pervasive unpleasant smell in rooms and hallways, often described as musty, moldy, or like wet carpet. While some guests found the beds comfortable and rooms spacious, others experienced issues with thin walls leading to noise from neighboring rooms and toilets. Inconsistent housekeeping also meant some rooms lacked basic amenities like sufficient towels or body wash, and some reported finding hair or stains on linens.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a restaurant and bar on-site, with many guests praising the restaurant staff for their kindness and attentiveness, particularly during breakfast service. The food quality in the restaurant and bar is generally well-received, with some guests enjoying the available options. However, the breakfast often receives mixed reviews; while some appreciate the variety, many find it pricey and note that it is not included in the room rate, with coffee also incurring an additional charge. Some guests experienced inconsistencies with the restaurant's operating hours and found the menu options limited. Despite the positive interactions with dining staff, the overall value and consistency of the food and beverage offerings are points of contention for many visitors.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering easy access to freeways and placing guests conveniently close to popular attractions such as SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Old Town, Balboa Park, and various shopping and dining areas. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the city. However, the parking situation is a significant and frequent source of frustration for guests. The parking garage is widely described as tight and narrow, particularly challenging for larger vehicles like SUVs and vans, with many reporting difficulties navigating the curves and ramps. Furthermore, the parking is not complimentary, with guests often surprised by a substantial nightly fee. Some also noted that the garage's elevator was frequently out of service, requiring guests to use stairs or walk around the building.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel, particularly the front desk and restaurant teams, receive widespread praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlight their attentiveness, quick check-in process, and willingness to accommodate requests, often going above and beyond to assist. Specific individuals are frequently commended for their exceptional customer service. However, there are notable inconsistencies and negative experiences reported, particularly concerning management follow-up on issues. Some guests experienced a lack of communication or resolution regarding complaints, including problems with room condition or billing. Housekeeping service is also a point of mixed feedback, with some reporting inconsistent room cleaning, failure to replace towels, or not making beds daily, leading to guests having to request basic amenities multiple times.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by those traveling with animals, though finding suitable outdoor areas nearby can sometimes be a challenge. While the hotel is part of a well-known brand, some guests who are loyalty program members expressed disappointment with the perceived lack of rewards program benefits or feeling undervalued compared to stays at other properties within the same brand. A common complaint is the absence of a microwave in the room, requiring guests to go downstairs for heating food or water. Furthermore, some reviews mention significant maintenance issues, such as rooms experiencing flooding or bed bug infestations, which, while not universal, severely impacted the affected guests' stays and often led to dissatisfaction with the hotel's response.