Howard Johnson by Wyndham National City/San Diego South

The hotel offers a practical and often clean stay, with its free parking and convenient freeway access serving as a signature feature for guests traveling by car. Many find the beds comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep. This establishment is particularly well-suited for budget-conscious travelers, road trippers, and those seeking easy access to San Diego or Tijuana. It also appeals to business travelers and couples looking for a straightforward and affordable option. While the hotel itself is often praised for its interior, the surrounding neighborhood can be a concern for some, making it less ideal for families with young children. To ensure a smooth experience, guests should be aware of the hotel's deposit policy and manage expectations regarding the complimentary breakfast.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally appreciate the practical amenities available, which contribute to a self-sufficient stay. Each room is typically equipped with a microwave and a mini-refrigerator, providing convenience for storing and preparing snacks or leftovers. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests have reported it can be slow or inconsistent, occasionally experiencing connectivity issues, and in some cases, not working at all. The hotel also offers a laundry room on-site, which is noted as being reasonably priced and a helpful feature for longer stays. Other conveniences include ice machines and vending machines, though some have noted issues with bill acceptors. It is important to note that the property does not feature a swimming pool, and some guests have mentioned issues with non-functional electrical outlets in rooms, requiring attention.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed but leans positive, with many guests praising the overall tidiness of their accommodations. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most. Rooms often feature a modern or recently renovated appearance, though some older elements like thickly painted surfaces or dated decor are occasionally noted. In-room amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided, along with an ample supply of towels. While many find the rooms quiet, some report noise from the freeway or adjacent rooms due to thin walls. Recurring issues include inconsistent hot water or shower pressure, and some guests have unfortunately encountered stains, mold, or even insects like roaches, though these are not universal experiences.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast, which is consistently described as basic and continental in style. Guests should manage their expectations, as it typically includes a limited selection of items such as cereal, yogurt, fruit (like oranges or bananas), oatmeal, and various sweet bread or muffin options. Coffee and juice are also available, though some have noted a lack of creamer or half-and-half. Many reviews indicate that the breakfast is sugar-centric and does not meet the standards of other brands, with no hot food options provided. While some guests find it sufficient for a quick start to the day, others are disappointed by the lack of variety and quality, often choosing to dine elsewhere. The breakfast area itself is small and can feel cramped.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a significant point of discussion, primarily due to its central proximity to the freeway (I-5), offering easy access to downtown San Diego, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and the Tijuana border. This makes it convenient for guests traveling by car, and free parking is a major advantage. However, the immediate surrounding area is frequently described as sketchy, with a visible presence of sex workers and homeless individuals, which can make some guests feel unsafe, especially at night. While the hotel itself is generally considered secure, the neighborhood environment is a recurring concern. Despite the freeway proximity, many rooms are surprisingly quiet, though some guests do experience traffic noise. Public transportation, including a trolley station, is within walking distance.

Staff & Service
The staff and service receive mixed but generally positive feedback. Many guests praise the friendliness and helpfulness of the front desk team, highlighting their engaging and professional demeanor during check-in and their willingness to accommodate requests. Housekeeping staff are frequently commended for their attentiveness, ensuring rooms are clean and well-maintained, often going above and beyond by tidying personal items. However, some guests have reported negative interactions with specific front desk agents, describing them as unfriendly, rude, or preoccupied, leading to frustrating check-in experiences or unhelpful responses. Despite these isolated incidents, the overall impression is that the staff strives to provide good service, with many guests appreciating their efforts.

Additional Information
A significant point of contention for many guests is the hotel's deposit policy. Guests are typically required to pay a substantial security deposit, ranging from $100 to $250, which is often held for an extended period, sometimes up to 7-14 business days, before being refunded. This policy, especially when paid by debit card, causes considerable frustration and is frequently cited as unacceptable, with guests wishing for clearer communication or immediate refunds upon checkout. The hotel also offers smoking rooms, which some guests appreciate, while others find the lingering smoke smell in non-smoking areas problematic. Some reviews mention issues with the hotel's Wi-Fi password changing or being withheld, and a lack of after-hours maintenance for issues like no hot water.