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Balboa Park Hotel

2.0 star property
Hotel in San Diego, near Port of San Diego

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Photo gallery for Balboa Park Hotel

Elite Studio Suite | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Executive Studio Suite | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Deluxe Queen Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Front of property
Hair dryer, towels

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
410 Elm St, San Diego, CA, 92101
  • Port of San Diego
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • San Diego Convention Center
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • San Diego Zoo
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪4 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Junior Room

Junior Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Junior Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Luxury Studio Suite

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Luxury Studio Suite

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Studio Suite

Deluxe Studio Suite | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Studio Suite

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bunk Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Queen Room

Deluxe Queen Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Queen Room

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(35 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Elite Studio Suite

Elite Studio Suite | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Elite Studio Suite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Room Full Bed

Standard Room Full Bed | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room Full Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Room Twin Bed

Standard Room Twin Bed | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room Twin Bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Executive Studio Suite

Executive Studio Suite | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Executive Studio Suite

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Murphy Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room

Deluxe Double Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Double Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Studio Suite

Family Studio Suite | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Studio Suite

  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

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About the neighborhood

San Diego

Located in Bankers Hill, Balboa Park Hotel is within a mile (2 km) of popular sights such as Port of San Diego and Waterfront Park. The 50 rooms at this hotel include refrigerators and coffee makers.

What's nearby

  • Port of San Diego - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • Petco Park - 2 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • San Diego Convention Center - 2 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Balboa Park - 3 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • San Diego Zoo - 3 min drive - 1.7 miles

Getting around

  • Civic Center Station - 11 min walk
  • San Diego Santa Fe Depot - 19 min walk
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Extraordinary Desserts - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Cocina 35 - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Pappalecco - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Caparells Restaurant - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Harumama Noodles and Buns - ‬12 min walk

About this property

Balboa Park Hotel

Hotel in San Diego, near Port of San Diego
At Balboa Park Hotel, guests have access to features like express check-out. Helpful staff is there to provide front-desk service during limited hours, as well as offer insight about the area.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Refrigerators, coffee makers, and hair dryers are also standard.

Languages

English, Spanish

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The Dextro Hotel, BW Premier Collection

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
7.6 out of 10, Good, 1,005 reviews
$135 nightly
The price is $157
Jul 8 - Jul 9
Total includes taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices)

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 6 steps to reach entrance
  • Front entrance ramp
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Refrigerator

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 2:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 75
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 12:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and smart lock details; front desk staffed during limited hours
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), smart lock

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Late check-out fee: USD 75 (subject to availability)

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking out is easy with express services.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Hotel Occidental
Balboa Park Hotel Hotel
Balboa Park Hotel San Diego
Balboa Park Hotel Hotel San Diego
Hotel Occidental Balboa Park Downtown

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Balboa Park Hotel?

Balboa Park Hotel provides free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Balboa Park Hotel?

As of Jul 2, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Balboa Park Hotel on Jul 6, 2025 start from $94.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What is there to do around Balboa Park Hotel?

This hotel is situated in Bankers Hill within a short 16-minute walk of Waterfront Park and also 20 minutes on foot from San Diego Bay. You'll also find Port of San Diego and Petco Park within a short drive.

Is there parking available at Balboa Park Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't offer parking.

Does Balboa Park Hotel feature a casino on the premises?

No, Balboa Park Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Balboa Park Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is Balboa Park Hotel good for couples?

Amenities at this hotel that appeal to couples include memory foam mattresses and kitchens in some guestrooms.

Does Balboa Park Hotel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Balboa Park Hotel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Balboa Park Hotel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Balboa Park Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Balboa Park Hotel.

Are there connecting rooms at Balboa Park Hotel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

Where is the closest airport to Balboa Park Hotel?

The closest major airport to Balboa Park Hotel is San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), which is 3 mi away (11 minutes by car). Another top airport is San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is located 11.4 mi away (18-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies at Balboa Park Hotel?

Yes, some guestrooms at Balboa Park Hotel offer a balcony.

Balboa Park Hotel Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 180 out of 389 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 85 out of 389 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 59 out of 389 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 31 out of 389 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 34 out of 389 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Bradley

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
When I arrived they didn’t have our room ready or even codes to enter the property. If I had the choice between this hotel again or a motel 6 I’d even take motel 6 over this hotel. The room is smaller than a prison cell. They also expect you to take out your own trash etc. so basically stay in a prison cell sized room where your also the housekeeper and pay for it. It probably sounds hilarious or made up because of what I wrote but it’s the god honest truth. You may literally be better off renting a U-Haul for 20 bucks a day and sleeping in the back of that.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Patricia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fair for what you pay

The room was very small. No parking for customers. It was scary to leaymy car on the main street since we saw homeless people around the streets.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Luis Pablo

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
,
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Yolanda

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely place convenient location. A bit noisy during the night. Parking is not the best. Stag was great and very helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No staff but checkin is really easy. Room is small but as long as you plan just to use the room to sleep its good. Parking is a little difficult but there are some free options if you get lucky. Its close to a lot of things, i would stay here again
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Peter

For one or two nights it’s a decent place for more than that, pay more and get a real hotel. They don’t clean the room and don’t change the sheets and towels.
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Hong Joon

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location walkable distance to park or downtown but you will see some homeless throughout. Not so great service or clean. Expedia stated that check-in was at 3 PM, but I was only allowed to enter at 4 PM sharp. The first entry code didn’t work, so I had to wait. Some of the towels had makeup stains, and during my five-day stay, there was no cleaning service until checkout. There were no hotel-level services. The bed felt like a bunk bed with a plastic cover, and the sheets weren’t very clean. The paper towels in the attached kitchen were almost used up, but I gave up on asking for a new roll.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

joseph

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
You need to really pay atention to the fact that you need to do a digital check-in before arriving, because if you don't when you arrive you will not be abke to check in. The front desk is only staffed for a limited time and the phone number for after hours doesn't work. If you are expecting a true hotel this is not where you want to be. I would say this is closer to an AirBnB of a room with and ensuite than a hotel based on the fact that there is basically no staff on site. The room is tiny, the bed is okay and if you end up like one of the other people we met in the lobby who locked herself out of her room with her phone in it, you are going to have to wait until 12:30pm to get help. On that note, as long as you know what you are getting into it is a place to sleep at a really low rate for San Diego.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Thea

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Henry

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service

Medicore

The bed was flat and the person that was cleaning up the room just barged in and the check out time was 10 but my itenerary said 11..so
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Close to downtown’ SD’s, Gaslamp as noted making all of San Diego’s exciting attractions accessible in the coolest way! And while close to the Highway it’s strikingly quiet!
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Namir

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
modern at the location and quiet!!
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Booked this last minute for my weekend in San Diego. Cool historic building with a funky vibe close to Balboa Park. Hotel and room was very clean with modern amenities. Check in was kind of weird as there are no front desk staff on property and the hotel is locked and no one answers the phone so you have to wait for a code to get sent to you to get in the front door and room door. My room was pretty quiet but I could hear a lot of noise coming from rooms by the lobby. My biggest complaint is that there is no assigned parking. It’s all street parking which can be hard to find. Also there are a lot of homeless people littering the streets all around it so as a female traveling solo I stayed in my room after dark. My room was super cold and there were no extra blankets or bedding. Despite not having any staff on premises, I was able to communicate with them via Expedia and they quickly addressed my concerns and had someone bring me a space heater and blanket since there was no thermostat to adjust temperature in the room. Overall it was a decent value but I don’t tho k I’d stay there again due to the parking and unsafe space around the motel.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

David

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I arrived at 6:15 pm. All the signs had a different name. The desk had a sign saying they were closed for the evening. One “employee ” was there but she couldn’t access the reservation/key system. She was surprised that I had not reserved through Air BnB. Since the desk was closed, I asked how I could get back in later in the evening . She said “they’ll send you a code”. After waiting a little while, I asked where their parking lot was. She said we don’t have parking. I walked out angrily and made a reservation at a normal, competent motel. I reserved and paid months in advance for a room in a normal hotel with parking. I deserve a full refund.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yesenia

Traveled with family and small children, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and aesthetically pleasing. Staff was great. Great location but still need to use some kind of transportation to get to places quicker. There’s some homeless nearby but then again this is downtown area. It’s typical. I would return.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Tony

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The property looks nice from the outside, but there are homeless people on the sidewalk close to the entrance,asking for change and food. They hang around there all night long , shouting and squabbling. Our room was in the front so we heard that all night. Central air was on all the time, had to ask to have it turned down as it was too cold. No maid service, and when I went to find the maids, I was told that because I booked thru air bnb, there was no maid service. I DID NOT BOOK THRU AIR BNB. No one at desk, except the one time when I checked in. Nice room, smallish, we had 2 beds in room, No might table between beds, had too move the chair to act as a night table. A disgusting wad of hair covered the shower drain grate, made the mistake of touching it, YUCK! No one around to complain to, so left without seeing anyone, and no tip for maid. Looked like it could be a charming little boutique hotel, as rooms have been tastefully updated. Location sucks. Not recommended for women alone, and be very cautious at night. Close to freeway so getting around town was easy
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Johnny

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

4/10 Poor

Elizabeth

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Glen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Room was quite small however only went there to sleep. For the price I thought great value and everything was within walking distance.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Balboa is lovely. The staff is very friendly and kind. Our unit was clean and comfortable. If in San Diego for a baseball game, the hotel is a safe and colourful 30 minute stroll from the stadium.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Calli

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

Patrick

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

GOT CANCELLED DURING COMIC-CON

didn't event get a chance to stay there. I didn't listen to the reviews and arrived, and they had cancelled my reservation. I went for Comic-Con and they 1st day I arrived to check in they said since i booked on 3rd party they didn't receive the reservation. And that they couldn't honor it and they had no rooms! BEWARE!!! Worse than having a dirty room, is not having a room at all. 3 other guests that day were told the same thing. We all worked with hotels.com to find another place.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Veronica

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a very attractive property. Lovely light fixtures, art, and wallpapers make the environment both elegant and retro. My room was small but efficient, both modern and retro. It felt very clean, and staff was friendly, however they were not available most of the time I was around. They don't keep the air-conditioning on all the time, so if you like it cold, this may not be the place for you. We were a little too hot at night, but there is a fan that helps. Bring an extra mirror if you do makeup. My room only had a mirror above the toilet, so I had to strain to get close enough. There is a shelf at the base of the mirror that helps to hold items though. There is a code to get in the building and a code for your door so I felt very safe inside, but outside there are a lot of homeless or worrisome people walking around or loitering these streets. The homeless seem pretty bad around most of the city though, so I don't know if there is another area that would be much better. It was easy enough to catch an UBER, and the walk to the convention center is a little far, but if you are in good health, is very doable.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024