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The Historic Penn Hotel

2.0 star property

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Premium Double Room, City View | Memory foam beds, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Premium Double Room, City View | Dining room
Premium Double Room, City View | Dining room
42-inch Smart TV with digital channels, Netflix, streaming services
Premium Double Room, City View | Living area | 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels, Netflix, streaming services

Reviews

7.0 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
511 F St, San Diego, CA, 92101
  • Place, Petco Park
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego Convention Center
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Balboa Park
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Classic Double Room, Kitchen

Classic Double Room, Kitchen | Living area | 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels, Netflix, streaming services

Classic Double Room, Kitchen

  • City view
  • 550 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Standard Double Room, City View

42-inch Smart TV with digital channels, Netflix, streaming services

Standard Double Room, City View

  • City view
  • 550 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room, City View

Deluxe Double Room, City View | Memory foam beds, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Double Room, City View

  • City view
  • 550 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Luxury Double Room, City View

Luxury Double Room, City View | Memory foam beds, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Luxury Double Room, City View

  • City view
  • 550 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Deluxe Studio Suite, City View

Deluxe Studio Suite, City View | Memory foam beds, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Deluxe Studio Suite, City View

  • City view
  • 300 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Premium Double Room, City View

Premium Double Room, City View | Living area | 42-inch Smart TV with digital channels, Netflix, streaming services

Premium Double Room, City View

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 5
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Queen Bed OR 1 Queen Sofa Bed
  • Free WiFi

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About the neighborhood

San Diego

Located in Downtown San Diego, The Historic Penn Hotel is a leisurely stroll from popular sights such as Petco Park and San Diego Convention Center. Each of the 20 rooms at this hotel includes a kitchen, a dining area, and a refrigerator.

What's nearby

  • Petco Park - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • San Diego Convention Center - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Seaport Village - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • Balboa Park - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • USS Midway Museum - 3 min drive - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • 5th Avenue Station - 5 min walk
  • San Diego Santa Fe Depot - 14 min walk
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Tacos El Gordo - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Tipsy Crow - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Taste & Thirst - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Whiskey Girl - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop - ‬2 min walk

About this property

The Historic Penn Hotel

The Historic Penn Hotel is a smoke-free hotel.
42-inch Smart TVs come with digital channels and Netflix, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Memory foam beds grant a restful night's sleep, and bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include kitchens, dining areas, and refrigerators.

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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 full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • In-room kitchen
  • In-room microwave
  • Separate in-room dining area

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No elevator
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Memory foam mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch smart TV with digital channels
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Freezer
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Paper towels
  • Separate dining area
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster
  • Toaster oven

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 2:00 AM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
There is no front desk at this property
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and an access code; access will be through a private entrance
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Access code, private entrance

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Important information

Fees

  • Service fee: 10 percent

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

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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
Property Registration Number 5520

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.
  • 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.

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.

Property is also known as

The Historic Penn Hotel Hotel
The Historic Penn Hotel San Diego
The Historic Penn Hotel Hotel San Diego

Frequently asked questions

What can I see within easy reach of The Historic Penn Hotel?

This hotel is situated in Downtown San Diego within a short 9-minute walk of Petco Park and also 14 minutes on foot from Balboa Park. You'll also find Seaport Village and San Diego Bay less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at The Historic Penn Hotel?

No, there isn't parking at this hotel.

Does The Historic Penn Hotel have a casino at the property?

No, The Historic Penn Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Historic Penn Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

What do couples enjoy most about The Historic Penn Hotel?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this hotel include Netflix, a memory foam mattress, and a kitchen.

Are there hot tubs at The Historic Penn Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does The Historic Penn Hotel have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, The Historic Penn Hotel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will The Historic Penn Hotel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Historic Penn Hotel.

Are there connecting rooms at The Historic Penn Hotel?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from The Historic Penn Hotel?

The closest major airport to The Historic Penn Hotel is San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), which is 3.1 mi away (17 minutes by car). Another top airport is San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is located 9.5 mi away (19-minute drive).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Historic Penn Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at The Historic Penn Hotel.

The Historic Penn Hotel Reviews

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 46 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

7.0/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Kristi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Room was very clean. Would be helpful to have additional towels for the guest (face towels and hand towels)
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very spacious and walking distance to local bars
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Troy

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

Historic Penn Hotel - comfortable and spacious!

Very spacious, clean, and comfortable. Very close to everything in the gas lamp and a short walk to the Convention Center and the ballpark. The host was very responsive.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really nice apartment. Great location in downtown, lots of space & nicely decorated etc. The master bed was very comfortable so we both slept well.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ivy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice and clean. Good location.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

luz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was right at the heart of downtown where everything is happening. No need to drive. Everything was walking distance. The place itself was great and clean.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Gisela

Liked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful apartment. Well decorated, good space. Wish it had been cleaner. Located in a very noisy street. Wifi never worked. There is no lobby and the entrance to the building is really dirty and smelly. It gives you a bad impression.
Stayed 8 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

excellent customer service
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property do not have people attending, you do everythig by messages, you have places to eat arround that you can reach walking. The room is very nice, clean and comfortable
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
No complaints at all.
Verified

8/10 Good

Brad

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We had to book something quickly and found this spot. We didn’t realize it wasn’t a traditional hotel with a lobby and staff to greet you. It was a bit confusing how and where to go. The room was nice. Recently renovated and it was nicely done. Ours was a quick trip but the area around the hotel seems lively.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Habiba

everything is in poor tattered condition. There is no human/ actual person available on-site to help with anything.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice and very clean space. Very comfortable and the area is great! Parking is the only issue, but that is out of the control of the hotel. You have to find a close parking garage and they are quite expensive. Maybe the hotel can invest in making a parking lot for their guest?
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Kristen

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Great location in Gaslamp District!

It is in a great part of San Diego! I was very confused about it being a hotel and then when I arrived, it clearly was not. Everything was done by email/messenger which was fine. It was very clean inside. It would be great for multiple people. Overall it was a good place to stay for the purpose for which I was there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Jonathan

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
My stay was mixed. There is nobody there for checking in. Check-in was self-service, and it took additional steps to obtain the entry code. The room itself was clean with a comfortable bed, but the entryway area had an unpleasant odor, and parts of the interior looked worn. Noise from nearby nightlife was significant during the evenings, even with the provided earplugs. Some in-room amenities, including the dishwasher and trash can, were not functioning during my visit.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Didn’t receive check in code by email until day after checked in. Had to call twice to receive code. We were warned that neighborhood as noisy… however the circuit breaker in the master bedroom was buzzing in our room or in walls between rooms? Seemed fixed after a text message but it only lasted a few hours the second afternoon. You may also want to look at the shower drain…. Very slow - if someone took a long shower there would be flooding. Did love the spacious room sizes and beds were comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Garrett

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Horrible
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Daniel

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was trying to contact them all day to get the access, I never got an answer of them… is not a hotel, its just an airbnb without front desk either personal concierge
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Nicholas

I didn’t even have the opportunity to stay here because the check in was entirely online and I received minimal information that made it difficult to check in and was also not issued a refund despite.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Heather

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The sofa looked like someone vomited on it several times over many years. And it looked like someone tried to beat the door down.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Yvette

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Not the safest spot no parking elevators don’t work
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

4/10 Poor

Azeem

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Smell on the entrance due to larger garbage bins. Room was not the one shown in pictures while I was booking. Vents in the room are connected with other rooms and my room was smelling full of weed all the time. It is particularly coming from the vent in bathroom.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Marko

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Dissappointment

Did not get the doors locked, either front door to street or my room door!?
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Sam

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Came down to San Diego because my building lost power during the los angeles fires. This property works like an air bnb so there is no front desk. I got a link to a website to check in that didnt work. And when I called the hotel's number no one ever answered or returned my calls. I had to get another hotel and wasn't able to get a refund.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Heather

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is not a hotel really. It is an apartment building on top of a very popular taco stand. The entrance is next to the garbage cans for the taco stand and because activity --it's probably more safe than it feels because the taco stand has security. That being said, the unit itself was fine. It's an older building with an elevator that is truly old school with gates and swinging doors. Age shows throughout but the unit was clean and spacious; bedding was less than desired--pretty cheap linens. During busy & expensive convention season, this worked. The gaslamp district is popping and you can walk to the big Hyatt or Marriott no problem.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

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