Fall's San Diego Charm

For a Courtyard it was a little bit expensive, but convenience-wise it was a 10! This was one of Courtyard's refreshed properties, and it was very nice. It was a little more exquisite then standard. The check-in was very smooth. They have at least three agents working there 24/7. The lobby is very warm and welcoming and offers free coffee and cookies to enjoy. There is a fireplace there as well. There are two computers equipped with Internet access and printing services. There is small cafe with a breakfast buffet, and for lunch and dinner a la carte items go up to $15 tops. The rooms offer high-speed Internet access, with a "printme" server, where you can print from your room and request for the staff to deliver it to your room free of charge. The bathrooms are standard and rooms are refreshed but a tad small! During weekdays USA Today is offered complimentary right under your door.

There is a pool on the property grounds, but it is very small. There is secure parking at the property, however, is not complimentary. Guests pay $12 per night to receive a permit that must be displayed on the windshield. In terms of convenience, it is right off the highway. It is also just 2 blocks from the center of Old Town, and all the great restaurants and sights are minutes, if not seconds, away. The only other thing: is that if you're lucky, you get a room facing beautiful, quiet old town. If that side gets full, your view is of one of the busiest highways in Southern California. It is very noisy, and smelly, but you get to see the airport. We were the lucky ones and got the Old Town view, indicating that the hotel wasn't that full. I would normally rate a courtyard a 2 or a 3. For convenience it gets bumped up. The fact its "refurbished" bumps it up as well. However, because it charges for parking that should be complimentary, I brought it down to a strong 4!