Staying at the SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront hotel before embarking on a cruise is a fantastic decision. We stayed at this hotel in January of 2024 and loved so many things about it. Here’s a detailed look at our experience and why we think this hotel is an ideal choice for pre or post cruise accommodations, along with a few minimal cons to keep in mind.
PROS:
Perfect Location: The hotel’s prime location is a significant advantage for cruise passengers. It’s just a short walk (almost directly across the street) from the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal, making it incredibly convenient to transition from land to sea. You can enjoy a leisurely morning before your cruise without the stress of being late due to traffic.
Comfortable and Spacious Rooms: The SpringHill Suites offers spacious rooms designed for comfort and relaxation. They feature separate living areas, workspaces, and kitchenettes, providing ample space to unwind. Our bed was huge and extremely comfortable with plenty of pillows. One of the days we visited was a rare rainy day in San Diego, and we appreciated having a nice comfortable couch sit on while we watched the 49ers playoff game. The large desk in our room doubled as a buffet table for our Chinese food take-out. Thankfully, there was silverware provided in our kitchenette, because I’m not very skilled with the chopsticks.
Spectacular Views: Many rooms offer breathtaking views of San Diego Bay and the city skyline. Waking up to the beauty of the water was a delightful way to begin our mornings there. We had a corner room with large windows and enjoyed seeing the bay in its entirety every time we looked out the window. We could see the USS Midway, the cruise ships, and all of the people walking along the Embarcadero. The rooftop lounge area, which we enjoyed on two separate nights, faces the water and offers comfortable seating, firepits, and incredible views of the bay.
Excellent Amenities: The hotel provides a range of modern amenities to enhance your stay. We appreciated the hot breakfast buffet which included a variety of options. I enjoyed the coffee and pancakes with blueberry compote the most, but they also had juices, milk, yogurt, granola, eggs, and sausage as well. This hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center to allow you to keep up with your workout routine if you desire to. We also enjoyed the free Wi-Fi which made it easier for us to stay connected while we were away.
Friendly and Attentive Staff: The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful throughout our stay. Whether you need recommendations for local dining, assistance with transportation, or any other request, the staff is dedicated to making your stay a pleasant one.
Proximity to Attractions: Before your cruise, take advantage of the hotel’s location to explore nearby attractions. Visit the USS Midway Museum, stroll through Seaport Village, or enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy. There’s plenty to see and do within walking distance, and we enjoyed every moment exploring.
MINIMAL CONS:
Parking Fees: Like many downtown hotels, the SpringHill Suites does have daily parking fees. This can add to your overall expenses if you’re driving. However, the convenience and location often outweigh this cost.
Busy Area: Being in a central location means the area can be bustling, especially during peak tourist seasons or events. During our stay, the hotel was packed with cruise goers, and in the evening the bar was extremely crowded, which made it difficult to sit down and order a drink. If you prefer a quieter environment, this might be a minor drawback. However, the vibrant atmosphere also means you’re close to the action and excitement of downtown San Diego.
Storage in the Room: There was very limited storage in our particular room. There were only a few small drawers in the bedroom area. The bathroom had a bit of cubby style storage and little counter space. These things did not bother us too much as we only spent a few nights there, but they might be important to consider for a longer stay.
In conclusion, the SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront hotel is an excellent choice for a pre-cruise stay. It is a prime location, has comfortable accommodations, stunning views, and would provide a perfect start to your cruise vacation. Despite minor cons like parking fees and a busy setting, the overall benefits make this hotel a top pick for us next time we are looking to explore San Diego before setting sail.
