On the beach, surfing
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Reviews of Surfer Beach Hotel

3 out of 5
Surfer Beach Hotel
San Diego, CA

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 418 out of 1009 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 291 out of 1009 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 160 out of 1009 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 89 out of 1009 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 51 out of 1009 reviews" "

7.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Zachary

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is great but dated. Good location with friendly staff.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vanessa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Closeness to the beach, swimming pool and balcony.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

2/10 Terrible

Randy

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert E

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities
The hotel was clean and comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Mark

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Close to the beach. Solid place for the price Could use some updates
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kinika

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
LOVE!!!!! I will rebook every time I visit San Diego. The view is AMAZING! I laid for 4-5 hrs just watching the waves literally from the bed. Clean Room, friendly staff and very helpful. BOOK IT!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Brooklyn

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved having a balcony facing the beach, was definitely a special time, there is room service. Parking cost $37 for 1 day. Theres an amazing coffee breakfast place named woodys right next to the back entrance. Pool is heated. If you book with the hotels actual website you get a few extra amenities i wish i had known about. Beds and bathrooms were clean, and everyone was friendly
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

4/10 Poor

John

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Hotel was smelly and run down!!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Right at the beach
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dylan

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This made our trip to Southern California an enjoyable one. Cannot wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

vicki

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The view was amazing and worth it. I listened to waves crashing 24/7. Loved it!!!! 😊
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from Guest Services on 17 May 2024
We're happy you were able to enjoy our beach during your stay, we hope to have you again!

6/10 Okay

Meghan

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great location if you’re planning to spend a lot of time at the beach and/or partying. Great proximity to Pacific Beach, close to Mission Beach and La Jolla as well. This hotel is just run-down, so it’s important to set your expectations to a 3-star or below. Bed was comfy and the front desk was helpful in advising on free parking options. Housekeeping is upon request only and the full service still missed some things when we requested it. Overall, not awful but also not somewhere I’d necessarily recommend to most travelers.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Response from Guest Services on 17 May 2024
Thank you for the highlight on our amazing location! We are always working to improve guest experience, so thank you for your time and feedback.

10/10 Excellent

Mario

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thanks for the wonderful getaway!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Response from Guest Services on 15 May 2024
We at The Surfer are happy to hear we made your stay great! Please feel free to stay with us again :)

8/10 Good

Latoya Harris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice location a bit small and vintage but staff was nice and it was clean. Great price and convenient.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from Guest Services on 15 May 2024
Thank you for taking the time to review us! We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us.

4/10 Poor

Megan

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The ocean view was incredible, however the hotel is in major need of updating. We paid $300/night for a room that was very used. The air conditioner was rusted out and melting. Chipping paint everywhere. Ripped carpeting. The walls in the bathroom were dirty and had other people’s hair stuck on the wall. The wall was soft and paint was bubbling near the sink and shower stall. The light was also rusted out. The staff were incredibly friendly. I don’t understand how this place got great reviews. Room 401 was a total dump with a great ocean view. Woodys near by had amazing breakfast and the restaurant attached to the hotel was really good too. Easy quick beach access.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Response from Guest Services on 15 May 2024
We are sorry to hear that your stay was not enjoyable. Thank you for your feedback as we will use this to improve in the future.

10/10 Excellent

James

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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The view of the ocean! We could lay in bed, watch and listen to the waves. Slept with the slider door open, waves lulled us to sleep along with the cool air. Our room was dated and a bit worn, but very clean!!! Steps from the boardwalk, also the World Famous restaurant with excellent food. We ate breakfast and dinner there. We will be back!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeffry

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I have always stayed there when coming to San Diego. The hotel and staff always very effiecent , helpful, cheerful and the room accomodations very nice for being on the beach. Hope to visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Melissa

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

danny

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent 5 stars
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

SHERI L

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very reasonably priced and sooo close to the ocean!! I would have loved a full length mirror in the room, but great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

4/10 Poor

Scott

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The room was dirty with stains on the bedding… the shower was either freezing cold or scalding and the screen door was broken.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clifford, Kirkwood

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is an economy class motel. I gave it 5 stars because, as an economy motel, it is excellent. Do not expect a luxury experience. The front desk people were extremely nice and helpful. My room was very clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Wendi, Plainsboro

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Right on the beach. Can’t beat that. The hotel is old and shows it but the location makes up for it
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Carol

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gino

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love the ocean
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from Guest Services on 24 Apr 2024
We are glad to hear our proximity to the beach made your stay. We do invite you to stay with us again!

8/10 Good

Carlos

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Noice
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Guest Services on 25 Apr 2024
Thanks for your review! We appreciate your business and look forward to potentially hosting you again :)

10/10 Excellent

Gilbert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We didn’t know what we were going to but was really happy with our stay. Easy access to everything!!!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from Guest Services on 25 Apr 2024
Thank you for the highlight on our location and the great review! We welcome you to stay with us again.

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Being right on the beach was great!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 13 May 2024
We appreciate you staying with us and leaving 5/ 5, John!

10/10 Excellent

Roderick

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The amenities were sparse, but the hotel was well maintained, the staff was friendly and responsive, and the location was right on the beach. The sunsets from the balcony were magical. Looking for a bargain stay on one of the best beaches in California, this is the place.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 13 May 2024
Thank you, Roderick, for your choosing Sufer Beach Hotel to as your chosen beach hotel! So glad that our staff made a great impression along with the always magical location :)

8/10 Good

Samantha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
In the hub of everything
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 13 May 2024
Many thanks, Samantha for staying with us! Beach, Food and all sorts of activities available all year round.

8/10 Good

Lori

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
This hotel was a great central location and literally right on the beach! Close to fun restaurants and shopping. Also bonus is the beach bug transportation that takes you anywhere in pacific beach and free to the trolley station so great if you don’t have a car. Downside is it needs to be updated. The shower never got past warm, didn’t have a microwave or hair dryer in the room but had one in lobby, and the sink never drained properly. Also if you had to park, very limited space.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 7 May 2024
Thanks for choosing The Surfer Beach Hotel, Lori! We have room for improvement and appreciate your 4/ 5 rating.

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was cool that it was built soooo long ago
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 7 May 2024
Thank you, Cheryl, for your awesome 5/ 5!

8/10 Good

Ana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 2 May 2024
Thanks, Ana, for the 4/ 5!

8/10 Good

Shelley Dawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 7 May 2024
Many thanks, Shelley Dawn, for your 4/ 5 rating!

10/10 Excellent

Jolene

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 2 May 2024
High-five for the 5/ 5 rating, Jolene!

6/10 Okay

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 2 May 2024
Thank you, Ashley, for choosing Surfer Beach Hotel!

6/10 Okay

Meagan

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 2 May 2024
Thank you for staying with us!

10/10 Excellent

Ginger

Travelled with partner
Great location!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 2 May 2024
Thanks, Ginger, for the 5/5 rating!

6/10 Okay

Rachel

Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 2 May 2024
We appreciate you choosing the Surfer Beach Hotel!

6/10 Okay

mike

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
While the location was excellent the hotel was in need of a major renovation
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 2 May 2024
Thank you, Mike, for staying with us!

10/10 Excellent

Shelby

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was the most perfect and convenient spot. Beach access was very close by, and there’s so many food options. Staff was super helpful and the room was nice and clean. The only hard part it parking and finding free parking near by, parking pass was about $37 a day.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 2 May 2024
Thank you for sharing your 5/ 5 rating and feedback! Our hard working staff really appreciates your compliments.

10/10 Excellent

Rhodora

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I loved the location. It was a beautiful view of the beach from our room. The only thing I disliked was the parking situation. I realized it wasn't The Surfer Hotel but we had to pay 44. $ a day for parking. So it felt like a hidden fee,however I'm very happy with everything else. Hearing the ocean from our room was fabulous!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 2 May 2024
Thank you, Rhodora, for sharing in the simple offerings of the Sufer Beach Hotel! We hope you can return to the sea again soon :)

4/10 Poor

Lisa

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Hot water did not work. Rooms are paper thin and could hear everyone. Floor has parts that are sinking. Parking was 37.50 a day which was not disclosed.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Guest Services on 28 Mar 2024
We are sorry to hear your stay with us was not enjoyable. We appreciate your feedback, as this allows us to make improvements in the future.

6/10 Okay

Kailey

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 2 May 2024
Thank you, Kailey, for choosing Surfer Beach Hotel!

8/10 Good

Galen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great location
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from -Guest Service Supervisor on 2 May 2024
Thanks, Galen, for enjoying the Surfer Beach Hotel while in beautiful Pacific Beach!

10/10 Excellent

Gurveer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Such a beautiful hotel right on the beach and amazing employees!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Guest Services on 28 Mar 2024
We thank you for your stellar rating and appreciate your business! We hope to have you back again :)