Embassy Suites Hotel San Diego - La Jolla, San Diego

Embassy Suites

On a recent visit to California, I was booked into this hotel because it was close to places I had to visit for work.

The hotel itself is only a short drive from the airport (it took about half an hour in a hire car, and not knowing where I was going) and is located in La Jolla which is apparently quite an affluent area, featuring banks and houses and hotels as well as restaurants and a rather nice shopping ...
...hotel and should you ask for it there is valet parking in the high rise car park, but I just parked round the back of the hotel.

Once inside the hotel, check in was quick and efficient and I was immediately impressed with the well set out entrance lobby featuring some nice little touches such as plentiful flowers. The reception desk is large and well staffed and also in the lobby is a concierge desk where there is usually a concierge ... more

Embassy Suites

On a recent visit to California, I was booked into this hotel because it was close to places I had to visit for work.

The hotel itself is only a short drive from the airport (it took about half an hour in a hire car, and not knowing where I was going) and is located in La Jolla which is apparently quite an affluent area, featuring banks and houses and hotels as well as restaurants and a rather nice shopping mall.

It's easy to drive into the hotel and should you ask for it there is valet parking in the high rise car park, but I just parked round the back of the hotel.

Once inside the hotel, check in was quick and efficient and I was immediately impressed with the well set out entrance lobby featuring some nice little touches such as plentiful flowers. The reception desk is large and well staffed and also in the lobby is a concierge desk where there is usually a concierge to be found, who is excellent at giving information about the area and general directions.

I was quickly shown to my room, which didn't take long because there are 4 lifts on the outside of the wall so there is quite a view to the atrium which is the eating and sitting area. The bedrooms are strange in that there are I think 12 floors which can be seen from the atrium and the doors to the rooms are on the outside of the corridor, so it's all very open.

Along each corridor is a vending machine which is handy to know if thirsty through the night.

**The Bedroom**

The bedroom itself was, as the name suggests, with a sitting room and a bedroom. The sitting room is large and well presented with a sofa, table, chairs, sink area with tea and coffee making facilities and an ergonomic chair for working at the computer and a 32" lcd television. There is also a fridge and a microwave as well as very effective and very noisy air conditioning. Leading from the sitting room is the big bedroom with a huge bed with lovely clean bedlinen and no fewer than 5 pillows. Also in the bedroom is a chest of drawers, wardrobe, bedside tables, another big tv and with all of this there is still lots and lots of room to walk about. Me on my own here am certainly not going to feel at all cramped!

The bathroom is as expected just off the bedroom, and has the usual bath, shower, toilet but what I did like about the bathroom was the nice sink unit- wooden with plenty of storage and the sink recessed into the unit. New toiletries including soaps, shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser are put in the bathroom every day and there are lots of fluffy white towels in every size.

So I am in a very big room, and liking it but the thing that did bother me was the fact that the windows didn't open, so no fresh air which meant that at night I either had to be very hot or suffer the air conditioning.

**Restaurants and Bar**

The hotel features a cocktail drink and snack time every night from 5.30pm until 7.30pm. All drinks are free, not just cocktails, so I was ablt to partake of the wine and also gather up nibbles in the form of crisps, dips and other little snacks.

Breakfast is self service with a good selection of hot and cold drinks- tea coffee, juices, etc. There is hot food and omelettes will be made to order, as well as toast, cereals, muffins etc. Guests are free to eat as much as they want but given that I had usually still full after a huge meal the previous evening I didn't really partake that fully. Breakfast is eaten in the large dining area which seats about 80 people, but because it is served from 6am-10am, it was never busy

The hotel does serve food which can be eaten either downstairs on the patio area, inside or in the room. There are sandwiches, pizzas and salads but contrary to what it may say on the website it's not 24 hours- the whole place, bar and everything closes at midnight. The patio area is lovely to sit in at night and not at all cold because there is a large fire which is on all of the time- it must be one of those on a timer because I saw no signs of coals or wood.

**Other facilities**

There is an indoor pool, and outside there is a small hot tub and some sun loungers. Towels are provided and guests can go into the sauna although it was off every time I went- I think you are expected to turn it on yourself but then it takes ages to heat up

Downstairs, there is a small internet room with 3 computers where guests can access the internet for no additional cost.

**Local amenities **

The hotel is close to a shopping centre but there isn't much else in the vicinity. There is a rather nice Chinese restaurant in the same grounds as the hotel and another Hawaiian Fusion restaurant within walking distance. However, for anyone wanting bars, a car or taxi will be needed. Within a short drive, there is the zoo and aquarium and other attractions, so I would definitely advice a car.

**Verdict**

I think this hotel costs about $100 a night which for the service and the standard is excellent value for money.

The rooms are clean and big and had all the facilities I could need including a hair dryer and iron (although I didn't use the latter).

The staff are really friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them. There is a small shop selling essentials next to reception and anything bought here can be added to your room bill. Internet access can be bought through HiltonH for $24.95 for three days usage, so not too expensive and handy if you need internet access.

Breakfasts are good, and if eating in the hotel at night, the portions are huge, quickly served and good value.

The area is very quiet at night, so not the place if you want to sample the night life of San Diego, but there is a good shopping centre with some nice designer shops.
I would recommend this hotel to anyone who is working from this area.

Thanks for reading

Daniela x 

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