At Balboa Park Hotel, you'll be just a 5-minute drive from Port of San Diego and Petco Park. Also, San Diego Convention Center and USS Midway Museum are just a 5-minute drive away. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff. The property is just a short walk to public transportation: Civic Center Station is 11 minutes and Civic Center Station is 12 minutes.
San Diego Convention Center - 2 min drive - 2.3 km
Balboa Park - 3 min drive - 3.0 km
San Diego Zoo - 3 min drive - 2.7 km
Hotel Circle - 4 min drive - 5.3 km
Getting around
San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 11 min drive
San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field) - 18 min drive
San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 28 min drive
Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 36 min drive
Tijuana Intl. Airport (TIJ) - 42 min drive
Old Town Transit Center - 8 min drive
San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station - 15 min drive
San Diego Santa Fe Depot - 19 min walk
Civic Center Station - 11 min walk
Civic Center Station - 12 min walk
5th Avenue Station - 12 min walk
Restaurants
Cocina 35 - 7 min walk
Florentine Kitchen - 8 min walk
Adore Coffee House - 4 min walk
SRO Lounge - 1 min walk
The Balboa Bar & Grill - 2 min walk
About this property
Balboa Park Hotel
At Balboa Park Hotel, you'll be just a 5-minute drive from Port of San Diego and Petco Park. Also, San Diego Convention Center and USS Midway Museum are just a 5-minute drive away. Fellow travelers love the helpful staff. The property is just a short walk to public transportation: Civic Center Station is 11 minutes and Civic Center Station is 12 minutes.
Languages
English, Spanish
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
50 rooms
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 2:00 AM
Express check-out available
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 12:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and smart lock details; front desk staffed during limited hours
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
The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification, and other arrangements must be coordinated with the property prior to arrival
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in rooms (speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices))
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
No onsite parking
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Accessibility
Front entrance ramp
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
6 stairs to reach property
Room amenities
Home comfort
Coffee/tea maker
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Hair dryer
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi (speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices))
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Paper towels
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay
Optional extras
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 75 (subject to availability)
Policies
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property does not have elevators.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Diners Club
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Also known as
Hotel Occidental
Balboa Park Hotel Hotel
Balboa Park Hotel San Diego
Balboa Park Hotel Hotel San Diego
Hotel Occidental Balboa Park Downtown
Frequently asked questions
Does Balboa Park Hotel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Balboa Park Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Balboa Park Hotel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Balboa Park Hotel?
Sorry, there's no onsite parking at Balboa Park Hotel.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Balboa Park Hotel?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 2:00 AM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of USD 75 (subject to availability). Express check-out is available.
What is there to do at Balboa Park Hotel and nearby?
Recommended spots to visit include Petco Park (1.3 mi) and San Diego Convention Center (1.3 mi), along with San Diego Zoo (1.5 mi) and Balboa Park (2 mi).
What's the area around Balboa Park Hotel like?
Balboa Park Hotel is a short 16-minute walk from Waterfront Park and 20 minutes' walk from San Diego Bay.
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Balboa Park Hotel Reviews
Reviews
7.8
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.2/10
Cleanliness
8.4/10
Staff & service
7.2/10
Amenities
8.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
7.8/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Bathroom
Parking
Building
Bed
Location
Shower
Downtown
Air conditioning
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Aug 19, 2025
Everything about the property is fantastic. Hoping to stay here again soon.
Alan
Alan, 3-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 28, 2025
The hotel was very cozy and was just a short walk to Little Italy and some nice restaurants 😊
Emmah
Emmah, 4-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 18, 2025
Rooms are clean and comfortable to be in
Dwayne
Dwayne, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 10, 2025
It’s a nice cozy and convenient place to stay!
Chenyun
Chenyun, 3-night trip
6/10 Okay
Aug 2, 2025
I liked that the rooms were simple and functional. Inside was really nice. The neighborhood was a little questionable and there is only on street parking available. Close to the airport
Katie
Katie, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 16, 2025
Nice room, completely functional for needs. Clean, well equipped. Recommended.
Jeffrey
Jeffrey, 3-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 4, 2025
this stay was super good, me and my partner stayed at this place for our first time in california together, it’s very small and cozy. we slept comfortably and had no issues with service or anything. staff was very helpful, not sure if there is staff on site but we mostly messaged our staff through the hotel itself and they were very quick at responding and very helpful!
Irys
Irys, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 18, 2025
Excelente
Jorge luis
Jorge luis, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
Aug 2, 2025
It was ok
Chibuike
Chibuike, 3-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jun 1, 2025
Very comfortable and great vibes
Verified traveler
3-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 12, 2025
Quick and easy.
Priest
Priest, 1-night trip
10/10 Excellent
May 6, 2025
Good location
Juan
Juan, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 28, 2025
Location was in good walking distance of downtown and little italy also a quick uber ride to these places. The room was clean and tidy, it was easy to get comfortable. I would just be mindful of the room you are getting as it may appear larger in photos but honestly still a cozy for me. Its just being mindful on what to expect. Overall I had a great experience staying and with their service they were very kind to me and my partner and went above and beyond to improve our stay.
DIANA
DIANA, 2-night trip
2/10 Terrible
Aug 15, 2025
There’s no front desk to help with anything and the area around has a lot of homeless. At 3am I woke up to a massive fight outside my room that lasted a couple hours and wasn’t able to sleep. Also the shared bathrooms aren’t very clean.
Luke
Luke, 1-night trip
4/10 Poor
Aug 3, 2025
Bed was comfy but I got charged $100 for a broken garbage disposal that I never used once
Ben
Ben, 3-night trip
4/10 Poor
Jul 28, 2025
does not state no bathroom in listing
Hector
Hector, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Jul 8, 2025
This historic building has been updated and is really beautifully decorated. We strongly recommend reading the posting thoroughly as not all rooms have their own bathroom nor showering facilities, but rather, share with other guests. Fellow guests were respectful, the bed was very comfortable, and the check-in/check-out process was easy. The property is not staffed at all times but we did not have any issues with this. Great quick, easy overnight!
Taylor Rose
Taylor Rose, 1-night trip
8/10 Good
Apr 21, 2025
Great Hotel
This place is great! It was what we needed to be be close to sites and have cycling access to San Diego at large. Affordable, super clean, and kind people.
Nicholas
Nicholas, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Aug 1, 2025
We were pleased with this hotel. It is suitable for active young travelers who just need an inexpensive place to rest at night. Our room was on the first floor and overlooked the street, but there was no noise and even the fan in the room worked quietly. Good location, we walked everywhere. You can heat up food and make capsule coffee. The hotel is clean and cozy. Always in touch with the administration via the app. We arrived late in the evening, but thanks to the instructions we easily got to the hotel.
The overall impression is pleasant, the only negative is the lack of a table to eat. It seems that this hotel has different rooms, you should choose a suitable room in advance.
Petr
Petr, 3-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Apr 7, 2025
Perfect stay!
Perfect stay! Contactless check in and out. Super clean, comfy bed, big shower. Very conveniently located, great price!
Tara D
Tara D, 2-night trip
8/10 Good
Jul 22, 2025
I would have liked to have a chair in my room. The only place to sit was on the bed. I was also surprised that there was no sir conditioning, but luckily the temperature was not bad. The airplanes constantly flying overhead were very loud. Sharing a bathroom was definitely a new experience, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.
Carol
Carol, 3-night trip
2/10 Terrible
Jun 30, 2025
Horrible place. Not a hotel a scam. Bathroom not in the room. Overpriced for what they provide
Andreea
Andreea, 1-night trip
2/10 Terrible
Jul 3, 2025
They gave me a room I didn’t book & the tv was broken
Dantavious
Dantavious, 2-night trip
10/10 Excellent
Mar 14, 2025
modern at the location and quiet!!
Namir
Namir, 9-night trip
2/10 Terrible
Jul 7, 2025
Bad experience. Didn’t stay there, left after seeing and smelling the room.