DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego – Mission Valley

Flanked by two large shopping centers on either side, this DoubleTree's wide common spaces incorporate storefront style entrances for the restaurant and cafes, creating an atmosphere not unlike an upscale mall with guests casually strolling the halls. The lobby's high-gloss floors, geometric patterns, and wood paneling give the hotel's modern updates a neoclassical twist. There are bright places to sit beside floor-to-ceiling windows, with a baby grand piano beneath a long staircase that stretches up to an open balcony on the second floor. Farther in, the hotel reveals its main purpose as a business-friendly chain, with pleasant, but repetitive corridors leading to various meeting rooms and outdoor patios. A significant number of the city's homeless population makes the San Diego Riverbed area under nearby overpasses and bridges their residence, while the immediate area is dominated by well-manicured shopping complexes.

Between the Fashion Valley Mall and Hazard Center shopping and entertainment complex, the hotel is within walking distance of chain restaurants and shopping galore. It's also across the street from a trolley stop, with Highway 163 and the 8 Freeway junction just across the San Diego River. Downtown San Diego, as well as some of the area’s major tourist attractions -- like Balboa Park, La Jolla, SeaWorld, and Mission Bay -- are just a short drive away. The San Diego International Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive toward the bay.

At 400 square feet, the standard rooms here feel like they're nearly double the size of the average big chain's smallest options. The spare, modern decor accentuates the size, with off-white walls and simple dark wood furniture with contrasting drawers. All rooms have Sweet Dreams beds with four down pillows and work desks with ergonomic chairs. Flat-screens vary in size, with many at a standard 37 inches, while others are a diminutive 25 inches. The tiled bathrooms have lighted vanity mirrors and average shower/tub combos. Deluxe rooms and suites have larger balconies, which are attached to every room. Coffeemakers are standard, but only some suites have mini-fridges.

The hotel's outdoor pool is pleasant, but the seating in the courtyard around it is probably more memorable due to its impressive fire pits -- wide stone braziers hold piles of flaming rocks, marked with a stark "CAUTION" sign beside comfortable patio seating. A small hot tub and full-sized tennis court are on hand as well. An indoor lap pool is adjacent to the fitness center, packed with treadmills, ellipticals, cardio bikes, and free weights. Flexible on-site event space includes several modern meeting rooms, a formidable gallery area, and a grand ballroom for functions of up to 1,000 guests. The business center has extra work space and thoughtful office supplies on hand as well as a printer/copier, and there's a separate computer/printer station in the lobby specifically for boarding passes. For dining, the Fountain Cafe serves breakfast standards and the Windows Lounge has a bar with a food menu and view of the pool.