Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

This quiet, business-oriented chain hotel is fresh and modern thanks to a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2015. The airy lobby features beige tile on the floor and two-story columns. A large, distinctive chandelier at the entrance has clusters of steel rods that make it look like a giant wind chime. A two-story wall composed of individual wood slats abuts the contemporary staircase with clear glass sides and stainless steel rails. And a trio of large decorative steel balls rest on a wood platform under the stairs adjacent to a cluster of matching wood framed, gray upholstered sofas. Two white and gray marble reception desks make an upscale statement and the silvery gray patterned wall behind them enhances the pleasing visual. The classy lobby restaurant and lounge continues the rich wood and earth-toned decor. It features a long, black marble bar and high-back leather booths that have their own flat-screen TVs recessed into the walls. Guests are usually business travelers, but families and couples stay here too. 

The Hilton is relatively centrally located in San Diego in Mission Valley, adjacent to the Mission Valley Freeway (Interstate 8).  A few restaurants can be reached in walks of two to four minutes, but it’s mostly a car-centric location that’s only a two-minute drive off the freeway. A Trader Joe’s and several restaurants are just across the freeway, about a four-minute drive. Driving times to major attractions are reasonable. Balboa Park and Old Town can be reached in about eight minutes, and Mission Beach, SeaWorld, and the University of San Diego are about 11 minutes away. Driving to the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, San Diego Convention Center, and other downtown attractions takes approximately 15 minutes, as does San Diego International Airport. 

Decor in the Hilton San Diego Mission Valley runs a bit dark, but it's handsome and modern. Light gray and dark brown are the dominant colors, with light gray walls, drapes, upholstered sofas (or armchairs), and bed skirts. Carpets are light gray crosshatched with dark brown lines, and the walnut-hued furniture includes headboards, nightstands, dressers, side tables, and armoires. Acrylic desks are bright white, as is the bedding that features non-allergen down comforters, duvets, and comfortable Serta Suite Dream mattresses. King and Double-Queen are the standard room options, with the same bed options available in the Executive Rooms on floors 12 through 14. These include access to the Executive Lounge that offers business services and free hot breakfast, afternoon snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. Executive and Superior Rooms (on higher floors) come with robes and lighted magnifying mirrors as well. Mountain View Suites have separate living and dining room areas with kitchenettes, dining room tables for four, sleeper sofas, and additional TVs in the living rooms. Bathrooms feature light gray tile on the floors and around the walk-in showers with clear glass doors. They have spacious granite vanities and Peter Thomas Roth toiletries. Standard room amenities include 37-inch flat-screen TVs, ergonomic office chairs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms facing the adjacent freeway can hear traffic noise, but most guests find it manageable.  

Features at this chain hotel are full-service and mostly cater to the business crowd. It has meeting space for up to 750 people, including a 5,042-square-foot ballroom. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. Free printing is provided in the business center that also includes two computer stations with Internet access. The restaurant and lounge serves breakfast (not included in room rates), lunch, and dinner and offers happy hour specials. The pantry is open 24/7. It features alcoholic and other beverages, snacks, and sundries; it includes an ATM, and there's a gift shop for souvenirs. Guests in Executive Rooms have access to the Executive Lounge that offers business services and free hot breakfast, afternoon snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages. 

The outdoor heated pool is a bit small and is surrounded by sophisticated loungers and tables with umbrellas. A whirlpool is available in the pool deck area. The fitness center is well equipped, with several Precor cardio and weight-training machines and free weights. Coin-operated laundry facilities and valet dry cleaning/laundry services are available, as are concierge services and free weekday newspapers. Valet and self-parking are offered, but both are rather expensive for a hotel outside downtown. Pets are welcome for a surcharge.