Hotel Iris

Travelers of all sorts stay here, from general tourists looking for affordable rates to people attending events like Comic Con at the convention center downtown. It’s a modest but tidy place with handsome tropical landscaping including towering palms around the parking lot. Guests staying on the ground floor usually can park directly in front of their rooms. The lobby is small but bright and welcoming, with lots of windows, a couple of chairs, a TV, and a nice wood front desk with granite counters. Throughout, the vibe is relaxed and laid back. There’s always a buzz of activity on the busy road outside, but the motel itself is generally peaceful. It's worth noting that there's no elevator service to rooms on the second floor, which could pose a problem to guests with mobility issues.

Hotel Iris is located just off the Mission Valley Freeway in Mission Valley’s "Hotel Circle." It’s a busy area with nothing much within walking distance except other hotels. But it’s a short drive to several attractions, including Old Town and Fashion Valley Mall (five minutes), SeaWorld (seven minutes), and San Diego Zoo (10 minutes). San Diego International Airport, San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, and the Gaslamp District downtown are approximately 15 minutes by car or taxi. 

On the whole, rooms at Hotel Iris aim for a contemporary, glossy look with trendy details. But the result is rather funky and fairly polarizing for guests who stay here. Many rooms are dominated by a loud purple color scheme spotted in bed runners, accent walls, and artwork. The latter, often, giant '80s-style murals of women's faces or deconstructed horses, can provoke the most complaints. But another unusual touch is the wall-mounted folding chairs that act as hanging racks for clothes. Apart from these flashy details, furniture tends to be streamlined and modern with Plexiglas nightstands, nailhead gray headboards, and box-frame desks. Bathrooms are on the small side, with acrylic shower/tub inserts, and vanities are usually paired with brightly illuminated mirrors. On our visit, a handful of rooms and bathrooms had yet to be renovated and sported dated granite surfaces, tile floors, and wooden furniture.

Rooms are comfortably sized, with even Double Queens offering ample room for desks with benches. Some Suites feature whirlpool tubs or kitchenettes with wet bars, dishes, cooktops, and full fridges. Standard amenities in all rooms include microwaves, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and 50-inch flat-screen TVs. Accommodations are clean and generally well maintained, but some of the furniture we saw was worn. Rooms closest to the freeway hear more ambient noise, but it’s not a significant issue for most guests. 

As a budget, motel-style property, Hotel Iris doesn't offer much in the way of features, and that's hardly surprising. But those expecting breakfast will be disappointed as even a continental option isn't on offer. However, free coffee and tea are available all day in the lobby, where sundries and snacks like granola bars and juice are for sale. The outdoor pool could be considered the property's highlight; it's decently sized and in a nicely landscaped area that includes covered tables and a whirlpool. There's also a guest laundry room with two washers and a dryer. Freebies include Wi-Fi and parking, but note that the motel charges a small daily resort fee. Pets are welcome with a surcharge.