Holiday Inn Express San Diego – Old Town is a great value hotel on the edge of Old Town, convenient to both I-5 and I-8. Families will love it for its convenient central location that makes it easy to explore the best attractions San Diego has to offer. Business travelers will appreciate its proximity to the San Diego International Airport and the San Diego Convention Center. The hotel’s complementary shuttle service not only to and from the airport, but to top business and leisure attractions, which sets it apart from other great value hotels.
The modern lobby has a sleek, modern minimalist ambience. There is a comfortable sitting area with contemporary furnishings, a flat screen TV, and a fireplace. Off the lobby, there is a fully stocked convenience store with snacks, microwavable food, beverages, toiletries, and a few San Diego souvenirs. A business center is situated in an atrium at the opposite end of the lobby.
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Old Town Rooms/Suites
Holiday Inn Express in Old Town provides guests with three choices of accommodations: Standard, Two Bed, and Suite. Suites are junior suite layouts where sleeping and sitting areas are in the same spacious room.
The décor exudes a modern sophistication with taupe walls adorned with abstract artwork, blue/brown/cream striped carpet, dark leather headboard, and sleek dark brown furnishings with chrome accents. A comfortable easy chair and ottoman, desk and ergonomic chair, bright white plush duvet on the bed, and lovely patterned drapes complete the polished look. Soundproof windows set the stage for a restful night’s sleep, despite its convenient location off I-5.
Room/suite amenities include complementary high-speed Internet, a 32-inch flat screen TV with premium channels, mini-fridge, microwave, in-room temperature control, black-out shades, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, coffee maker, coffee/tea service, desk-level outlets, bedside outlets, and the option to choose either soft or firm pillows.
Select rooms also have additional amenities like a sitting area with sofa sleeper and two comfy chairs, dining table and chairs, oversized spa tub, walk-in shower, option for a connecting room, and balcony.
Bathrooms have a neutral color palette, modern ceramic wall tiles, granite countertop, combination tub/shower or walk-in shower, hair dryer, and Bath & Body spa products.
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Old Town Hotel Amenities
Not only does Holiday Inn Express provide travelers with complementary shuttle service to San Diego International Airport, they offer this free service to a smattering of in-demand San Diego destinations. Guests can catch a ride to the San Diego Convention Center, B Street Terminal if you are taking a Whale Watch or Harbor Cruise, SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, Old Town Transit Center (Amtrak), and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD).
The hotel provides a modest hot breakfast buffet, or continental breakfast with coffee, tea, and juices. Kids eat free at this family-friendly hotel. For early risers with a big day ahead, breakfasts can be made to go. Travelers will appreciate complementary coffee in the lobby throughout the day whether they need a quick pick-me-up upon arrival, or an after dinner coffee around the fireplace.
The business center off the lobby has a light and airy feel with its atrium design. It offers two computer stations, and printing and copying services. Office supplies are also available. High-speed Internet is complementary in rooms and throughout the hotel. Complementary Wi-Fi is available to IHG Rewards Club members. Another IHG Rewards member perk is booking and managing your stay with the IHG mobile app.
There is a complementary fitness center with a few cardio machines for workouts, a flat screen TV for multitaskers, and complementary water and workout towels. Guests can refresh after a day of sightseeing in the outdoor heated pool, or relax in a 24-hour hot tub in a separate fenced in area away from the pool.
Other hotel amenities and services include a gift shop, concierge service, translation service, wake up calls, laundry facilities, and an ATM.
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Old Town Neighborhood
Holiday Inn Express Old Town is located off I-5 less than a mile from the San Diego International Airport. It is situated on the edge of Old Town, the birthplace of San Diego. Guests would be remiss in not taking advantage of the hotel’s proximity to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the most visited state park in California. Volunteers in period garb lead walking tours where guests learn about San Diego history and the significance of historic buildings from the 1820s to the 1870s. Visitors get an overview of Kumeyaay, Mexican, and Spanish influences during San Diego’s early years.
Beyond the history of Old Town, visitors will be enthralled with the carefully preserved architecture of 25 historic buildings, over 100 specialty stores, 30 restaurants, and 12 art galleries. Old Town Market, Fiesta de Reyes, and Bazaar del Mundo are must-see shopping experiences.
Another neighborhood attraction is Whaley House, the country’s most haunted house with numerous documented paranormal experiences, and a storied history. Behind Old Town proper and up the hill, visitors will find Presidio Park, which pays homage to the fort that was San Diego’s first European settlement, among other attractions. The park offers epic panoramic views of the city and Pacific Ocean.
Visitors can catch nearby Old Town Trolley Tours, a hop on, hop off tour of San Diego’s metropolitan attractions like Seaport Village, Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Island, Balboa Park, Little Italy, San Diego Zoo, and others. It’s the most efficient way to get an overview of America’s Finest City.
The top restaurant in Old Town is Old Town Mexican Café where the dining experience is as much cultural as culinary. Depending on time of year, Old Town also offers several cultural experiences to visitors, including Dia de Los Muertos, Cinco de Mayo, and Old Town Art Festival.
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Old Town Promotions
Holiday Inn Express Old Town provides a unique opportunity for San Diegans departing from San Diego International Airport with their Park and Fly package. Guests spend the night before their trip at the hotel, enjoy a complementary hot breakfast, and leave their car in the hotel lot free for up to 14 days taking the complementary shuttle to and from the airport. This is huge in a city where parking is premium and costly. There is also an identical Park and Cruise package where the hotel shuttle takes guests to the B Street Cruise Terminal. The hotel also participates in IHG Rewards where guests earn valuable discounts and perks with each stay.