Hillcrest isn’t just a landmark—it’s a living storybook. From hidden rooftop bars to art-filled alleys, every alleyway hums with creativity and community spirit. Come for the vibe, stay for the soul.

Nestled in Mission Bay, this resort is a family paradise and leisure getaway rolled into one! With 5 outdoor pools, kids' play areas, mini-golf, and water sports, fun is guaranteed for all ages. Unwind with spa treatments, beachside bars, and Californian cuisine. Perfect for both business trips (thanks to conference halls) and romantic escapes (with wedding services).

This hotel is the perfect blend of family-friendly and business-ready! Located in the heart of San Diego, just 1 minute from Petco Park and 12 minutes from Jacobs Park, it offers a 24-hour fitness center and 2 bars to unwind. Traveling with kids? Enjoy childcare services and kids' meals, plus fun activities like sailing and surfing. Business travelers will love the 5 meeting rooms and express check-in/out. Rooms feature plush bedding and luxury toiletries for a truly comfortable stay!




Everything you need to know about Hillcrest
Hillcrest Hotel is a top choice, located in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego. This boutique hotel features modern Mediterranean-inspired design, spacious rooms with private balconies, and a tranquil rooftop garden offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Its prime location places guests within walking distance of Hillcrest Park, local eateries, art galleries, and the bustling North Park district.
For transportation, the hotel is near major bus lines and the Trolley’s Green Line, making it easy to reach downtown San Diego, the waterfront, or Balboa Park. Guests can enjoy unique experiences such as guided local art walks, weekend farmers’ markets showcasing fresh California produce, and hiking trails like Cabrillo Mountain Trail, which offers sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and urban landscape.
Hillcrest Family Inn is an ideal choice for families, offering spacious suites with connecting rooms, a dedicated playroom, outdoor sandbox, and complimentary breakfast. Located in a quiet, safe neighborhood, it's just a short walk from Hillcrest Library, Children's Museum, and the lively North Park area.
The surrounding area boasts numerous family-oriented restaurants, including "Green Sprout Café" for healthy meals and themed dessert shops perfect for kids. Monthly family creativity workshops—featuring pottery, painting, and eco-crafts—are hosted on-site, encouraging hands-on learning. The inn also provides bicycle rentals, enabling families to easily explore nearby Balboa Park via scenic bike paths, enjoying green spaces and cultural attractions.
The most convenient option is taking the San Diego Trolley's Green Line from the nearby Hillcrest Station, which reaches Downtown San Diego in about 20 minutes. Stops include Maritime Museum Plaza and Old City Hall, ideal hubs for sightseeing and shopping.
Multiple bus routes (e.g., 90, 96) also serve the area, connecting to Cabrillo Plaza and Para Mesa Shopping Center. For those driving, downtown is just a 10-minute drive away, though parking can be limited—consider using car-sharing services or the Park & Ride system.
Alternatively, walk along the San Diego River Trail—a scenic 30-minute route through parks and urban landscapes—offering a peaceful, active way to reach downtown while enjoying nature and city views.
Hillcrest is one of San Diego’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods, offering rich experiences in independent art and community festivals. Visit the Hillcrest Art Center, which hosts rotating contemporary exhibitions, live music performances, and interactive art workshops.
Each summer, the neighborhood celebrates the Hillcrest Summer Festival, featuring food stalls from Mexico, Southeast Asia, and Africa, traditional dance troupes, and artisan markets that highlight multicultural fusion. Scattered throughout the area between North Park and Cabrillo Mountain are vibrant murals and public sculptures along scenic pathways—perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Don’t miss the local independent cafes and craft breweries, many of which host poetry readings, improv theater nights, and live DJ sets, creating a dynamic, creative atmosphere that defines the neighborhood’s spirit.
Recommended is Hilton San Diego Bayfront, located in the scenic San Diego Bayfront area, just a 15-minute drive from Hillcrest. The hotel offers family-oriented amenities including an indoor pool, children’s activity center, and spacious family suites. Guests can stroll to San Diego Harbor for waterfront dining and views. Nearby attractions like West Coast Park and the Maritime Museum make it ideal for family vacations. Easy access via city buses or rental cars enhances convenience.
Yes, Hillcrest is well-connected to downtown San Diego. Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services or are close to the San Diego Trolley light rail system. A 20-minute ride on the trolley takes you directly to key areas such as Gaslamp Quarter and Balboa Park. Major highways like I-5 and I-8 run through the region, enabling quick access by car to attractions like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. The robust transit network ensures seamless travel for tourists.
Hillcrest lies along the San Diego Bay, offering exceptional outdoor activities. Try sailing tours or snorkeling adventures at La Jolla Cove, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. For panoramic views, visit Cabrillo National Monument, where hiking trails lead to sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Harbor. Nature lovers should explore Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, featuring dramatic sea cliffs, coastal trails, and native plant species—perfect for photography and hiking enthusiasts.
Consider The Lodge at Torrey Pines, a boutique resort with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and private garden courtyards. Rooms blend modern design with natural elements, creating a serene, intimate atmosphere. The property offers private beach terraces, premium spa treatments, and gourmet dining options. Guests can also arrange a sunset cruise for a memorable experience. Its secluded setting and high privacy make it ideal for romantic getaways, while nearby La Jolla cultural districts add a touch of artistic charm.
Yes, Hillcrest is close to San Diego Convention Center and major business corridors. Hotels like Hyatt Regency San Diego provide professional facilities including high-speed Wi-Fi, multi-function meeting rooms, and 24-hour business centers. They also offer airport shuttles and executive concierge services to support efficient business trips. With numerous nearby restaurants and cafes, it’s easy to host meetings or enjoy a quiet work break in a relaxed environment.
Top locations include La Jolla Shores Beach and Cabrillo Light Station. La Jolla Shores offers expansive sandy shores and golden sunsets—ideal for portrait and landscape photography. Cabrillo Light Station, perched atop a cliff, provides striking contrasts between light and shadow, perfect for capturing oceanic vistas. Don’t miss Torrey Pines Gliderport, where aerial shots of hang gliders against the coastline create dynamic compositions. Visit during early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds, and bring a tripod and telephoto lens for optimal results.
See what other travelers say about Hillcrest

Every time I visit San Diego, this is my go-to choice. The resort offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere with spotless rooms and incredibly attentive staff. It's super convenient to get here by public transit, and there are plenty of great dining options nearby—no need to travel far for a good meal. What really stands out is the spa experience; it’s pure bliss from start to finish. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, the value and comfort make it well worth it. Highly recommend!

Staying at the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter was an absolute highlight of my trip! The room was incredibly quiet, with excellent soundproofing—perfect for a restful night's sleep without any outside noise. I loved how close it was to downtown attractions and public transit, making it super convenient to explore the city. The breakfast spread was impressive—fresh, diverse, and delicious, especially the local-style pancakes and freshly squeezed juice. The staff were warm, attentive, and always smiling, making me feel truly welcome. From the moment I arrived to the moment I checked out, every detail felt thoughtfully curated. If I ever return to San Diego, this will be my top choice without hesitation.

Staying at the Courtyard San Diego Old Town was an absolute delight! The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, even offering two 200ml bottles of water upon arrival—such a thoughtful touch. Parking was a breeze too; we could park for free right on the street next to the hotel, which saved us time and hassle. The location is unbeatable—walking to Old Town Square in the evening was effortless, and we were right in the middle of the vibrant Día de Muertos festivities. The streets were alive with colorful decorations, live music, local food stalls, and festive energy. It felt like being part of a real celebration. Everything about this stay—from the service to the atmosphere—was perfect. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting San Diego, especially during cultural events like this one.

Staying at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina was a pleasant surprise. The property is quite large, and it takes a short walk from the lobby to the rooms—something that actually adds to the resort-like vibe. While some of the facilities show their age, everything is well-maintained and functional. What stood out most was how quiet the rooms were—perfect for a restful night’s sleep with zero noise from the outside. Located right by the waterfront, the ocean views from the rooms are lovely, and it's just a quick stroll to the marina area. Public transportation access to downtown San Diego is convenient if you're planning to explore the city. Overall, despite the slightly dated touches, the peaceful atmosphere, scenic location, and good value make this a solid choice for a relaxing getaway.

This place is an absolute steal for the price and location. I’ve stayed here multiple times whenever I’m in San Diego, and it never disappoints. Super convenient to downtown, just a short walk from everything I need—restaurants, shops, and attractions. The rooms are clean, quiet, and well-maintained, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. For a budget-friendly option with such great value, this hotel is my go-to whenever I visit. No need to overthink—this is the perfect spot for a comfortable, stress-free stay.

Staying at Mission View Inn & Suites in San Diego was an absolute delight from start to finish. The staff went above and beyond with their warm, attentive service—always smiling, helpful, and genuinely interested in making your stay comfortable. The room itself was spotless, immaculately clean, and incredibly well-maintained. Every detail, from the crisp linens to the pristine bathroom, showed a real commitment to hygiene and comfort. I especially appreciated how close it was to SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo—just a short ride away, and everything else in the area was easily accessible too. The neighborhood felt safe, vibrant, and full of great dining options. For the quality, location, and service, this hotel offers incredible value. If you're visiting San Diego, don't miss this gem—it's definitely a top pick for me.

I'm giving this place a solid 5-star review! The hostel is clean, welcoming, and perfectly located for exploring downtown San Diego—super easy to get around by public transit. That said, I do need to mention something that concerned me during check-in: the front desk staff asked for my credit card, wrote down all the information by hand, and even removed the CVV protection sticker on the back of the card. It felt really risky and made me uneasy about potential fraud or misuse. While everything turned out fine, I’d strongly recommend the team reconsider this practice for guest safety and peace of mind.

Staying at Pendry San Diego was an absolute delight. The location is perfect—right in the heart of downtown San Diego, yet close enough to the beach for a quick morning walk. Everything about the hotel worked flawlessly: the room was spacious and beautifully designed, the Wi-Fi was fast, the air conditioning ran smoothly, and the bathroom amenities were top-notch. The staff went above and beyond with their friendly and efficient service—always ready to help without being intrusive. From check-in to check-out, the experience was seamless. It’s rare to find such a high level of comfort and attention to detail in a modern urban hotel. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting San Diego, especially those who value style, convenience, and quality.

The Westin San Diego Bayview is an absolute gem! The front desk staff went above and beyond—when I realized I left my watch in the room after check-out, they immediately reissued my key card so I could retrieve it without any hassle. The room itself was brand new, spotlessly clean, and very comfortable. Location-wise, it’s perfect: just a short walk to the waterfront area with great views and plenty of scenic spots to explore. Santa Fe Depot is literally right around the corner, making train trips to Irvine super convenient. Being in downtown San Diego means getting around is easy—whether taking an Uber or hopping on the Trolley, everything is within reach. This hotel offers excellent value, top-notch service, and unbeatable convenience. I’ll definitely be back!

My stay at Howard Johnson by Wyndham San Diego Sea World was absolutely fantastic! The hotel is quiet and peaceful, perfect for a relaxing getaway. The room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and free of any bugs or pests—something I truly appreciate. The air conditioning worked perfectly, and the bathroom was well-maintained with all necessary amenities. I was especially impressed by the in-room facilities: a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and even an iron—everything you need for a comfortable stay. What really stood out was a small but meaningful gesture: I accidentally dropped my rental car key late at night, but found it neatly hung on the car handle the next morning. That little detail gave me so much confidence in the hotel’s security, especially when traveling with family. Breakfast was simple but delicious, and overall, the value for money was excellent. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting San Diego looking for comfort, cleanliness, and peace of mind.

I've stayed here twice now, and each time I left feeling completely refreshed. The location is fantastic—just a short ride into downtown San Diego, with plenty of dining and shopping options nearby. The hotel itself is well-maintained, with clean, spacious rooms and a serene atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind. The on-site restaurant and bar are excellent—great food and drinks, perfect for a relaxing evening. The outdoor pool is spotless and inviting, especially during the sunny days. My favorite part? The balcony in the room—it’s ideal for sipping morning coffee while watching the sunrise. Everything about this stay was top-notch, from the attentive service to the thoughtful touches throughout. Highly recommend this place if you're looking for comfort, convenience, and a little luxury without the hassle. Will definitely be back.

The location is unbeatable—just a 10-minute walk to the Midway Museum, making it super convenient for exploring downtown San Diego’s highlights. The hotel itself is well-located near the bayfront, with easy access to attractions and public transit. Breakfast was surprisingly good for an American chain—plenty of options, fresh ingredients, and great value. Everything about the stay was top-notch: clean rooms, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. I’d absolutely recommend this property to anyone visiting San Diego, especially those who want a comfortable, central base with a great breakfast and easy access to major sights.
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