Fantastic value, but less than spectacular location
The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 - the location. While very close to freeways and convenient ( right in the middle between Legoland and Seaworld and about 10 min drive from Del Mar beach), it lacks neighborhood feel( you are in a business park that could be anywhere in the southern part of the US), and you can't walk anywhere except Garden Inn next door and its 2 restaurants. But I am not complaining- in a better location we would probably have paid a lot more than we did.
The hotel is not old ( i.e. no old carpet smell), but is starting to show some scratches on the walls and wear on the furniture. Our 1-bedroom suite had a good size bedroom and a rather small living room (might be too small for 4 adult-size people). The sofa bed was full-size, not queen. I am 5'7", and I don't think anybody taller than me could sleep in it comfortably. It was also really soft, while the king bed mattress in the bedroom was really hard- unexpected extremes for a hotel. The bathroom has some really nice features (quartz countertop, good storage), but others were quite cheap-looking (plain white tile floor, plastic faux-marble tub). But it was very clean. We missed a clothes line to dry our swimsuits, or better yet, a balcony. The kitchen was good-looking and functional. Overall, the room was very clean. 
Now what we loved:
1) free parking
2) free breakfast- not super huge variety, but something for everyone and something new every day, and very tasty( and we are rather picky about the taste of our food)
3)FREE DINNER Mon-Thur- a fresh-looking salad, a delicious hot entree, and beverages including wine and beer( with refills)
4) free Wi-Fi in the room
5) all the staff friendly, helpful and very responsive.
Overall, this hotel is fantastic value, and we had a great stay because of all the perks. I just wish it was in a more lively and walkable location.