pros and cons
I found the hotel to be very nicely located, within walking distance of little italy, the waterfront and even downtown or seaport village if you are upto it. We had a room overlooking the pool, where you can see the bay. The room was large and clean, furniture was slightly dated and tired but acceptable, just.
Unacceptable was the noise! seemingly no soundproofing between rooms, even neighbours across the hall are annoyingly well heard. And then there is the train, which toots its horn the whole way through the city. Although the line is a few blocks away its still easily heard night and day, once woke me up at 3 or 4am. Not happy!!!
Upon research, i found i couldn't really find a better looking, cheaper alternative anywhere in downtown (essential as we didn't have a car for our stay and not prepare to stay outside).
Taxi to the Zoo was $8, cruise terminal $5, free airport shuttle. san diego city tour stops in little italy (India & Cedar) 5 minutes walk away.
Breakfast inhouse was average quality but a little expensive $13 in my opinion. You can walk a couple blocks and take your pick from any number of places in little italy if you have the time.