Rude Zoo
It's interesting that Katie, the manager, chooses only to respond to positive reviews, making inane comments such as "I'm ecstatic you enjoyed your bay view," while ignoring entirely valid (and easily addressable) complaints regarding the poor customer service and long lines at the front desk, etc. Her approach epitomizes what is apparently the business motto of the hotel: "Why fix a problem when you can simply ignore it?" 
If I had to use one noun to encapsulate the Hilton San Diego Bayfront it would be "zoo." If allowed an adjective as well, I would sum it up as a "rude zoo." I knew we were in trouble when we arrived to find eight enormous charter buses parked bumper to bumper blocking the entrance to the lobby. Since there was nowhere to park to check in, my husband dropped me off so I could go get our keys while he circled around. The check-in process, which at most hotels takes a few seconds, took more than 20 min. here. I had to wade through a sea of drunken conference attendees to wait in an interminable line only to be greeted by a clerk who had no earthly idea what be was doing. He said my credit card was declined, and when I asked for the information he entered, I discovered the card he entered was not mine. He muttered something about having accidentally entered the credit card from a previous customer...how professional. He then rushed me out if the way without bothering to explain basic information, such as the location if the elevators. I found my way around but only after being nearly knocked over by a group of wasted fray boy conferencers in business suits as they shoved their way down the escalator trying to make it to the previouy mentioned buses which I presume were taking the lushes to some "professional event," i.e. a booze cruise.
Our room was right by the elevator, so we were serenaded all evening by a constant chorus of dinging elevator cars and the noisy bickering of the groups waiting for them. Around 7:30 pm, I called to order in-room breakfast for the next morning. I called hours before the 11 pm cutoff, but the man who answered the phone acted like my order was a huge imposition. He actually snapped harshly at me twice, once because he couldn't hear the time we wanted the breakfast delivered (even though I spoke loudly and clearly) and again when I responded to his angry inquiry about choice of bread by saying "toast," committing the unpardonable sin of failing to specify white or wheat. I hardly slept all night thanks to said elevator symphony, a horribly uncomfortable bed that sank in the middle, and a suffocatiny hot room (the thermostat was as unresponsive as the staff). Our hard-earned breakfast arrived 20 min. early in the morning, which I guess is better than late, but we weren't even dressed. The breakfast itself, which cost a ridiculous $57, was barely edible and I actually felt ill after eating it. Check out, like check in, was punctuated by a long line and an unhelpful clerk. 
I would never consider staying at the hotel again, much less recommend it to someone else. Katie, if you're reading this, we stayed in room 1438 on Friday night, July 27 and checked out on Sat. July 28 (today). You have my contact information should you choose to make any of this right. Considering my experience at your establishment, I won't hold my breath.