Way better than a chain hotel
We found the hotel on google maps because we were looking for something that was central. We happened on this hotel, and what a find this was. The location is amazing - the transit store is next door so you can get the information you need and buy a pass. We opted for the 4 day pass (15$) because that was the number of days we were staying because we thought that would be easiest even if we didn't get full use of it. Well, the hotel is next to at least ten bus routes and two trolley lines which will take you directly to most tourist sites including Balboa park and the Zoo. You could easily easily walk to the gaslamp district and down to the harbor. We got our money's worth in that pass.
The hotel itself was clean, quiet and friendly. The rooms were of a good size with a little seating area. The décor is black and white with a touch of red which is a welcome change from the usual blandness of hotel chains. It actually lent itself to a bit of a home feel.
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful - from the time we arrived to the time we left they made us feel as if our satisfaction was really of concern to them. This was really one of the nicest hotel stays we have ever had.