Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG

Property class: 2.5
Hotel near Balboa Park in San Diego

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG

Pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes
Exterior
Hallway
Pillowtop beds, in-room safe, desk, blackout drapes
Exterior

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
1430 7th Ave, San Diego, CA, 92101
  • Place, Balboa Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Waterfront Park
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego Convention Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪6 min drive‬

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Comm, Transfer Shower)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Accessible (Communication, Transfer Shower)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Comm, Transfer Shower)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Accessible (Communications, Roll-In Shower)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(25 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(60 reviews)
  • City view
  • 22 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(108 reviews)
  • City view
  • 25 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 King Bed

7.2 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)
  • City view
  • 41 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(8 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Balcony

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(23 reviews)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

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About the area

San Diego

Downtown San Diego stay.A stay at this Downtown San Diego hotel places you within half a mile (1 km) of Balboa Park and 2 miles (3 km) of Petco Park. Port of San Diego and USS Midway Museum are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Balboa Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • San Diego Civic Theatre - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Waterfront Park - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Port of San Diego - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • San Diego Convention Center - 19 min walk - 1.6 km

Getting around

  • 5th Avenue Station - 6 min walk
  • San Diego Santa Fe Depot - 17 min walk
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Achilles Coffee @ The Rey - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Cocina 35 - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪SHAKE Bar & Lounge - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The Taco Stand - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Subway - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG

Hotel near Balboa Park in San Diego
There's a restaurant on site. Free breakfast is served daily. WiFi is free in public spaces. Event space at this hotel measures 1324 square feet (123 square meters) and includes conference space. A fitness center, a terrace, and a vending machine are also featured at the business-friendly Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG. Parking is available for a fee.

This San Diego hotel is smoke free.

  • 148 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 1324 sq ft of conference space
  • 123 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1969
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Conference space
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Dining venue
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG offers 148 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and hair dryers. Beds feature pillowtop mattresses. Flat-screen televisions come with premium cable channels. Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is offered daily and microwaves can be requested.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Microwave on request
  • Mini-fridge

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Self parking on site (USD 38 per day; includes in/out privileges)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM on weekdays and 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM on weekends
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Gym

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with premium cable channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes
  • Free crib
  • Pillowtop mattress

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Microwave on request
  • Mini-fridge

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Free local calls
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: USD 30

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Free cribs (infant beds)!

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Self parking fee: USD 38.00 per day (in/out privileges)
  • Early check-in fee: USD 30 (subject to availability)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Clean Promise (IHG)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions. This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Clean Promise (IHG).

We should mention

  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Holiday Inn Express Hotel San Diego Downtown
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown
San Diego Downtown Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown Hotel
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown Hotel San Diego
San Diego Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn San Diego

Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 879 out of 1647 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 405 out of 1647 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 216 out of 1647 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 73 out of 1647 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 74 out of 1647 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

8/10 Good

Alonzo, Orange

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Mark

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

DAVID

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff very polite and clean room.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

JIE

I stayed at this hotel for approximately 12 days over the Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 period. Overall, I enjoyed my stay, particularly the convenient location, the quality of the breakfast, and the room service. However, there were some plumbing issues that should be addressed. I would like to extend special thanks to the front desk representatives, Mike and Kamen. Mike is highly experienced, professional, and demonstrates excellent listening and problem-solving skills. He treats all guests equally with genuine care and enthusiasm. Kamen is also a dedicated employee—very patient, friendly, and hardworking.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Makayla

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

8/10 Good

Jeanie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very good overall. Helpful, friendly staff. Excellent breakfast. Terrific shower. Not every day room service, but explained it as maybe short on staff. Had a room with double queens, rather than king which was requested. Would definitely recommend this Hotel.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Francisco

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Esmeralda

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara, Lanesboro

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
The room is as clean and extremely comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

6/10 Okay

Felicia

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

Renee

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff and amenities were great, really enjoyed the breakfast and 24 hot coffee
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sofia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Room was great, breakfast was really good as well with many options. Staff was extremely helpful. Short walk to petco. Would definitely stay here again
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice room, and amenities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Bion

Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Night time staff desk worker. Homophobic. Harassment. Constant watch felt like I was in prison
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heidi

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

john

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

6/10 Okay

Rafael Ricardo Vásquez

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raul

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anthony

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean room with comfortable bed. Quiet stay. Full buffet breakfast was fresh and delicious, with many choices. Excellent customer service from the front desk staff. They were even willing to hold my luggage in their storage, after I checked out, due to a later flight. Property conveniently located within walking distance to Gaslamp, with many restaurants and shops and only a few blocks to the Bay and Pointside Pier. Highly recommend this property for your next stay.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

8/10 Good

tomcia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Clean rooms and not a lot of noise
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jimmy

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

shiwu

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025