The historic elevator was super neat and still reasonably fast, even by modern standards. I also loved the cozy vibe of the place. The rooms are somewhat small, if you're used to the more cookie-cutter chain hotels, but it's about normal for older hotels like this. I had no regrets about it for my stay, and will almost certainly stay here again next time I'm in San Diego. I don't usually watch much TV, but the TV in the room was also a very nice model for those who do want/need to stay in. For those who aren't staying in, the Gaslamp Quarter is only a block or two away, and I generally felt about as safe as any big city walking there. It was nice to be able to go downstairs, walk a block or so to a really nice restaurant or bar, and not worry about driving or finding parking.

There's no mini fridge or microwave, so be prepared to NOT be able to bring any leftovers back from dinner when you're out. Better pace yourself to finish everything at the restaurant. Also, I noticed right before the end of my stay that the window had been painted in place with the top half partly cracked open, by accident. Meant I couldn't 100% close the window, and occasionally got a draft of smoke from someone on the sidewalk. It was only the one night that it was a problem, though, and based on my interaction with staff when I alerted them to it, I have every confidence that the problem was fixed for the next guest.

Room, restaurant on site, staff was nice

Elevator was dangerous and hard to operate, an unexplained destination fee added ($25/day plux tax) that gave us NOTHING extra (no breakfast, or even water in the room which btw costs $13!).

-location was unbeatable, right in gas lamp district, close to food, bars, and comedy clubs. so much of the nightlife we partook in, we walked to. -the entire vibe of the hotel was amazing, the decor was great, from the lobby to the room. everything was so beautiful -pet friendly, I wish we had brought our pup! -the restaurant next door was amazing and we got a complementary drink (no price limit) and I enjoyed a delectable glass of wine otherwise I wouldn't have bought for myself. they also have happy hour every single day + the burgers were to die for!

-the room was fairly small and the TV jutted out from the wall making you have to sideways shuffle each time you wanted to go to the restroom -the fridge was stocked full with items you were able to purchase that we had to empty out to place any of our personal food/drink in there. So a majority of our counter space was taken up by items we were not planning to consume. -$60 overnight parking

We stayed at the Palihotel for three nights for quick trip to San Diego. Overall, it was a great place to stay in the central Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. Attached to the hotel is the St. James French Diner, a restaurant and bar. Nearby are several other dining options. The lobby area is a great place to sit in one of the many couches and chairs. There is a long antique table should you want to get some work done or meet with someone. The staff was outstanding. Simple check in and then a quick demonstration of the elevator. Installed in 1913, it was the fastest elevator in the world. Today, not so much. It still was a fun to enjoy a bit of history opening a door and then a gate to get into it. Cleaning staff came by on a daily basis, something that is often missing in our post covid world. There is a roof deck that offers outstanding views of the city while sitting in several sitting areas. Our group enjoyed a lunch that we brought in one afternoon. One evening we had drinks from the St. James bar (there is a bar on the roof, but it was not open when we were there).

The rooms were well equipped with very comfortable beds; however, they are small, really small. Personally, I do not mind the small rooms as we only use them to sleep in, but if you like to hang out in the room or travel with children, this is not a good option. Our group had 5 rooms, and all were similar size.

Totally adorable property, roof top was stunning. Rooms are really nicely decorated and good amenities. Staff were all wonderful, also the diner attached is so lovely! Great drinks! And the free drink with your stay was a nice touch

Being an old property it’s not overly sound proof so you are constantly hearing doors slam, and the very very old lift cage door slam as well. Bed could do with replacing also. One of the lifts was unserviceable while I was there so it took a while sometimes to get up and down to the room so I often opted for 9 flights of stairs

Excellent hotel in a great location. The room was very comfortable and everything was spotlessly clean. The staff was incredibly kind and helpful throughout our stay. We really appreciated the attention to detail and the warm atmosphere. Highly recommended!

Excellent hotel in a great location. The room was very comfortable and everything was spotlessly clean. The staff was incredibly kind and helpful throughout our stay. We really appreciated the attention to detail and the warm atmosphere. Highly recommended!

This place is beautiful! Its an old building we'll kept. The room was beautiful 😍 best part they had a steamer instead of an iron 😆. Lots of outlets,Tvs in both rooms and with lots of channels and free movies. The showers were awesome. And there is no parking but they park the car for you so it worked out good. Their customer service is excellent! Thank you!

I guess windows to see the outside and the snacks in our room were pretty pricey, a bottle of water for $16!. But we went out to get our own water so its your choice.

Great boutique hotel that is very well maintained and well-appointed while conveying a vintage European feel. The location was excellent too given its proximity in heart of Gaslamp District. It’s not a Ritz or Grand Hyatt so if that’s your thing it may not be for you but I thought it was great and loved the charm and location!

Not a big deal for me but the original elevator aka is among the first ever and both small and slow at times. I thought its historic nature to be very cool but those less patient over an added minute or two waiting may need to take a chill pill between enjoying this hotel’s unique ambiance.

What a fabulous little gem this hotel is. When booking this hotel you need to be aware it is a very old ( but beautiful) hotel. The rooms are small but perfectly formed, the walls are thin although we had very little noise disturbing us and the lift (an authentic old lift dating back to 1915) is a little slow. All of these things lead to the charm that this hotel has. The beds were so comfortable. The rooftop is a delightful to catch the sunset. If you want large rooms a speedy lifts then this is not the hotel for you. If you want old charm then look no further.

Nothing

Appreciating the structure and its attributes is essential to enjoy this hotel. Room service was quick and delicious from the restaurant downstairs. Rooftop bar was quaint and with the complementary drink as well per room. Beds were comfortable and showers were fine, wonderful toiletries. I quite liked my stay here and so did my entourage.

There does seem to be issues with the AC unit. Luckily my room was fine but my friend’s room’s AC unit didn’t work well and stopped working the second night. Although the staff was very accommodating for the inconvenience. The bathroom doorknobs are also in a older style that many people aren’t familiar with anymore, so you really do have to be careful with it as my friend looked themselves out of their bathroom because they weren’t familiar with its style.