Courtyard By Marriott San Diego Central

“Great Young Lady”

We've visited in excess of 300 hotels around the world. The greeting from the receptionist warmed our entry. Our room's TV's and telephone were out-of-service. She determined immediate repairs and offered a complimentary breakfast. She was happy, smiling, quick to assist us and other guests. The ro… more

We've visited in excess of 300 hotels around the world. The greeting from the receptionist warmed our entry. Our room's TV's and telephone were out-of-service. She determined immediate repairs and offered a complimentary breakfast. She was happy, smiling, quick to assist us and other guests. The room was average but clean. We didn't have the opportunity to accept her offer but we'll be back. Sometimes a hotel must sell more than just a room. Tell the manager to tell this young lady to 'Take the day off" as a manager-appreciation.

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“Cheap hotel so don't expect anything special”

The hotel was average. They only have one elevator, and it sounds like it is going to break down. The breakfast area is very dark. A breakfast area should be bright and inviting. The slogan at the breakfast counter that says "Eggs any way you want" is not true. I asked for an omelet and was told t… more

The hotel was average. They only have one elevator, and it sounds like it is going to break down. The breakfast area is very dark. A breakfast area should be bright and inviting. The slogan at the breakfast counter that says "Eggs any way you want" is not true. I asked for an omelet and was told they only do sunny side up or scrambled. It's a cheap hotel, so you get what you pay for.

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“San Diego Pride 2024 Trip - Room 283”

This was my eighth SD Pride in 2024, and my fourth wearing my fursuit “Joe Bear.” Like last year, we only stayed one night on Saturday July 20th - we arrived before 7am to attempt to get an early check-in as we had successfully two years ago. Sadly, like last year we had no chance to get early chec… more

This was my eighth SD Pride in 2024, and my fourth wearing my fursuit “Joe Bear.” Like last year, we only stayed one night on Saturday July 20th - we arrived before 7am to attempt to get an early check-in as we had successfully two years ago. Sadly, like last year we had no chance to get early check-in as the hotel was PACKED with sport tournament families, and was SOLD OUT the entire weekend. So, just like last year - we decided to store our luggage behind their front desk and checked-in manually (due to the worldwide computer meltdown the weekend of July 18-21, they were writing down the names and credit card authorizations on paper to follow up on checking in. When we returned later on, there was a line out the hotel doors. My friend and ‘yours truly’ received luggage tags, and feeling confident that our luggage was safe with the hotel staff - we headed out to Hillcrest for the SD Pride Parade and we had a BLAST!! Pics to follow. We decided to leave Balboa Park after the parade as I was exhausted wearing my bear in hot weather, and I was looking forward to the hotel pool and jacuzzi. Once we had lunch at IN ‘N OUT and visited Target for toiletries, we got back to the Courtyard to finally check-in after 3pm. We found out we only had one King Bed bed reserved and not 2 Doubles, and had our room on the second floor and not the third floor as requested. Service was a bit difficult - at the afternoon check-in, the Hispanic gentleman at front desk flatly refused my request for later check out on Sunday (2pm for Bonvoy Gold) but as I came back to the desk later that day, a young lady at front desk said it would be no problem and jotted down my request. Good thing I asked again!! To add, I usually get credit for parking as I have a CA Handicap plaque for my vehicle, I guess starting this year they charge $18 a day! Why? Now, for the trifecta - when they did renovations last year, they closed and filled up the wonderful jacuzzi this hotel once had, replaced with a ugly hammock! The manager said it was cost prohibitive and Marriott corporate is now “doing away” with jacuzzis in their midsized properties like Courtyard. All these Takeaways, yet the room rate continues to go up. Unable to use the pool due to the invasion of Ken’s and Karen’s with their sport-minded Jack’s and Jill’s - I resorted to a shower and relaxation. I did use the pool on Sunday, thanks to the sport groups leaving and by having the late checkout to use the aquatics. Overall, it was “just ok”, as it could’ve been better. The hotel had no control over the global computer malfunction that froze their computers and payment machines, but their customer service took a hit as well as the hotel amenities are almost nonexistent. Still, thanks to the hotel staff for doing their best under extraordinary situations. THREE CLAWS UP!!! Hope to return next year for SD Pride 2025, marking my 10th Year coming here and I will stay for the festival. Peace - Joe G. Bear

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