AAE Hostels San Diego - San Diego, USA 

"Fantastic for the money"
Posted: Mon, Nov 23 2009
Before I left for San Diego, I researched all hotel accomidations that were affordable, but still nice. Let me tell you... that narrows everything down... esp in the downtown area of SD. I walked in with a portable massage table that is very difficult to carry, and a huge suitcase. Bobby (I believe he is the manager) immediately grabbed my things as I was checking in, and after I was done, tookmy things up to my hotel room for me. FIrst impression of the lobby was that they remodeled the hotel but still kept alot of the original "feel" to the lobby area. (they have have old pictures of the hotel in the 1920's). The lobby had a fresh smell as well... the hotel keeps most of its windows and doors open.. as it is not air conditioned, but bc of the weather, it is not needed!!!! The elevator was not brand new, it did have graffit etched into the paint... the carpet was not clean... but it worked. I did not feel as if it would break down while I was in it. (the other elevator was out of service). The carpet in the hallway... as some other reviewers said was stained and dirty... must have been complete neat freaks (I actually am a very very clean person),... the carpet was fine. No.... it was not spotless.. but come on.. do you really think an affordable place to stay is going to be sparkling clean in every aspect? My room is great. Small, but functional. You walk in... there is a bed (pillow fantastic, bed.... eh... I've had better), desk with tv and phone, and a wardrobe with about 5 hangers and a drawer. It did not smell, the carpet was clean, and everything was in order and absolutely spotless. The window stuck a bit. Since there is no ac, it is neccessary to keep the window open, but you have blinds. Yes... it can get a noisy. My first night I went to bed about 7 (time zones throw you off!) and I woke up twice. So I shut the window for the most part.... and didn't have any more problems. The bathrooms are shared. There are not as many as as I thought, but there are enough. I brought a tote bag to carry all my stuff. Do bring flip flops to wear in the shower. It is not the cleanest shower... there is some water residue.... but it is nothing that freaked me out. Toilets are clean / sink is clean / and nothing gross on floors. Didn't really eat in diner yet. Bobby (the manager?) showed me where a grocery store was close, and I brought groceries and stored them in the kitchen fridge. The kitchen is clean, the fridge is full with food ( it wasn't clean.. actually... I loooked at some of the food, and it looks like its been there awhile) Everyone puts their food in bags, writes their room number on it, and no one takes any of your food. no one.. not once stole any food from my room bag. I believe this is a hotel/hostel that is great for people on a budget who are still looking for something in a good area, and great customer service. This is not for anyone who wants the finest in everything. Do not stay here if you don't like sacifricing anything for your wallet. Do not stay here if you are picky. Yes... this is not the greatest hotel.. but for the price... ahem... the weekly discount is 7 days = 30 per night. and additionalis 50 per night. Great great great rates for the location and if you also will be using public transportation. oh and by the way... I wrote this review in the hotel lobby using their wifi internet that ppl said didn't work. Yes.. gthe signal is weak... but ask the front desk and they told me where the hotspot was.. and the front desk guy (very nice) told me where to sit to get a good signal.

Great Value, Great Location!
Posted: Tue, Jun 02 2009
Really more of a youth hostel, this hotel has small, high ceilinged, sparsly-furnished rooms, with only the bare necessities. 8 or so bathrooms per floor are secure and private, and have a shower. However, everything is kept neat and clean, and well stocked for the most part. Hotel staff are friendly and professional. Restaurant in the hotel is excellent. Location is superb-1 block from metro trolley, 2 blocks from waterfront, and right on the edge of Gaslamp Quarter. High speed Wi-Fi can be purchased per day, and worked very well.

Well located
Posted: Mon, Mar 09 2009
This hotel used to be a YMCA that they converted into an hostel type. It is right in the heart of downtown, very easy access to everything, the gaslamp district, Horton Plaza Mall, boutiques, restaurants and minutes away from the Harbor where you can catch the ferry to Coronado Island (highly recommended) and bikes/vespa rental...without forgetting the fact that you're near every buses, trolleys... The hotel is always kept very clean, you do share bathroom/shower, but they are conveniently placed at every floor and there's always one available. The staff is very nice and helpful. The only thing is that sometimes at night time people getting back into their rooms were pretty loud but has nothing to do with the hotel, only with people non taking into consideration about anyone in the hotel.

Well located
Posted: Sat, Feb 28 2009
This hotel used to be a YMCA that they converted into an hostel type. It is right in the heart of downtown, very easy access to everything, the gaslamp district, Horton Plaza Mall, boutiques, restaurants and minutes away from the Harbor where you can catch the ferry to Coronado Island (highly recommended) and bikes/vespa rental...without forgetting the fact that you're near every buses, trolleys... The hotel is always kept very clean, you do share bathroom/shower, but they are conveniently placed at every floor and there's always one available. The staff is very nice and helpful. The only thing is that sometimes at night time people getting back into their rooms were pretty loud but has nothing to do with the hotel, only with people non taking into consideration about anyone in the hotel.

Single woman
Posted: Tue, Dec 23 2008
I was very impressed with the hotel. It is not for someone looking for luxury. All I want is a bed and a shower.The beds are pillow top design, very comfortable. Even though the bathrooms are shared I never had a problem finding an available bathroom. The staff was very helpful. Housekeeping did a great job. They clean the bathrooms multiple times 24 hours a day. The front desk is staffed by helpful employees. My requests were taken care of immediately. The airport bus is less than a blockaway. Very convienent location for bus and trolley. Guests are able to use the fitness center. I enjoyed my stay and will stay again.