Hillcrest House Bed & Breakfast

My fiancé and I stayed here over the Memorial Day weekend. We stayed in the Gaslamp room, located on the second floor. We had a late flight and went through the late check-​in process. This was basically getting an envelope in the front door mail box to receive keys and instructions. When we arrived, we ran into Ann and she gave us a quick run down of the place.
Quaint home, with nice décor (inside and outside), and feels homey. The place looked like it was kept clean. The stairs to the second floor and in the Gaslamp room, had that typical «old» home smell.
The room itself is pretty small, a little cramped for two people, but manageable. I liked the fold down wooden desk in the corner. My fiancé and I had two carry on suitcases, which we were able to squeeze in one corner, both fully opened. If we had any bigger luggage, it would not fit.
There was a window AC unit and portable heater provided. As well as a small mounted TV. The walls aren’t sound proof and since the AC unit is in the window, you can hear the sounds from the outside. If you are a light sleeper, I recommend wearing ear plugs. The bedroom sheets were quite soft and smooth. If you liked them, they are available for purchase at the small gift shop on the main floor, along with mugs, soap, etc. The head pillow instantly collapses under the weight of your head.
The bathroom is long and narrow. There is a small stand holding towels. There is a small glass ledge above the sink. It would have been nice if there was also a small table beside the sink to hold my other toiletries, cream, medicine, etc. The shower was a decent size. The location of the tap didn’t make much sense to me, it was located too far into the shower and away from the opening of the door. You had to first move the spray nozzle towards the shower wall before turning on the water, otherwise you’ll get hit with a blast of cold water. Then after the water warms up (takes a few minutes), re-​position the spray nozzle to the center of the shower. The location of the toilet was too close to the bathroom sink. You have to sit at a diagonal on the seat, otherwise you’ll hit into the side of the sink.
Breakfast is provided, starts at 8:30 AM and ends at 10 AM. It would have been even better if it started 30 minutes earlier, as some San Diego attractions open at 9 AM. Breakfast consists of: an assortment of cut up fruit (cantaloupe, tiny grapes, watermelon, pineapple, strawberries and bananas), sliced bread that can be toasted with crunchy peanut butter or jam spread, hard boiled eggs, mini muffins (type changed daily), granola, corn flakes, orange juice, milk (with alternative — almond milk), coffee and tea.
Upon check out, we needed to store our luggage there for the day. Since there was no one checking into the room that same day, Ann was nice enough to let us store our luggage there. We were also welcome to still use the facilities (e.g. shower, etc.) upon our return to grab our luggage. We locked up both the room and house, and left they key in the mailbox per instructions.

Stayed here for my girlfriend’s birthday, and had an amazing relaxing weekend! We stayed in the old town room. Ann was a great help the whole time we were there. It was very quiet, and very comfortable. The only thing that bothered me is I slept too late to catch the breakfast, which I’m sure was delicious. A bunch of restaurants and things to do are literally around the corner.:)

We booked the Hillcrest House because my husband was having a heart procedure at Sharp Memorial and we live almost two hours away. This B & B was just five miles away so it was perfect! The original plan was to stay two nights! But due to a complication the stay was two nights for Hubby and me and I stayed an additional two nights while hubby was in hospital.
When we arrived… We were greeted by Ann the owner, she was very friendly and made us instantly feel like family!!! She also went above and beyond to make sure she had a little breakfast to go each morning for me! When it was obvious that my husband and I were a bit nervous she reassure us that these procedures were old hat and it would all be fine! She also made sure when I called her two days in a row to extend my room she did it!
We stayed in the Zoo room is was very very clean (important to us) and big enough! Although the bathroom was fairly large!!! It was the perfect place to sleep and relax…
This B & B is located in Hillcrest which has a ton of amazing restaurants!!! And Ann gave us some good tips on where to eat! It is also so close to so many of the San Diego attractions. The day before surgery we drove to Coronado Island and hung out for a few hours, it was like a 15 minute drive with some light traffic …
I can’t wait for Tony and I to return for a FUN TRIP! I would book the zoo room again and I am excited to really enjoy the front porch with a glass of wine!!! And I can’t wait to explore more of the area! I recommend this place for couples and travelers on business trips! Or even a girls trip would be fun!!!

We went to San Diego to attend the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station Air Show this weekend. Stayed at Ann’s Hillcrest House Bed and Breakfast. Met on the porch as we arrived late due to traffic from LA. by Ann who was pleased to take us on a tour of the facility and show us to our room. We stayed in the Gaslamp Room which was plenty big enough for us two. Nice soft sheets, a warm atmosphere, and a welcoming host. What could be better?! She gave us directions for dinners, spots and shops to look at if interested. The location in San Diego was perfect for us: Near the highways to the Air Station and near to the San Diego that we love. A terrific place to stay. I recommend it without reservation!

This place was so wonderful and accommodating. Ann was a truly wonderful host and guided us through the neighborhood’s best restaurants and must-see’s! Very reasonably priced and the room was great! We were in the Zoo room! We’ll definitely be coming back the next time we stay in SD!

Adorable B&B in the heart of Hillcrest! My friend and I wanted to stay somewhere unique and cozy during our visit. Ann, the sweet woman in charge of the house, is so warm and friendly. She was kind and very accommodating during our two day stay. We flew in from out of town and were able to get an early check in @ 11:30! The breakfast is fully stocked in the morning with DELICIOUS homemade muffins and cookies as well as eggs, cereal, coffee and tea! The location is central to all the hot spots in San Diego and walking distance to plenty of restaurants, shops & bars in the lively Hillcrest neighborhood! The room itself is clean, homey and quiet. The bathroom/​shower area is large and comfortable. Overall a splendid stay and I would definitely recommend! Thank you Ann!!!

Our stay at Ann’s Hillcrest Bed & Breakfast was perfect! She was welcoming and accommodating on every level. Upon our arrival, we had a «Happy Anniversary» card and a bottle of champagne in our room! Breakfast was simple but delicious with fresh, local fruits, muffins, eggs, regular as well as gluten free cereals and breads. The dining table is fondly known as the «table of knowledge» where all house guests have an opportunity to learn about each other and popular, local attractions. The rooms are clean, and decorated with attention to detail. The beds were so comfortable and the off-​site parking was a lifesaver! Thank you for the wonderful memories Ann! We will be back!

They make you book 2 rooms if you have a kid that’s 1year old because of a strict policy of 2 persons per room. Why on earth would we separate ourselves when we can easily fit in 1 bed?

We stayed for one night for a birthday party local in the area. What a lovely house! Ann was a gracious host and the accommodations were perfect. We stayed in the Zoo room. The bed was so comfortable and it had a private bathroom. Water pressure in shower was perfect!!! Air purifier, ceiling fan and ac as well in the room. House is clean, well maintained and in a great area for venturing out for drinks and a nice dinner! Morning there is a light breakfast and coffee. Bottled water provided and that was nice.

Hostess Ann greets you at the door, with a cheerful and comforting hello, and walks you to your room making you feel comfortable and welcome all the way. Clean rooms, tall ceilings, new furnishings and hardware welcome you. Immediately feel welcomed and at home. I even did yoga on the floor without feeling I needed a bath or shower afterward… comfortable clean modernized bathrooms await you. It’s a great bang for the buck. I hope breakfast is good in the morning, because so far this place is an A+ from this teacher’s standpoint!

The hospitality given by Anne, owner, was outstanding. I was met by Anne upon arrival and was given information about the area and shown to my room. The room was very nice and had everything there to make your stay complete. The morning breakfasts were great with fruit, yogurt, muffins, tea/​coffee. The location of this B&B was great. There were great shops, restaurants, and great bars all within walking distance. I would definitely suggest this location to anyone visiting San Diego.

This place is totally awesome! We have been coming here now for 5 years to celebrate our anniversary. I would not even consider going anywhere else.
Each room is decorated differently. My favorite is the Zoo Room. I also like the downstairs room with the private patio.
The house is immaculate! And I alway feel comfortable and very welcomed.
Breakfast is fun! I enjoy meeting and eating with other guests. Ann makes these «to die for“mini bite size muffins fresh every morning. I wake up to the smell of brewing coffee and fresh baked goodies. Of course she offers other breakfast items as well.
She goes out of her way to make your experience pleasant.
She actually deserves 10 stars!

I will try to avoid adjectives and opinions. Instead, I’ll write down facts and features to help others get an idea of what to expect.
I stayed in Balboa room in early March 2015.
1. Free parking. That’s a plus. Although we never had to pay for parking at any other B&B outside of San Diego lol
2. Bed is comfortable. High thread count. Hence the 1 star. Although some questionable particles are detected on the bed sheet. Bed creaked and whined. (No…I’m not that big. Only 115 pounds)
3. Room is ½ the size of an average Motel 6 room. Bathroom can house 1 small person at a time. No decoration of any kind. Perfect if you are a minimalist.
4. Continental breakfast includes 4 cold cookies the size of a quarter. Maybe a bit bigger, but not by much. A few cold hard boiled eggs in the fridge. A few slices of bread… the type you buy at grocery store to make your sad lunch sandwich. A few tiny cold lemon muffins. AND a hair on top of one of the muffins. It’s an enjoyable breakfast if you simply avoid the muffin with hair topping and pretend that you never saw it lol.
All other B&Bs I stayed at showed a certain degree of attention to details, an effort to make the place look nice and relaxing, a passion in making breakfasts that guests will remember and want to come back for, and a pride in their property and service.
I did not see any of the above in this bed and breakfast.
I saw all 5-​star reviews for this place. So maybe I just happened to stay there on one of their worst days?

I don’t give out 5 stars too often, but this place deserves it. And the fact that the overall Unilocal rating is 5 stars doesn’t surprise me either. It is really an incredible value in a great walkable location, and the owner is so friendly and helpful. Rooms are modern and clean. The continental breakfast is great. We will stay here every time we are in San Diego.
We stayed in the Coronado suite and I do agree with a couple other reviewers that the water pressure was low in the shower, and there was a bit of noise from the next room and from cars in the alley. Normally these things bother me, but honestly, everything else was so great that I didn’t mind, especially for the very reasonable price (even on President’s Day weekend).
p. s., the Afghani restaurant nearby (Khyber Pass) is delicious.

Had a delightful stay at the Hillcrest House. The home was cozy and nicely decorated with Autumn décor. Amenities include a guest fridge, coffee, tea and bottled water. There were even delicious homemade muffins! Parking spots are available for guests toward the back of the house.

The good: Very clean, very aesthetically appealing, simple but delish breakfast and close to tons of great restaurants, free WiFi, free loaner DVD’s and books, good coffee in the rooms, very friendly inn keeper (ann was on vacation), bed was very comfortable and within a short drive to the gas lamp or harbor.
The not so good: Water pressure was low in the shower. Walls are thin so you can hear the stuff going on around you (even in the Coronado suite) and the tv was tiny. But who comes to a B&B to watch TV? Exactly.
That being said, overall it was a great 2 night stay. If the worst thing about our stay was low water pressure? It’s safe to say that this place is pretty awesome. Definitely recommend Au Revoir restaurant for dinner. Excellent and inexpensive.
Thanks for everything! We will be back!

We love staying at Hillcrest House. It feels good to support a local, independently-​owned business instead of a giant corporate chain. The Hillcrest location is a major plus, too, because there is a lot of good food and drink within walking distance, which isn’t something you can say about many San Diego hotels.
Ann is a very gracious host, very proactive about how she manages your visit and knowledgeable about the area. Coming back late and finding snacks on the kitchen table is a nice touch.

Great location for bar-​hopping at night, don’t have to find parking, walking distance to a bunch of good places to eat & drink. No hot breakfast but if you sleep in, this works great!
For me however, I don’t bar hop, and rise early and need coffee ASAP in the morning :/​.
However…
This place was super cute– really warm and inviting décor. Anne was truly a great lady, very friendly and helpful. Very clean and the bed in the Balboa room was extra comfy! Good parking in a noisy busy spot of town, with lots of places to walk to and grab a bite. We paid $ 150 for a tiny room, with a small private bathroom in it. Anne does quite a bit to make you feel at home in her décor and the way the place is set up.
Only thoughts to have made it better (for us) is a bigger tv in the room to watch a late night movie, a bigger space, and a hot breakfast instead of a continental one. Plus next door there was loud people until 12am.
Other than that I liked it!

Very nice Bed & Breakfast we stayed in the Old Town Room and loved it! The front porch is quite nice in the morning and afternoon!
Ann is very friendly and helpful definitely a great place to stay

I stayed here for part of my honeymoon during the month of June. We were in the Coronado room. The room is located in the back of house, it has its own private entrance, small kitchenette: microwave, sink, and coffeemaker. The bed sheets are so soft and once you lay on them, you’ll be fast asleep — luxury 5,000 thread-​count sheets.
Ann was very friendly and nice with all her guest. I’m not sure what Vito (a few reviews down is talking about), but perhaps Vito was the one with the bad attitude. But anyways, back to the review, the place was very nice and is close to all the local touristy areas. My husband and I had a great time here and Ann provided a lot of places to go eat and see. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone staying in San Diego.