San Diego Travel Forum

Any comment, opinion or experience of this hotel located :

606 West Date Street at India San Diego, CA 92101

Is the area (Little Italy) pleasant and safe ?

RAY

Hi Ray,

I've heard positive things about La Pensione Hotel, but have't seen it.

Little Italy in general is not the most charming area--not horrible, just ordinary. The area is safe as far as I'm aware.

If you are thinking of staying here I could take a drive down there and come back with my opinion--especially if you give more detail of what you envision the area to be. Sorry I haven't a digital camera--and no friend with one, so photos would take a couple of days if you'd like me to take some.

Offering Help,
Linda

No problem of photo Linda. They have a website with some.

I was informed they have not air conditionning in the rooms. What is the temperature in late June ?

In late June it's usually mild weathere, in the mid 70's (I don't know celcius.) I doubt that it will be a problem for you without air condidioning in your room. That area is not far from the bay, with the airport between the hotel and the bay--meaning the ocean breeze can circulate easily. Be sure to bring a sweater or jacket as it can be cool in the evenings.

We also have a condition called "June Gloom," meaning that usually in the mornings there is a thick cloud cover that doesn't burn off till 11 am/1 pm. This "tricks" visitors into thinking that the day will be cold and cloudy, when in fact the sun burns off the clouds and it becomes quite warm. If you wake up early in the morning and see a bright sun--watch out, because that usually means it will be a Hot day. (Still will cool when the sun goes down.)

Anything else?
Linda

Ray,

Take a look at Steve's, "brdwtchr" page @ http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/16c57/b8708/2/#T

The fourth Restaurant Tip. It shows a block of Little Italy. The area is actually two or three blocks that looks like this.

I have not been to this hotel Ray but I used to live in San Diego and can recommend it as charming and very safe.

Hi,

Well, I don't know this hotel. BUT, I recommend Little Italy. It is a nice neighbourhood with nice food and very close to down town where all the action takes place.

we just got back from a visit to san diego and stayed at the la pensione in little italy for one night. if you can picture a super 8 or motel 6 hotel with a quasi-european decor, you've got a picture. although it looks cosmetically interesting at first glance, this is a very stripped down hotel in a noisy section of town. no air conditioning (ceiling fan only) means the windows stayed open for air, means the room was loud all night long, between people on the street and the planes overhead. very small room, no amenities. the plus is that the room was only $75/night, but for an extra $25 you could get a room that is more comfortable and relaxing. we would not go back.

Hi Tessa,

An interesting report about La Pensione Hotel. Sorry your experience was unsatisfactory. Of course, it is the lower price that would be the draw to this hotel and the festive atmosphere on the street below might appeal to some. Didn't it quiet down around 2 a.m. when the bars closed? Your room must have been on the east side of the hotel, it might be quieter on the west side where there are fewer restaruants and bars.

You are right, adding $25.00 per night might pay for a bit larger room and a noisy air conditioner, but to find a room in the downtown area, that is noticeabley better, my guess is that you'd have to pay $50.00 a night more, at least.

Sorry you were disappointed,
Linda