Yes, “vanilla hotels” may not be the “sexiest” use of points in the travel-hacking universe, but they can often provide massive outsized value, especially when you just need a place to crash that’s close to major tourist attractions in a great city like San Diego.
So, continuing with the “vanilla hotels of San Diego” theme, today I’ll take a look at a Marriott Bonvoy option, TownPlace Suites San Diego Central.
Review: TownPlace Suites San Diego Central (San Diego, CA)
Editor’s Note: This article is part of my ongoing series on the state of California and its sister-series, San Diego.Â
About The TownPlace Suites San Diego Central
Images: marriott.com
The Official Website: TownPlace Suites San Diego Central
The Marriott Bonvoy Redemption
This TownePlace Suites hotel is a Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Category 3 property, redeemable for a standard award rate of 17,500 points.
On the night I stayed there, the price of a Studio, 1 King, Sofa Bed room went for $288.50 USD (plus taxes and fees).
This meant my Marriott Bonvoy redemption was 1.65 CPP (excellent for a Bonvoy redemption).
The Lobby And Check-In
The check-in was fast and easy.
I was recognized for my Bonvoy status, but I’m not sure that mattered all that much at this hotel due to the limited room types.
Image: marriott.com
Image: marriott.com
The Bedroom
I was given a room on the first floor, facing out the front of the hotel.
What struck me first about the room was that it, and the hotel itself, appeared to be brand-spanking-new.
This was my first TownePlace Suites stay and I was impressed with the smart and simple “extended-stay” business styling and decor.
The Living Area
There were plenty of plugs and USB slots for device charging
The Wall Art
I even liked the wall art
The Kitchenette
The kitchenette also appeared to be new with a fresh coat of paint, stainless steel appliances, and a shiny finish on the countertop.
The Bathroom
The bathroom was well-lit and came with Paul Mitchell toiletries, including the excellent Tea Tree line of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
The Swimming Pool
Image: marriott.com
The Fitness Center
Image: marriott.com
Image: marriott.com
Complimentary Breakfast And Coffee
TownePlace Suites is one of the few Marriott brands that provides complimentary breakfast.
They also provided complimentary coffee and tea during the day (on the small counter to the left of the front desk).
Image: marriott.com
Image: marriott.com
The Check-Out
Check-out was a breeze as well.
The Bonvoy points covered the whole bill, except the $10.00 USD daily parking charge.
The Bottom-Line Review: TownPlace Suites San Diego Central (San Diego, CA)
I really liked the TownPlace Suites San Diego Central.
Yes, I’m sure the fact that it was brand new played a big part in that sentiment, but I also liked the overall vibe of the hotel, the smart, clean, and comfortable rooms, and the free breakfast.
The location was a little north of downtown San Diego (in a corporate park), but that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. It was still only a 15-minute drive to the Gaslamp Quarter.
The hotel was very near to the wonderful Kearny Mesa neighborhood, which is full of awesome restaurants specializing in Asian Cuisine. Oh, and did I mention there is also an In-N-Out Burger less than 5 minutes away?
Final Review: 8.75/10 – A brand new hotel plus a good location (with comfortable rooms and free breakfast) equals a great value for 17,500 Bonvoy points a night.
