Holiday Inn Express La Mesa Near SDSU: A Budget-Friendly Stay with Basic Comforts
Smooth Check-In, But Minimal Interaction
Checking into the Holiday Inn Express La Mesa Near SDSU was a straightforward experience. We arrived around 8 PM after traveling from Anaheim, and while the front desk agent was efficient, the interaction was purely transactional. There was no warmth or extra hospitality, but the process was quick and hassle-free.
Room Quality & Cleanliness: Meets Expectations
For the price, the room quality was decent but nothing extraordinary. The essentials were covered—clean sheets, a functional bathroom, and a comfortable enough bed for a short stay.
Basic but clean interior – No major issues, just a standard no-frills hotel room.
View of the parking lot – Unfortunately, our room faced the back of the hotel, overlooking dumpsters—not the most picturesque sight.
Quiet enough for a good night’s sleep – Despite being near a busy area, there wasn’t much noise disturbance.
Breakfast: Complimentary, But Not the Best
A free breakfast is always a plus, but the quality was on the lower end of what you’d expect from a Holiday Inn Express.
Limited selection – Standard fare like cereal, toast, and pre-packaged items.
Lack of freshness – Some food items felt a bit stale, but it was still convenient for grabbing a quick bite before heading out.
If you're someone who values a good breakfast selection, you might want to eat elsewhere.
Parking & Safety Considerations
One of the biggest advantages of this hotel was the convenient parking, though the area did raise a few concerns:
Easy parking process – We provided our license plate at check-in, and parking was close to the entrance.
A few safety concerns – Some individuals were walking around the area at night, which made us more cautious about locking doors and windows.
While nothing happened, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re traveling alone or prefer a more secure-feeling environment.
Location: Convenient for San Diego & SDSU Access
We booked this hotel primarily because it was cheaper than staying directly in San Diego, and it worked well as a budget-friendly base for exploring.
Close to SDSU – Ideal for those visiting students or attending events at San Diego State University.
Easy access to San Diego attractions – While it’s a short drive to downtown San Diego, staying closer to the city would have been more convenient.
Near Costco – A great perk if you need to grab quick groceries or gas up your car.
Final Verdict: Who Should Stay Here?
✅ Budget-conscious travelers looking for an affordable one-night stay
✅ Visitors needing a quick stopover near San Diego or SDSU
✅ Road trippers who want free parking and basic accommodations
❌ Not ideal for travelers looking for luxury or a highly engaging hotel experience
❌ Those who prioritize security and surroundings may prefer a different area
Would I stay here again? Only if I needed a cheap and quick overnight stay—otherwise, I’d look for options closer to downtown San Diego.
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