Disappointing This is a Marriott Vacation Club Pulse property, so we knew it would be more of an urban experience when we booked it. It is in a nice location, walking distance to the Gaslamp area and Seaport Village, as well as Little Italy and Balboa Park (about a half hour), and close to the 5 and 163 freeways. The staff was very friendly and professional. Our room was clean and a suite floorplan, which was very comfortable for our extended vacation visit. That is what we paid for when we made our reservation. What we did not anticipate is that the exterior of the building is undergoing significant repairs, which involve non-transparent plastic sheeting covering the windows of about half the Pulse's rooms, including ours. In other words, we had zero view for a 5-night stay, which is part of what you're paying for and expecting when you reserve a hotel room for a vacation. It provided a very cave-like experience. Shame on Marriott Vacation Club for not closing these rooms or at least marking down the room prices for the affected rooms. We were traveling with another couple and their room with an identical floorplan had a beautiful view north towards Balboa Park and the Hillcrest neighborhood. We were both charged the same number of MVC points for our respective rooms. In case you wondered whether Marriott Vacation Club status makes a difference, we are Chairmans Club, and booked before our friends, who are also at a lower MVC category. Payton, at registration, and Amber, the duty manager when we checked in, were very professional in our interactions. They did give us an accommodation on our valet parking for the 5 days, but that basically cost Marriott nothing, particularly since the valet cars are parked around the corner in an unattended open lot and not in the building, so they bake in the summer sun. Also, please be aware that there is nowhere to sit outside at this property, despite the beautiful San Diego weather. The pool is indoors and there are no rooftops, balconies or courtyards to enjoy the glorious weather without leaving the hotel. Overall, a disappointing experience.

Downtown This hotel was a pleasant complete place to stay. It had many of the amenities that you would expect in a hotel of this caliber. They focused a lot on keeping it clean and the staff was very helpful. This is my second time back to San Diego but I am looking forward to staying at this location again.

Not what I expected...disappointed in several respects. We got a nice deal on a 3 night/four day stay, provided we sat for a sales presentation for the Marriott Vacation Club program. We were told the presentation would be 30-45 minutes. It ended up being almost 2 hours. We did not join/purchase. Just not a good fit for our travel style and preferences. Pricey, up front cost and then two annual fees (HOA and Club Membership). Pluses: Quiet rooms, good climate control throughout. Friendly, professional staff. Minuses: Expensive parking per day, cumbersome parking garage. Layout/design of King Suite room very quirky. Bit of a walk to Gaslamp District, not such a great neighborhood. Pool is indoors and quite small.

Amazing hotel with kids There have been a few minor issues due to the remodel currently in progress, but nothing that I can put any blame on the staff that has helped me during my stay. When I first came in the staff was wonderful and very helpful to get me and my family checked in quickly and efficiently. They were also able to recommend a wonderful nearby restaurants to get some food from that was excellent. The hotel laundry is amazing to wash the kids cloths. The rooms have plenty of space to walk around and the kitchenette in our room was fully stock that made it easy to feed the kids in the room but no stove. I would 100% recommend staying here based on the rooms and staff. Thank you Lydia and Janet for your all your amazing help.

Great if you want to be downtown This place is interesting with some pretty powerful pros and cons. Pro: new, very clean, modern decor, soundproofing must be excellent. Cons: Location is just a few blocks from the Gaslamp. We walked to stuff daily. Problem is that there are a lot of homeless folks which is heartbreaking but can also be nerveracking. Still, it's only a few blocks from the heart of the Gaslamp. PARKING: this hotel is a highrise and the parking structure is built into the building. Guests have to park on the 11th floor, meaning you have to navigate a corkscrew ramp then continue up three floors that are very narrow. Also the price if insane, $39 a day. Yes, there are $15 outdoor lots nearby, but we saw somebody's car whose passenger window had been smashed in, so perhaps the $39 is worth it. THE ROOM: I really liked the layout, although I agree with other reviewers that it was a bit smaller than expected. I was traveling with my 2 teen daughters and their friends. I was able to close myself off in the sitting room area, which gave me quiet and privacy. The couch has a pullout bed, which I must say was pretty comfortable. Other reviewers complained about the kitchenette, but I found it ingenious. Everything you need, very well designed and ingenious. Can you cook here? No you cannot. But isn't that the whole point of being near the Gaslap and Little Italy? Enjoy this urban experience -- I wouldn't recommend for little kids as their is no outdoor pool.