Alma San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

We stayed at the Alma for 5 nights during the 1st week of August. Our son and daughter-in-law who came with us with their kids arranged it for my wife's birthday, and they got us the penthouse suite. As we walked around it we noticed there were no shelves or drawers to put clothes. Mind you, this is on 2 levels with spacious bedroom and a large sitting area with couches and TV. We called to the front desk and they sent up someone who looked around and agreed that we had not missed a bureau, etc. He also said there were no chests of drawers anywhere in the hotel that he could offer us. He did point out that there was a 2 foot deep shelf running the length of the walk-in closet over the hangars. It was about 6 ft off the floor; I could not see the shelf surface although I could get my hand onto it; my wife couldn't reach it at all. Ultimately he brought us a 2nd ironing board and we each used them as a place for our clothes that did not go on hangars. Not what you'd expect from a penthouse suite... But wait, there's more.... While the workman and I were discussing the merits of a 2nd ironing board, my wife checked the double sinks in the bathroom. One faucet had NO flow, while the other was very weak. Meanwhile, the workman brought up a 2nd ironing board and had to partly close the closet door to set it up. I went to open the door (from the inside) and the handle came off. Thankfully it had not clicked shut.... The guy helping us with the ironing board ultimately fixed it. We called down about the sink faucets, and a handyman came up. He looked at it, said something about needing someone else to help him, left and told us he would be back. We left for dinner with our family. Upon our return, no change in the faucet situation. We again called the front desk and were told that they would report this to the manager in the morning. (The next day we called the manager and a real plumber was sent up who fixed it.) After I took my 1st shower, I noticed there was a large amount of water on the bathroom floor. Upon close inspection I could see where the silicon seal at the bottom of the door was gone (see photo). Lastly, the patio (with great views from the 20th floor) had a carpet with nicely curled up edges (again see photo) - the kind that cause some people to trip. Would we stay there again? Not on your life....

It’s a nice room, and the pizza is really good, but they host parties on the weekends and the pool gets clouded with all the spilt drinks. It’s more of a frat vibe than a relaxing vibe. It was impossible to order room service and they made me cry trying to order dessert to my room after a long day. I also had my blush stolen out of its compact and I didn’t notice until I was at the airport. Wouldn’t come back personally, but it was clean.

Normally, I suck up what I am about to share and I am not doing that any longer. I booked the room expecting something bigger than my walk-in closet. The room I received was TINY. If I had a guest, we would have had to have taken turns getting out of bed. Beautiful room but the size was crazy small. The resort fees. Look. I am not doing that anymore. $35 a night plus tax for what? For what? I received three cards for three free glasses of house wine and a $20 per day food credit. Hard pass. First I do not drink crappy wine. Ever. I drink bourbon. Good bourbon. Secondly, I do not eat in a hotel bar or restaurant when I am in San Diego when there are perfectly amazing dining experiences. Stop ripping me off with resort fees. Lastly. There were times I walked outside and I was extremely apprehensive with the homeless people. If you insist on charging a premium then deliver. Do better Marriott because this long term Marriott loyalist is done.

The Alma is a great hotel to stay at for SD! Right when we walked in, my fiance and I were greeted with warm smiles. Ana and Tre at reception were very welcoming and helpful. Check in was a breeze, thanks to them. The room we had was BEAUTIFUL. Balcony with an amazing view all around. I couldn't figure out how to work the AC, so Sean quickly came to the rescue and helped us out. Joel, at the bar, gave us great bar suggestions around the area-all within walking distance. Hotel is clean and the staff really cares to communicate with the guests. I didn't get a chance to visit the rooftop bar, but that gives me another reason to visit again!

Tre and the front desk was just amazing and started what was a fantastic experience from start to end. From check-in to the room to the bar downstairs with Joel, all the staff was fantastic and I can’t say enough about how special they made me feel on my trip. Thank you so much Alma Marriott San Diego!