Alma San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

I was super excited and looking forward to a weekend in San Diego but was very disappointed in the Alma. I’ve been traveling to San Diego at least twice a month over the past year and this was my first time at the Alma and first time bringing my family. I was very much looking forward to a fun weekend and hoping to find my go to hotel for all my SD travels. I was awarded my suite night rewards 5 days in advance for an upgrade to a nice suite. Upon seeing this, I decided to also bring family to watch our two little ones so my husband and I could enjoy a night on the town. We checked in and went up to our room only to see a regular room with 1 king bed - for 3 adults and 2 kids. I went downstairs only to be told our room had been given away even though the upgrade had been processed well in advance. It took about 30 mins to find a room with at least two beds. After moving my family to the new room I decided to go back down to see what could be done. I was offered free valet which was not acceptable. The gentleman at the front desk was patient and took the time to accommodate me as best he could. We found a suite that I could move to the next day and we took him up on his offer. The next day we moved rooms AGAIN. I called for extra sheets and cribs and was told this would be sent straight up. We left for the day and came back only to see the items not delivered with two tired toddlers, family and parents. This definitely was not the norm as I’ve been a loyal Marriott customer for years. To their defense, it was very busy in the hotel but I still believe they could have done better.

The hotel itself is a nice boutique hotel. The staff is friendly. The room was nice but had quite a few minor issues. The door did not close completely on its own because it did not properly fit the doorway. It had to be pulled shut by hand. The blackout curtains do not actually block out ALL the parts of the windows. They still let in a lot of light at the edges. The TV menu did not work, and so there was no way to find out what was on the different channels. This is important to know when you are in a new city. The drains in the bathroom both drained too slowly, and water collected in both the sink and the shower while in use. The 'engineer' was sent up to the room and was able to fix the door, but not the TV. There is no coffee maker in the room, and although the hotel serves coffee for free in the lobby, it is only until 9 am, and I would rather not get all dressed just to go get coffee. It is a waking-up drink, not an already-up-and-going drink. Also, no microwave. There is no separate listing for The Cafe at the Alma, so I am reviewing it here. The breakfast burrito was the worst that I have ever eaten and at $25 it should have been GLORIOUS! It was extremely dry and had no salsa to add to it. The meat was flavorless. I couldn't finish eating it. The hotel is in the Gaslamp Quarter, so there are plenty of other places to get food instead of going to this overpriced one.

Details…maintenance/functional issues - smoke alarm went off 3 different days while we showered, even after unit replacement 1st time. Lights around bathroom mirror broken. TV not working properly. Roll shades don’t black out room. Noise - on a busy Saturday we wanted a mid day nap in between activities but no - very loud party at pool all afternoon - 12 floors up is was so noisy impossible to sleep. Hotel answer is that quiet hour is 10pm so I guess you can make as much noise as you want until then! We gave feedback on all of this and they offered points but no real solutions. The staff at desk and in cafe were all pleasant and doing their best despite all the issues. Location - within 1 mile walk of most everything downtown and next to blue line trolley (light rail) - but it is a noisy location and let’s just say not very pleasant in immediate area. I received at least 10 emails and texts trying to sell stuff in the weeks leading up to visit - annoying. If you still choose to stay here, avoid north side of building at all costs - noise from trolley line, pool, etc.

I stayed here for a conference, and the hotel is located downtown San Diego and close to eateries, shopping, and attractions. The only thing I didn't care for was the smell of urine outside the hotel door, as there are several homeless people in the vicinity. The breakfast at the hotel was great but the dinner menu was limited.

I had my own (negative) thoughts which were only confirmed after I read the Reviews previously posted by others. But first, THE Positive is the staff — very friendly, polite and as helpful as they could be to a guest. Standouts were Simon (pool), Joel (bartender) and Tyson (valet) — each was prompt, friendly, engaging, professional … great ambassadors for the property. The “upgraded” room (I opted for the $50 “upgraded” room only days before check-in) is an ABSOLUTE SHAM — DO NOT PAY FOR THE UPGRADE! You get a “patio” which is a narrow space that looks down to the pool and a parking garage! No chair, no table although would be cozy for a litter box in case you decide to bring your cat. The lighting throughout the room is terrible! The lights at the headboard hit you in the head, the electrical and USB (Room 1310) outlets do not work! The bathroom layout is terrible — a sliding glass door into the rooms’ hallway which offers NO privacy! Water sprays from the shower so the floor is soaked. Coffee Service in the lobby (6am-9am) is mediocre, at best. It is completely taken away at 9am — even though the coffee urn was empty since 8:30! Dinner food is “meh” … avoid the pasta unless you bring your own flavor, terrible food! MY WORST MARRIOTT EXPERIENCE EVER — next time, I’ll spend $300/night for a Hilton Garden Inn. Sorry, no pics! Nothing worth taking photographing!