Beautiful property--disappointing service

Planned trip to celebrate my birthday. Made reservation on the Best Western website then, a few days later called to confirm my king room with a marina view. Arrived on Friday for our 2 night stay. Checked in, got keys and map to show us where our room was. Parked outside building carried some of our stuff in--2 queen beds and PARTIAL marina view. Went back to front desk and were told another guest had decided to stay an extra night so our room wasn't available. they had given our room away and admitted it! So they had to get us a room at the hotel next door. We spent our planned pool time on our only full day there, checking out of one hotel at noon and not being able to get into our original hotel till 4 o'clock. Had to cancel some plans and rearrange others. They along with many other hotels and other industries are throwing customer service by the wayside.

Great price, Nice Area, Nice Room, Good Service

After reading several reviews about the Palms I decided to give it a try and was very pleased with my choice. The Island it is on is a very nice area, it has a walking path right across the street and a fishing Pier a couple blocks down, I enjoyed them reeling in several fish. The pool area was clean and it was a very decent size. The restraunt was small but the food and drink reasonable. One of the couples I met even talked the kitchen into baking them some pizza's they had bought at the store(thinking there kitchenette had a oven). Our room was clean but small. I would stay there again.

Very Nice Week in San Diego

We stayed at the Best Western Island Palms Hotel for 7 nights and had a wonderful time. My husband and our two boys were very pleased with our room, the service, the pool area and hot tub as well as the marina area. We were across the street from the Harbor and my boys loved watching the Navy ships coming and going. We had a very nice area to walk and relax. Shopping was not our priority so if that is what you're looking for you will be disappointed. We booked online and had only the reviews and online tour to go by. Our room faced an inside walk way and was very quiet and private. Clean laundry machines were on the hotel grounds and were available for use. The restaurant was very good as well. We would go back!

Stayed in a suite for a week

We booked a suite for a week. Before arriving I was rather apprehensive because some of the reviews here are less than glowing. However, there was no need for concern. The suite was clean and roomy enough for a family of four. Incidentally, the hotel assured me that all their rooms are non-smoking.

We particularly liked the kitchen area in the suite - no need to buy breakfasts out - and the glass shower doors - so much nicer than a clingy plastic curtain!

The outdoor pool and hot tub were popular with some of the family. We liked the location. No, it's not close to the shopping but we enjoyed watching the ships come and go on the bay. You do need a car to get around from here.

Dislikes? Nothing major, but the furnishings were not much to get excited about. The heating was very noisy (it was cool at night when we were staying,) as was the toilet. The walls were also on the thin side, although better than some other places I've stayed.

Overall, it's probably the nicest Best Western I've stayed in.

Fair Best Western

My husband & I stayed here 2 nights while visiting my son @ SDSU. The room was very small, but a nice roomie bathroom, overall cleanliness was above average. We did not stay in the room at all only to sleep, but the outside was beautiful, people walking and jogging along the marina. Bike and boat rentals were close by. There were a few restaurants along the marina and some with entertainment. I don't think I would stay again just because it was not, what I consider, a desireable area. No shopping close by, but there were some fast food chains and a Denny's for breakfast. If you are vacationing I would choose something close to the downtown, Seaport Village area, but again that is my preference. Our room was $129/night and the staff was friendly, allowing us to check in 2 hours early.

I felt like I was on a honeymoon

Spur of the moment plans I made for myslef and my partner to go and enjoy a romantic evening. The bed was so wonderful, I don't think I ever woke up to turn over. The room was private and soundproof and a variety of entertainment is readily available for guests. Everything is provided, from multi scented bars of soaps to free cork opener to friendly service, to iron and fridge in all rooms. I opened my door and was literally on the lawn on the beautiful blue marina. Impeccable housekeeping and extras of everything, towels, pillows, etc. Sparkling clear shower doors and plenty of mirrors and lighing options. I had the most romantic night of my life here, and I wish I could stay in that little bit of paradise forever.

Be forwarned!

My family (husband and 3 kids) drove to San Diego in July ('03) and were very disappointed with the hotel. I found the rooms filthy and very tiny with heavily soiled carpet. The pool very tiny and they only had a smoking room available when I had booked a non-smoking room. The door on our room looked as if it had been broken open and air could freely flow under it. The "nicest" rooms are the ones facing a very smelly, dirty and busy marina. The rest of the rooms faced the parking lot and cars are parked literally 2 feet from your bed and window. We "upgraded" to another room on our 2nd night and it was no better! I would not recommend this place at all. The staff was friendly enough, but mostly it was dirty, tacky and needs a renovation.

Great choice!

The folks at Island Palms are a class act. The rooms are nice and very clean. The grounds are plush and the restaurant was so good we did not eat anywhere else for three days. When at three a.m. another guests car alarm continued to go off prompting a call to the desk at 4 a. m., in the morning we were treated to dinner at the restaurant by the management for our inconvenience. A class act!!! Thanks you guys!!!

I'll be back!

Island Palms a pleasant stay

July, 2003 found us here for three nights. A pleasant room overlooking a small bay at the east. Quiet and peaceful. Be aware that the nearby Navy flight school (to the west, towards the city) results in frequent helicopter and jet fighter activity, but this is endemic in the San Diego vicinity.

Very satisfied

The room was everything I expected it to be. Because of outside access to the rooms it was quiet, not like some places with noisy corridors and maids. The employees were very helpful in all my needs. The service in the restaurant was excellent and the pool area was great. I would definitely recommend it to anyone.