In our review of this budget-friendly inn near San Diego State University, we found a no-frills spot that’s big on convenience. The rooms are clean and comfy, with some offering kitchenettes for longer stays.
You’ll find typical motel amenities like a pool and game room, plus a basic breakfast to start your day.
While the location is great for campus visits, it’s a bit far from downtown San Diego. The décor might feel dated to some travelers.
However, if you’re looking for a wallet-friendly base to explore the city or attend university events, this place fits the bill. It’s especially suited for families on a budget, SDSU visitors, and road-trippers who don’t mind a simple, clean place to rest their heads.
Good To Know
- The Lamplighter Inn & Suites is located 4 minutes from San Diego State University, offering convenient access for students, faculty, and visitors.
- The hotel features a variety of room options, including suites and kitchen-equipped rooms, catering to the needs of both leisure and business travelers.
- Guests can enjoy on-site amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, game room, and BBQ facilities, as well as a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast.
- The hotel has received an overall rating of 8.5/10 from over 2,200 reviews, with positive feedback on the convenient location and clean rooms.
- The hotel adheres to COVID-19 safety protocols and offers accessibility features to ensure a comfortable and secure stay for all guests.
Hotel Overview and Location
The Lamplighter Inn & Suites is located at 6474 El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego, California, just a 4-minute drive from San Diego State University.
The hotel is within 20 minutes’ drive of popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.
Based on 2,279 reviews, the Lamplighter Inn & Suites has an impressive rating of 8.5 out of 10, with guests praising its convenient location.
The hotel’s location rating of 8.4 further highlights its accessibility and proximity to nearby amenities.
Whether visiting SDSU or exploring San Diego, the Lamplighter Inn & Suites offers a well-situated base for travelers.
Accommodation Details
Rooms at the Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU offer a variety of options to accommodate the needs of different travelers.
The hotel features king and queen rooms, as well as suites and rooms with kitchens. All rooms come equipped with DVD players, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, coffee machines, and hairdryers.
For accessibility, the hotel provides disability-accessible options. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, game room, BBQ facilities, and free parking on-site.
The hotel also offers a free deluxe continental breakfast, served daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, with a waffle station.
Amenities and Facilities
The Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU offers an array of amenities and facilities to cater to the needs of its guests.
Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, game room, and BBQ facilities on-site. The hotel also provides free parking and family/non-smoking rooms.
For guests with disabilities, the property offers accessible features. Complimentary continental breakfast is served daily, featuring a waffle station.
In-room amenities include a DVD player, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, coffee machine, and hairdryer.
The hotel caters to both leisure and business travelers, providing a comfortable and convenient stay near San Diego State University.
Complimentary Breakfast
Guests of the Lamplighter Inn & Suites are treated to a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast each morning, served from 6:00 am to 10:00 am.
The breakfast spread includes:
- A waffle station, allowing guests to create their own fresh waffles.
- A variety of pastries, breads, and muffins.
- An assortment of hot and cold beverages, including coffee, tea, and juices.
The breakfast is praised by guests for its quality and variety, providing a satisfying start to the day.
This complimentary meal is a valued amenity that enhances the overall experience at the Lamplighter Inn & Suites.
Guest Experiences and Feedback
Beyond the complimentary breakfast, guests at the Lamplighter Inn & Suites have shared their overall experiences and feedback regarding the property. Positive reviews praise the spacious rooms, cleanliness, and helpful staff, who received a rating of 9.1. However, some guests noted mixed experiences with room comfort and soundproofing, as well as occasional noise from the nearby boulevard.
| Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|
| "Great location" | "Mixed reviews on room comfort" |
| "Clean rooms" | "Some noise from El Cajon Boulevard" |
| "Hardworking staff" |
While the Lamplighter Inn & Suites enjoys an overall rating of 8.5, the guest feedback provides valuable insights into areas for potential improvement.
Policies and Information
Regarding policies and important information, check-in at the Lamplighter Inn & Suites begins at 15:00, while check-out must be completed by 11:00.
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by accommodation type, and a refundable damage deposit of $100 is required at check-in.
The hotel welcomes children of all ages, and pets are allowed on request, though additional charges may apply.
For group bookings of over 9 rooms, different policies are in effect.
Safety and Accessibility
The hotel has implemented additional sanitation measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of its guests.
All rooms are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms. While the upper floors are only accessible by stairs, the property offers designated smoking areas for guest convenience.
The hotel staff is fluent in both English and Spanish, catering to a diverse clientele.
Guests can enjoy a variety of entertainment options, including flat-screen TVs with cable channels and board games/puzzles available on-site.
The Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU prioritizes the well-being and accessibility of its patrons.
Nearby Attractions and Accessibility
The Lamplighter Inn & Suites’ prime location offers guests easy access to an array of renowned San Diego attractions.
Within a 20-minute drive, visitors can explore:
- The iconic San Diego Zoo, home to thousands of exotic animals and lush botanical gardens.
- SeaWorld San Diego, a world-class marine life theme park featuring thrilling rides, live shows, and up-close animal encounters.
- The San Diego International Airport, providing convenient transportation to and from the hotel.
The hotel’s accessibility features, including designated smoking areas and upper floors accessible by stairs, cater to the diverse needs of guests.
Plus, the property adheres to COVID-19 safety protocols, ensuring a secure and comfortable stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Fitness Center or Gym On-Site?
The hotel does not appear to have an on-site fitness center or gym according to the information provided. The amenities mentioned focus on outdoor facilities, breakfast, and accessibility features, but do not include any indoor fitness options.
What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted at the Hotel?
The hotel accepts a variety of payment methods, including major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash and debit cards may also be accepted.
Are There Any Golf Courses or Driving Ranges Nearby?
There are no golf courses or driving ranges immediately adjacent to the hotel property. However, there are several golf facilities located within a 10-15 minute drive, including Mission Trails Golf Course and Carlton Oaks Golf Club.
Is There a Shuttle Service Available to the Airport?
The hotel does not appear to offer a shuttle service to the San Diego International Airport. Guests would need to arrange their own transportation, such as a taxi, rideshare service, or rental car, to get to the airport.
Is the Hotel Suitable for Events or Conferences?
The hotel appears to offer basic facilities suitable for small events or conferences, such as an outdoor swimming pool, BBQ facilities, and a game room. However, it does not seem to have dedicated event spaces or catering services based on the information provided.
Sum Up
We’ve stayed at this gem near San Diego State University, and it’s a real find! The Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU offers cozy digs with all the trimmings, perfect for campus visitors or anyone looking to explore America’s Finest City.
Our experience here was top-notch. The rooms are spacious, the freebies are plentiful, and you can’t beat the location. It’s a stone’s throw from campus and within easy reach of San Diego’s many attractions. The glowing reviews from fellow travelers aren’t just hot air – this place delivers.
If you’re itching to book a stay, you’re in luck! Click the button below to reserve your room through our trusted partner, Booking.com. We use them ourselves and can vouch for their competitive rates. Plus, there’s no charge to make a reservation. Happy travels!