2. The location is great, walking distance to anything in Gaslamp district, Horton Plaza, etc. What sets this hotel apart from the rest in the vicinity (Marriott, another Hilton, Hard Rock, Hyatt) is the size (quite a bit smaller, with a cozy modern lobby and bar, cute outdoor pool area with soft cushioned sun beds) and a great personable service that would not be possible if you had thousands of guests milling around a train station sized lobby.