Avoid the Handlery
by TripAdvisor Member BCMSW06
We just go back from six nights at the Handlery Hotel and Resort. First, I have no clue why the name resort is included, since I have stayed at many resorts and the Handlery certaintly did not elude a resort like atmosphere. I booked the hotel on priceline, which was my mistake. I thought that saving money on the hotel would allow me to spend more money on other activites. BIG MISTAKE!!!! However, I have booked on priceline before and had no problems (the key to priceline in my opinion, is bid for only 4 star properties). The Handlery looks like a 1960's motel. The rooms are tiny and the linens are not plush at all, the comforters had stains and pulls all over them. The rugs had plenty of stains and I had to wear flip flops at all times because I was afraid I would catch a discusting fungus. The bathroom was awfully small and had no character to it at all. People always say, "we'll its just a place to stay" yes, that is true to some extent but I believe a bad hotel can set a tone on your vacation. I avoided my room at all costs to avoid a bout of depression. For example, a foot print was on my sheets when I pulled the covers down. Bottom line I felt dirty at the hotel and would never stay at the Handlery again. I have family who live in San Diego and they say that its in a great location, which is true, but I don't care. Pay the extra money and stay downtown at the hyatt or the westin. In fact I have heard nothing but great reviews of the Omni. Two big thumbs down for the Handlery.... I agree with a previous review... the Handlery is prime real estate, level the piece of junk and build a new hotel that meets the expectations of discerning travelers.
Just stay somewhere else, please
by TripAdvisor Member Spectrowax
Stayed one night at the Handlery Hotel, if that is what they want call it, on 1/29/05. Booked the hotel through Priceline and got it for $50. plus tax. Then I read the reviews of this establishment. We expected the worst and braced for the $8.00 parking fee.
In former life, say 40 years ago, the hotel must have been a fabulous place. Even with the updates of decor, restaurant and in-room renovations, this is NOT a hotel and resort. It feels like an old Best Western.
Upon checking in during the late afternoon, we found the staff to be OK. Not extremely professional - a little too casual, reminded me of indifferent high school kids that don't take their part time jobs real seriously. They seemed to "busy" hanging out in the back room behind the counter and chit-chatting.
The room was clean and the sheets were clean but smelled too much of deodorizer. Sheer curtains had holes and weirdly, there were four small dents in the wall over the bed. As if someone bagged on the wall with a heavy object to tell the neighbors to be quiet? Who knows? There was a discarded dinner tray in the hallway for a number of hours.
The parking situation and fee is a scam. We were prepared to show our ticket each time we drove out of the parking lot. The guard just opened the gate, not checking anything. It was when we checked out the next morning that we realized that they must charge arbitrarily.
At check out we learned that we were charged $2.25 for a couple of local calls. We started to complain about the parking fee too and the woman at the desk quickly said, "You have not been charged for parking and I replied, "OK, so you are not going to charge us for parking, thats fine." Her facial expression seemed to convey that she was doing us a favor. Either that or she knew that is just a scam, and if you don't say anything they will charge you. There is just no reason for this establishment to charge this fee. They are outside of a city and off of a major highway.
We went to breakfast at the Waffle House, which is located inside the Kings Hotel on the south side of hotel circle. Now this is an old hotel too, but what a HUGE different in customer service and professionalism. We walked into the lobby to get to the restaurant and the woman at the front desk smiled and greeted us pleasantly. Try a blueberry waffle, it was really tasty.
There must be a huge disconnect between the "family" that owns the hotel and the managers that run this "hotel and resort" and the staff who don't seem to really care much about hospitality and the industry they work in. Too bad, this could be a real kitschy, cool retro modern hotel but instead it presents itself as a bus station.
No frills but good stay, I'd stay again
by TripAdvisor Member Trip123abc
Reading the reviews you'd think people were expecting the Four Seasons. This is an adequate hotel for short stays - clean, decent size, no problems. Staff was very courteous. Easy to get to from highway and prices are good - especially using Priceline.
needs a complete renovation!!!!!
by TripAdvisor Member bunbear
While this hotel is listed as a 3 star hotel....don't be deceived.It needs total renovation.The air conditioner was so noisy,we couln't sleep.The smallest room we've ever stayed in.A total dissappointment!
Very good hotel with a great location.
by A TripAdvisor Member
Being from San Diego originally, I knew exactly where this hotel was located and it is perfect for someone wanting to be central in San Diego. Right on one of the main freeways it is so easy to get wherever you want to go. No problems with traffic noise either!
Our room was clean and a good size. Lovely pool and gym. Do not be put off by some of the bad reviews on this hotel.
Forum Posts
Handlery hotel
by puprules4me
Handlery hotel Stinks or not, good 4 familys???
Re: Handlery hotel
by ghosthunter
Have never been but for reviews you cannot beat tripadvisor :
www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=Handlery+hotel&sub-search=Go
Re: Handlery hotel
by lmkluque
It would depend on what you are expecting.
The Handlery Hotel was origionally the Stardust and it is located at Hotel Circle in Mission Valley.
It's a resort type hotel and it should be family friendly enough.
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