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The Sofia Hotel

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Traveler (508)
360
Panoramas (6)
Room & Suite (220)

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Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#115 of 263 hotels in San Diego
Location
4.5
Cleanliness
4.4
Service
4.2
Value
4.0
Are you looking for a perfect stay in the heart of San Diego? Experience The Sofia Hotel, a lovingly renovated luxury boutique that offers all the modern comforts while preserving its historic heritage. You’re in a great location, just two blocks from the Gaslamp District shops, entertainment and restaurants, the USS Midway and steps away from the Convention Center. Affordable nightly rates and fee include access to the 24-hour Health and Fitness Center, Yoga Studio (with scheduled morning classes), Weekend Walkabout Tour and Business Center. Among the many in-room amenities are 42” flat screen TV, Sofia SuperWifi surround sound clock radios and use of ‘urban cruiser’ bicycles with helmets. Purchase Spa Treatments and enjoy in a dedicated Spa Treatment room at the hotel.
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Property amenities
Valet parking
Wifi
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Bicycles available
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Business Center with Internet Access
Meeting rooms
Paid public parking on-site
Paid wifi
Yoga classes
Yoga room
Restaurant
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Vending machine
Photo copier / fax In business center
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Massage
Baggage storage
Concierge
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
ATM on site
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
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Room features
Allergy-free room
Blackout curtains
Air conditioning
Desk
Housekeeping
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Safe
Seating area
Telephone
VIP room facilities
Iron
Laptop safe
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Radio
iPod docking station
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
City view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.5 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Centrally Located
Languages Spoken
English, French, Russian, Spanish and 2 more
4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles2,221 reviews
Reviews Summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The Sofia Hotel garners mixed reactions, with its central location widely celebrated for ease of access to local attractions and transport. While some guests enjoy the historic charm and cleanliness of the hotel, others point out the compactness of the rooms and dated décor. Noise levels can be hit or miss, with reports of both tranquil stays and disruptive sounds. The service quality varies, though there are commendations for friendly staff. Travelers question the value, particularly critiquing the additional fees, and some find the gym facilities lacking.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Cramped
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Noise level
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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2,221Reviews21Q+A100Room tips
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shn2024 wrote a review Mar 13
1 contribution
Great location, clean rooms, dirty and crowded gym (at least between 5-7 am) and noisy air condition. Would stay again for a convention, but bring outdoors running shoes. There are no water bottles, tea or snacks in the room
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2024
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Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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msldermatopato2017 wrote a review Mar 9
1 contribution
Location is perfect, staff is very kind and professional, cleanliness in rooms and shared areas, service, it is a quite place to stay. Highly recommended. I will stay there any time I visit SanDiego Downtown.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Mario V wrote a review Mar 6
1 contribution
I was there for work and it was perfect because I was only one block from courthouse. The evening before I walked over to eat with plenty of restaurants within walking distance and the view from the seven floor was nice.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2024
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
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Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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1lawloms0n wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
We had a great short stay at The Sofia. We normally have stayed at another downtown property, but after some issues decided to try The Sofia and it was a great choice. The check-in staff was great. The valet was very friendly. Rooms were very nice. Overall, a great value for the money and a very nice hotel.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5bek7djvdf wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
They charged a lot of fees that I didn't know that exist, for example "Historical Preservation Assessment" $3 per night. What the heck is that? Pillows not comfortable for me. In general is a good hotel, location and is pretty quiet. The restaurant at the hotel is close.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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k3kye373t5 wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
The front desk staff (checking in) was the biggest lowlight, and the room was oddly shaped, with the sink in the middle of the room, away from the shower and the toilet. The checkout staff was friendly, the cleaning staff was diligent, and the location was fantastic.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
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Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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6iq3mt8a6h wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
“One of the originals” our Uber driver said. It was very cool to see a hotel with so much history still independent and operating. The staff were friendly and the addition of the Starbucks pickup location made it a great place to jump off from for a conference. Rooms are small and strange as you’d expect from an old hotel, but clean and the staff were great.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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wltpbbniqj wrote a review Feb 2024
Cathedral City, California1 contribution
Great Staff - thanks... The location is wonderful and the Hotel Staff is always friendly and welcoming. The rooms are nice and the entire trip was delightful. We love staying at The Sofia and will return.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Mark G wrote a review Feb 2024
2 contributions
This was my second stay at this hotel. The rooms are small but comfortable and the location is great. It's an old structure so you get the charm of a historic building. I would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting to be in the downtown area. It's nice to have a Starbucks adjacent to the lobby. The staff is always friendly and the prices are reasonable as well.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Mr. Matt wrote a review Feb 2024
Guangzhou, China47 contributions45 helpful votes
I don't understand the other reviews. Simply put, this has the look and feel of a murder hotel. In fact, that was the first thing I said when exiting the elevator. I read some of the reviews here calling this a "boutique" hotel but "old and battered" does not mean boutique. Room layout is bad you walk right into the bathroom. You will need your partner to turn music on as you use the restroom. Some of the windows face inside so you will see directly into someone elses room. Lobby has potential but needs an overhaul. There's a fireplace - USE it. The furniture is scattered and not really comfortable to sit in. I feel like a good $3m - $5m renovation could do this place wonders. Location isn't so bad. Appears to have charm from the outside. Inside just feels like death.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Not the right property for you?
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PRICE RANGE
$181 - $355 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sofia hotel san diego, sofia san diego
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSan DiegoDowntown
NUMBER OF ROOMS
211
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE SOFIA HOTEL $163 ($̶3̶1̶9̶) - Updated 2024 Prices & Reviews - San Diego, CA

Frequently Asked Questions about The Sofia Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Sofia Hotel?
Nearby attractions include San Diego Civic Theatre (0.2 miles), Balboa Theatre (0.2 miles), and Illusions Theatre and Bar (0.2 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Sofia Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a fitness center.
Which room amenities are available at The Sofia Hotel?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at The Sofia Hotel?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at The Sofia Hotel?
Yes, paid public parking on-site and valet parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Sofia Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Karl Strauss Brewery & Restaurant, Grant Grill, and Cafe 21 Gaslamp.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Sofia Hotel?
Yes, guests have access to a fitness center and yoga classes during their stay.
Is The Sofia Hotel located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.5 miles away from the center of San Diego.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Sofia Hotel?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at The Sofia Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does The Sofia Hotel offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to a business center and meeting rooms during their stay.