The Neon Elm Hotel puts you a short five-minute drive from Petco Park and San Diego Convention Center. Also, Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo are a short five-minute drive away. Fellow travellers love the helpful staff. The property is only a short walk to public transportation: Civic Center Station is 11 minutes and Civic Center Station is 12 minutes.
San Diego Convention Center - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
San Diego Zoo - 5 min drive - 3.4 km
Getting around
San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) - 11 min drive
San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field) - 18 min drive
San Diego, CA (SEE-Gillespie Field) - 28 min drive
Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 36 min drive
Tijuana, Baja California Norte (TIJ-General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Intl.) - 42 min drive
Old Town Transit Center - 8 min drive
San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station - 15 min drive
San Diego Santa Fe Depot - 19 min walk
Civic Center Station - 11 min walk
Civic Center Station - 12 min walk
5th Avenue Station - 12 min walk
Restaurants
Extraordinary Desserts - 11 min walk
Cocina 35 - 7 min walk
Ocho Mexican Food & Cafe - 2 min walk
The Kebab Shop - 10 min walk
Mostra Coffee at Banker’s Hill - 3 min walk
About this property
The Neon Elm Hotel
The Neon Elm Hotel puts you a short five-minute drive from Petco Park and San Diego Convention Center. Also, Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo are a short five-minute drive away. Fellow travellers love the helpful staff. The property is only a short walk to public transportation: Civic Center Station is 11 minutes and Civic Center Station is 12 minutes.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
50 rooms
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: 2:00 AM
Express check-out available
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
DONE
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 12:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Guests planning to arrive outside normal check-in hours will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and smart lock details; front desk staffed during limited hours
Prior to arrival, you must complete online registration via a secure link
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE
Children
No cots (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free Wi-Fi in rooms (speed: 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices))
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
On-site parking is limited
On-site parking includes off-street options
Off-site parking within 360 ft (USD 25 per day)
DONE
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Accessibility
Front entrance ramp
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Well-lit path to entrance
6 steps to reach property
Room amenities
Home comfort
Coffee/tea maker
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Hairdryer
Towels
Stay connected
Complimentary wireless Internet access (speed of 100+ Mbps (good for 1–2 people or up to 6 devices))
Food and drink
Fridge
Paper towels
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Deposit: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay
Optional extras
Late checkout can be arranged for an extra charge of USD 75 (subject to availability)
Parking
Parking is available nearby and costs USD 25 per day (360 ft away)
Policies
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
This property does not have lifts.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
Also known as
Hotel Occidental
Balboa Park Hotel Hotel
Balboa Park Hotel San Diego
Balboa Park Hotel Hotel San Diego
Hotel Occidental Balboa Park Downtown
Frequently asked questions
Does The Neon Elm Hotel offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Neon Elm Hotel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at The Neon Elm Hotel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The Neon Elm Hotel?
Yes. Parking spaces may be limited.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Neon Elm Hotel?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: 2:00 AM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of USD 75 (subject to availability). Express check-out is available.
What is there to do at The Neon Elm Hotel and nearby?
Recommended spots to visit include Balboa Park (4-min walk) and Petco Park (1.3 mi), along with San Diego Convention Center (1.3 mi) and San Diego Zoo (1.5 mi).
What's the area around The Neon Elm Hotel like?
The Neon Elm Hotel is a short 4-minute walk from Balboa Park and 16 minutes' walk from Waterfront Park.
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Reviews
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.8
Cleanliness
7.4
Amenities
8.0
Staff & service
8.0
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Bathroom
Parking
Bed
Location
Building
Shower
Air conditioning
Downtown
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
7 May 2026
Could use a chair or bedside table.
Pamela
Pamela, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
19 May 2026
Better response time would be better; took awhile to get the codes to enter the property and my room. Would also be nice to have bigger towels; they were a bit small to dry off with after showering. Besides all that; great place. Clean; newly renovated. Front desk guy was cool. One thing I did have issue with was the homelessness. Shady characters hanging around the property. Would be nice if the property owners/managers had a nice relationship with SDPD to help move/keep the homeless out of the area. Besides all that; I’d rate my stay 4.5/5 stars.
Jose
Jose, 2-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
19 May 2026
The place is not bad — for the price, it’s acceptable. However, it was strange to have a bathroom without a washbasin and to have to shave in the kitchen. The people are friendly while you’re there, but they do not respond to requests once you leave. Even now, one month later, I’m still trying to get the invoice for my payment and I’m still waiting. Not a great experience in that way., otherwise, an okay place to stay in you have a low budget.