The best of lodging, the worst of lodging
Great location at the foot of the pier. Easy walk to the beach, or the interesting shops and restaurants in the Balboa area.
However....
It's perhaps the noisiest hotel we've ever stayed at. You have to understand the architecture. The brochure shows the new, air conditioned, sealed window wing of the hotel. With a price to match. The older, original building has no A/C. But that's not a problem with the cool sea breeze right? Nope. With windows only on one side, there's no way to get airflow through the room. The only cooling is with the windows wide open.
Don't try to nap Sunday afternoon. Loud band in the bar below. Don't try to sleep at night. Loud patrons in the bar below, and from the bar across the street. Don't try to sleep late in the morning. Street sweepers and trash trucks at 6:00 AM.
Beds comfortable, but furniture in disrepair. Drawer missing, desk drawer front broken, cracked sink in bath. Oh, and $10 per day for internet? Give me a break!
Continental breakfast outside, in the elements, on tables that haven't been cleaned in forever.
Would I stay here again? Yes, but not on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night. If you want the location, you pay the price.