Quality Inn and Suites North Coast, Encinitas

LIKED: Low-cost Queen bed room; short drive to I-5, Encinitas Village, & Rancho Santa Fe; very clean bathroom (with soaps, shampoos & lotion provided); breakfast included from 7-9 AM (juice; coffee; English muffins; toast; cold cereals; assorted fresh Danish pastries & muffins, plus apples ... all restocked as needed by attentive desk staff); cable TV with remote control; all staff very helpful. DISLIKED: The neighborhood's ambient noise level was a bit high all night, partly due to music and loud partying in nearby buildings (we happened to be there during what was Spring Break for many college students) & partly from several railroad trains passing by right across the highway from the inn. Also, the network of metal "rebars" within the walls & floors of this older stucco structure transmitted vibrations from other guests simply walking normally (not stomping) up or down the exterior steps and merely closing (not slamming) the doors to their rooms or bathrooms. These vibrations carried into our own room, rattling the window or sounding as though our wall had been hit with a hammer. Other reviewers have mentioned that some of the parking spaces are a tight squeeze, however they do offer about a dozen standard spaces, some at the front and some at the back of the inn. Also, please note that some of the more numerous spaces (which are located between posts) are a bit wider than others and offer [slightly] more room to maneuver.

portofino beach inn was an escape for us from the commonplace branded hotels that charge too much but fail on delivering value. This place offered great value for money. We couldn't expect more. The staff was very friendly and well informed, rooms were cozy and it was in the most convenient location. We would definitely want to come back.

I am going to San Diego and would am going to go back and stay at this place! The rooms are clean and the staff is friendly, the hot tubs are great. The place is versatile in that it is romantic and also good for families as I saw several children playing around earlier in the evening. There is also a beautiful park nearby where you can pick fresh lavender and walk around. It is small so I wouldn't recommend it for business groups.

The place was dirty! Cockroaches all over our room and bathroom! Upon leaving in disgust, management apologized and agreed to adjust our bill. They did not keep their promise and we were billed. The health department should shut this cockroach hotel down. It is truly disgusting.

Portofino beach Inn is true value for money. For the price, a spa room is a great bargain and its location on Highway 101 and Moonlight beach made it an easy pick from the lot. The facilities are basic and convenient and the rooms are cozy for a wonderful romantic time. The staff was very helpful with all the information and we would love to come back and spend some more time in San Diego

Booked the week after Memorial Day 2006 expecting "newly remodeled" "brand new accommodations" as described online. Instead got a 1980's cigarette-burned comforter, jacuzzi tub in the tiny living area, view of garbage through a bent-up screen and dirty window, etc. Not exactly "charming" - Motel 6 would have been a welcome upgrade. And "steps from the beach" meant several blocks on a steep grade. Now I know better than to believe reviews obviously written by owners/staff. Should have trusted the Auto Club one-star rating!

we visit california every year from england, and found the 'Portofino' by chance. What a find! The staff were so friendly and helpful,but not intrusive. Accommodation was faultless. Perfect place to retire to in the evenings after busy days 'exploring' San Diego and surrounding areas. Short walk from superb beach and as many varied and good eating places that you could wish for. Have stayed there three times,and wouldn't consider looking elsewhere. Can't wait to return in spring 2006!

Owners are very friendly and service is good. Convenient to the beach and easy to get to. Appreciated blow dryer & coffee maker in the room. Room was slightly run down, bent window screen, view from room was buildings & rooftops. Jacuzzi too small for two people comfortably

I have had the pleasure of staying at the Portofino Beach Inn several times just this past year. Based on my stay, the property was clean, and well maintained. The front desk staff were extremely friendly, and willing to assist in any need. It had a homely feel to it, which is great because you always expect a hotel to be a home away from home. When I stay at the Portofino Beach Inn, I always request a non-smoking room which doesn't have any scent of cigarette smoke. The bathroom as a whole was clean, nicely kept, and had no sign of rust, mildew, or lime deposits. I am a healthy person, woke up feeling fine each time. Pleased to find out they serve continental breakfast each morning, consisting of fresh bakeries! Personally, I use a cell phone when I stay at any hotel/motel. This properly does have free local calls. They even place me an order when I want to order from a local restaurant. All in all I am a more than satisfied customer of the Portofino Beach Inn. I am planning a visit in the coming weeks, most probably the last week of April, I will take photos and upload them onto this web site. Thank you

I have stayed at many hotels in my life, and Portofino is nothing special. The service was mediocre, and the front desk staff was unpleasant. The room was very noisy and the insulation was poor. I could hear everything above, below, and next to me. The room smelled terribly, and when I went to turn on the air conditioner, the room filled with a smell of cigarrette smoke. The bathroom was neatly kept, for the most part, but was terribly outdated, rust and lime deposits around the sink, bathtub and toilet were awful. I went to use one of the towels, after a very uncomfortable shower and realized that I have seen nicer bath mats at hotels. They were all very small, and paper thin, I needed 2 towels JUST to dry myself off. I even noticed large black stains on one towel! The bed was incrediblly hard, and the springs made pressure points on my back and legs. I woke up with very severe pain in my back. The bedding itself was stained, and ripped in some places. and the "comforter" did nothing of the sort. It smelled, felt like cardboard and had cigarette burn marks all over it. The pillows were lumpy and caused pain in my neck, even as I was watching tv. By the way, reception was very poor, and the color would not adjust properly, also the volume was very muffled. I was absolutely STUNNED to find that there were also, no free local calls! This "hotel" should be shut down, or at least rennovated... and for god's sake, put some new towels in!! -Concerned Traveler