Surfer Beach Hotel

United States , San Diego - CA
San Diego , 711 Pacific Beach Drive
Show on Google | Map

100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2026

Terry

Always love The Surfer

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jun 2026

Magy

you're basically paying for the location at this property. The hotel itself is old and our room was fine but the bathroom was tiny and the floor was saggy. Shower was small as well. The pool area was basic and around it was pretty junky. But being steps to the beach and cool shops, eateries was amazing. Parking was expensive for just being a basic lot. We had Angel check us in and he was amazing so props to him!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2026

Frankie

My birthday weekend!

Amazing staff!
I arrived super early and was able to check my bag. When I returned from exploring, my room was ready early!
My room was clean, spacious and quiet!
I had lunch at the attached restaurant, World’s Famous.
Everything was awesome and I would definitely stay here again!
Thank you!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2026

Cartay

Beach view

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jun 2026

Betsy

There was no hair dryer or tissues in the room, and there wasn't a full set of towels. Location is noisy , which may be inevitable as it's right on the beach. Associated restaurant was good.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Heather

Great place to stay. Simple, clean, friendly staff and right on the beach!

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jun 2026

Robert

It’s alright. Close to the beach. Rooms fairly clean. Staff and parking not so great.

6/10

Pleasant

25 Jun 2026

Gregory

The hotel was in a crowded area. The parking is horrible. The hotel is a little out dated. The beds were not the sizes they claimed. Two queen beds were actually two full size beds. The room key just stopped working. The staff were nice and took care of it. Last thing, the A/C was a little noisy.

Family

8/10

Excellent

25 Jun 2026

Rhonda

Staff was great, room was clean, view was terrible. The room was next to the laundry and across from the elevator. The view from the room balcony was a staircase to another suite and the rooftop maintenance equipment. Given all that I would stay there again and just ask for a different room.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Jun 2026

Ellen

Location is exceptional cleanliness not so great Daily parking fees high. No hair dryers in the room Hallways leading to room never vacuumed. Bathrooms shower tiny

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jun 2026

Laurie

We love this property - especially being right on the boardwalk and falling asleep to the oven sounds.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

23 Jun 2026

Leila

I like the access to the beach. The rooms definitely needed cleaning and upkeep. Walls, refrigerator, and baseboards were dirty. Stairwell and elevator in dire need of cleaning.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

23 Jun 2026

Leila

I like the access to the beach. The rooms definitely needed cleaning and upkeep. Walls, refrigerator, and baseboards were dirty. Stairwell and elevator in dire need of cleaning. Beds were clean & comfortable.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2026

LaVinda

Location was amazing, staff was amazing

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2026

Diana

I love this hotel. I will choose this every time I visit. I’ve never had a bad experience.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2026

Greg

Great beach view. Wonderful staff. My dog had the best time. We will stay here again next year!

Pet

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2026

Nicholas

Great stay, right on the beach for a reasonable rate. I had a nice ocean view after they were nice enough to upgrade me for my birthday. Very nice staff!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2026

Frank

Ali and hunter we amazing made our stay very comfortable

Self

8/10

Excellent

18 Jun 2026

Jared

Awesome older beach front hotel. Room was clean enough in the needed areas. Floors were not spotless but it didn’t effect our feelings of the place will definitely return!!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

Terry

I just always stay here. I feel safe and I am on the water and next to Woody’s.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

Elanca

It was quiet and relaxing. Everything was within walking distance. I’d highly recommend staying here and I plan on staying again very soon.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2026

Venessa

Alex at the front desk was amazing at our check-in! He hooked us up with a great room with a view of the ocean, gave us a free dessert VIP card for the restaurant attached to the hotel, and had a great rapport. The room was clean and was close to the boardwalk. Great stay!

Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

16 Jun 2026

Mark

Everything smelled, no /c or heat, very limited T.V. stations, parking terrible & expensive,

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

15 Jun 2026

Rachelle

The room was clean, which was the most important thing to me other than the proximity to the beach. However, the parking was a nightmare. We planned to hang out at the beach after checkout and just assumed we could pay to stay parked there. There was not even an option to pay for it, even though the parking lot was essentially empty. The front desk was pretty rude about it as well. It just seems like there should be an option to pay for additional time in the parking lot, if there is space for it.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2026

Ibrahim

Great location by the beach and very friendly staff

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Donald

Enjoyed the stay, great access to the beach!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Jun 2026

Juliette

The location was the best! You could walk out and the beach was right there. The walk to shops and restaurants was excellent. Very close to the grocery too.
Our room wasn’t the cleanest and the AC wasn’t that cold. No hair dryer on the whole property so bring your own!
We had a great stay and would stay here again for the beach location. I would say a 3 star hotel is about right in the rating!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Charles

Location is awesome. So nice to be able to walk right out to the beach and coffee shops, restaurants. The pool was refreshing. Would stay again.

8/10

Excellent

14 Jun 2026

Marina

Ocean view room was wonderful. The sound of the ocean was great. There was a little problem with the parking. I received a ticket, but then it was cleared. The hotel has 3rd party handling the parking. Everything was great. Would do it again, next year.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

13 Jun 2026

Shaun

The hotel key doesn't work very well takes me 2 or 3 swipes to get the door unlocked. Also, not sure if it's the beach location but the wifi was slow. The location was great, the bed was comfy and the little ac unit work really well.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2026

Jill

Our room was clean and comfortable. We looked out on the pool from the 1st floor and could open our sliding door to sit outside.

The proximity to the beach, the restaurant next door (World Famous), and the ease of walking to restaurants and bar on the beachfront were top reasons we loved it.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Jun 2026

AMY

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2026

Teri

We just love this place and have stayed here several times. It has a retro feel that fits right in with the vibe at Pacific Beach. Great location right on the beach, nicest staff ever and amazing views. The remodeled rooms are nice and clean. A few tips: Don't bring a car if you don't need one - parking is expensive and Lyft is cheaper. We were able to borrow a few beach chairs and an umbrella from a bin near the pool full of left behind items. One suggestion to the management - put a broom and dustpan in each room. It's a small investment and things get sandy at the beach! Highly recommend this place.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2026

Tanya

Staff. Beach view

Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2026

Sienna

Loved the stay and would definitely stay again!

Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Jun 2026

Robin L

Location is great. Hotel is a bit run down but the room was clean and beds pretty comfortable. The staff were awesome! Rafa and Angel, specifically.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Juan B

I love that the property is located right on the beach, around lots of little shops ,good food and entertainment.
The room was great, but what made everything Exceptional was the service.Rafa and his team were awesome , very helpful. Knowledgeable of the area and totally made us feel welcome. Looking forward to a return visit.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Ashley

One of my favorite places to stay! Restaurants in the area are amazing and the ocean view can’t be topped.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Aleta

Great place to stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

Jesus

Efficiently clean, next to the beach. Pet fees, parking fees in lot area.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

03 Jun 2026

Sondra

Always a nice stay

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

debra

I like the laid back attitude.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2026

Daniel S

We Love Surfer Beach! We have been staying here for over 20 years and love the staff- the old school vibe, clean comfortable rooms and amazing beachfront location on Pacific beach!
Always a great stay!!☀️🐬

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

Laura

Great place!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

lance

Everything was clean and nice! Staff were helpful and views were fantastic!

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Amber

Me and my daughter just stayed for a week. Ocean view room was perfect, staff was great, amazing location. I highly recommend

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2026

Emma Anne

Room was great for what we needed. Very loud on the east facing side due to Flamingo Deck Restaurant music until about midnight. Staff were great, room was clean, beach front property you can’t beat in price. Would stay again!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Richard James

Great area to be at on the beach. There were some great breakfast spots right next to the hotel which was a huge plus.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 May 2026

Jonathan

The staff is absolutely amazing and so friendly. The hotel is nice and I’d stay there again. The reason for 4-stars? I paid for an oceanfront room with a full ocean view but the room actually has 1/2 the ocean cut off due to how the hotel was built. So it’s only a partial ocean view and I think they need to change that room description to match something more accurate.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 May 2026

MONICA

The view was great.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 May 2026

Cody

Tenth stay there great experience as always

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Sean

The staff are great. The beach view is amazing and the location is walkable and safe.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Adrian

Highly recommend!

4/10

Poor

24 May 2026

David

Disappointing beach option. Biggest pro is the location. They’ve leaned on that fact instead of providing exceptional service and comfort. Can walk to everything. But, parking in their own lot is expensive. Some remodeled rooms but not the showers. Workers make you jump through hoops for extra towels. You must specifically request to have your room cleaned or they just don’t do it. 1 small ice machine for entire property. They charge a premium for a lacking stay

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

21 May 2026

Anthony

A/c in the room barely came on, and when it did it was every 30 mins. Room floor was dirty along the baseboards. Old hotel but right in the beach. Parking cost 180.00 for 4 night at the hotel.

Business

8/10

Excellent

21 May 2026

Robert

The property was old but I like the location and it was clean. There wasnt a microwave in the room just in the common area.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

20 May 2026

Catherine

The location and the staff were great. The bathroom was not clean, there was some sort of spatter on the walls. Then we were out of hot water for two days with no explanation and barely an apology.

6/10

Pleasant

19 May 2026

Caroline

Clean Room - Great Location, staff friendly

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Karen

The front desk staff was amazing at check-in. The guys were helpful, friendly and fun. The check out staff was just as helpful, offered to keep my bags while I spent the day seeing some sites before flying home.

Self

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2026

Adam

Overall the place is nice. The location is great. The price is a great value.

I would prefer to spend more and go somewhere the rooms are not updated with the cheapest finishes at home depot. They cut costs by doing turn down and housekeeping by request. No Iron, ironing board, or blow dryer in the room unless you request it.

If you are looking for a cheap room on the beach, this is a great place. It’s pretty clean and maintained decent, It’s value hotel, you are getting a lot for what you pay especially considering the location.

It’s just not for me.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Kailee

Just wrapped up the best stay at Surfer Beach Hotel 🌊

The location honestly could not be better. You’re literally steps from Pacific Beach with the ocean right outside your door. Having both Woody’s Breakfast and Burgers and World Famous right out front made the trip even better.

One of the biggest surprises was how affordable it was for being this close to the beach and in the middle of everything. But what really made the stay stand out was the staff. Every single person we interacted with was genuinely kind, welcoming, and helpful the entire visit.

If you want a laid-back beach stay with an unbeatable location without spending a fortune, this is such a good spot. ☀️🌴

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Stephanie

I’ve stayed there twice, and each time it keeps getting better and better. Staff is so friendly and welcoming. The location is perfect.

Self

8/10

Excellent

17 May 2026

Kat

Hotel location was awesome and the staff was super helpful.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2026

Joshua

The renovations in the hotel were an amazing surprise. The room looked great and the view of the ocean was unmatched!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 May 2026

Stephanie

This was a wonderful location, Staff was so Wonderful, Hunter was really nice and helpful. We just wish the pool was open

Friends

8/10

Excellent

13 May 2026

Spencer

Only thing I’ll say is the pool was closed which is a bummer

Self

8/10

Excellent

11 May 2026

Breana

Overall the stay was very nice. That staff was beyond kind and they even gave us a free room upgrade with a n ocean view. My only concern was there was a very dirty shower head and there was a very light yellow stain on the sheets. I didn’t see it until morning as it was dark when we checked in. Other than that there were no issues and I really enjoyed my stay.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

11 May 2026

William

Staff was friendly and courteous. Ocean view was amazing! Little spendy for the quality of the room. Hot water was more warm than hot. Overall nice place to stay and will probably stay again.

Partner

2/10

Poor

09 May 2026

Phuong

Towels are old and don’t absorb water. Beds are sag. Rooms are semi clean.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2026

Jonathan

Staff was helpful! Love staying here !

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2026

Karmen

Its a basic hotel but its location is fantastic! And the staff 5 star quality and amind the best service i have ever had. I would 100 percent recommend this hotel to family and friends.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

Mike

Stayed here before and would stay here again. Rooms have been renovated so big plus there and you get discounts on rentals at Pacific Beach Surf Shop which is a bonus. Great location and lots to see and do right out front of the property and on the boardwalk

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

Terry

I just love it there.

2/10

Poor

06 May 2026

Cheryl

Toilet seat moves, clumps of hair on the shower walls, hair in the sheets

Family

8/10

Excellent

05 May 2026

Bill

I stayed here for two nights while attending a friend’s retirement celebration, and the location couldn’t have been better—right on the beach with a pleasant (though partial) ocean view. One of the highlights was falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.

The hotel is within easy walking distance of plenty of restaurants and bars, which made everything super convenient. The on-site restaurant is excellent, and I’d also highly recommend trying Woody’s Cafe right next door.

This wasn’t my first stay here, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’ll be coming back on my next trip to San Diego.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

05 May 2026

Kim

Location! Can’t be beat! The hotel is steps away from the sand and several places to eat and grab a coffee. The staff was friendly and accommodating when we asked for more towels. There was a portable AC unit in the room which was much appreciated at night. It was loud but perfect for white noise for sleeping. The only con was paying almost $40 a night for parking. There is some free street parking close by but finding an empty spot is quite a feat, but I will definitely stay here again.

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

04 May 2026

Chrissy

Pool under construction! Email said until May 1. On day of arrival informed extended to the 8th! I had the junior suite w balcony overlooking the pool...ocean view! Saturday morning 8am 7 guys in the pool ...,ruining my balcony experience! No hot water in the shower! Great location but that's about it!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2026

Elisabeth

The location was great and right next to the vibrant Pacific Beach area! The staff were super kind and rooms were clean. I would go back for another stay!

Family

6/10

Pleasant

04 May 2026

Estela

The location was extremely convenient, close to everything and right by the beach. However, on our first morning, they started doing construction work on the pool at 8:00am. The workers starting talking extremely loudly around 7:30am right behind our room, and the place became a construction zone for several hours. Management shouldn't have scheduled that type of work at 8am. And they didn't even warn us.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Kassidy

Beach view was great!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Katherine

It was a great view of the beach and parking was easy . Hotel staff amazing!

Self

8/10

Excellent

29 Apr 2026

Victoria

Our stay was nice having been beachfront which was amazinggg and staff was really nice & helpful. I give it a 4 star rating because our toilet

8/10

Excellent

26 Apr 2026

Paul

The Surfer has a fantastic location! It was decorated spartan to say the least. Definitely a \"no frills\" place with a great view. Aidin at the front desk was very helpful and the best desk person I've ever met in making suggestions and being accommodating. Price is steep for what it is, but again, you're on the beach in San Diego!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

25 Apr 2026

Ann

The beach view from the room was lovely. However, the room itself was not much to write home about. It was very stark and sparse. I’m

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2026

andrea

Ac was great and cold. View was awesome! Staff was super!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2026

Eduardo

Awesome ocean view, stayed in a wrap around room with great balcony views of the city skyline and Pacific beach. Awesome staff and the area was safe and family friendly. A 1 minute walk to the beach.. can’t beat that.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2026

Rachel

The location and staff makes this hotel stand out! Right off the boardwalk, walkable to downtown Pacific Beach night life and food or go the other direction for endless beach access. It is an older hotel in structure and room style, with very basic amenities, but clean and extremely sound proof! We would definitely stay again. Thank you Surfer Beach for a wonderful vacation!!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Apr 2026

Carlos

Air conditioner was a litttle loud other wise we had a blast

Partner

4/10

Poor

21 Apr 2026

Sonia

Staff was very friendly but property quality is terrible, very small bathroom and amenities no water in the room.parking on your own expense. Cleaning service with a charge. Expedia description of this property is completely misleading. They should fix it so people did not overcharge for something not worth staying in.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2026

Wayne

Great staff

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2026

Mark

I will definitely stay here again, the staff was amazing, downside I wish the pool was open or at least should have mentioned it when booking the stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2026

Luanne

Great staff! Very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed the ocean and palm tree view from our room. Great long walking path right at the property line!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2026

Angela

Great location—enjoyed our stay—staff was awesome! Food location very good!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Apr 2026

Stephanie

Room was ok, was quiet at night, not bad for the price, really close to the Beach and a lot of places to eat. Great walk on the Boardwalk

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2026

Kate

Angel at the reception desk was awesome!! Super helpful and very kind.

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2026

olivia

Beautiful beach view

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2026

Katelyn

Room was very nice, we had a partial ocean view room but the view of the sunset was

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2026

Anthony

Clean and well maintained enough. Location is tough to beat for younger people.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2026

Sharon

Check in was awsome. Elijah and Abdi were great they helped with getting the parking pass and gave us a map of where to eat. The beach was literally 10 steps away. The view was amazing!!!! Anna did our check out and she was also great she gave us some tips for our next stay!!! Our room was remodeled, it was clean and the bed was comfy. The only thing missing was a box of kleenex. I received a text asking if we needed anything so I asked for towels and they were there when came back from site seeing. The Sufer Beach is the perfect location to see all things San Diego I will definitely stay again.✌️

Partner

4/10

Poor

12 Apr 2026

Matthew

Beautiful location. Terrible stay. It’s dirty, feels greasy and wretched

Partner