You really are about 40 steps from the water! The place does face the main street, but the traffic noise wasn't that bad and didn't bother me at all. It is within a 5-10 min walk to the local breakfast places. Best part is you are only a street off the beach walkway. Parking is tight, but in this area that seems to be the norm. Can Uber to the Gaslamp area in about 15 min.
I would definitely stay here again. The rooms are nice and comfortable.