I realize in the time of COVID and reviews, people understandably inflate reviews to help "the little guy". With that said, Sani's place is nice, however with some small improvements - it could truly be a 5-star location as others have suggested. While I sent a private note with some suggestions to the listing agent, here are a few meaningful considerations as you move forward with your potential booking. I will also share my review is crafted through the lens of two 50+ year old individuals with an extensive middle / upper class traveling history, if you are accustomed to hostels and really roll with tide, you will likely find some of my comments overly critical. Sharing nonetheless in the event they aid future guests.
1. If staying in the Gas Lamp is your desire, the location is about as good as it gets for being 'just off 5th street'. However, San Diego like most cities is showing the stress of a 2+ year pandemic. The homeless problem is rampant to include just outside your door - however, again not unique to this property. Also, the apartment is refreshed but the overall building is quite dated. Realize this review is for the apartment only.
2. Upon arrival the A/C was not working. It did get restored early the next morning - but I would suggest checking it immediately upon arrival. Not having a functioning A/C can be brutal, for both temperature and minimizing street noise. Also, once restored I kept it set at its lowest temperature, 62 throughout my stay and it held at just a comfortable temperature – not cold / not 62. I suspect in the hotter months (Beyond June); the AC will struggle to keep up. If you are not a “I like to sleep cold” kind of person, you will be ok.
3. While the reviews and listing accurately indicate the apartment is on the second floor, there are 48 steps to that second floor with two plateaus (I counted them twice) with no elevator. Not a problem for us, just an awareness point.
4. Nice 5-star touches were absent: No welcome book with local recommendations and tips (like remember to push the lock cipher button when you depart, it is not automatic), no hangars, iron, fan, complimentary coffee, or full-length mirror. Regarding parking, recommend using parkwhiz vice spotangel – much better deal, around $25 per night with parking an easy 2-3 city blocks away. Tip: If using Parkwhiz, book in 24-hour increments vice your entire stay – there is no in and out. This will give you the flexibility to depart in the morning and return end of day once settled back in downtown.
5. Shower worked like a champ, plenty of hot water, shampoo and body wash provided. Only two towels (one for each guest), which for 4 days could be enhanced with placement of an extra couple towels. With no balcony, the towels don’t easily dry from day to day.
Overall, the place met our needs, great location and check in was super easy, pay attention to the code – by design it is super easy to remember. Could use some small enhancements to stand out from the rest and make it a five star, “I must stay there’ kind of listing! Thanks Sani.