The best part about staying at the hilltop retreat were our host. We can not say enough, they provided a wonderful place and checked with us often thru texts and e-mails to make sure our every need was met. This was after a personal tour of the studio. They even left an important event to take care of us. The hilltop retreat is centrally located to all venues we wanted to see and enjoy. Whether it be the lamplight district, the embarcadero, old town, the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, the beach, The Hotel Del, even antique stores in Lemon Grove. ALL are available when a 15 to 20 min Drive. A nice neighborhood with your very own parking spot and a clean secure building. You need a key to access the building.