La Pensione Hotel immerses guests in the European exuberance and charm of San Diego's Little Italy - a hip neighborhood renowned for lively ambience, modern global restaurants, quaint sidewalk cafes, and trendy boutiques. Our boutique hotel is located in the center of Little Italy and is widely recognized as the neighborhood's architectural icon.
Our chic and smart accommodations feature complimentary WiFi, custom furnishings, chic decor, plush platform beds, sleek HD flatscreen televisions, well-appointed in-room bathrooms, and heating and cooling systems for your comfort. Choose from our stylish Single Queen Rooms or our more spacious Double Queen Rooms.
Our chic and smart accommodations feature complimentary WiFi, custom furnishings, chic decor, plush platform beds, sleek HD flatscreen televisions, well-appointed in-room bathrooms, and heating and cooling systems for your comfort. Choose from our stylish Single Queen Rooms or our more spacious Double Queen Rooms.
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Our 67-room boutique hotel in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood features sophisticated, yet casual rooms blending European design with vintage photography of San Diego's most celebrated landmarks. La Pensione's signature guest rooms feature smart and space-savvy design elements reminiscent of a modern Italian apartment.
Experience the chic style and boutique intimacy of La Pensione Hotel, the stylishly affordable San Diego hotel situated in the center of the city's trendy Little Italy neighborhood. While we consider every visit to be special, we offer a collection of hotel deals and vacation packages designed to help you get even more out of your stay.
As the only hotel located in the heart of San Diego's Little Italy, La Pensione Hotel is the perfect gateway for savoring the splendid flavors and European-inspired exuberance of this hip, trendy neighborhood. Little Italy's best cuisine - from mom 'n pop pizza parlors and casual sidewalk cafes to romantic bistros and award-winning fine dining restaurants - is just a short stroll from our front door.
Situated in the heart of the Little Italy neighborhood, La Pensione Hotel is just moments from everything San Diego has to offer, with the San Diego trolley and Coronado Ferry just a few minutes away. We have compiled a list of popular nearby San Diego, California, attractions below. If there is anything you would like to see or experience during your stay, please ask us for recommendations or assistance with making arrangements.
The word is spreading about La Pensione Hotel. As one of Little Italy San Diego's best hotels, we're often featured in news stories and travel publications. In the land of splashy beach resorts, La Pensione Hotel's 68 compact rooms and central location give it a refreshingly urban, Euro-chic air. Ask for one of the 15 Argento Collection rooms, recently updated with faux-ostrich-leather headboards, Italian linens, and mod furniture.
Reviews (26)
Agnes D.
Dec 03, 2021
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WOW! Will def be back here. Love the location, it is right in the heart of LIttle Italy. We found a great parking spot here which is nice, especially because on weekends, it gets kinda crazy busy. The staff could be a little more friendly. The room is small but very modern and clean, which i like. I hate dirty carpet, and theirs is well maintained.
We woke up the next day (Sunday), checked out...walked down the steps, and there's the farmer's market just right in front of us, all the way down the street. It was so cool. The farmers market BTW, in Little Italy, i by far, the best i&apos
We woke up the next day (Sunday), checked out...walked down the steps, and there's the farmer's market just right in front of us, all the way down the street. It was so cool. The farmers market BTW, in Little Italy, i by far, the best i&apos
Shirley J.
Nov 16, 2021
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Joseph Richardson
Nov 16, 2021
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The main draw for me is location, location, location! Right in Little Italy and across the street or just minutes from some of the best spots to eat in the neighborhood!
The rooms are clean, but on the smaller side. I love the waterfall shower, but there is a bit of street noise (I think that's to be expected tho with a vibrant neighborhood).
The staff are welcoming and kind, which is always a plus. Also... the price was just too good to pass up. For a quick visit to Little Italy, it's a perfect spot to crash. I'll definitely stay next time I want to be in the neighborhood.
Morning Glory is
The rooms are clean, but on the smaller side. I love the waterfall shower, but there is a bit of street noise (I think that's to be expected tho with a vibrant neighborhood).
The staff are welcoming and kind, which is always a plus. Also... the price was just too good to pass up. For a quick visit to Little Italy, it's a perfect spot to crash. I'll definitely stay next time I want to be in the neighborhood.
Morning Glory is
Dan L.
Nov 16, 2021
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I recently got back from a weeks visit in San Diego and opted to stay at this boutique hotel based on my siblings recommendations ! Had a great stay but there were problems with my cable on two separate occasions. The staff including Faith and Brandon were very accommodating as was the manager. The cleaning lady assigned to my room also made my visit. The room thanks to her was immaculate ! Location was perfect ! The next time I will be renting a car I ended walking 40 miles in a week but exercise is always good . I would recommend this hotel based on their staff alone !
Lisa G.
Nov 15, 2021
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Sara Hoilman
Nov 14, 2021
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David Nugent
Nov 07, 2021
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Adrienne Michelle Hardee
Sep 29, 2021
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Anayeli Martinon
Sep 25, 2021
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Not the best place to stay if you plan on using your car. Even though they had an underground parking it was so small. Plus to use it you had to pay for the parking. $90 for 3 days. We had to get assistance from the front desk to help us get out. Ended up damaging the car when we tried to park. On the plus side. The staff was friendly and helpful.
Stephen Steinbach
Sep 23, 2021
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We were very happy with the clean room and extremely friendly and helpful staff. The hotel is very close to everything and we loved walking around the area. (I was upset by the very loud garbage pickup at 6:45am, but that was city worker and not the hotels fault). The morning coffee voucher for Café Italia was totally awesome and unexpected. Would be thrilled to come back again!!!
Samantha B.
Sep 19, 2021
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I was booking a 3 night stay in San Diego for a graduation ceremony that was taking place at Petco Park, so I logged onto Expedia to take a peek at hotels between the ball park and San Diego International Airport. This hotel was by far the best deal at the time ($123/night) that also seemed to be the nicest.
The biggest perk was its location. It is in the heart of Little Italy with a ton of fantastic restaurants close by. It was really hopping on the weekend! Upon arrival, we asked to check our bags, since check-in wasn't until 3pm, and they let us check in early without charging us extra
The biggest perk was its location. It is in the heart of Little Italy with a ton of fantastic restaurants close by. It was really hopping on the weekend! Upon arrival, we asked to check our bags, since check-in wasn't until 3pm, and they let us check in early without charging us extra
Nikki Reeves
Aug 19, 2021
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Such a gem in the heart of Little Italy! Cute boutique hotel. Rooms are small but comfortable. Great for sleeping and lounging on the bed. There is one chair and a desk. Plenty of outlets - behind the nightstands and on the desk. Also a great indoor courtyard to enjoy your free breakfast pastry and coffee/tea from next door. Make sure to walk to the food hall or down to the waterfront. And ask about the FRED for getting around town for free!
Allie Howard
Jul 21, 2021
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This hotel is in the middle of all the action, busy and bustling food scene. Highly recommend morning glory cafe, get your name on the list an hour before you want to eat. Walk to the tram which was awesome.. parking was tricky small and underground but I found it worthwhile verses trying to find a street park. Delicious coffee at cafe downstairs. Small room but I would stay again.
Trent C.
Jul 10, 2021
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Great location, small rooms (European small, just not a Marriott, not a big deal), friendly staff. There is a lot of street noise, Deliveries to the restaurants start around 4am and you can hear them all. They have onsite parking and called us once spots were available as we arrived before check in. Once parked you probably don't want to leave and don't really have to since you can walk everywhere. If you're there on a Saturday the farmers market is right out the front door. Back to the noise thing, they start setting that up around 3am.
Lindsey J.
Jun 28, 2021
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My husband and I planned a night away for our anniversary I found this hotel was close to Petco park so we planned on spending the night after the Padres game. We have 4 children at home so fun rest and sleeping in we're our goals for a perfect 24 hours together on an anniversary getaway. We checked in and found there was no parking... it was full. They said there are only 20 spots but we could go across the street, there is no come and go... luckily we found a spot on the street. We got back from the game and went to bed only to be woken up by A FIRE ALARM in our room going off at 1:30 am
Latisha Hungry Hiker Hodgepodge M.
Jun 25, 2021
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Room 222 has a great view to know what's going on at little Italy food hall.
The room is adorable, but I do wish it had a full length mirror. The lighting above the mirror also makes it hard to do makeup (harsh shadows). This hotel is perfectly placed for the food hall, other restaurants and bars as well as the waterfront area. We have loved our stay! Also, the floral bushes outside the doorway smell amazing!
The room is adorable, but I do wish it had a full length mirror. The lighting above the mirror also makes it hard to do makeup (harsh shadows). This hotel is perfectly placed for the food hall, other restaurants and bars as well as the waterfront area. We have loved our stay! Also, the floral bushes outside the doorway smell amazing!
Gary N.
Jun 08, 2021
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This is a neat hotel. It's right in the heart of Little Italy. They have parking underground. Good luck parking on the street as they often have farmers markets going on. The room was clean and even though it was small it was comfortable. We had a great view of the bay as well. The elevator is a little slow but but not too bad. There is a coffee shop on the 1st floor. We didn't have a chance to try it because the line was really long the next morning and there was a farmers market happening in front of the hotel! So I want to think it was good! I will be back for sure.
Syd G.
Jun 02, 2021
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A last minute delayed flight meant I was "stranded" in San Diego overnight. I wasn't too bummed since this is paradise.
Found a great rate and this hotel was close to the airport. Great location and it looks very nice.
From the outside it's very beautiful. Even walking in the front lobby is just as nice. Then I met the young lady working the front counter and the hotel immediately lost 1 . She seemed grumpy, very short with her responses and definitely lacked any prior skills.
Luckily the rest of the hotel made up for it. I stayed in the top floor and the room was very nice
Found a great rate and this hotel was close to the airport. Great location and it looks very nice.
From the outside it's very beautiful. Even walking in the front lobby is just as nice. Then I met the young lady working the front counter and the hotel immediately lost 1 . She seemed grumpy, very short with her responses and definitely lacked any prior skills.
Luckily the rest of the hotel made up for it. I stayed in the top floor and the room was very nice
Alex L.
May 05, 2021
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If you're looking for no frills, clean, near restaurants, a walking neighborhood and parking this place is perfect. My husband and I were there for a weekend getaway and it worked fine. Small rooms, no tub, but we got great light coming in and the front desk receptionists were very helpful in answering questions. Get there early for a parking spot. Great spots for breakfast in the neighborhood.
Amanda P.
Mar 20, 2021
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On the first look this hotel is cute and cozy. A very small room but smack dab in the middle of little italy. But after turning down the blankets it's a horror show. Stains and hair in my bed. I had to call the front desk for new sheets. This is so disgusting and I'm so disappointed that the staff doesn't bother to change the bed sheets. please pay me for doing my own house keeping. I would not recommend this dirty, unsanitary hotel.
Skylar W.
Sep 21, 2020
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Stayed here over the weekend To drink and eat in little Italy all weekend long ! Enjoyed the balcony views scoring the corner room at the spot it was popping all night long could enjoy the live music from the busy street below the aroma of Italian food swept across our noses tempting us to eat more ,
I would recommend this hotel right in the heart of Little Italy , only down side for me was the STUPID Ac unit facing the wall in the corner , and the grumpy host at the front long hair blue eyes and grumpy. Parking kinda iffy we stayed in a PGarage few blocks down not a bad walk at all $45 for the
I would recommend this hotel right in the heart of Little Italy , only down side for me was the STUPID Ac unit facing the wall in the corner , and the grumpy host at the front long hair blue eyes and grumpy. Parking kinda iffy we stayed in a PGarage few blocks down not a bad walk at all $45 for the
Javier S.
Sep 02, 2020
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The hotel has very poor customer service. Multiple items in my room were not working such as: tv control, phone and refrigerator. Room very small for two guests. Also, the elevator inspection permit was expired. After seeing the expired inspection permit decided to take the stairs. Lol. Parking is not included,30$ per day. The only thing this place has going is the location and price. It's a great place to sleep dont expect much.
Wr M.
Aug 03, 2020
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I should have read the reviews. We were so excited to be in the heart of Little Italy. Should have known it was too good to be true. Lack of customer service?! NO CUSTOMER SERVICE. No one even maning the desk to offer customer assistance. The HVAC never stopped making noise. Everytime anyone used water you could hear it running through the walls. The motion sensored bathroom light switch was faulty. And the one thing we hate to top of the horrible experience, Rain shower head. We pre-payed for a Queen Bed and got a Full sized mattress, that they wanted us to believe was a QUEEN. Our feet
Greg L.
Feb 24, 2020
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I would give La Pensione negative 10 stars if I could. I have never had a more destructive lodging experience than I did staying at La Pensione.
La Pensione is an older hotel and the water pipes LOUDLY and unmercifully BANG all evening, night and morning long - every time someone turns on the water. If you want to know what torture is, spend a night at La Pensione hotel.
After being shined on by the desk clerk Javier as if he did not know my room was particularly bad so that I had two destructive nights, I was given a decent albeit quite small room. The banging noise was primarily only audible
La Pensione is an older hotel and the water pipes LOUDLY and unmercifully BANG all evening, night and morning long - every time someone turns on the water. If you want to know what torture is, spend a night at La Pensione hotel.
After being shined on by the desk clerk Javier as if he did not know my room was particularly bad so that I had two destructive nights, I was given a decent albeit quite small room. The banging noise was primarily only audible
Emma W.
Jan 29, 2020
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If you can get past the lack of customer service and mostly flat pillows, then this spot is pretty awesome for its price (my room rate was $116). The biggest thing it has going for it is most definitely the incredible LOCATION. It is right in the heart of Little Italy surrounded by amazing restaurants and bars. Some of the most popular breakfast, brunch, and dinner spots are just steps away and the new Little Italy Food Hall is just across the street! One of the most pleasant surprises during our stay was the Little Italy Mercato (farmers market) that pops up right outside the hotel on Saturdays
Herumi B.
Jan 07, 2020
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3.5 stars.
The location is PERFECT. You are right in the heart of Little Italy with the best restaurants and bars within a few steps of your doorstep. Perfect location.
Room is very simple but adequate. Modern furnishings, very small but it's great to lay your head down after a busy day. Came with hair dryer, mini fridge, desk, comfy-ish bed and television.
Service varies here. There's a couple of nice girls who were very hospitable when we checked in but there were other front desk workers who sad to say, looked like they absolutely hated their job. No smiles, short one word answers
The location is PERFECT. You are right in the heart of Little Italy with the best restaurants and bars within a few steps of your doorstep. Perfect location.
Room is very simple but adequate. Modern furnishings, very small but it's great to lay your head down after a busy day. Came with hair dryer, mini fridge, desk, comfy-ish bed and television.
Service varies here. There's a couple of nice girls who were very hospitable when we checked in but there were other front desk workers who sad to say, looked like they absolutely hated their job. No smiles, short one word answers
