Located in the heart of Chula Vista, the El Primero Hotel is a true San Diego landmark. Our hotel was built in 1930 in a charming Art Deco style rarely seen today, and fully renovated in 2005 to modern standards. We take pride in our meticulously kept rooms. Step outside for immediate access to a wide range of restaurants, shops, parks, library, and special community event venues.
Encounter marine creatures of all kinds at the Living Coast Discovery Center, get wet and wild at the Aquatica San Diego water park, or explore more than 100 shops at the Otay Ranch Town Center. You can also watch Olympic athletes train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and enjoy the sunset at the Chula Vista Bayside Park and marina-all nearby!
Encounter marine creatures of all kinds at the Living Coast Discovery Center, get wet and wild at the Aquatica San Diego water park, or explore more than 100 shops at the Otay Ranch Town Center. You can also watch Olympic athletes train at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and enjoy the sunset at the Chula Vista Bayside Park and marina-all nearby!
Services
Fun things going on in the neighborhood, including the Jazz on Third concert series here at the hotel!. Rain or shine, come join us for the annual Chula Vista Starlight Parade! There will be a Children's Faire between 2-5pm. Visit and take photos with Santa, slide down a real-snow hill and participate in some make and take goodies!
Seaport Village San Diego might look like a regular shopping center when it's closed and no one is there, but when the sun is out and it's time to play, this place is a traveler's delight. Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping and dining complex adjacent to San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego, California.
SeaWorld San Diego is an animal theme park, oceanarium, outside aquarium, and marine mammal park. While SeaWorld offers an exciting adventure filled with flying through the air on The Manta, watching Shamu do tricks and seal lions perform, the park is also dedicated to helping wildlife and educating the public.
Imperial Beach is the site of the annual U.S. Open Sand Castle Building Contest, Imperial Beach draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and competitors from around the world each July. The creations range from fairy tale castles to science-fiction landscapes to fantasy mermaids and other inspired forms.
New Children's Museum is a dynamic new model of a children's museum that provides inventive and engaging art experiences that are meaningful to children and families. NCM brings families together in a rich educational environment that fosters creativity - blending elements of art museum and children's museum.
Reviews (25)
Andrea Buchwald
Dec 30, 2021
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Donny Blaze
Dec 10, 2021
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This is a stunningly beautiful place! The owner is the sweetheart, this is absolutely worth the stay! Very very clean, and they even offer Starbucks coffee for you in the morning. Parking is a little tight, but wasn't a problem and I stayed during a full occupancy weekend. The outdoor patio is spacious and well kept, this is a place for you smokers. My room came with a small fridge, a nice little TV, and a beautiful big bed. My room had a.c., and it worked fine. I was extremely happy with the professionalism of the staff, and the room. Quiet, clean, and even the soaps and conditioners were high
Merci King
Nov 07, 2021
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Christina R.
Oct 27, 2021
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It would be zero if I could. I reserved and fully paid for two nights stay here months ago! After driving over 500 miles from Flagstaff, we arrived exhausted and hungry. The horrible woman at the front desk refused us service due to my tiny service dog. She tried to insist I didn't pay when I assured her I did. We waited while she took forever to give us our money back. As we waited we noticed copious signage saying they cater to those with disabilities. THEY DO NOT! I will be consulting my attorney and will at least make them pay for my alternative hotel. Shame on them!
Regina L.
Oct 26, 2021
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Thank you to my husband for finding this place for me. I was in San Diego because my sister was in the hospital. From the moment I walked in to this cute boutique type hotel I was welcomed with open arms. I was alone and frazzled. Karen could see that, she and her mom Sol made me feel like this was home away from home. I don't know what or how I would have gotten through this without them. I walked in as a stranger by the time I left a week later I felt like family. Karen and Sol are beautiful souls. And the hotel is super cute, clean, located a block from lots of eateries, bars, coffee shops
Brenda Hayes
Oct 19, 2021
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The owners are very nice and welcoming. Karen one of the owners made me and my best friend feel like family .The breakfast was delious .Fruits ,eggs that looked like mini soufflés. And much more .Which we ate in the courtyard and it was lovely and very relaxing. The rooms are extremely comfy and the bathroom well stocked .I highly recommend El Primero. Everything is close and the people in town very friendly.
Dawn Stiles
Oct 06, 2021
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Aaron W.
Sep 15, 2021
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Solid family owned smaller hotel, a nice change of pace from the usual chains. Although the building is old, it has historic charm and is kept up to date where it matters such as furniture and amenities. Each room has a historic theme from around the San Diego area.
Also close to a hip restaurant row a few blocks north, and a short drive to the trolley station with easy parking for taking transit into SD.
Also close to a hip restaurant row a few blocks north, and a short drive to the trolley station with easy parking for taking transit into SD.
Laural Sirico
Sep 04, 2021
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We stayed at El Primero for 2 nights. Karen, one of the owners, was so very nice and gave us the history of the hotel. The hotel is family run by Karen, her sister and her mom. We had the opportunity to meet all 3 while we were there, all were very hospitable. The rooms were very clean and the price was so very reasonable. Wish our stay was longer. The location was perfect as we could walk easily into town. Would highly recommend to family & friends.
Paul Wood
Aug 22, 2021
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Wonderful small hotel in the historic 3rd Avenue district of Chula Vista. Many great local restaurants, bakeries and other small businesses within a short walk. It seemed like when we asked our navigation system how long it would take to drive to our destination every day, it told us "19 minutes." So it's very convenient to get to all the sights of San Diego
The hotel was very quiet every night, with very little traffic noise so that we were able to get a good rest. The beds have just the right firmness
This hotel is family owned and Karen, one of the owners and the person who we saw the most
The hotel was very quiet every night, with very little traffic noise so that we were able to get a good rest. The beds have just the right firmness
This hotel is family owned and Karen, one of the owners and the person who we saw the most
Erika Walker
Jul 25, 2021
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Elaine Cooper
Jul 02, 2021
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Christine B.
Jun 13, 2021
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Great family owned boutique hotel just south of San Diego! The owner, Sol, and her daughter were really friendly, hospitable, and just an overall great hostesses. They quickly respond to my needs and even offered to help me carry my luggage to my room. I felt like I was part of their family. The King room was clean (this was especially important since I have allergies, which I didn't have any issues with during my stay), well maintained, and had everything I needed. There was fresh coffee and tea in the morning. Parking was free and located to the left of the entrance. The owners cherished
Mercy R.
Mar 25, 2021
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My husband and I just stayed here a couple of days ago.... We had stayed here about 3 or 4 years ago and was excited to stay again (we had stayed on the king size room). I was very disappointed at the lack of cleanliness of the hotel this time. The shower has mold, trust me, spray some bleach, it will kill the mold and remove the ugly black stains (see pics). On the wall before entering the bathroom, there was a booger, come on, you can easily wipe it off. Most of the walls were in need of some fresh paint, don't have to paint the whole wall, just a touch up here and there would've done
Kaschell R.
Jun 15, 2020
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Great boutique hotel with lovely staff at a great value. A very warm and welcoming atmosphere. The outdoor patio was a safe haven for me while I wrote. They normally serve breakfast in the morning but couldn't due to COVID but I'm sure it would've been delicious had they could. The room was comfortable and well kept, I slept like a baby! Next time I'm in the San Diego area, El Primero is my first choice.
Jennifer H.
Feb 11, 2020
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A near disastrous weekend in San Diego was averted by going on yelp and discovering this gem in Chula Vista. What an incredible find! We literally felt trapped in an unsafe hotel not two miles away. I hopped on yelp, found the high praises of other travelors, called very late in the evening and secured two wonderful rooms in the most pleasant space. We were able to not only feel safe, but welcome and at peace. The owners have been providing travelers an oasis in the heart of Chula Vista, and close enough to anything I was doing in San Diego. The rooms are very clean and comfortable, the hosts
Paul H.
Feb 01, 2020
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If you are looking for a friendly staff, a nice room and an overall relaxing stay in a quaint clean environment, this is the place for you. It's a small hotel/bed and breakfast with a nice side yard to enjoy a cup of coffee outdoors. It's located I. The village of Chula Vista which is a pretty street with nice shops and restaurants. I'm actually writing this review at the nearby Teriyaki Grill which Im eating at for the secondd time this stay.
Maruka F.
Nov 17, 2019
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This is a very special family owned boutique hotel that offers a comfortable and quiet night's sleep and a delicious breakfast in the comraderie of other interesting guests. It has the feel of an international hostel. It is in downtown Chula Vista and in walking distance of excellent Italian, Thai and Teriyaki restaurants among others. Walking alone in the evenings is a pleasure as the streets are safe and well lit.
Wayne S.
Apr 18, 2019
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This hotel is like taking a step back into the 1930's. The room are very comfortable. But what really makes this hotel is that its family own. An when you check in you instantly feel like you are a member of there family. The smiles and conversation is so genuine and down to earth. The complimentary breakfast is complete with mini garden omelets and poached eggs, along with bacon and sausage. There are multiple fruits available every morning an you will love the outside seating area. I'm moving to this area permanently. But I can see me coming here just for a weekend getaway.
Melanie V.
Apr 05, 2019
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I booked my stay here through Expedia around a month ago or so. I was attending a concert about 15 minutes away.
I was quoted $92 through Expedia, including tax (I have a full email breakdown of the price). I noticed the night before I left for my trip, that my bank account had already been charged for $102. This irritated me. When I arrived at check in, I was again told the price was $102. I asked Pie at the front desk why it was $10 higher than I was quoted when I booked. He said it wasn't, until I showed him the email. He told me I wasn't the first customer to complain about this
I was quoted $92 through Expedia, including tax (I have a full email breakdown of the price). I noticed the night before I left for my trip, that my bank account had already been charged for $102. This irritated me. When I arrived at check in, I was again told the price was $102. I asked Pie at the front desk why it was $10 higher than I was quoted when I booked. He said it wasn't, until I showed him the email. He told me I wasn't the first customer to complain about this
Tony W.
Mar 07, 2019
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Where do I start! Beautiful and home like qualities make this the ideal place to stay. If you have a chance to meet the owners, please do, share a story or two. This B &B feels like you're spending time with family. Breakfast is provided in a cozy environment, homecooked and delicious. You can eat inside or on the patio. My stay was quick and I plan on going back this summer to enjoy more time in beautiful downtown Chula Vista! Everything you could desire to eat is in walking distance. Location, price and down home feel if leisure or business take you to San Diego, check this place out
Star S.
Dec 26, 2018
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Me and my husband visited the El Primero Hotel back on Nov 10th , 2018 . We got so lucky finding this hotel the pictures are true and correct , the hotel is so awesome, clean the room are lovely . This hotel has some really good history as well . Definitely recommend when visiting , you can stay here and visit down town San Diego as well . Def will stay here again when visiting San Diego . Oh and the breakfast is so yummy and there's private parking.
Betty W.
Dec 17, 2018
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Cozy and charming. We used to live in the area and walked by this place all the time. Had a chance to be visiting the area and decided to stay there. Pi the owner was very gracious from the moment we checked in until we checked out. Always willing to accommodate our needs very quiet motel even by a major street. The rooms are a bit smaller than places we normally stay at but not claustrophobic feeling. The breakfast was simple but tasty.
Joelle T.
Oct 22, 2018
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This place was accommodating enough to let us check in last minute on our wedding night at 1am. Intimate family run feeling with twenty rooms all named after iconic places in San Diego.
If I had done more planning I would've reserved the whole place for wedding guests because it would be a perfect spot!
Because it was on a Saturday the other rooms were booked so we had a small room. The owner made a point to ask why we didn't book sooner as they would have prepared a bigger room. In all honesty we didn't mind the smaller room at all as we just wanted to sleep.
The room was very
If I had done more planning I would've reserved the whole place for wedding guests because it would be a perfect spot!
Because it was on a Saturday the other rooms were booked so we had a small room. The owner made a point to ask why we didn't book sooner as they would have prepared a bigger room. In all honesty we didn't mind the smaller room at all as we just wanted to sleep.
The room was very
Wendy B.
Sep 07, 2018
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It's a game for me. Finding a great deal for a top rated hotel/motel, then thumbing my nose at those who aren't in the know.
Our plans were to celebrate our back to back birthday/anniversary in the lovely, diverse, temperate weather city of San Diego. Since our special dates always fall over Labor Day weekend, I went sleuthing for a deal, starting my search for the day after...i.e. when everyone else went home (We can do that because...don't hate me...we're retired).
It is no small surprise that El Primero was ranked by numerous booking websites as being pretty darn near
Our plans were to celebrate our back to back birthday/anniversary in the lovely, diverse, temperate weather city of San Diego. Since our special dates always fall over Labor Day weekend, I went sleuthing for a deal, starting my search for the day after...i.e. when everyone else went home (We can do that because...don't hate me...we're retired).
It is no small surprise that El Primero was ranked by numerous booking websites as being pretty darn near
