El Primero Boutique Hotel

El Primero Boutique Hotel descritpion

Built in the 1930s, this fully restored bed and breakfast in downtown Chula Vista, California offers friendly services in an ideal location near the attractions of San Diego.
El Primero Boutique Hotel serves a free gourmet breakfast very morning. After breakfast, guests can explore the many restaurants, shops, museums and parks within walking distance of the hotel.
Guests at the El Primero Boutique Hotel are offered 24-hour guest services. In-room comforts include cable TV with film channels and free wireless high-speed internet access.

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They speak 3 languages——El Primero Boutique Hotel's staff speaks:Filipino,Spanish,English
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Facilities of El Primero Boutique Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is needed).

Languages Spoken ：Filipino | Spanish | English

Reviews for El Primero Boutique Hotel

Review 1：Wifi was sporadic, which for me was a problem. Also, the lobby doors were kept locked at all times, which meant having to ring the proprietors to be let in.

Review 2：The bed and room were both comfortable. I loved how big the room was. The owners/proprietors were lovely.

Review 3：The location is on a busy street and as on all busy main streets there are busses and plenty of commotion but perhaps a room that is not facing the Main Street right above the lobby would be more quiet. It wasn't an issue for us, nonetheless; in fact, it added to the interesting experience.

Review 4：The inn keepers are amazing and the feel of the building is historic and a bit quirky. The breakfast in the courtyard was delicious and dreamy.

Review 5：El primero Hotel has been one of y favorite places I have ever visited in California. It was a very home feeling like and everyone was very kind and sweet. I will come back !!

Review 6：Comfortable, clean and cozy rooms. Friendly and helpful owners. Wonderful breakfast. Stayed on night before long drive home to MN after the completion of my daughter's internship at the US Olympic Training Facility which it was close to. Great way to start our road trip home!

Review 7：I had such a great experience staying at El Primero hotel in late May. Iwas in San Diego to help my mom recover after surgery. I initially hadbooked a room for one night but luckily was able to extend my stayanother 3 nights. Staying at El Primero was like staying at a home awayfrom home. The days helping my mom were stressful, so being able tostart the day with a delicious cup of coffee and a breakfast includingan amazing selection of fresh fruits in the very spacious and serenecourtyard was great. I almost felt like I was in a courtyard somewherein Europe complete with a water fountain, it was a peaceful way to beginthe day. At night, I looked forward to being able to come back, unwindand sleep in a very comfortable bed. The room was also very clean and Iappreciated the water bottles in the room being restocked each night.Pie and Sol were the perfect hosts and I felt a warm connection withthem during my stay.

Review 8：It's a bit far into town by public transport, but the trip is easy--bus is right outside the door and it's a 20 minute walk to the trolley into San Diego in one direction or Tijuana in the other. Also easy parking.

Review 9：The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The hotel was peaceful, with a patio for breakfast. My room was extremely spacious but I think one of the biggest.

Review 10：There was some typical for motels (but unpleasant) smell in the room when we arrived, so we had to open the window to get some fresh air.

Review 11：Amazing breakfast. Easy to reach location. Very nice and friendly owners.

Review 12：Pei and his wife are the friendliest people. They are so hospitable and obliging even for those who aren't staying at El Primero. The breakfast was delicious and they really took care of their customers.

Review 13：Door from street into hotel lobby always locked, which while safe, it was necessary to ring an intercom to gain entrance. It would be nice if room keycard could open door. A minor complaint.

Review 14：Small, friendly hotel. Innkeeper are helpful and accommodating. Located in a safe downtown area short drive to airport. Clean, comfortable rooms.

Review 15：Same breakfast was served multiple days. Need to get down early for full variety and to make sure it is warm. Because of the caring of the inkeepers I am sure if I had asked they would have heated the food but it was lukewarm when I went the last half hour.

Review 16：Inkeepers are kind and attentive. They make you feel like they are glad you are there and try to accomodate your needs. Older rooms but immaculately clean and beds are comfortable, My bathroom had been updated. Met people from around the world. If you want conversation with others it is available if you do not, thats okay too, Will stay here again when visiting San Diego

Review 17：Free parking place is more important than place for self-driving travelling. The hotel is nice and warm. My husband and I felt comfortable. My husband loves breakfast very much.

Review 18：Not being able to get into the hotel without the owner opening the door for us, great security but difficult if you want to stay out late?

Review 19：I've always wanted to try this place since last summer because it sounded terrific and it's beyond terrific! My husband and I had a wonderful time; the breakfast, the room, courtyard and bed were all great. Great location too!

Review 20：Having to buzz to get someone to open the front door upon return every time someone goes out.

Review 21：Vintage and charming. Not a large chain so nice to be able to support small business. Very much enjoyed our stay! It's old so a bit quirky but for us that is part of the charm. Breakfast was good too.

Review 22：Nothing

Review 23：We felt very safe and enjoyed our stay very much. It was quiet and so comfortable. We specially liked that the hotel lobby doors were locked at night. The breakfast was very tasty and the eating area was so nice.

Review 24：The only thing I didn't like was when I was showering the water changed from warm to very hot the cold.

Review 25：The staff was wonderful friendly and very helpful, I'm moving to the area and they were very informative.

Review 26：Quiet and comfortable rooms. Excellent staff that engages with guests and who are very responsive to any needs. Great breakfast! Safe and secure facility. Convenient location for the San Diego area.

Review 27：It is a little bit older since it's a restored facility.

Review 28：The staff is very friendly and accommodating for this little bed and breakfast that's within striking distance of the local attractions- not too far away from anything.

Review 29：I was warned that Chula Vista was too far off the beaten track - if someone tells you that, ignore them. Chula Vista is a small, sleepy, charming little southern California town and the peaceful Inn matches that atmosphere perfectly. The contrast with hectic, tourist-packed Old Town couldn't be greater. I had appointments in San Diego and there was no problem getting there on time. The innkeepers are charming as well as kind and helpful. Their breakfast mango and papaya were an unexpected treat. Speaking of food, there are some very good local restaurants - for unusualness, a Mexican/Thai taqueria stands out, and for simply fabulous food and service you can't beat Italianissimo, just a couple of blocks down the street. If I have a chance I'll definitely be back again!

Review 30：We spent two nights at this charming little B&B and were/are more than pleased with our decision. Personal service and hospitality were top, it is obvious that customer service is a main concern here. The rooms were well maintained, clean and comfortable. We really enjoyed the breakfast which had a little bit of everything for everybods, loads of fresh fruit and was way more appealling than what you get in the big chain hotels!! We would consider coming back here again of not on a self-catering base and definitely can recommend a stay here to everyone.

Review 31：the room was just a little too small. also lacked coffee making facilities and fridge

Review 32：very friendly proprietor perfect location as nowhere very far from hotel. sitting outside for breakfast enabled guests to mingle

Review 33：Because it is an old building ,the doors and bed are squeaky sometimes.

Review 34：The owners and staffs were very wonderful and very helpful.Complimentary breakfast was great. Nice that the history of the hotel is preserved. Very quiet place and comfortable.

Review 35：I didn't like how the shower drain in my room was so full of hair, that I was practically drowning. That my mirror had tooth paste splatter on it once we got in, but after the maid had cleaned the room, at least that was clean. And they don't seem to notice the dust on the window sills.

Review 36：I like how polite and upbeat the staff were. They were very helpful, telling us where the closest shops and restaurants were. :) The bed was extremely comfortable, and the sheets smelled clean. The room was very cute!

Review 37：small rooms, poor service

Review 38：Room a bit small, but then again we weren't there for too long.

Review 39：Very, very clean. Staff was very friendly.

Review 40：Being welcomed into family setting. Enjoyed reviewing day with owners and getting suggestions for next day activities.

Review 41：No bad experiences

Review 42：Everything :)

Review 43：There are no comments available for this review

Review 44：The rooms need some maintenance.

Review 45：The staff is very friendly.

Review 46：It was a perfect location for us.

Review 47：I liked how welcoming the innkeeper is. He will converse with you as if you both knew each other for a long time.

Review 48：I found a kracket next to the bed in the first night.

Review 49：One lamp light was out,but we failed to report it

Review 50：We felt as if we were among family, it was so comfortable to be there

Review 51：Comfortable and quaint.

Review 52：breakfast and host

Review 53：None

Review 54：Very accessible to public transport and eateries. Owner/operator friendly and hospitable.

Review 55：We have stayed here three times and every time we experience warm hospitality! The owners are wonderful. The breakfast is wonderful!

Review 56：The only compliant is the pillows not very comfortable.

Review 57：The owners were very friendly and welcoming.

Review 58：Lack of tea/coffee making facilities in the room.

Review 59：Clean and tidy though compact rooms, Breakfast was nice and the banana bread was excellent.

Review 60：No evaluator

Review 61：Good breakfast

Review 62：This place is the first I'll look for next time I need a hotel in the area

Review 63：Room a little small, but understandable being it was built in 1930

Review 64：People that ran the place and history of the place

Review 65：Wonderful family run feeling. Easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and park.

Review 66：smell so bad

Review 67：All was good!

Review 68：Staff, clean, location, good restaurants close by

Review 69：The owners are great and really go out of their way to make folks feel welcome and see to their needs.

Review 70：street noise of bus stop

Review 71：great part of town

Review 72：I liked the convenience of the location. The staff are great.

Review 73：Owners were incredible and kind. Breakfast was delicious. Incredible value for dollar spent in the area.

Review 74：Small bathroom

Review 75：Hospitality and the morning breakfast.

Review 76：Not to much to do or see in the surrounding area.

Review 77：Mainly the staff. I felt welcome and safe. Very quiet and peaceful.

Review 78：El Primero is a family affair, run by very warm and welcoming people. I liked that they have off-road parking, but you can step off the 929 bus from downtown San Diego (39 minutes) outside their front door. Comfortable bed, great breakfast (to which my son was invited; he lived in the neighborhood), good conversations. If you want personal service, this place is for you. I'm a sucker for 1930's architecture, restored to its former glory, as well. Great value for money. I will be coming back.

Review 79：That we didn't stay two nights :) we were in town for the last performance of a play that a friend co-produced and were in Chula Vista for one night only.

Review 80：The owners are wonderfully friendly people and we had a great conversation over morning coffee - we liked the simple elegance of the decor as well as the historic theme with the rooms. We stayed in the Horton Plaza room with a private bathroom and the beds are so comfy, we highly recommend this B&B!!!

Review 81：Rooms are small due to it being an older building. Have to buzz for re-entry in the lobby. Not bad for safety, but you just feel bad after a long night out.

Review 82：Awesome hospitality! Breakfast was good. Quaint. Excellent customer service all around.

Review 83：Excellent all around, Pi and his wife made us feel very comfortable..Superbly maintained property..Wish I didn't have to buzz him late nights to let us in though...Lobby door is locked most of the time.

Review 84：The owners were very friendly and helpful and the breakfast was fabulous. I didn't mind ringing the bell to be let in, it gave me a sense of complete security. The room was great, I loved the sense of history they've highlighted by naming the rooms and adding historic photos and background information. Everything was spotlessly clean.

Review 85：This place is for older people that want to be left alone. You have to buzz every time you want in an out so they can keep and eye on who comes in and out. The hallways are small the restrooms are small. But for the price you do pay for what you get.

Review 86：This place is perfect for an older people that just wantspeace and quiet and too be left alone

Review 87：I am use to sleeping on a tempurpedic mattress. I can usually handle a pillowtop. I have Lupus and Fibromyalgia among other things and was in more pain than usual in the morning. Of course the rooms are a little smaller that normal because the place was built in the 30's. I my opinion, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

Review 88：I loved 99% of everything. The awesome couple that restored this place live onsite. They do everything and have no employees. The doors are always locked and they answer the doorbell 24/7, which makes it nice because then they know who is there and there are no wild parties. The place is quiet and secure. But the best thing is the breakfast! I loved sitting outside in the open courtyard eating breakfast and taking in the warm weather (compared to Idaho in April). The couple is very friendly, whether it's helping with your luggage (totally unexpected) or giving tips of where to go. At check in they give you a packet which includes the history of the pier or whatever your room is named after. Overall, I was totally impressed by them and their kindness. I will stay here again.

Review 89：Lobby door was locked had to keep ringin bell to be let in. Which made me feel bad when i would go out and have to ring the bell at 3 in the morning.

Review 90：Very nice people, 5 minutes from the mall, 20 mintues from beach food was good and room very clean

Review 91：The owner met us and showed us the room personally. That was good as there was a problem with the key. He also directed us to restaurants in the area. The bed was very comfortable, the bedding clean, and the room neat and clean. Great experience. Easy off the street parking ( free). Would recommend for location, historical interest, value, and comfort.

Review 92：The husband and wife team the own and run the hotel are pleasant and attentive and treat everyone like family. They personally cook and prepare the complimentary breakfast and are there to interact with you during your breakfast. The medium size outdoor patio complete with modern space heaters,provides outdoor seating and eating space day or night which gives you a place to hand out besides your hotel room.

Review 93：Rooms are very small -

Review 94：Staff very friendly and accomodating - rooms very small due to it having been a very old and cheap little hotel before the renovation. Beds are fine and new. Breakfast ok and homey! Owner very friendly and helpful.

Review 95：Had to get buzzed in. No freedom of movement, feel bad to buzz back froma coffee run, when a time zone difference wakes you in the middle of thenight ca time. Cold food, need to get a steam dish to keep food warm.

Review 96：Lovely workers, hard bed which is a very good thing, fluffy warmbedding, liked being on second floor and being able to leave windowsopen. Easy parking. Interesting neighborhood, would have liked to walkit but for the buzzing problem mentioned in next box.

Review 97：Assigned upstairs with stairs, no elevator. The bathroom was spotless but the bathtub had a sign requesting use for showers only, major disappointment to me. The tub has high sides and would pose access probs for some folks. If you have any mobility issues I recommend calling to see whether they can accomodate.

Review 98：Location on Third with restaurants, shops, bakeries and Memorial park easily accessible. Off street parking lot, but please leave your quad cabs at home. Breakfast in the courtyard is delightful, generous and appeared flexible for most diet needs.

Review 99：the motion light in the room made it difficult to read. I had to move around every 30 minutes to activate the light. I can see the motion light in the bathroom, but maybe a way to bypass the room motion light while you are there resting would be better.

Review 100：It was a very pleasant stay. We were in the room 90% of the time because my husband needed the rest. We felt at home. we were treated like family.

Review 101：The bathrooms need upgrading. towels and sheets needs new sets.

Review 102：Room cleanliness and Breakfast are excellent. Personalized service and very helpful and friendly.

Review 103：Not much to see and do in Chula Vista but the hotel was great!

Review 104：The hotel was very cute, well maintained and good location for us going o a concert at sleep train. The owner/staff were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast was delicious and extremely well done. We would go back to this hotel if in the are again. The hotel was great! Location was good to historic downtown historic area.

Review 105：Surprisingly nothing. Obviously, this is not a Hilton or any 5 starhotel, but it's charming.To mention one point, we didn't really like the breakfast, but it was not a problem for us

Review 106：Really nice place with great location if you want to San Diego and stayon the cheaper side. Owners are really great people, ready forconversation and help Free parking, clean room.

Review 107：It appears that booking.com failed to send my reservation to the hotel.I booked two room with two each and neither received by hotel. My cousinbooked a third room that was received. I had a confirmation number fromyou and it apparently showed on your website by neither of my rooms wasreserved as booking.com promised. I made the reservation way early andnever changed anything so I assumed your conf number was all I needed.In the end, the hotel was able to accommodate 2 of the reserved 3 rooms.

Review 108：Hotel was very nice and proprietors were super. Hotel very clean.Excellent security. Very good breakfast in lovely outdoor courtyard.

Review 109：Comfort and character Personal attention and Friendliness of the owner and his family Unique character and style of the premises Proximity to inexpensive and efficient public transport system into San Diego Excellent local dining facilities close to the hotel

Review 110：The owners were friendly and welcoming. We liked how each room was namedafter something in San Diego or the vicinity, and in each room was aphoto with description of that place. The room was clean, the bed socomfortable! The breakfast was amazing: fresh, many different things tochoose from and homemade items as well. The location is also good forvisiting many attractions. We will stay here again.

Review 111：The front doors need to be updated with allow guests access with their personal keys, but the doors are always locked, we felt safe, and were let into the hotel no matter what time we arrived at night.

Review 112：The couple is behind accomodating and friendly. They are social and really make the experience a memorable one.

Review 113：I liked everything!

Review 114：Terrific stay. Wonderful hosts. Lovely 1930s building renovated. Modern, but not overdone. Wonderful breakfast, terrific mattress, shower, towels and very comfortable. Walking distance to shops, restaurants and newly renovated CHula Vista, CA

Review 115：Small room, no safe box. Could hear next door neighbour. Price/quality doesn't correspond

Review 116：The owners are fantastic people, friendly, polite and very helpful.

Review 117：Great breakfast. Very nice and friendly hosts. Parking lots next to the building.

Review 118：Pie, the owner, and his wife are lovely!

The Fine Print

Upon check-in photo identification and credit card are required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.