Great experience! Felt like home every time we came back. Rooms are clean and tidy, small but cozy. Just perfect for our needs. Staff is friendly and the hotel just has a quiet homey feel which we loved. Will definitely consider staying here again for a future trips. read more

My husband and I are in Chula Vista every couple of weeks and we struggled to find a hotel we wanted to rebook until El Primero Boutique Hotel. We stayed in the Sunset Cliffs room and it was delightful. When we arrived Karen took us up to the room which is completely unheard of these days. The charm of the hotel and the rooms were exactly what we were looking for. The location is fantastic being in the downtown area with lots of restaurants to choose from. We will be back in a couple of weeks and look forward to staying in the same room if it's available. read more

This hotel is absolutely precious and very clean. The parking is FREE and the location is top notch! Even though it is an older hotel, it is kept up and has been remodeled. These were the best rates in town we found, and the Owners and Staff take pride in keeping it lovely and delightful. I highly recommend booking directly with the hotel for the best rates. We will definitely be back! Thank you! read more

We wanted to stay in Chula Vista and noticed that it was highly rated. It is located in downtown Chula Vista on third Stree, walking distance to many restuarants, bars and stores. We meet the owner upon arrival and she told us that it has been a family owned hotel since the opening in 1930. The architecture is amazing, I was taken back in time once I entered the door, the tile, furniture, staircase, and the counter are all the same. It haa been updated through paint and some modern appliances. It gives a homey feeling and We felt very safe, which is a must!!! The only problem was we were assigned a small room on the bottom floor that had a full bed. If i had checked the photos before i would have seen that they have larger rooms and beds. It was a tight squeeze for two people but we managed. Next time I will request a larger bed or at least two beds! A must stay when in Chula Vista! read more

See all

I booked El Prinero in an effort to be local to a waterpolo tournament rather than spending my time in my car and my money in businesses that are not local. Chula Vista is a cute neighborhood. The hotel promised quit settings , the smoke store and 7-11 across from it made me doubt that when we first arrived but it turned out to be totally true. The neighborhood is super safe and has everything you will EVER need right on 3rd. The lady running this hotel is super organized. We booked the largest room as we had a 4 night stay. The bed and pillow were cozy. Towels ample in the bathroom. The parking lot on the side dedicated to guests was a life line and so practical. Water pressure and temp were perfect. Spacious bathroom. Cute and large outdoor space. Coffee and tea for guests ready in the lobby every morning. I appreciated that the other guests were equally as quiet as that as it is an old building and you can hear other folks' convo from room to room. As it is often the case no matter how expensive your hotel is. Five star if the trash had been emptied and the bathroom had had a refresh. Booking was easy , payment taken on arrival , easy check out. We'll be back. read more

El Primero Hotel - Ample outdoor space immaculately kept. - Hotels Near Me - Chula Vista, California

See all

Clean, quiet, central to family and the trolley station. Will be returning next time in town,

We were looking for an inexpensive place to sleep after a visit with family in Spring Valley. This hotel is an historic 1930 landmark. Small room, comfortable bed, clean bathroom with perfect water pressure in the shower. Exactly what we needed- no frills, good price. read more

Wonderful, restored, historic (1930) hotel in the shopping part of Chula Vista a short walk from restaurants, brewery and shops, and a short ride to the Gaylord Convention Center. (And a third of the cost of the Gaylord Hotel! With free onsite parking. The Gaylord charges $45 for guest parking. Cost much less for Lyft both ways total than just that parking fee). And a very nice owner who is also the desk clerk. Extremely well renovated and maintained with super soft bedding and towels, very homey and comfortable lobby, excellent breakfast place 3 minute walk away. read more

See all

A wonderfully well keep hotel that's a bit older but is clean, comfortable, with a ton of character and great customer service!

I stay at this hotel nearly once a month and it is consistently excellent. Clean and everything is in working order. The operators are very friendly and accommodating. The location is excellent right in the middle of the vibrant 3rd Avenue District with lots of restaurants and a city park only steps away. read more

Saved me! Please stay at this hotel. The service is top notch and the historical aspect is super cool.

First time guest. I'd like to begin by saying don't book through an online third party online. Call the hotel and book directly with them they will give you the best room they can find. Support this local hotel and book directly with them. When booked through other sites, small businesses like this get charged. The service was 5 star, I was very happy overall with our stay. It's safe and secluded and within walking distance of local restaurants. The owners Kathie and Karen were very attentive and polite. If you're traveling alone you'll feel safe. Noticed couples, solo traveler and small groups like ours, nonetheless there weren't any sus guests. Would totally return. read more

See all

Tiny but charming hotel in the heart of old Chula Vista. Conveniently located to restaurants, coffee houses, bars, and shops. Warm welcome and friendly service by Karen (owner). Rooms are small and no frills- but clean and essentially furnished. TV with streaming and free movies, WiFi, and small parking lot with free parking included in the very reasonable room rates. Coffee and tea available in the lobby in the morning. Location, price, and personalized service are all reasons to come back if the need ever arises again. read more

I stayed at El Primero over the Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend for 1 night. It was quaint and charming. The room was very clean and the environment was quiet. It's on a very cute street and gives the feeling of a small town. The innkeepers were friendly and very helpful. I will definitely return1 read more

As you read about El primero you already know it was built in 1930. Knowing that the hotel is cute , quite a little out dated furniture and carpet but that's it's character and you should embrace it. I took my girk friend there for a birthday night. The location was perfect. We walked up and down third avenue enjoying the shops, bars and restaurants. When our night on the town was over we enjoyed walking back to the hotel to our king room . No hassle whatsoever entering and exiting freely. I would recommend this hotel to anyone that is willing to just enjoy where you are and not expect bellboys and fancy amenities. We plan on doing it again for her next birthday. read more

I stayed at El Primero Hotel for a short weekend. I wasn't sure what to expect, as I tend to stick with larger hotel chains like Days Inn. The reviews absolutely convinced me to book! The room itself is so lovely. There are complaints about the rooms being too small, but it's hard to expect anything else given the hotel is 130+ years old. The staff did an amazing job keeping the hotel clean and spruced up. I was very happy with my experience - 1 night total for less than $140, a parking lot included for guests. This location is a short walk/drive to a nearby mall and many local restaurants (try out La Bella Pizza Garden down the block for some great pizza). I absolutely adore history and old buildings with character, and this hotel fit right in. The bed was comfy, the sheets were clean, and the hotel put out morning coffee and brownies! If I make another trip to San Diego, this hotel is definitely where I'll be staying, and it should be where you are staying too! read more

See all

Super cute and friendly hotel. Family owned, and operated. Very clean and accommodating. The area had plenty of nightlife too! We will definitely stay again! read more

Pretty nice at this hotel. The transit bus stop is practically in-front of the hotel. The owners were absolutely Professionals. So quiet here and ample off street parking. Rooms are cozy and beds comfy. read more

See all

Great experience! Clean and cute, and very centrally located. Also, the family that owns the hotel is the sweetest! I was sad to leave. :)

My Boyfriend and I stayed at this hotel for 3 nights. It was affordable and the location of it was nice with many places to eat near by. I will say their parking is compact, they unfortunately hit my car and when asked to see the cameras it wasn't the best quality. They should at least invest in better camera quality. read more

Room was clean. Staff is very friendly. Close to good restaurants. Evening very peaceful. read more

My wife and I had an excellent stay at this historical hotel in Chula Vista. We arrive late at night (almost 10pm) and were greatly kindly and with a smile by Karen, who is the daughter of the original owner. Her customer service was exceptional, and we spoke over the phone with her sister, Kate, earlier in the day... and she was a pleasure to speak with as well. This little hotel was very charming, quaint and cute. If you're looking for all of the up to date amenities, perhaps this isn't the place for you. But, if you're looking for a quality stay, great customer service and hospitality, then El Primero Hotel would be a great choice. If we ever need to stay in Chula Vista again, we'll definitely be staying at El Primero!!! :) read more

This was a nice little hotel. Affordable and comfortable! I didn't know it was family & Filipino owned either! But the staff was super sweet and the rooms were clean and cozy as well. read more

I had to stay overnight for work and I found this Perfect little spot Downtown Chula. The manager/owner "Karen" the nice kind lol made it such a nice stay. She's super sweet and accommodating and goes above and beyond to make sure her guest feel very welcomed. Would stay there again no questions asked. read more

Sol and her daughter were very accommodating. Very nice to communicate with. The room could have been cleaner. read more

Old historical art deco building. Creeky floors and tub. Hard beds caused me to have backache. No hot water but only Luke warm from shower. No faucet hot water as nothing came out of the left knob. Remote for TV don't work. Need new light bulb. Nicest folks as my heart ache writing this truthful review. Location is awesome 1 block from downtown 3rd street restaurants read more

Everything went perfect! Great place, wonderful people, good location all at a great price! Feels like staying in different country! read more

Karen and Sol are a real delight as hosts. They are very friendly people. They treat their guests like family.

El Primero is a quiet and quaint hotel that is family owned and the rooms are very clean. It is centrally located in downtown Chula Vista with everything within walking distance including a 24 hr 7/11 across the street. Fresh coffee from Starbucks is available in the lobby at 6:30 am as well as an amazing assortment of teas. There is also a garden/patio area securely located right outside the lobby to relax as well, I recommend this hotel highly recommended.. Karen will make sure your stay will feel like you are hom. read more

Very cute, historic hotel. Amazing staff, very comfortable and clean. Located in a great part of Chula Vista and is very walkable.

Small, old, but very nice hotel. Patio seating, lovely lobby, coffee/tea (and I think hot chocolate) in the AM. Room clean, bed reasonably comfortable, power strip on the desk for your rechargeables. Ice available near the patio. Shower narrow, water pressure not great - but quiet area, parking lot, and overall a good experience. read more

See all

El Primero has a slogan: "ARRIVE AS GUEST, LEAVE AS FRIENDS, COME BACK AS FAMILY" and we were so pleased to see them LIVE IT rather than it being some corporate marketing copy. We had such an incredible time - from the cleanliness of the space, the comfort of the bed, the quality of every amenity, but most importantly, the kindness of the owners and staff. We hope to be back very soon. read more

Super friendly and helpful staff. Clean comfortable room in a great location on 3rd Ave. I will most definitely come back when the need presents itself read more

This hotel is located in a 100 year old building. It is beautifully maintained and has so much character. The hotel has been run by the same family for at least two generations. They take a lot of pride in providing a wonderful experience. The rooms are smaller than what you are probably used to. But they are beautiful, well cared for, and comfortable. The hotel has character and a wonderful unique personality. I would highly recommend this place, and it will be our first choice when we visit San Diego. read more

A quiant charming bed and breakfast with a kind heart.. Owner was so delightful and I differently going back!

This quaint Art Deco 1930 boutique hotel in Chula Vista has all the charm and warmth you'll need for your visit. Owned and operated by the Roqué family, the El Primero is he best kept secret in Chula Vista. Warm and inviting service and peace and quiet you'll enjoy. read more

See all

The rooms are adorable clean and comfortable. The price is very affordable. The hostess is very kind and friendly.

Karen was great! Upon arrival she personally took me to the room and had great tips for restaurants etc,. Bed was comfortable and room was clean.Starbucks coffee and assortment of delicious teas available at 6:30 a.m. Highly recommend this place. read more

Great small hotel with friendly staff. The hotel was the first one built in Chula Vista (I believe 1920s) so it has tons of character. Situated near great restaurants and shops. read more

Everything was wonderful and peaceful! Room was very comfortable and very clean. Katy is amazing and the owner is such a lovely loving woman! I will be booking my stays there! read more