If it is true what is said about a first impression, then you will not be disappointed when you step inside Vantaggio Suites Hillcrest and see the well-appointed, newly-furnished lobby and a smiling front desk clerk eager to serve you. With that said, it is fair to say that I am uniquely qualified to offer an insightful review about Vantaggio Suites Hillcrest in that I've been a resident here for over 14 years. I cannot evaluate the other Vantaggio Suites, but let me categorically state that I have never had an issue with an employee, or a major problem with the building itself in any of the 5,146 days (and counting) that I've lived at this location. Every day has been an absolute joy thanks in large part to the amazing staff that keeps this property running smoothly and "always" in tip-top condition. In that regard, let me give a shout out to Cecilia, Karoti, Jose, Steve, Esperanza, Sonya, and Mariano. In my experience here, any concern that a tenant has is addressed by the staff with courtesy and a prompt sense of urgency. Furthermore, over the years it has been clear to me that the building's owners view their tenants as real people and not just a faceless room number.
With your choice of three different room sizes, the rent is compatible with the area. Every room has a medium sized-refrigerator, microwave, and flat-screen television. If you are planning on staying for awhile and want to make your room a little more homelike, you can have the furniture that comes with your room removed so that you refurnish and decorate it to suite your tastes like I did. The building is quiet; no loud parties. The walls are not paper-thin so you won't hear the television in the adjoining room. The tenants are respectful of each other's space and privacy but there are exceptions every now and then, which is normal in any residential environment. WiFi and the cable-TV are A-OK. Parking can be an issue if you don't want to pay the monthly $125 underground parking fee. The lobby, restrooms, exercise room, kitchens, trash rooms, laundry room, hallways, outdoor patio, 7th floor sundeck, and outside areas surrounding the property are tended to daily. In addition, housekeepers will clean your room bi-weekly for extended stay tenants. And I have never seen in my room, nor heard of anyone else having nuisance pests such as bedbugs, ants, and roaches. Yuck! I'm sort of a neat-freak and I definitely don't like drama. So trust me, if this place has issues I would not still be living here.
Vantaggio Suites Hillcrest is located in a vibrant, multi-cultural/ethnic neighborhood where people you pass on the street say "good morning," and where it is safe for women and the elderly to walk alone at night. The airport, downtown, and the famous San Diego Zoo are less than 15-minutes away by car. Grocery stores, dozens of restaurants, a post office, farmers' market, fitness clubs, nail salons, bars, several world-class museums, Balboa Park, hospitals, and hundreds of other services are all within walking distance.
So, is Vantaggio Suites Hillcrest 5-star; no. Does it have a doorman, concierge, event planner, swimming pool, manicurist, and masseuse; no. If that's what you want then be prepared to shell out big bucks at a place downtown. But take it from someone who knows what he's talking about. Vantaggio Hillcrest is the ideal residential hotel for short-term visits, or a place to call home for long-term residents like myself. Finally, in case you're wondering; I did not get a discount on my rent this month for penning this review. #LOL read more