Springhill Suites Downtown/Bay Front v Embassy Suites DT/BF

Question

We’re a family of 4 (including 14 & 8 yo) staying 2 nights in November. We’re trying to decide between the two above accommodations.

We won’t have a car so would like to be walkable to food & some attractions & happy to ride share sometimes. On arrival day we hope to visit La Jolla & Old Town before check in (we have transport for this, coming in from Anaheim), day 2 will be USS Midway & Balboa Park (I understand we won’t have time for museums) & not sure about the half-day departure day yet, but we will need to pick up a hire car on that day.

Is there any particular advantage of one over the other, given our plans?

Thanks

Answer

For a short, 2-night stay in downtown San Diego with a family of four, both Springhill Suites Downtown/Bay Front and Embassy Suites Downtown/Bay Front are solid choices, but there are some key differences that could influence your decision based on your plans.

Location-wise, both hotels are in the Gaslamp Quarter / Marina area, so you will be within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the waterfront. This makes either convenient for walking to nearby attractions and for using rideshare services when needed.

Here’s a detailed comparison:

Springhill Suites Downtown/Bay Front:
- Offers spacious suites with separate sleeping and living areas, which can be convenient for a family of four.
- Breakfast is usually included, which is convenient if you want to save time in the mornings.
- Modern styling and amenities, generally newer than some Embassy Suites locations.
- Close to Seaport Village, Embarcadero, and walking distance to USS Midway, which is on your itinerary for day 2.
Embassy Suites Downtown/Bay Front:
- Also provides spacious two-room suites; every room includes a living area with a sofa bed, which is good for kids.
- Free cooked-to-order breakfast and evening reception with snacks and drinks — great for a family that wants a casual evening meal or light snack without going out.
- Some units offer excellent views of the bay and waterfront.
- Similar walking distance to USS Midway and the waterfront; slightly closer to the Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife and dining options.

Other considerations:

Since you plan to visit La Jolla and Old Town before check-in, the location difference won’t matter much for that day.
On day 2, both hotels are very close to USS Midway and a short rideshare away from Balboa Park.
For your half-day departure, both locations will allow relatively easy access to hire car pickup locations downtown or via rideshare.
If you value free evening snacks and a larger breakfast spread, Embassy Suites may be slightly more convenient for a family stay.

Summary recommendation:

If your priority is slightly newer accommodations and a quieter modern environment, go with Springhill Suites.
If your priority is maximizing included meals and enjoying an evening reception, especially for kids, Embassy Suites is a strong choice.
Overall, both are excellent for walkability and proximity to the waterfront and downtown attractions, so either will support your plans well.

Considering your itinerary and family needs, Embassy Suites may edge out slightly for its family-friendly meal options and suite layout, but Springhill Suites is a perfectly convenient and modern alternative.

Springhill Suites Downtown/Bay Front v Embassy Suites DT/BF

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