Whether you like or dislike this hotel seems to hinge on what each reviewer's particular needs or pet peeves. We just spent one week at the Doubletree Downtown. We were looking for location, cleanliness, comfort, and value. The hotel more than met our needs and expectations. The location is excellent: steps away from the Little Italy entertainment district, close to the trolley stop, a quick walk to the bayfront, and about 7 short blocks to the Gaslamp District. We enjoy walking, and found that we could walk to Balboa Park and the Zoo in about a half hour (North on 1st Street, turn right on Laurel which turns into El Prado, and there you are.)
Our room was bright, large, and spotlessly clean. The staff member that checked us in fulfilled our request to have the best view available (see attached photos). The balcony was really a bonus and we used it frequently. Housekeeping staff were pleasant and responsive. The room was always clean and made up before we returned in the afternoon. The plumbing does make some strange, and sometimes loud, sounds, but we found that if we kept the bathroom door shut, it didn't bother us. Some of the wood furniture is older but not in bad shape. Chairs were new and comfortable. We had a new flat screen tv. The beds and pillows were extremely comfortable. We didn't have any problems with noise although the other rooms around us were occupied.
We didn't find this neighborhood to be creepy, and felt comfortable walking around at night because so many people were out walking or eating at sidewalk cafes. The hotel staff were mostly very outgoing and helpful. The hotel van driver that came for us at the airport was very informative and oriented us to the neighborhood on the way to the hotel. We did not use the parking garage so i cannot comment on that aspect.
We got an excellent rate for our stay and feel that we got a great deal for our money. I definitely would recommend the Doubletree Downtown and will stay here again.