The hype
Families love the pools and the retro style, but everyone hates the hidden costs and noise levels.
Town And Country Resort Hotel
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a retro-cool, pool-centric family basecamp near the Zoo without paying beachfront prices.
Why People Love It
- The 'Twister' 4-story waterslide is a legitimate thrill for kids
- Mid-century modern renovation (2020) gives it a fun, 'Mad Men' vacation vibe
- Walking distance to the Fashion Valley trolley station for easy car-free access to downtown
Quick Take: It’s a polished convention hotel dressed up as a resort, sitting right next to a highway and a mall.
Reviewed by @mommythrives: I spent my weekend soaking up the sun at this retro gem in San Diego. The mid-century style is everywhere, and lounging by the pool as the sun went down was pure magic. It’s the perfect spot if you want that classic California cool vibe without the beach crowds.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Happy Camper' rooms are essentially 2-story motel blocks with no elevators—pack light or prepare to haul luggage up stairs.
- You have kids who will spend 6 hours a day on a waterslide
- You are attending a convention and want to be right on site
- You appreciate 1960s aesthetics and Instagrammable retro decor
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though high occupancy can lead to rushed jobs and missed dust.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are renovated and clean, but grout lines in older 'Happy Camper' units can show age.
- Maintenance: Renovated in 2020 so major systems work, but expect occasional peeling paint or worn carpets in high-traffic hallways.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality—crisp and white, but nothing luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Fresh in the main towers; some ground-floor motel rooms can have a faint musty/damp smell.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Interstate 8 traffic noise
- Thin walls between connecting rooms
- Hallway noise in the main towers
Before you book
Good to know
- The trolley station is a 5-10 minute walk via a pedestrian bridge behind the hotel
- Resort fee includes a zoo discount, but check online prices first—sometimes buying direct is cheaper
- Self-parking is pricey ($38/night), but there is virtually no free street parking nearby
What to pack
- White noise machine (essential for the thin walls)
- Good walking shoes (the property is sprawling)
- Pool bag and sunscreen (you will spend most of your time at the pool deck)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Trendy/Regency Tower rooms for balconies and slightly better soundproofing
- Happy Camper rooms for the quietest location (furthest from the main pool), but note the lack of elevators
Rooms to avoid
- Snazzy/Royal Palm Tower rooms facing the pool if you want to sleep before 10pm (music/crowds)
- Ground floor rooms near the parking structures (headlights/noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room in the Regency Tower (Trendy category) on a higher floor, facing away from the highway for better sleep quality. If that is not available, a top-floor Happy Camper room would be great to avoid overhead noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the waterslide open year-round?
Yes, the 'Twister' slide and pools are heated and open year-round, though hours are shorter in winter.
How much is the resort fee and what does it cover?
Approximately $30/night + tax. Covers wifi, pool/slide access, gym access, and a small zoo ticket discount.
Is it walkable to restaurants?
Yes, but mostly to the Fashion Valley Mall chains (Cheesecake Factory, etc.) via the footbridge. Local spots require a drive/Uber.
Can I walk to the beach?
No. You are in Mission Valley, about a 10-15 minute drive or trolley ride to the nearest ocean beach.
Is there a microwave in the room?
No, microwaves are not standard. You can rent one for a flat fee (around $50 per stay) or use the one in the market.
Are the rooms renovated?
Yes, the entire property underwent a massive $70M renovation completed in 2020, so the decor is modern-retro.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Happy Camper' buildings are 2-story motel-style structures with NO elevators—ask for ground floor if you have heavy bags.
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk across the bridge to the mall for better coffee and food options.
- ✨
The 'Riverfront Park' trail behind the hotel is scenic but can have homeless encampments; stick to daylight hours.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Happy Camper' rooms are actually the old motel buildings with a facelift, not new construction.
💡You can hear your neighbor's TV and conversations clearly in many rooms due to 1950s construction standards.
💡The 'Zoo Discount' included in the resort fee is often negligible compared to online coupons.
💡The hotel is a massive convention hub—you might be sharing the pool with 500 corporate attendees.
💡Housekeeping can be hit-or-miss with restocking coffee and towels during busy weekends.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Town And Country Resort Hotel is located and what's nearby.