It is a historic 1930s hotel, so rooms and bathrooms are small. However the owner of as very welcoming and everything was clean! It was a little expensive but we booked last minute, and we were happy.

This is a wonderful place to stay in Chula Vista. You are just down the street from many restaurants and shops (easy to walk to) and the hotel is wonderful. The owners were excellent and the rooms were adorable. I loved the historic nature of this hotel and would definitely stay again when I'm in the area.

Quiet and near chula vista downtown

Front desk lady very nice. Clean rooms

The staff are amazing

Nice stay. Enjoyed market days sale near by. Host/owner helped us get to room a bit early

We loved the historic nature of this property, and it's wonderfully friendly proprietor. It was just right for our stay.

The host & owners Karen & her lovely mother. Very friendly & welcoming, they would go out of their way to accommodate my experience in this very charming delightful 1930's, Chula Vista's FIRST hotel. I was booked in the Mission de Alcala. Each room had their own plaque on door w/the history behind it in the room for guest to take back some memories of this Delightful hotel. I Highly recommend staying here. It was clean, comfortable and lots charm from the 1930's Art Deco period. I would certainly come back & stay here when visiting my brother & his family.

Way over-priced! You would think, for $136/night there would be a microwave and small refrigerator in the rooms. Nope. No breakfast either. The water in the bathtub was either too cold or too hot. Could not control the temperature. The bar of soap was tiny.....only lasted me 3 days. The only amenity was free parking. I will not return to El Primero

This was a historic boutique hotel within walking distance of restaurants, pubs, bars and coffee houses. The hotel was very clean and inviting. The hostess Karen was very hospitable and gave us some pointers. There is a very nice courtyard to enjoy a drink or just sit and relax with beautiful plants and lighting. I definitely have found a little gem to book if visiting San Diego. I can’t wait to return.

Super nice place, everything close even the bus. I recommended.

Paper thin walls but great service

I didn't know what to expect. It turned out to be a very well located small Hotel, Boutique style built in 1931. Very well kept with the friendliest hostesses. The room was a little small but very functional. Everything worked well. From TV to great water pressure in the shower, to a comfortable bed with pillows which you may select from soft to hard. The location was close to restaurants and shops that made my stay more fun. I will definitely will return to this Hotel.

Front desk staff are lovely people and truly want you to enjoy your stay. Entry into the hotel is secured. Though the building itself is very outdated, rooms are small and cleanliness of the bathroom was subpar. The door to the bathroom was not aligned so there was a very visible opening at the top of the door, the shower was dark and in need of re-tiling. Electrical needs updating, there were power strips for the outlets. The walls are very thin, you can hear EVERYTHING in the immediate rooms next to you aside from regular conversation.

We had a good time and Karen is an excellent hostess

The bathtub/shower had a constant drip. Meant to mention it when I checked out, but I forgot.

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.

Confortable Is a Little room,but Is Very Good For The Price, have all Necesary

Location was not as expected: Had issues turn on TV had to get assistance. AC too noisy. A bottle of water would have been nice. Tap water tasted odd.

Nice, very old 1930’s building with lots of charm in the Chula Vista area of San Diego. Small rooms but of course for the time it was built it makes sense. Probably could use some paint and general spruce up. The bed was very comfortable and there were large soft bath towels. Quiet peaceful sleep and walk to restaurants and coffee shops.

For a very old building, it had charm reminiscent of it's former days. Staff very friendly and helpful.

We were in town for three days, on a lengthy road trip from Missouri. Chose El Primero based on the reviews, great price and convenient location. Karen, the owner, was a delight. A good, kind-hearted person. We definitely felt welcome. We hope to stay here again on a future visit to the area!

It had everything I needed. Nice area for walking to shops. It was quiet & the free, easy, secure parking was godsend. It was a fair price point when I stayed. I will stay again. Thank you for having me.

i would stay here again

What a gem this hotel is. Its nothing fancy but im sure it was at one time. Check in was easy. Front door is secure so be patient. Super friendly check in. Rooms are on the small side but its a historic hotel so not surprised. We stayed on the bottom floor. Room was very clean. Came with toiletries. The shower is great! High pressure and hot water. We left really early unfortunately didn't get to enjoy breakfast. I would definitely stay again.

Recommended by a friend. Family owned and operated. Karen warm, personable, welcoming. Unique character building, easy parking, safe and convenient. Large room, well maintained, bed comfortable.

Alll was great, have stayed there before. Convenient location, great free parking and close to the best restaurants in downtown Chula Vista. Forgot to let you know bathroom sink in our room (Del Mar) is loose and might fall. White glue is loose. Finally , for some reason my $49 credit with hotel.com was not honored. I called hotel.com and they said some hotels that are not prepaid don’t honor the One Key credit. Next time I will think about staying here for that reason. Thank you.

Hotel with history

Second time staying at this mom and Pop shop. As soon as you enter you are welcomed. I really appreciate their hospitality and humbleness. If I ever need to stay in San Diego my first choice would be El Primero.

Don’t get fooled by the reviews this hotel sucks. Staff woman is horrible. They don’t change the sheets. Wouldn’t stay here again

Historical place, very quiet