Hybrid Hotel 500 West of San Diego

What's a hybrid hotel, and what's it doing 500 West of San Diego? Well, that's the 500 West Hotel in San Diego, which is apparently one of those quasi European style hostel hotels in San Diego. Ok, so what that mean?

Their website says that "In true European tradition, there are as many as sixteen private shared bathrooms and unisex lavatories on every guest floor. Professional housekeepers maintain all bathroom facilities on a 24-hour schedule. Every private bath is well equipped for your comfort, safety and convenience. Bathroom’s feature a roomy tiled shower, moisturizing shampoo and body wash and enclosed toilet with locking door."

So... Is it private or is it shared (as in public)? Confusion is what it is. They have 259 double rooms, single twin rooms, double twin rooms, dorm rooms and hostel lodging. Hostel lodging that's different from dorm rooms and private rooms? More confusion...

Anyway, rates from $49 onwards. For this rate (plus taxes) you get a room that includes 1 twin bed, wardrobe and writing desk. Hair dryers, ironing boards and wake up calls are available upon request. Individual shared bathrooms on all floors.

Amenities and services offered include an onsite restaurant, high-Speed wireless internet access, YMCA fitness center ($5.00 per day), 24-hour front desk, guest laundry facilities, and a gourmet eat-in kitchen. What the heck is a gourmet eat-in kitchen?

Not a bad deal, actually, and if you're a youngish backpacker type come to enjoy the San Diego beaches by day and the forbidden hedonistic pleasures of the Gaslamp Quarter after sundown, then not much point in splurging heavily on a luxury hotel. You're not going to be spending much time in there and a crash pad is just that - a crash pad. You need a cheap, decent and safe place to sleep and freshen up. And that's 500 West of San Diego - hybrid hostel+hotel.

Info: 500 West Broadway, San Diego CA 92101; Reservations: (866) 315-4251; Hotel Inquiries: (619) 234-5252; www.500westhotelsd.com/