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Ayres Inn
Neighborhood: Alpine
1251 Tavern Rd
(at I-8)
Alpine, CA 91901
(619) 445-5800
1251 Tavern Rd
(at I-8)
Alpine, CA 91901
(619) 445-5800
3 reviews for Ayres Inn
The Ayres Inn is conveniently located along Interstate Highway 8 at Tavern Road in Alpine, which is about 25 miles west of San Diego. I stayed here recently while working in the area. Most customers probably stay here to be close to the Viejas Casino, located a few miles east of the hotel. Evidently many of the entertainers at the casino opt to stay at this hotel when in town. A friend of mine ran into Ziggy Marley here last year!
The rates seemed a little high to me at $109/night, given the hotel isn't all that luxurious or special. A colleague stayed here recently for several weeks and did not receive any reduction in the per night cost, which seemed a bit odd or unfair. That being said the hotel is definitely comfortable, quiet, and has a peaceful vibe to it despite its being situated immediately adjacent to the freeway. The pool area seems inviting and clean but I did not use it during my recent stay.
The rooms seem well-insulated. I did not hear any road noise during the night, but then again I stayed in one of the front rooms on the opposite side of the highway. Each room comes with a refrigerator, which is always nice. The bathrooms are modern and clean, and one thing I appreciate is that the shower head was mounted high on the wall and there was adequate water pressure. The TV's are relatively small but have a good signal and include free HBO.
Wireless internet is an important amenity for me at any hotel, but the night I stayed here I did not have my laptop with me and therefore didn't need access. Older reviews state that access was poor and that the hotel charged a fee, which may not be the case anymore. I will check into this and provide an update as soon as I can.
The front lobby and check-in area is decorated nicely with a mountain lodge sort of ambiance to it. There is a side room where continental style breakfasts are served in the mornings, but really this room is way too small with not enough tables given the size of the hotel. It seemed awkward to move around in there when trying to get your breakfast items. I ended up eating at the big table situated within the main lobby area.
The service at this hotel is excellent. Finally, there are several restaurants within walking distance including a sushi place, a Mexican diner, a BBQ place, a donut shop and others. A Carl's Jr. is also located next to the hotel if fast food is your thing. Additional services (grocery stores, banks, pharmacy, etc.) can be found along Alpine Boulevard near the hotel.
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Stayed at this hotel for 2 nights while in town for a wedding. Considering that there is not much in Alpine, except Veijas nearby, this was a decent hotel. Rooms were clean and the pool area was very nice. I did not try the free breakfast but love that they had it. I was annoyed that the Internet never worked and that they charged for it.
So this place turned crazy when the wedding ended and the after parties began - we room hopped until we were yelled at about 5 times to be quiet, I felt bad for the manager but come on, we gave you more business than you've had in years!!!
MY FAVORITE part of this hotel is that each room comes with bottle opener attached the sink - FANTASTIC for drunks.
Photo to be posted soon.
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This used to be the Countryside located about 25 miles east of the Mission Valley Westfield mall. There're no other hotels or motels within visibility.
At night, Tavern street is very quiet and you can only hear the noise of sporadic traffic rolling along Hwy 8 which runs past this inn to El Centro about 70 miles east. The Viejas casino and shopping outlets are just about 3 miles up the highway.
It is truly a boutique inn with less than 90 rooms on two storeys, a small pool with a small jacuzzi. Obligatory amenities, nevertheless completes the essentials. The ambience is like a country lodge surrounded by pines. Don't expect crowds there, unless they have business in the area. I hear, there may be no vacancy during the summer and Christmas season. Regular rates are over a hundred and twenty for single occupany. IMHO, it's a dressed-up Motel 6.
The covered foyer over the front office's entrance allows you to glide in in style and check-in. To the left of the front desk is a guest sitting lounge area complete with country lodge style fireplace for a homey feel. Don't let the beautiful sunny days fool you 'coz the temperature can get down to the 50's in the evenings.
To the right of the front desk is a tiny little dining area with about 4 tables and kitchenette style counter where complimentary continental breakfast (self-serve) is served between 6am & 9am. Get there early, or you'll miss out on the bagels which is the most popular item. Apart from the juices and coffees out in the open, I'll never understand their reason for hiding the hot water dispenser for tea behind a door. You'd need to get someone to help you with that. On the inside of one wall of the dining room, you can see signed and framed pictures of celebrities who have stayed there.
At night, there's practically nothing to do around this inn. There's a Rite-Aid which closes at midnight close by. There's a Chinese sushi restaurant called Panda Machi, liquor store, pizza shop, Mexican taqueria, BBQ joint in the mall right next to the inn. Of course, there's the Carl's Jr with a 24 hour drive through to cater to hungry truck drivers and travelers. There's also a larger chain grocery store in the Town Center right up the street past Alpine Blvd. On the opposite side of Hwy 8 are two gas stations with their own Foodmarts. Last, but definitely not least, my bank is situated almost facing the inn which made me feel comfortable 'coz I have accessto the ATM anytime.
The rooms are basic except for the wood moldings along the walls. They aren't humogous. I'd estimate the room size to be less than or about 200 sq ft. There's no walk-in closet (at least not in my room). There's internet connections available, but they charge about $10 per day. TV comes with free cable like ESPN & HBO. Every room has a hair dryer, iron/ironing board and a tiny fridge which comes empty. Housekeeping does a good job in maintaining a clean room well-stocked with towels, lotion, shampoo & conditioner everyday. Before I forget, there's a laundry area behind the office and two ice machines on each end of the inn.
The best thing to do (at least for me) is chill in the room, drink some Lone Stars, watch some TV and enjoy the peaceful environment for a change. I wanted to give 3.5 stars, but rounded down to 3 for boredom. Also, at that rate, I think they should be able to offer more amenities e.g. arcade games, free internet access or larger rooms.
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