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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

Abpópa Hillcrest

Stay at Abpópa Hillcrest, a 4.3-star boutique hotel in San Diego with kitchenettes, LGBTQ+ friendly ambiance, near San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park.

3776 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, United States View on map
8.6/10
Very Good Based on 220 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Breakfast Parking Accessible Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable boutique stay in a vibrant Hillcrest location

Guests highlight a welcoming atmosphere, stylish and spacious rooms, and a prime location near popular restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Some mention noise levels from nearby events, but overall the hotel offers a unique and clean experience suitable for those seeking a lively neighborhood base.

Guests often praise

  • Prime location in the heart of Hillcrest, close to cafes, bars, shops, and nightlife.
  • Clean, stylish rooms with modern, funky décor and comfortable bedding.
  • Friendly, helpful staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.
  • The on-site café offering fresh, delicious food and great coffee.
  • Spacious rooms with thoughtful layouts and attractive views.

Worth knowing

  • Some guests report noise disturbances due to parties or events upstairs, with noise control being a concern at night.
  • The hotel has a boutique vibe rather than a chain hotel feel, which may appeal differently to travelers.
  • Early check-in is sometimes possible, adding convenience for guests.
  • Rooms include kitchenettes, which is convenient for longer stays or light cooking.

Best for

  • Visitors looking to explore San Diego’s vibrant LGBTQ+ friendly Hillcrest neighborhood.
  • Travelers who appreciate unique boutique accommodations over typical chain hotels.
  • Guests wanting easy walking access to cafés, restaurants, nightlife, and local attractions.
  • Those seeking roomy, comfortable lodgings with kitchenettes for an extended stay.
  • People who enjoy a lively, trendy atmosphere with a strong local flair.
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About this property

Welcome to Abpópa Hillcrest

Abpópa Hillcrest is a contemporary boutique hotel located in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego. Featuring trendy rooms equipped with kitchenettes, the property offers a blend of modern design and functional comfort. The hotel includes event space and is noted for its clean, thoughtfully laid-out accommodations that provide ample room to relax.

Situated on Fourth Avenue, the hotel benefits from close proximity to an array of local attractions, including numerous restaurants, cafes, and nightlife venues. Guests appreciate the convenience of a café on-site, Gooseberries kafe, which garners high praise for its fresh, house-made meals and cozy atmosphere. This makes it a practical choice for travelers seeking easy access to dining options without leaving the building.

The surrounding area is well-regarded for its lively cultural scene, characterized by gay bars, vintage shops, and diverse ethnic eateries along nearby University Avenue. Popular San Diego landmarks such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway Museum are within easy reach, making the location appealing for both leisure and cultural exploration. Additionally, San Diego International Airport is a short drive or transit ride away.

Guest reviews commonly highlight the hotel’s welcoming staff and the comfortable, stylish ambiance of the rooms. While most visitors find the setting peaceful and enjoyable, there have been occasional remarks about noise disturbances from neighboring guests during late hours, suggesting that noise control may vary. Overall, the property suits those looking for a clean, well-located boutique hotel with a friendly atmosphere in one of San Diego’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Breakfast
Parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Pet-friendly
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

AJ
Andrea Joyce Apr 09, 2026
10

loved my stay at Abpopa Hillcrest! The location couldn’t be better, right in the heart of Hillcrest and walkable to everything: restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The staff were super friendly and welcoming, which made the stay even more enjoyable. The café downstairs is absolutely amazing great coffee, delicious food, and a cozy atmosphere. Overall, it’s the perfect spot if you want a comfortable stay in a vibrant neighborhood. Highly recommend!

BM
Benetta Miller Apr 05, 2026
8.0

Rooms are clean with unique somewhat funky furnishings; definitely not a chain hotel but everything you need. We were visiting family in the Hilltop/Bankers Hill area and this is really the most convenient location

NH
natascha hopkins Mar 07, 2026
10

I absolutely love this boutique hotel. This was my second time staying there. The rooms are very well decorated, the bedding is quality and comfortable and the service is outstanding! Check in is very simple. I was even able to check in early. That’s a huge plus. My room had a stunning view! The location is walking distance to coffee shops and restaurants, and there is even a cafe downstairs. Scratch kitchen actually. YUM!.5 stars for sure!

RG
Robert Gillins Feb 28, 2026
10

We definitely enjoyed our stay!! Our room was nice and clean. The hotel staff is very friendly and very helpful!! Not only was the hotel amazing but the little restaurant connected below was absolutely delicious. Some of the best food I have ever eaten with an awesome family that owns and runs it. Everything was all fresh made in house. We will definitely be staying here again in the future! Thank you so much

RA
Ryan Akiba Feb 11, 2026
10

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had a fantastic stay at Abpopa Hotel in Hillcrest! The property is super clean, thoughtfully designed, and has such a cool, funky boutique vibe that makes it stand out from typical chain hotels. The rooms are big, comfortable, and well laid out — plenty of space to relax and unwind. The location is unbeatable. Right in the heart of Hillcrest with easy access to restaurants, coffee shops, nightlife, and everything San Diego has to offer. You can walk almost everywhere, which makes it perfect for a weekend getaway or longer stay. Lee and his wife have done an amazing job creating a welcoming atmosphere. You can tell they genuinely care about the guest experience and keeping the property in top shape. If you’re looking for a clean, stylish, centrally located hotel in San Diego with spacious rooms and great hospitality, Abpopa Hotel is a great choice. I’ll definitely be back.

CA
chris archambault Feb 09, 2026
10

Right in the middle of all the best things to do in hillcrest. Only 2 short blocks from Mo's bar and grill (super fun) and hash house agogo. Rooms are great and big . You cant beat the price for the location. The air-conditioning was perfect. And I wasn't expecting the beautiful views of the surrounding area. Lots of windows to see everything. Cool minimalist modern vibe with everything you need . The bed was so comfortable. The down comforter was heaven, even the pillows were good.

KV
karina villalobos Jan 04, 2026
8.0

The place is beautiful, excellent location. The only drawback was that there was a party upstairs with very loud music and people dancing. I think there should be better noise control in the building, as the dancing was reverberating off the ceiling, and it wasn't until we messaged the concierge that they spoke to them around 3 a.m. We loved the place; that incident was the only downside.

ML
Mimi Leggett Jan 03, 2026
10

Just got back from an amazing stay here! The room had a gorgeous patio and was stocked with towels, personal care items, and even an electric tea kettle! The loft bed was super cool and was so nice to wake up to the views of Hillcrest. You really can't stay in a better neighborhood-- it's the best location! Lots of shops, bars, restaurants and super walkable. Was easy to access the property and our room, highly recommend if you are looking for a cool, chic place to stay in the cutest part of San Diego! Super easy to walk to other neighboring areas as well, can't recommend it enough!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Abpópa Hillcrest

San Diego, California, USA

Lively area known for gay bars, cafes & vintage shops, plus ethnic eateries on University Avenue.

  • San Diego Santa Fe Depot 54 min Walk
  • Old Town 59 min Walk
  • University Av & 6th Av 6 min Walk
  • San Diego International Airport 9 min Car · 16 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

San Diego Zoo 65,937 reviews

San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

4.7 · Zoo
Balboa Park 78,658 reviews

Balboa Park

San Diego, CA, United States

4.8 · Park
USS Midway Museum 52,711 reviews

USS Midway Museum

910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

4.8 · Maritime Museum
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