The Ramada Gaslamp was built in 1913 and it is a quaint place, a hotel from a long-ago time. For one, the elevators are the original ones, and will celebrate their 100th birthday next year. To enter them, you have to open a door, as if entering a room. Then, there is a an accordian-style gate that must be pushed back. When pulling a wheeled suitcase, getting in these elevators requires some dexterity. Other than that, they work fine.
Rooms are small, and mostly complete. My standard room had a coffee maker but no fridge. There is a desk with task lamp, an open closet to hang clothes and a slightly cramped bathroom.
First night I was in my room, I took a shower, no problem. For some reason, the next day, the cold water shower tap didn't work. Only the hot side worked.
Room was a tad warm, even in San Diego winter. There is a small air conditioning unit in the window that I used at night. The bed was very comfortable. I was able to hear a woman in an adjacent room, who souded like she had COPD. Walls are a tad thin. Also internet access in my 2nd floor room was very weak.
Desk staff of the hotel were very friendly and knowledgable. There is a 24-hour restaurant named Brians 24 next door. This was very good (and handy) although the portions were definitly super-sized. Brians 24 has internet access and serve breakfast all day, if you like that.
This was an okay place to stay. Despite it's age, it still is a basic, functional hotel and convenient to both the Gaslamp and Convention Center.
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