As part of my ThinkTank experience I was given the opportunity to stay at the Surfer Beach Hotel for a couple of nights … gratis.  All I had to do in exchange was give an honest and fair review of my experience there.  This post is my effort to be both “fair and balanced” about the “Surfer”.  That said, this is a “paid review” to a certain degree and so it requires the disclosure as such.

First off, it’s pretty clear as you drive up to the hotel that it isn’t exactly the “spring chicken” of Pacific Beach.  It does have an amazing location though as it is right on the beach and boardwalk.  The second thing I noticed was how overwhelmingly nice the staff was … including April the general manager.  They checked me in quickly and the experience just got better and better after that.

While the outside of the place is a bit outdated, they have done a fantastic refurb on the interior.  The room contains a nice little “bar” area with a sink, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and a microwave … all very nice and extremely useful for a nice little beach get away.

Then comes the view … 

Above is the view from my room out to the hotel pool and then the boardwalk and beach beyond … very nice!

Another view of the pool …

The fact is that the best part of this hotel is the location … right on Pacific Beach!  It makes it very easy to head out at anytime for a nice stroll or some wave watching … 

or sunset gazing …

In terms of a grade, I would give the Surfer a B+ on accommodations and an A+ on location for an overall grade of an A for the value.  The rooms don’t have A/C (I’m a bit of an A/C freak), but the ocean breeze cools the room down nicely for sleeping.  The TVs aren’t exactly state of the art … but you’re on the beach … get out of the room and enjoy the ocean!

And, I will definitely stay there again … next time with my wife!