Hotel Villa Serena

"Villa Serena is a wonderful place! They've put a lot of work into upscale renovations and it's really apparent: I had a marble countertop in the bathroom, nice tile flooring in the bath area, and quality wood pergo in sleeping area. They provide a huge screen TV and a generous size fridge & microwave. The air conditioner is old enough that the labeling is gone, but once you figure it out it works fantastically! The windows are new and double-paned, and my room was really quiet; with the only exception of noisy next door guests! That only happened the first few days I was here: there was a creepy sleazy guy who was harassing me: I reported him to management and they were quick to talk to him, and did NOT give him a room extension! The management here is great & they've been very helpful. My bathroom faucet was barely working, and they replaced it with a new one within 24 hrs. I was very impressed; it's obvious the management is working diligently to make this a quality hotel. It's rated a 2 star motel, but I feel it's closer to a 3 star at this point. Manny works the evening shift, and he has really good customer service skills; he knows how to take care of everything, from tech & billing to check-in and motel stuff! The only problem is the location: Villa Serena is in a bad area of El Cajon, hence the reason why they have trashy & irresponsible guests from time to time. After my first week here with bad next door guests, those people left and it's been very peaceful and quiet! Carry pepper spray, a whistle, stun gun, and a strobe light with you. Women should have those handy all the time anyway, right?! No matter where you may be! Beverly Hills, La Jolla, etc. Just some friendly advice."

"Room was very very clean compared to hotels in area. I love this hotel and definitely recommend this cute little hotel for anyone traveling. Amazing staff too."

"I am very impressed, with what would be a low end hotel,(not in a good manner), with what I have enjoyed here. They have put in many nice lighting features, one, touch integrated with very large vanity mirror, wall lights with nice tones and bedding with comphy top fluffy blanket. Massive wall mounted flat screen, (haven’t checked how good channels are yet,,). My room’s “statement” wall hung picture is of a huge leopard. Bathroom and vanity soap is dispenser type with nice flavors named “PAYA”. All these well done details within a spotless clean room. Thank you to the Indian family of this establishment that has put in such a great effort and succeeded with an area that doesn’t beget fancy. They have certainly added value to their community. If having to land at Gillespie Airfield again to be grounded because of weather, I shall be back here for certain! Fond regards, >> N94AS"

"The room is VERY nice! Hard surface floors, a good bed (although QUITE HIGH...I am quite short and could have used a step stool!), and comfortable side chair. Lesser quality night stands and side table, but a really nice refrigerator. Seems to have recently been completely remodeled. There was a microwave, but did not try it. Staff is equally nice...they carried my suitcase and coolers upstairs for me. I had requested a first floor room, but was not accommodated. I asked for extra pillows and they were provided immediately. There is no elevator! Free parking...something difficult to find anywhere near San Diego. Well-lit parking area after dark, and plenty of security cameras. The neighborhood seems a little dicey...one never knows what one is going to get near San Diego. Only stayed one night and had no problems of any kind."