Britt Scripps Inn

4.5 star rating
21 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Hotels, Bed & Breakfast, Venues & Event Spaces  [Edit]

406 Maple St
(between 4th Ave & 5th Ave)
San Diego, CA 92103
Neighbourhood: Banker's Hill
(619) 230-1991
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Hours:

Mon-Sun 6 am - 10 pm

Price Range:
$$$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free

Jenn W. said: "I didn't stay at the property but attended a conference here. The service was unbeatable. They really believe in old fashioned hospitality. Great staff and amenities. The food was AMAZING! Seriously the best "hotel food" I've ever had.…"   read more »

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "Also complimentary wine and cheese in the evening." In 6 reviews
  • user photo
    "...negative to say about this sweet and charming Victorian B&B." In 5 reviews
  • user photo
    "Oj was Oj, but the scone was AMAZING." In 6 reviews
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21 reviews in English

  • Review from carolyn g.

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/18/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I stayed here on my wedding night and loved it!!  We got some awesome pics of me and my bridesmaids on the staircase.  The floor to ceiling stained glass window behind the staircase is amazing!!  We stayed in the Balboa Room, one of only two rooms with a balcony.  It was awesome!!  I loved that balcony!

    The staff was super helpful, especially a guy who I believe was named, Martin.  He checked us in and served my husband and I breakfast the next morning.  He was very helpful with taking pics and very accommodating with our odd requests.  Breakfast was really tasty.  The blueberry scones with almond creme were so good!!

    I would def recommend this B&B to anyone looking for a romantic getaway!  I am typically thrifty with hotel rooms but Britt Scripps is def wroth the price!!  The location rocks too!  Just a short mile from downtown (Gaslamp) or from uptown (Hillcrest).

  • Review from Nida K.

    San Diego, CA

    3.0 star rating
    1/30/2012 4 photos

    This was my very first B&B experience. The BF and I decided to try something new for our anniversary and I thought this place would've been a nice little getaway in San Diego. The location is very nice. It's tucked away next to Balboa Park and Hillcrest is nearby. The house is beautiful. The outside architecture is stunning and you can tell they maintain it very well.

    I know this B&B is going for that old antique-y theme, but after initially walking in, it's what I imagine a haunted house to look like. There are portraits of people staring at you (the ones where you think their eyes follow you as you walk by), antique furnishings, grand piano, and the wall paper... all tell-tale signs of what a haunted house looks like in my head. Maybe I'm just too young to appreciate this kind of place?

    Our room was the Garden room. It was downstairs which I was a little disappointed about because I wanted to see the upstairs. The room was nice, but still a little creepy. There was a portrait of a lady staring at us right next to the bed. Let's just say I slept with one eye open...

    Since the house is pretty old, you can hear through the walls and footsteps creak and people walk by. After making it through the night, we sat down for breakfast. Our host took down our order and they cooked it in the back. From what I remember, it was pretty good.

    It was an interesting first experience. I won't be back here, but I'm willing to try another B&B somewhere else. Probably in another state... in like the country or forest or something.

  • Review from Tim N.

    • 0 friends
    • 61 reviews

    Irvine, CA

    3.0 star rating
    10/18/2011

    The hotel was overall interesting, but the "breakfast aspect" of this bed and breakfast needs a lot of work, as do some maintenance and sound insulation issues.

    Pros:
    + Interestingly decorated room.
    + Comfortable bed.
    + Well stocked bathroom.
    + Free Wifi, and one free bottled water.
    + Nice snacks/wine at 5-7 PM every day.
    + Free parking.

    Cons:
    - The hotel hardware (doorknobs, etc) need some maintenance.  The doorknob fell off the front door in my hand, and the toilet flusher broke on the first flush.  The front gate was also pretty difficult to open.
    - The Wifi stopped working and was refusing connections after the first day.
    - The breakfast was pretty bad actually.  My girlfriend's eggs were salt-bombed, and breakfast service took over an hour (!) after we were seated.  They really need to send the hotel staff to hospitality school as this was unacceptable.
    - The age of the building and its 124-year-old insulation means you can hear every lewd detail of the upstairs guests having sex at 4 AM which was sort of jarring.  Unless you're into that type of thing.

    Overall it was an interesting experience, but probably not worth the high price compared to much cheaper chain competitors with superior service.  You're paying for the mansion setting here and that's about it.

  • Review from kumi k.

    Brea, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/27/2011 4 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    Very conveniently located near Balboa park and $7 cab ride away from Gaslamp Quarter.  It was our first time staying at B&B and it was everything and more that I could have hoped for.

    We stayed in the Garden room. The room was very feminine, spacious, had plenty of natural light, and the bed was very comfortable.  We planned on just dropping our overnight bags and go sightseeing but as soon as we lay down on the bed, we didn't get up till dinner time.  And oh, the pillows were soft and fluffy and I loved how nice and clean it smelled.  The good sized bathroom was also very clean and the towel warmer was a nice touch.  BF did say he wished there was a temperature controller so it's possible to warm the towels more.  Another thing about the room is that it's located on the first floor near the kitchen and the back entrance so the room is definitely for you if you want easy access to the garden and like waking up to the delicious smell of bacon.

    Breakfast was included and it was nice. BF thought the scone was too tough but he prefers a cake-y texture and I like mine biscuit-y so I really enjoyed it. The chicken sausage was interesting - not sure I liked it. Rosemary potatoes on the other hand were delicious.  After we finished our meal, Martin gave us a little present (courtesy of the chef) because it was Easter Sunday, which I thought was very sweet.    

    Overall, our experience at this B&B was wonderful.  I was impressed and very pleased with the little details like the small box of chocolate to welcome us, the complimentary Voss water, and the very nice bath products.  I would recommend this place for couples wanting to spend a romantic weekend together.

  • Review from scott e.

    • 19 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Lake Forest, CA

    3.0 star rating
    2/13/2011 1 Check-in Here

    This was the first bed and breakfast both the wife an i had ever experienced. Safe to say that it will be the last. Just not our thing, if you love bnb's than you will probably like this place.

    Location, location, location. This building appears to be misplaced as a historic landmark amongst giant condo buildings, a financial building, a senior community center and from the sounds of it a hospital nearby. When you wander outside into the beautiful courtyard you cant help but to bask in the glow of the giant cox communications billboard next door. Parking was confusing. Finally figured out that you park tandem in a one lane driveway in the back and surrender your keys to the manager.

    When we first walked in we didn't understand where to go or what to do. There isn't a front desk, so we wandered a bit to finally be greeted and come to find out that someone hadn't closed the door all the was and we shouldn't have been able to walk in...Nice

    We were checked in and promptly shown our room and despite arriving at the end of the wine and cheese hour she stated they would leave out the food and wine for a little longer for us. Free wine and cheese? yes Please!

    The interior of the Inn is out of a Jane Austin book, beautiful, old and full of character. Our room was the Golden Oak. A bit on the small side, but a spacious private bath with shower. We also had a door to our room that led to the back area, but when i inquired if the key worked for that door, i was told no, we would like all guests to come in and out of the front door. I wanted to point out in the brochure the part that says private entry, but i did not.

    We were given a list of restaurants within walking distance of the inn. Since we were tired and the wife was still recovering from being sick all week we decided to give one a try instead of venturing out to far.

    One thing that appears to be left out of everyone Else's reviews and was unknown to me until my wife pointed it out as we were driving into the area is the Inn i located next to Hillcrest, which appears to be a very populated gay community. I do not mean to write this to be negative in anyway toward the gay community, but someone may want to point this out to people that intend on going to nearby restraints and bars. We had an interesting experience at a nearby restaurant.

    The walls are kind of thin and we were on the back side of the kitchen. So, come 6am we were woken by the clang bang of breakfast being prepared. Not what i want to hear when i barley ever have an opportunity to sleep in.

    Breakfast was confusing, there's no one to greet you and all the tables are taken...uhh what do you do. We grabbed some coffee and headed to the porch and waited, and wait and waited. Finally we had to alert the staff in the kitchen that we were outside, despite being in plain view from the dining area. Coffee was terrible, tasted earthy ad a little like cardboard. Oj was Oj, but the scone was AMAZING. Breakfast was quite disappointing. I expected more and to be honest we've whipped up way better fared while camping in the dirt.

    I could think of much better places to stay for 300$ a night, thankfully i got a living social deal and didn't pay that much. Like i said before if you are into bnb's you may love this place, but me not so much!

  • Review from Lana G.

    Salem, OR

    5.0 star rating
    3/10/2011

    Britt-Scripps Inn is an upscale Bed and Breakfast with a turn-of-the-last-century theme. Every room -- we saw three in addition to our own -- is lovely, and each one is different in design, with a decor all its own.

    The Inn is an outstanding example of Victorian architecture in the Queen Anne style. It is in excellent condition, inside and out. Extensive remodeling has incorporated a private bath into each of the nine rooms while equally extensive purchases of expensive antiques and restoration hardware have maintained the 1900's theme throughout. The service is great, the beds are luxurious, the breakfasts are delicious, the garden is lovely and the whole of it is located just two blocks from Balboa Park, the gem of San Diego.

    Most of the service is provided by a full-time butler who not only serves breakfast but stands ready to help and advise with just about anything, twenty-four hours a day. In addition to breakfast, the inn provides a relaxing wine and cheese tasting every afternoon.

    Downsides? There are always downsides, but here they are minor when compared to the overall ambience. Moreover, they are compelled by the age and antique theme of the inn. The immediate neighborhood, which was sparsely settled countryside when the inn was built in the late 1800's, is now high-rise with secondary arterials. The baths, in keeping with the theme of the inn, lack counter space and good lighting; and, while a claw foot tub may be modified to include a shower, it is a clumsy arrangement. Finally, parking is either on the street or in the driveway.

  • Review from Monique D.

    • 78 friends
    • 82 reviews

    Orange County, CA

    5.0 star rating
    3/3/2011 3 photos

    OK, what hotel gives you complimentary water, let alone a giant bottle of Voss water? What's not to love? :D

    I can't think of anything negative to say about this sweet and charming Victorian B&B. Homely, cozy, friendly, warm, eclectic, quiet. It doesn't even feel like a hotel. It's like stepping inside an upper-class person's home in the 1800s. I feel like I should've been wearing a poofy drapery bustly gown, a big hat, sitting in the breakfast room sipping tea and gossiping about everyone I know. LOL! I love the fact that the entire inn - well, more like, castle - is detailed with Victorian-era decor, from furniture to wall art down to keys and doorknobs.

    I got a great Living Social deal for $149 per night (almost half of their regular rate) that includes delicious breakfast -- http://www.yelp.com/us... -- http://www.yelp.com/us... --

    The service is superb! I called front desk as we pulled up outside (yes, parking can be a challenge), a girl came out to our car to assist us with check-in! You can't get any more personal attention than that. She checked us in and let us know where to park, gave us our key, door access code, and minutes later we were settled. Fast and friendly.

    My Golden Oak room was pretty, cozy, and bigger than I thought. The queen size bed is slightly smaller than a normal queen bed but I assume people back then were more petite? Haha. It's a little squeaky but super warm and comfy. The bathroom and shower are spacious. Two shower heads - one giant one right above your head and one little one mounted on the wall for all your water splashing needs. :) It'd be nice if you can turn both of them on at the same time but it appears only one at a time? The towel rack is heated so it really helps keep you warm after showering.

    Since it's a cozy castle-like place, you expect to hear some inside noise. I'd wake up to the sound of the chefs cooking in the morning. I didn't really have a problem with this because they're just preparing my breakfast :), which is served between 7am & 10am. There are only 3 tables, so the service guy offered us coffee and a delicious scone -- http://www.yelp.com/us... -- to eat in the lounge while we waited.

    Nikki, the manager, has been pleasantly helpful, sweet, and patient in assisting me from the day I bought the deal to the last day of my stay. Right from the start, she assured me to not worry about not being able to get a room (they sell out fast), she will get me in no matter what. There were a few problems on my end on the day of checking in and I was on the verge of cancelling/postponing my reservation. But when I talked to her about it, she was super patient with working with me to make sure things work would out. On the last day of my stay, I got a personally hand-written note card from Nikki saying she was glad I came and hoped I enjoyed my weekend. WOWZERS! I was deeply touched... ;) Where else would I get this kind of personal attention from hotel managers!?

    Bottom line: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place and will definitely come back the next chance I get.

  • Review from Ping P.

    • 20 friends
    • 291 reviews

    East Bay, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/17/2008

    We just stayed for 4 days - amazing.

    The entire home was renovated 3 years ago as a B and B. The cost: 6 million bucks! And it shows!

    Down to the last detail - this is period. You feel like you stepped back in time. But don't be fooled! The modern luxuries abound:

    Free wireless (yes! avoid those nasty hotel daily charges!)
    Free parking
    Complimentary wine and cheese at 5 PM (The wine is delicious as are the cheeses and spreads)
    Complimentary breakfast (amazing scones, choice of three entrees that are all to die for - and the COFFEE OMG - this is as good as it gets... move over Peets and Starbucks)

    Anything you could want they anticipate and deliver. All the people who work here are friendly and striving to make your stay very memorable.

    One trick: I highly recommend booking over the net you can save nearly half on the daily rate. We paid 179 a night with tax - and the going rate was 249 (not including tax) The downside to this: you won't get the Penhaligon bath toiletries. Big deal... we got Caswell and Massey and were very happy.

    Oh one very cool thing - I stayed there with my Mom and the only room they have that can have two beds is the Garden Room. They were more than happy to make sure we had that room. Also Mom loves coffee and we got home from dinner quite late on Saturday (after 9 PM) late for the kitchen. They happily made her a pot of french pressed coffee and delivered it to our room. WOW.

    One last thing - since these people clearly go out of their way to make the stay as memorable as possible - please do tip well. We don't normally think of this when staying in a chain because they don't really do that much for us. Make the beds and such - but that is minimal tipping in my opinion.

  • Review from Christina K.

    • 57 friends
    • 94 reviews

    Omaha, NE

    5.0 star rating
    5/16/2010

    My fiance proposed to me here and it was really romantic. I loved all the character in this house and outside of it. I have never stayed in a bed and breakfast but I am sure this is one experience you won't forget!

    We stayed in the Renaissance room and it was so beautiful! Before we went out downtown they had a wine and cheese tasting downstairs and that was great! All the butlers were SUPER nice and SUPER helpful! After a long night out on the town we headed to our room. Let me tell you that was the most comfortable awesome bed I have EVER slept in! I got such a good nights rest!

    When we got up we got three choices for breakfast and while waiting we were served a blueberry scone with fresh berries and whip cream. SO GOOD!

    Our stay was awesome and if you would like a unique awesome experience in San Diego it is a must to stay here. If you want to enjoy nightlife downtown it is still pretty close and is only a 6 buck cab ride!

  • Review from John K.

    • 24 friends
    • 71 reviews

    Omaha, NE

    5.0 star rating
    5/8/2010

    This place is awesome!  They have 9 different rooms and none of them are the same.  Not too close to downtown, but not too far!  It was a $6 cab ride to downtown so this place is great if you want to go downtown but you don't want there to be people and lights EVERYWHERE.  

    Check-In time was 3pm, but I called at 9am and asked if anyone was staying in the room before me, and they said "oh no come on in right now if you want!"  which was great!

    The parking situation was a little slim but hey, it was free!  The butlers were all very nice, and we had free wine and cheese which is served from 5-7pm.  

    The bed was amazing, we slept GREAT.  In the morning we went downstairs and had breakfast.  We had a choice between 3 different entrees and the scone they gave us before our entree was sooo good!

    If you are looking for a place to stay for an anniversary, a special occasion, or you just want to romance someone, this is the place to go!  

    Britt Scripps is the best!

  • Review from Marianne L.

    Alexandria, VA

    5.0 star rating
    12/9/2008

    Spent 2 nights here last year. Hands down one of the best places I've ever stayed. The most memorable time of my life.

    I had a lovely room. The complimentary wireless internet is very much appreciated, but the included breakfast was FANTASTIC. I had the french toast with sausage both mornings.

    I will stay here again if the opportunity presents itself.

  • Review from Angie Z.

    • 0 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Alhambra, CA

    5.0 star rating
    6/10/2011

    I have very fond memories of Britt Scripps Inn. It is truly a gem - from the stained glass window that forms a perfect backdrop to the spiraling staircase, to the baby grand piano actually signed by Steinway, to the beautiful period furniture that is in each and every room, this B&B is unlike any other I've seen.

    In addition, the breakfast is WONDERFUL. I had the Porky, which is basically eggs benedict on bacon and ham. Presentation + flavor = perfect!

    The butler (I think his name was Martin) was nice and friendly, so don't forget to give him a tip. The cleaning ladies were really nice as well, they told me to peak inside the rooms they were cleaning so I can see what other rooms look like (each has a different "theme").

    Basically, if you can afford it (I got a deal on a sample site... I am hoping the deal again so I can come back soon!), this would be a great place to spend a few days. You are also literally 2 blocks from Balboa Park. Romantic weekend away, anyone?

    Also, if you are interested in having an event here, I think you can buy out the entire B&B for $3,000/day.

  • Review from Karina O.

    • 0 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Burbank, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/19/2011

    My husband and I stayed here to celebrate our wedding anniversary.  We stayed in the Aesthetic room and really enjoyed everything about our stay.  It's evident that they work very hard to cover all of the details.  

    Pros/highlights: Delicious breakfast, friendly and helpful staff, beautiful Victorian home and EXCELLENT location.

    Cons:  The bed was a little too soft for my liking and a little squeaky.  The only other thing that comes to mind is the lack of on-site parking for all of the guests, but then again, didn't really have an issue finding street parking right next to the Inn.

    We got a really good deal for our stay through Living Social, and can't wait to go back, even if it means paying the regular rate per night.  Definitely worth it!

  • Review from Michael B.

    • 17 friends
    • 3 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/26/2010

    WOW...This is the most amazing Place I have ever stayed...You really don't  feel like you are staying in a hotel but in a beautiful private home decorated with amazing antiques and art.
    The Staff is very knowledgeable and caters to your every whim.... Paula's Breakfast can not be missed....This lovely Lass makes the most amazing Scones this side of England.

  • Review from Steve B.

    • 20 friends
    • 13 reviews

    La Mesa, CA

    4.0 star rating
    5/3/2011

    First time at a B&B and we didn't know what to expect. All I could think of was the movie "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray. My wife and I were pleasently surprised. The attendant was pleasant and extremely helpful, she even moved us upstairs away from the kitchen. We stayed in the Gothic Room. The old fashioned claw foot bathtub was fun and the bed was so comfy I slept like a baby. Breakfast was great too. Started off with a scone and fruit, then choice of 3 main dishes. The food was well prepared and tasted delicious. I now want to go back and stay in the different rooms. You should go too.

  • Review from Jennifer M.

    • 1 friend
    • 4 reviews

    Alhambra, CA

    5.0 star rating
    7/22/2009

    Only stood here for one night but seriously it was amazing! The staff is very nice and helpful.  it was a bit pricey, however booked it online and got a great deal. Totally worth it, the breakfast was amazing especially the coffee! Stood in the cottage room and everything in the room was great: clean, great jet tub and best of all free water & chocolates!

    If you have some extra money spend it at this place!

  • Review from Nancy L. S.

    • 0 friends
    • 1 review

    Naperville, IL

    5.0 star rating
    10/2/2011

    The Britt Scripps Inn has now set a new standard of lodging for me.  It is tastefully appointed in the true Victorian style, with genuine antique furnishings, wall coverings, draperies, etc.  Linens were crisp and clean, and towels were plush and inviting.  Bathrobes were provided as well.  Fresh flowers created an inviting scent within the inn, and the garden area was peaceful and inviting.  Service was tremendous, and the staff was extremely helpful answering questions about the area, calling a cab, etc.  The gourmet breakfasts were delicious - entrees as well as homemade scones served with fresh fruit and fresh whipping cream.  I have never stayed in a better inn!

  • Review from Sue S.

    • 11 friends
    • 118 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/11/2008

    Have not stayed here - live on the next block - stars for gorgeous but very expensive.

  • Review from K D.

    • 1 friend
    • 48 reviews

    Woodland Hills, CA

    4.0 star rating
    6/1/2011

    The room was comfortable. Hostess had a bit of an attitude problem, but it didn't affect our stay. The decoration of the room was well thought out (Aesthetic Room). The best part of this B&B is it's proximity to everything SD has to offer visitors (i.e. Balboa park, Gaslamp, the Zoo, etc.). The breakfast was ok. Free wireless internet is a plus. I might stay here again.

  • Review from Jim S.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Santa Clarita, CA

    5.0 star rating
    5/21/2010

    Do you know how when you have a great experience, every now and again, even years later, that memory continues to return and you long to re-live it. Well, a while ago my wife and I stayed at a good one, namely the Britt Scripts Inn.

    And it has been far too long since we last stayed at the Inn so we are going back again this weekend and take in all the sights and pleasures that San Diego has to offer...and there so many within minutes from the Inn such as Sea World, Old Town, Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and its many museums, tour the aircraft carrier USS Midway, and many, many more. But I digress.

    Gentlemen, if you really want to impress your lady then surprise them with a night or two at Britt Scripps Inn. I did, and my wife was! This Inn is an immaculantly restored grand example of an old victorian home, with all the upgrades of the time that was humanly possible (to my knowledge), including a grand piano off the entrance. Now, I can't play up how gorgeous and lavish this Inn is except to say that, if memory serves me correctly, it cost no less than six million dollars to restore this home. That's a lot of gorgeous and lavish!

    Each of the nine private rooms are uniquely decorated also in the same lavish fashion. My wife and I know, we toured all of them and it took awhile to pick one!

    OK, to cut this review short, you also get a full, and fine, American breakfast and special cheeses and wine in the evening.

    I can't wait to relive with my wife what we have been dreaming of for waaay too long now!

  • Review from Lisa K.

    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Escondido, CA

    5.0 star rating
    4/19/2009

    Awesome place!  As beautiful inside as outside.  Perfect weekend get away. Feels like you are in another world! Staff is helpful and professional.  The breakfast (included in the room price) was outstanding!  Compliments to the chef! Also complimentary wine and cheese in the evening.  Great location.  Worth every penny!  We can't wait for our next get away.

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