Review: Pier South, Autograph Collection (San Diego, California)

Review: Pier South, Autograph Collection (San Diego, California)

South San Diego’s Pier South Resort has a long and storied past – with its most recent chapter being a renovation in 2014. Originally a beachfront hideaway, it’s now billed as model of sustainable luxury, boasting Silver LEED certification. This boutique hotel is now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, and aims to blend elegance, relaxation, and oceanfront allure.

Image: marriott.com

At A Glance: Pier South, Autograph Collection

• Average Nightly Cost During Stay: $380
• Loyalty Program: Marriott Bonvoy
• Loyalty Category: N/A
• Discount Applied: 42,000 Points + Suite Night Award
• Room Type as Booked: 1 Bedroom King, Executive Corner Suite
• Room Upgrade: DOWNGRADE to Oceanfront King Studio Suite
• Resort Fee: $20
• Parking Fee: $30 Nightly (Valet Only)

Booking/Redemption & Marriott Bonvoy Upgrade Confirmation

Location & Parking

Pier South is located in Imperial Beach, in the southern part of San Diego, on one of the last beaches before the US/Mexican border. It’s also just steps away from the Imperial Beach Pier.

Pier South offered valet parking at $30 per day.

Image: marriott.com

FHOP Tip: We were able to save $30 by finding plenty of parking along Seacoast Drive.

Lobby

The lobby was open and airy, with large windows and plenty of natural light. The decor was an attractive sea-theme that we also found throughout the hotel.

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Front Desk

Marriott Bonvoy Loyalty Program Benefits

As Platinum elites, we received complimentary Wi-Fi and a voucher for a free continental breakfast for two (valued at $12.95 each).

Welcome Package

Room Key

Hallway

Walkthrough Tour: Oceanfront King Studio Suite

Room Entrance

Our Oceanfront King Studio Suite was a large space that had excellent ocean views and a balcony with a view of the Pier.

I remember thinking to myself at the time, “I’m not sure this is an “Executive Suite”, it seems more like a “Junior Suite” or a “Studio Suite”.

I didn’t catch it at the time, but this was a DOWNGRADE. It was not the 1 King Bedroom, Corner Executive Suite that I had been confirmed for via my Suite Night Award (see above).

Bedroom

Living Area

Room Amenities

Closet

Bathroom

The bathroom featured C O Bigelow amenities.

Balcony

Our balcony had one of the better views – with a view of the Imperial Beach Pier.

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Room Condition Issue: General Maintenance

Although the room appeared clean on the surface, especially regarding the bedding and bathroom, we noticed some glaring room condition issues.

Issue one was the general maintenance and upkeep. From the pictures below, you can see the paint on the door looks like it was never properly finished. There also appeared to be rust and corrosion on the metal and electrical sockets, bad scratches on the floor, and the bottle of conditioner wasn’t even attached to the wall (with the shampoo and body wash), it was just placed on the floor of the shower.

Room Condition Issue: Bug Splats

The other major room condition issue was far grosser – the bug splat problem. We noticed dead bugs spatted throughout the room, with blood still on the walls and even the bathroom light switch.

Sea 180 Degrees Menus: Lunch

Sea 180 Degrees Menus: Dinner

Sea 180 Degrees Menus: Social Hour Drinks

Dinner At SEA 180° Coastal Tavern

Not quite impressed with the room, we decided to head down to Pier South’s signature restaurant, SEA 180° Coastal Tavern for dinner. We had high hopes the menu by Executive Chef Peter Gathright would turn around the vibe of our stay.

I noticed the restaurant’s beach patio was packed with both guests of the hotel and locals – and for good reason – the food was incredible. We were blown away.

We went with the Queso Fundido (EXCELLENT!), the P.E.I. Mussels (A Signature Plate – EXCELLENT!) and the Quesadillas (tasty & filling).

It turned out SEA180° was Pier Souths superpower. 

The Amazing Sunset From SEA 180° Coastal Tavern

Social Hour

Guests were invited to the nightly Altamar Rooftop social reception that offered beer, wine, and snacks.

After dinner, we headed up for a drink. The rooftop view was exceptional, and the selection of drinks was good, with a little something for everybody (beer, wine, snacks). I went with the Fat Tire Ale.

Image: marriott.com

Image: marriott.com

Swimming Pool

The hotel had a smallish outdoor pool and hot tub that sat on the corner of the property on the edge of the beach.

Image: marriott.com

Fitness Center & Spa

Pier South also had a small fitness center, while D’ames Spa was available for massages and other bespoke treatments.

Image: marriott.com

FHOP Tip: Things To Do Nearby

Surprisingly, there were a lot of cool things to do in Imperial Beach. Next-door to the resort, was the popular Mike Hess Brewery. Just north was the Silver Strand State Beach and Coronado Island, while south was the Tijuana Estuary (and the border with Mexico). The resort also rented beach bikes and water activities gear.

THE FHOP BOTTOM-LINE 10 RATINGS

The Bottom-Line Review: Pier South, Autograph Collection

Pier South, Autograph Collection, has a a lot of things going for it. The resort has a great beach location with incredible ocean views, a chic lobby, and large rooms. Imperial Beach is an interesting and cool area (although somewhat secluded from the rest of San Diego). Perhaps the major highlight of our stay was dinner at SEA180° Coastal Tavern, the food was simply excellent.

What it doesn’t have going for it is competence in customer service. Realizing that I didn’t receive the Marriott Confirmed Suite Night Upgrade was disappointing – made worse by the fact I didn’t realize it until after the stay – which meant that “officially” Pier South didn’t have to abide by the Bonvoy Elite Guarantee of a confirmed room. Of course, there was nothing to stop them from form providing excellent customer service and “making it right” (by simply returning to me my unhonored Suite Night Award) when it was brought to their attention. It would have cost them nothing since they gave me nothing,  but still they choose not to.

On top of that, trying to remove a charge for $30 valet (that I didn’t use) was maddening – made worse by the fact that calling them several times to request removal of the charge got me nowhere.  In the end, I had to go the Marriott Bonvoy customer service route to have Bonvoy have Pier South remove it.

The cleanliness and maintenance issues were also puzzling to see at an Autograph Collection brand – they really piled up fast. Gotta flag it when I see it – this is not the kind of “basic” customer service you’d expect from a “luxury” hotel / brand.

In the end, a stay that should have easily rated 8.5+ gets only a 5.5 because of the terrible service, billing, cleanliness, and maintenance issues. The bottom-line: Skip the stay at Pier South, but do eat at the excellent SEA180° Coastal Tavern restaurant.

Final Rating: 5.5 out of 10