One of the delights of traveling is discovering smaller boutique-style hotels. They often offer unique locations, decor, and experiences that are distinct from larger hotel chains. Today, let us talk about Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn located in San Diego.
As a reminder, I am not affiliated with the hotel being reviewed. I did not receive any monetary or other incentives for providing this review. My opinions are solely based on my personal experience.
Location
Situated on Shelter Island in San Diego, Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn boasts a captivating Tiki/Polynesian-themed ambiance. Shelter Island itself has a fascinating history. During WWII, San Diego Bay was dredged to accommodate larger Navy ships. As a result, this small island of 1.2 miles was formed. In the 1950s, the city zoned the area to feature buildings no taller than two stories, all following a trendy “Polynesian” or “Tiki” theme. Today, the island is home to four hotels, several restaurants, and other maritime-related businesses, with Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn being one of them.
Despite its tranquil setting, Shelter Island offers easy access to San Diego’s main attractions. The hotel is just a short 15-minute drive from Balboa Park, housing the renowned San Diego Zoo and Comic-Con Museum. For nature enthusiasts, Cabrillo National Monument is equally close by, offering stunning views of the city and excellent whale-watching opportunities from mid-December to April.
Room
Initially, I booked a waterfront queen bedroom but I was informed that they were out of waterfront queen rooms. However, the staff kindly offered me a complimentary upgrade to a garden view suite.
Located on the top floor of the two-story building, the Garden View Suite was surprisingly spacious. It featured a bedroom with two queen beds, a cozy living room, a well-equipped kitchen, and a sizable bathroom. While the suite appeared slightly dated and in need of remodeling, it provided all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The kitchen was thoughtfully stocked with pots, pans, utensils, glasses, and cups.
The balcony offered views overlooking the jacuzzi and garden. Despite the minor wear and tear evident in some areas, such as the luggage holders and bathtub, the overall ambiance of the suite was welcoming and relaxing.
Food
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to sample the food on the property. However, Humphrey’s SoCal Dining & Music Restaurant, located onsite, offers live music every night from 6 to 7 pm, adding to the hotel’s charm.
If dining at the hotel isn’t your preference, there are plenty of excellent dining options nearby. For a taste of San Diego, seafood or Mexican cuisine is highly recommended. Point Loma Seafoods, just a 13-minute walk away, serves delectable clam chowder and seafood sandwiches. For fantastic fish tacos, Kikos Place Seafood, a taco food truck, is a must-visit.
Facilities
During my stay, the property was undergoing some remodeling of the seasonal pool bar, which is common during the low seasons. Despite this, the grounds still offered a nice array of amenities: a decent-sized pool and jacuzzi, a terrace with gas-powered bonfires, and a small Koi Pond. The lobby area offers food and drinks for purchase, along with a water refill station.
One of the highlights of Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn is its hosting of concerts during the late spring to summer months. You can see their concert schedule here.
Parking is available at $25 per day. While there are no EV chargers on the property, there are two slow-level 2 chargers on the island.
Overall Impression
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn for the unique experience it provided. With rates ranging from $118 to $146 per night (according to data from Google Maps), it’s an excellent choice for accommodation in San Diego.
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