Travelers find comfort and convenience at their fingertips with practical amenities like laundry facilities that make extended stays feel more like home
Situated near Hotel Circle, Starling offers a practical home base with thoughtful essentials that matter to travelers. Guests appreciate the in-room WiFi for staying connected, while self parking and elevator access simplify the logistics of coming and going.
Birdland, a neighbourhood in San Diego, is home to Starling. Port of San Diego and B Street Cruise Ship Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Old Town San Diego State Park and San Diego Bay. San Diego Zoo and Waterfront Park are not to be missed. Visit our San Diego travel guide
7798 Starling Dr, San Diego, CA, 92123
What's nearby
Cabrillo Medical Center
5 min walk - 0.5 km
Old Cactus Garden
7 min walk - 0.6 km
Sharp Memorial Hospital
8 min walk - 0.8 km
Convoy District
2 min drive - 2.7 km
Kearny Mesa Dog Park
3 min drive - 2.3 km
Getting around
Hazard Center Station
4 min drive
San Diego Coaster Sorrento Valley Station
11 min drive
San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field)
10 min drive
Restaurants
Starbucks
2 min drive
McDonald's
2 min drive
K Sandwiches
2 min drive
California Burritos
3 min walk
Jack in the Box
17 min walk
About this property
Starling
Hotel near University of San Diego
Starling provides laundry facilities and more. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
Self-parking (surcharge), express check-out and a lift
Room features
All 52 rooms offer comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities such as free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
Bathrooms with free toiletries
Kitchenettes, full-sized fridge/freezers and microwaves
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Lift
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
More
Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
Room amenities
Bedroom
Blackout drapes
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Private bathroom
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Entertainment
40-inch smart TV
Food and drink
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
Hob
Kitchenette
Microwave
Paper towels
More
Air conditioning
Heating
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Minimum check-in age - 15
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: USD 25
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
There is no front desk at this property
The check-in location differs from the property location; go to: [625 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA, 92108]
Guests will receive an email within 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; access will be through a private entrance
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Renovations and closures
The property is closed between 12 July and 31 December.
Access methods
Private entrance
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Important information
Fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:
A damage deposit of USD 200 will be collected before check-in.
We have included all charges provided to us by the property.
Optional extras
Self-parking fee: USD 14.40 per night
Late check-out fee: USD 25 (subject to availability)
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts mobile payments; cash is not accepted
Mobile payment options include: PayPal
Property is also known as
Starling Hotel
Starling San Diego
Starling Hotel San Diego
Frequently asked questions
Is Starling pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Starling?
Self-parking is available for USD 14.40 per night.
What time is check-in at Starling?
Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime.
What time is check-out at Starling?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM. Late checkout is available for USD 25 (subject to availability).
Where is Starling located?
Located in Birdland, this hotel is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Sharp Memorial Hospital and 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from University of San Diego. Convoy District and Fashion Valley Mall are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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Reviews
Starling Reviews
6.8
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
Good price, comfortable conditions for staying for several days.
Maryna
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
4/10 Poor
Jairo
1 Jan 2026
Liked: Amenities
The room was nice and clean and the area felt safe but there is a lack of service provided by the facility. Once you get your keys, you are on your own. They do no answer there phones. Dialed about 20 times and no one answered to confirm check out.
Great room for the price of the area. Clean and ac worked great. Only thing is that it had minimal towels and make sure to bring your own toiletries as the ones they provided was very small but worked for us.
Katherine
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Mirna
1 Sept 2025
Liked: Amenities
Stay was great, I got two rooms both were clean and well maintained. The only issue is the shower door was alittle wobbly and felt like it was going to fall. Other then that very happy with stay.
I read the reviews after booking the stay and I was skeptical but it was better than I’ve could’ve imagine. The apartment was clean and cozy. It was perfect for two people. The only complaint I would have is the check in was at another location. There is a parking fee too.
No front lobby service. Had to drive 3 miles and come back to get a room key. Not convenient but it is clean and nice the hotel
Syed
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
2/10 Terrible
Marc
5 Nov 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
There is no staff, no front desk. Our key stopped working and I was unable to get up to my floor. Luckily someone let me up and my girl was in the room to let me in. Otherwise, I don't know what I would do since there is no one there to help. The walls are very thin and you can hear all the other guest yelling. There are long term guests there and a sign saying that the building will soon be homeless housing. The room itself was nice, bed was uncomfortable, but the room was spacious.
The rooms are outstanding because you can actually live there. Refrigerator, 2 burner stove and a amazing bathroom. The security outstanding is because your the only one that can get in.
The front desk of the hotel we had to pick up the key from was unclean, rude, & did not communicate with us hardly at all when asked questions.
Room itself was cute and comfortable but barely had any towels or toilet paper, things expected and requested extra of.
Would stay again with more communication with property & time to plan — But bring everything yourself as complimentary items are not provided at all.
Nicely appointed private studio. Very clean and very welcoming and comfortable. Great minimalist design.
You will check-in somewhere else so read the details before you drive to the actual destination.
Don’t quite know how the tv channels worked. There was only one, also bring your own Keurig pods our ground coffee, an ice tray and an iron.
Ammon
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
6/10 Okay
Edward
2 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Value but has some challenges
Made a reservation for 4. Was lacking linens for the pull out sofa bed and towels. The smell of the eco-friendly cleaning agent/bug repellent was strong.
Having some size to the room and a separate bedroom from the rest of the apartment which has a small kitchenette was nice. We had an assigned parking space, but other people parked in it.
Check in is off site in hotel circle, so if you are transportation limited, this might be a challenge. Directions for the unit appear geared for air bnb.
The value proposition is pretty good, especially if you are doing things close to the apartment, like working/visiting sharp or rady's hospitals. Close to Convoy, University of San Diego, and very close to 163 freeway access
I couldn’t believe how many complaints this place has over parking. Street parking is about 6 steps away from the building… plenty of parking space around. Very spacious room with kitchen. It smelled very clean and looked clean. Rest room was clean and they even provide shampoo, conditioner, hand wash and more. Would definitely be coming back and especially for the price! Can’t beat it.
Joanna
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
6/10 Okay
Valko
14 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Decent for a Short Stay at a Budget Price
This place works if you’re looking for a basic, budget-friendly stay for a night or two.
Pros:
Easy and convenient parking
Clean room and bathroom
Good internet connection
Very reasonable price
ADA-compliant kitchen and bathroom setup
Full kitchen with cookware and appliances
Building and interiors look nice and modern
Cons:
The bed was squeaky and not the most comfortable
Door had no insulation—you can hear regular conversation from the hallway
Fridge was noisy during the night
Shower only had a curtain, and water leaked easily onto the bathroom floor
It’s not really a hotel in the traditional sense. Feels more like a student or long-term stay building. You check in by picking up a key from a nearby motel about 5 minutes away by car, and check out by simply leaving the key in the room and sending a text. There’s no front desk or room service.
Overall, it’s okay for a short stay if you don’t need much beyond a clean space to sleep. Just be aware that privacy is limited and it’s not a full-service hotel.
I was a bit skeptic to book this place due to the previous low reviews. (It’s not a scam) the place actually exsist.
Turns out, it wasn’t so bad. The confusion is that there isn’t a main office, you’d have to check in at Hotel Iris to pick up your room key. (Remember to ask them for a parking permit, which is also free).
The facility is nice and clean, a bit unusual because it operates similar to an AirBnB. I rated it a 4 out of 5, the bed squeaks really bad. I would definitely stay here again.
Bao
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
8/10 Good
Larry
28 Jul 2024
Economic Room
I wish that I was notified the parking space needs to be reserved, I had to parked my SUV in the public street. Clean room . First time in hotel need to throw out trash myself😅。love seat was broken hole in it. Great part of the room is kitchen was equipped and has a stove; I only stay one solo not have a chance to use it .
Larry
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
dalya
29 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Staff & service
Check I. Is at another location, and you have to reserve at least 24 h in advance to get a paying parking spot. Netflix and Hulu apps didn’t work, and there’s no table lamp on the nightstand. They also give only one card to enter the room, even though we were a couple. Otherwise, the room, kitchen and bathroom were pretty clean!
I liked how it was more like an apartment but if you need a new key or if there is a discrepancy with the parking you have to drive to hotel circle to pick anything up and yhe number you have to call no one ever answers.... But all in all it was a really nice experience. Only thing that left a bad taste in myouth was one of the tenants complained directly to me cause my motorcycle was too loud.... It was 4 in the afternoon, and I wasn't being rude like over revving my bike or trying to make noise... I get where he's coming from but he threatened me and told me that he would have me kicked out. Well I apologized even though I didn't think I was in the wrong., and your window is right by the motorcycle parking, he could of came at me a little more respectful.... But you can't really control what other tenants are going to say to you or treat you. But besides that it was a good stay.
Brett
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
6/10 Okay
James
21 Jul 2024
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Attempted to pick up my keys at noon, but room wasn't available that early. Came back at 4:30 and got room key and parking pass, but when I walked into my room it still wasn't ready. Luckily, I found Emily, the maintenance guy, and a cleaning crew member on site. The whole suite was then cleaned, the mattress was flipped over, the bed was made with fresh linens, and the TV was rebooted. Convenient location, microwave & refrigerator worked fine, A/C was OK, and shower was good.
Except for a terrible initial impression, this lodging met my expectations. Waterproof mattress covers should be required by the lodging industry.
Pros:
* The property itself is clean and appears well-maintained.
* Communication via text was polite and respectful.
Cons:
* Misleading "free parking" advertisement.
* Parking is assigned and based on availability, but this is not clearly communicated until late in the day.
* Late communication regarding parking arrangements, making it impossible to address issues before arrival.
* Lack of on-site support, making it difficult to resolve issues promptly.
* Street parking is often full, leaving guests with no viable parking options.
* Responses via text message, while polite, were unhelpful and dismissive.
* The overall check in process seems to be done remotely, and if there is a problem it is not helpful.
Very clean and pleasant building in a convenient location. Room was very clean and newly refurbished, though spare. Fine by me! Great burritos and a nice 7-Eleven next door. Only caviat is that check-in is at a hotel a few miles away.