This was a beautiful hotel with a great location, only a few blocks from the Gaslamp District. Walking distance to lots of bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Also walking distant to the ocean and other main Downtown SD attractions.
I loved that the hotel was pet friendly. Although our room was a bit small, it was fully equipped and decorated beautifully. I loved the old, industrial feel to the building. I would definitely come back.
BTW, some other reviews were complaining about the Greyhound stop. Yes, it is right behind the hotel, and I'm sure it could get noisy. However, my room was on the opposite side so I did not hear any noises at night. Make sure you request a room facing the other street.

We did quite a bit of research before booking this hotel, I wanted to be downtown and was very happy to choose something warm and quaint with a personality rather than a more modern hotel chain. I was so happy that we chose The Sofia. The location was perfect - could walk everywhere we wanted to go including some lovely restaurants in the Gaslamp District. Close to really good public transport - we went to the zoo on the bus as well as back to the airport and also caught a bus over to Coronado. The hotel staff were really friendly and so helpful from the bellboys to the concierge, our room staff and especially the front desk. Yes, the room was quite compact! Good practice for our cruise a couple of days later! The bathroom was lovely, had all the amenities we needed and a lovely comfy bed. Good shopping mall just over the road, loved the photos and the history of the hotel. Would be very happy to stay here again.

i stayed at the Sofia for 6 nights while exploring San Diego. it is a smaller little boutique-style hotel right down in the middle of the city. the desk staff and concierge were helpful and welcoming. it was easy to walk to the nearby shopping centre at Horton plaza, the Ralph's grocery another block further away and very central to the transit system which seems to work pretty well.
there is no room service for food in the rooms or mini-bar, but if you want you can order a very nice dinner at the bar and take it to your room or eat it there in the bar/restaurant. i found the food, wine and room costs very affordable. the bar is intimate and relaxed, yet welcoming even for the single traveler. you can also stock up at Ralph's for nibblies and wine. there is a small fridge in each room.
the rooms are kept clean and there is no shortage of towels. but the room i had was small, it was a bit snug....but i was offered another larger room for a bit more money. i did not move because i had already unpacked and settled in. the bed was comfortable. there was no view at all from my room, but it was fairly quiet on the 7th floor.
the lobby was nicely appointed with internet service available. there is a spa, which i did not try...and an exercise room and free newspapers. also there is a nice touch for guests in the lobby where there is a large iced water dispenser for thirsty travelers, fresh with lemon slices.
the concierges were very helpful to me. i got clear and easy instructions and directions from both of them. thanks! it was a pleasant stay.

I like it! I chose this hotel thanks the advices of tripadvisors people. I didn't look anything about this hotel in the internet. So I was very surprised to find out that it was "so elegant and warm" for the price. I booked for 3 nights and paid 360 $ excl. tax and excl. the 7$/day for amenities (obligatory). But it's ok if you think that in the list you get: 2 bottle of water (0.5 liter each) every day, free internet in the room, the use of computer in the lobby, ... There is also a SPA + fitness but I didn't have the time to check them.
The room was also beautiful. I had room 519 with windows on two sides, in front of the bed and on the right side. Even if there were buildings in the front, I liked the room, because you can see the sun rising in the morning.
ca. 15 minutes walk to Gaslamp with many many restaurants and bars.
In the hotel there is the american bistro "Currant" -> very good and beautiful. It doesn't look like the typical restaurant of a hotel.
The only bad thing: the valet/parking. 30$/day!!!
Tip of San Diego: go to Hotel Coronado and watch the sunset :-)