El Primero Boutique Hotel

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416 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA, 91910
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The El Primero Boutique Hotel in Chula Vista is a charming, Art Deco style, historic hotel built in the 1930s that’s great for couples, staycations & families.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
El Primero Boutique Hotel
Prices starting at $107 / night
El Primero Boutique Hotel
Overview
Whats Nearby
Things to Know
Property Amenities
Parking
Rooms & Rates
Nearby Things to Do
Popular Activities
Similar Hotels
Reserve a Room

Highlights

Rates
Amenities
To Do
Nearby
Rooms
Amenities
To Do
Nearby

Overview

Lobby Sitting Area at El Primero Boutique HotelPatio Area at El Primero Boutique Hotel

Located in the heart of San Diego’s Chula Vista neighborhood, the El Primero Boutique Hotel is a true hidden gem you won’t want to miss!

The hotel was built in the 1930s and maintains its authentic Art Deco exterior to this day. However, the hotel was fully renovated in 2005 to provide more comfortable amenities and modern interior decor.

The staff at the El Primero Boutique Hotel takes pride in offering incredible customer service for all of their guests. The hotel makes a concerted effort to be environmentally friendly, which is reflected in many of their amenities, choosing recycled materials where possible and limiting harsh chemicals to name a few.

Local Tips
Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a short drive away from the hotel and is a great place to learn about San Diego’s native wildlife.

Every stay includes complimentary breakfast each day with delicious homemade recipes. They are particularly well-known for their homemade banana bread. Guests can enjoy breakfast in their stylish lobby or spacious outdoor courtyard to take advantage of San Diego’s amazing year-round weather.

A few important details worth noting are that pets are not allowed at the property, Wifi is offered free of charge in the lobby and the hotel does not currently have an EV charging station on site.

The El Primero Boutique Hotel is an affordable, no-frills option that has an excellent location in the heart of Chula Vista, a short drive to the south of the San Diego International Airport in Downtown San Diego as well as many of the most popular attractions in San Diego. The immediate surrounding area has an excellent selection of restaurants, breweries, and shops, many of which are within walking distance.

If you are renting a car during your stay, the El Primero offers complimentary on-site parking. If not, there are several public buses nearby, or it’s approximately a pleasant 30 minute walk to the nearest San Diego Trolley station.

San Diego is home to some great boutique hotels perfect for a staycation, couples getaway or even for a family looking for a unique place to stay. If you want a cozy boutique experience for your stay in Chula Vista, this hotel may just be a great choice for you and your party. The hotel provides all of the charm and service you would expect from a family-run bed and breakfast and has a great location to boot!

El Primero Boutique Hotel
Prices starting at $107 / night

What's Nearby

Gaslamp District
Gaslamp Quarter
21 min Drive
Balboa Park
Balboa Park
21 min Drive
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
24 min Drive
Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
24 min Drive
Beach
Coronado Beach
26 min Drive
USS Midway
USS Midway Museum
27 min Drive
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego
31 min Drive
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego
19 min Drive
El Primero Boutique Hotel
Prices starting at $107 / night

Things to Know Before Arrival

Neighborhood Chula Vista
Chula Vista is right next to Mexico! Come enjoy tacos and live music, or birdwatching, fishing, hiking, strolling in the parks, shopping, and touring museums.
Check In / Check Out
3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Pet Policy
No pets or service animals allowed
Wifi
Free WiFi in Lobby
Breakfast
Not Included
Property Size
21 Rooms

Property Amenities

City Hotel
City Hotel
Family Friendly
Family Friendly
Hotel Near Bay
Hotel Near Bay
Hotel Near Beach
Hotel Near Beach
Laundry
Laundry
Museum Nearby
Museum Nearby

Parking

Self Parking
Self Parking
Free Parking
Free Parking

Room Amenities

Crib
Crib
Daily Maid Service
Daily Maid Service
Flat Screen TV
Flat Screen TV
Handicapped Accessible
Handicapped Accessible
Iron
Iron
No Smoking
No Smoking
Phone in Room
Phone in Room
Getting Around
SAN Airport
SAN Airport
- 28 min Drive
Trolley
Trolley Station
- 20 min Drive
Cruise Port
Cruise Port
- 27 min Drive
This Month's Forecast
48°F / 69°F
Sunny in December
Jan
48°F / 68°F
Sunny in January
Feb
49°F / 69°F
Sunny in February
Mar
52°F / 70°F
Sunny in March

Rooms & Rates

King Guest Room at El Primero Boutique Hotel

The rooms at the El Primero Boutique Hotel have a very cozy and welcoming vibe. Each of the guestrooms is named after a San Diego landmark to add a bit of local flair.

In each room, you will find a flat-screen TV with a Cox Cable subscription. There is also a phone with free local calling available and a mini-fridge for snacks or cold drinks. All rooms at the hotel are also non-smoking.

Each room has a full bathroom that is stocked with environmentally friendly toiletries and a hair dryer. The entire room is climate controlled for your comfort.

The El Primero Boutique Hotel offers rooms in a few different sizes. Here are the room types available at the El Primero Boutique Hotel.

El Primero Boutique Hotel
Prices starting at $107 / night
Standard Double Room

This room type features two double beds. It also has a desk and private bathroom. These units are located on the ground floor of the bed and breakfast.

The Standard Double Room also has an option for one full bed rather than two which sleeps 2 adults comfortably and provides a bit more space in the room to move around for parties not requiring the second bed.

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Standard Queen Room

The Standard Queen Room is the same size as the double room, but has a single queen bed instead of two double beds. This room has a window with a view of the inner courtyard and is a great choice for couples or those looking for a very quiet evening of rest.

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Standard King Room

The Standard King Room is great for guests who prefer a bit more space.

The room has a large king bed and a full-sized desk. These rooms are on the upper floors of the hotel and have charming views of the courtyard area.

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Deluxe King Room

The Deluxe King Room is the largest room available at this hotel. It has all of the same features as the Standard King Room, but is more spacious.

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El Primero Boutique Hotel
Prices starting at $107 / night

Nearby Things to Do

One of the best parts about staying at the El Primero Boutique Hotel is its Chula Vista location, south of the city, not far from the Mexican border and nearby many popular activities and attractions.

Located a short drive to the south of Downtown San Diego in Chula Vista, there’s plenty of fun museums, nature preserves & parks and more, particularly if you like spending time outdoors.

With so many options for unique San Diego attractions and adventures nearby, be sure to pick up a Go City San Diego pass before your trip!

The pass is designed to help you save on admission prices to many of San Diego’s most sought after attractions. It also includes options for gear rentals like snorkels, surfboards, bikes and more, all at a discount from standard rental prices.

The Go City San Diego Pass has negotiated rates for attractions, tours, and equipment rentals throughout the city and close to the El Primero Boutique Hotel that you and your family can take advantage of to save. Spend even less when you stack the discounts by using our exclusive discount code, just use GVSD5OFF!

Living Coast Discovery Center

The Living Coast Discovery Center is a short drive away from the hotel and is a great place to learn about San Diego’s native wildlife. The center has exhibits featuring sea turtles, stingrays, leopard sharks, and other species that call the San Diego Bay and surrounding waters home.

The center is also located next to the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Bayside Park. Bayside Park is an excellent place to watch the sunset, and it’s also a popular launch point for kayak trips. The refuge has a network of trails through a beautiful preserved area and is a great place for a hike.

San Diego Zoo

Just a short drive north of Chula Vista is the San Diego Zoo, which is one of the most renowned zoos in the country.

This zoo is located in Balboa Park and is home to hundreds of unique animal species. The zoo hosts events and live animal encounters throughout the year. Be sure to take a ride on the aerial tram for some of the most stunning views in San Diego!

USS Midway Museum

San Diego is known for its rich naval history, and the USS Midway Museum is a great place to learn about the storied military history of the San Diego area.

The family-friendly museum is set on a retired aircraft carrier docked along San Diego Bay and features a variety of exhibits and flight simulators that bring naval history to life.

Popular Activities

Hop On & Off Narrated Trolley Tour
Hop On & Off Narrated Trolley Tour
Jump onto one of the authentic trolleys, and see over 100 sights in San Diego! Listen to the tour guide and learn as you go. Create your own tour with 12 boarding areas!
Buy Now
San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Enjoy this ‘San Diego Top Pick Award’ winner as you set sail on a three level luxury ship providing 360-degree views of San Diego’s scenic beauty. Relax for a 1-2 hour narrated tour, learn about the city from the bay.
Buy Now
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Spend the day at the iconic San Diego Zoo! Featuring over 3,500 animals and 650 species, this zoo is the heart of Balboa Park. There are multiple exhibits & experiences for all ages to learn about animals and their habitats.
Learn More
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum provides history of aircraft built in California. The museum includes over 60 exhibits with restored aircraft and tours of the carrier.
Learn More
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
The world-famous SeaWorld San Diego is home to animal shows, roller coasters and other rides for the entire family. Enjoy encounters featuring the famed Orcas, dolphins and sea lions, or take a tour through the habitats.
Learn More
Explore San Diego Bay
Explore San Diego Bay
Check out the fully-narrated, land & sea San Diego SEAL tour! After riding through the picturesque streets of San Diego, this amphibious vehicle splashes into the bay towards Shelter Island!
Buy Now
Gaslamp Brothels, Bites & Booze Tour
Gaslamp Brothels, Bites & Booze Tour
Reserve your spot on this guided culinary walking tour of the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Explore the old red light district, eat at 4 restaurants and wash it down with a sample-sized intoxicating treat!
Buy Now
LEGOLAND Hopper Ticket
LEGOLAND Hopper Ticket
Enjoy the 2nd day FREE with this LEGOLAND® California Hopper Ticket! Save BIG when your 2nd visit occurs within 9 days of your 1st to LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE Aquarium or the LEGOLAND Water Park.
Learn More
Visit Living Coast Discovery Center
Visit Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista is an environmental education opportunity featuring a wide array of wildlife experiences. Great for the entire family, consider a private or group tour.
Learn More

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