(continuing the Downtown list,
with updates )
In the following list, numbers 1 - 21 are less than a mile from the Convention Center, 22 and 23 are far away but
definitely have shuttles to the Convention Center, and 24 - 30 are between one and two miles away (I left the hotels with more than three stars out of this last list).
1. Marriott San Diego Hotel and Marina (0.05 mi) ****
$445, $225 through the ComicCon (this is the headquarters hotel for the Con) This 25-story twin tower next to the convention center has everything a businessperson--or leisure traveler--could want. As a major site for conventions, the complex can be hectic and impersonal, and the hallways can be noisy. Lending some tranquility are the lagoon-style pools nestled between cascading waterfalls. The standard rooms are smallish, but pay a bit extra for a room with a balcony overlooking the bay and you'll have a serene, sparkling world spread out before you. Seaport Village and a trolley station are nearby. 333 W. Harbor Dr., Embarcadero 92101. Phone 619/234-1500 or 800/228-9290, fax 619/234-8678, web
http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/SANDT. 1,300 rooms, 54 suites. 3 restaurants, room service, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, 6 tennis courts, 2 pools, fitness classes, health club, hair salon, outdoor hot tub, massage, sauna, boating, bicycles, basketball, 3 bars, recreation room, video game room, shops, laundry facilities, concierge, concierge floor, business services, convention center, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking (
$19 a night self parking, $25 a night valet parking ); no smoking. Accepts AE (American Express), D (Discover), DC (Diner's Club--does
anyone still have this?), MC (MasterCard) and V (Visa).
2. The Horton Grand Hotel (0.18 mi) ***
SOLD OUT on Expedia, $185 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) A Victorian confection, the Horton Grand comprises two 1880s hotels moves brick by brick from nearby locations and fit together. The delightfully retro rooms are furnished with period antiques, ceiling fans, and gas-burning fireplaces. The choicest rooms overlook a garden courtyard that twinkles with miniature lights. The hotel is a charmer, but service can be erratic. 311 Island Ave., Gaslamp Quarter 92101. Phone 619/544-1886 or 800/542-1886, fax 619/239-3823, web
www.hortongrand.com. 132 rooms, 24 suites. Restaurant, kitchenettes, microwaves, refrigerators, piano bar, theater, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, parking (
$20 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.
3. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (0.27 mi) **** 4D
$399, $192 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) Fodor's choice hotel. The 34- and 40-story towers adjacent to Seaport Village make the Manchester the West Coast's tallest waterfront building. The interior combines old-world opulence with California airiness; palm trees pose next to ornate tapestry couches in the light-filled lobby. All of the British Regency-style guest rooms have water views and windows open to catch fresh bay breezes, The hotel's proximity to the convention center attracts a large business trade. The Business Plan includes access to an area with desks and office supplies. A trolley station is one block away and the Gaslamp's clubs and restaurants are also within walking distance. 1 Market Pl, Embarcadero 92101. Phone 619/232-1234 or 800/233-1234, fax 619/233-6464, web
www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com. 1,625 rooms, 95 suites. 3 restaurants, room service, minibars, cable TV, in-room data ports, 4 tennis courts, pool, health club, outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam room, boating, bicycles, 2 bars, shops, dry cleaning, laundry service, concierge, concierge floor, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking (
$19 a night self parking, $25 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.
4. San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter (0.33 mi) ****
SOLD OUT on Expedia!
4 (actually, two blocks west) Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter (0.55 mi) ***.5 SOLD OUT on Expedia, $195 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) Just stepping into the lobby, which is modern and sophisticated, but with cozy lounge spaces and wood accents, tells you this isn't your usual downtown hotel. Inspired by the Gaslamp, this Hilton has unique style. The loft rooms in the Enclave Tower are urban retreats with extra-high ceilings, light dimmers, and portable phones; some have whirlpool tubs. An outdoor terrace, furnished like a comfy living room, affords relaxation amidst the city hustle. And you can't beat the location; the San Diego Trolley whizzes by, the San Diego Convention Center is across the street, and the nightlife and eateries of the Gaslamp are just outside your door. 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter 92101. Phone 619/231-4040 or 800/445-8667, fax 619/231-6439, web www.sandiegogaslampquarter.hilton.com. 282 rooms, 3 suites, 8 lofts. Two restaurants, room service, in-room safe, minibars, cable TV with movies and video games, in-room data ports, pool, health club, hair salon, bar, shop, dry cleaning, laundry service, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking ($26 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.
5. Omni San Diego Hotel (0.35 mi) **** 4D
SOLD OUT on Expedia, $202 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) The product of burgeoning downtown growth, this modern masterpiece occupies the first 21 floors of a building that rises 32 stories above the new Petco Park baseball stadium. The hotel is connected to the stadium by a skybridge, and each baseball season offers a Bed and Baseball package that bundles the room along with tickets to a game. Though marred by surrounding construction in the revitalizing East Village area, the hotel doesn't fail to amaze. The modern lobby is stunning; all rooms have windows that open to the breeze, and most have views of the ocean, bay, or the downtown skyline (some into the Petco outfield). Pleasantly decorated, rooms have DVD players and soothing sound machines. The pool terrace has a stone fireplace, outdoor dining, and a tanning area. 675 L St., Gaslamp Quarter 92101. Phone 619/231-6664 or 800/843-6664, fax 619/645-6517, web
www.omnisandiegohotel.com. 478 rooms, 33 suites. 3 restaurants, room service, in-room safe, minibars, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, Wi-Fi, pool, gym, hot tub, lounge, shop, dry cleaning, laundry service, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, parking (
$26 a night valet parking), pets (fee); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.
6. Comfort Inn Gaslamp (0.42 mi) **
$233 660 G St., Downtown 92101.
7. Embassy Suites San Diego Bay (0.43 mi) ***.5
SOLD OUT on Expedia, $195 through ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) The front door of each spacious, contemporary suite opens out onto a 12-story atrium, and rooms facing the harbor have spectacular views. A cooked-to-order breakfast and afternoon cocktails are complementary, as are airport transfers and a daily newspaper. Room rates vary greatly depending upon occupancy. The convention center, the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and a trolley station are nearby. 601 Pacific Hwy., Embarcadero 92101. Phone 619/239-2400 or 800/362-2779, fax 619/239-1520, web
www.embassy-suites.com. 337 rooms. Restaurant, room service, microwaves, refrigerators, cable TV with movies and video games, in-room data ports, tennis court, pool, health club, hair salon, outdoor hot tub, sauna, bicycles, bar, shops, laundry facilities, laundry service, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking (
$24 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.
8. Westin Horton Plaza Hotel (0.43 mi) ****
$383, $185 through the ComicCon (has a shuttle to the Con) You know you're there when you see the startling lighted blue obelisk fronting this high-rise hotel. Inside, it's all understated cream-color marble and curved staircases--and guest rooms freshly redecorated in a stylish urban design in 2004. The lobby lounge is packed every night with business travelers and weary shoppers back from the adjacent Horton Plaza. 910 Broadway Circle, Gaslamp Quarter 92101. Phone 619/239-2200 or 888/625-5144, fax 619/239-0509, web
www.westin.com. 450 rooms, 14 suites. 2 restaurants, room service, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, 2 tennis courts, pool, health club, hot tub, basketball, lounge, sports bar, shops, dry cleaning, laundry service, concierge, business services, meeting rooms, airport shuttle, car rental, parking (
$25 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.
9. Ramada Gaslamp Convention Center (fka the St. James Hotel, 0.46 mi) ***
SOLD OUT on Expedia!
10. Gaslamp Plaza Suites (0.48 mi) ***
SOLD OUT on Expedia! Fodor's Choice.