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Government Man · 09-03-2008, 10:18 PM

Government Man's Guide to San Diego Hotels

Part III: Downtown Hotels

Here is a map showing the locations of the Convention Center (the big red star is the northern end of it, at address 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101) and surrounding available hotels in the Downtown area. As with the neighborhood map, the orange and blue lines show the two main trolley routes, with the crosses for stations--note that one of the stations is right next to Hotel #26.

Coronado Island is off the southern end of this map. Its hotels are just under a mile from the Convention Center, but I left them off the list because they are all four-star hotels (with four-star prices), and I've heard the drive over the long bridge connecting the island with the mainland is hellish.

In the following list, numbers 1 - 26 are less than a mile from the Convention Center, 27 is far away but usually has a shuttle to the Convention Center, and 28 - 33 are between one and two miles away.

1. Marriott San Diego Hotel and Marina (0.06 mi/0.10 km) **** 4D $515 (the cheaper rooms are already sold out), $236 last year through the ComicCon (this is usually 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, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/234-1500 or 800/228-9290, fax 619/234-8678, web http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...el-and-marina/. 1,362 rooms, 54 conference rooms, 3 restaurants and a Starbucks, room service, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, refrigerator and microwave on request, 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 ($20 a night self parking, $26 a night valet parking); no smoking. You can bring pets, for $75 each for the entire stay. 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/0.29 km) *** 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $185 last year through the Comic Con (had a shuttle to the Con). A Victorian confection, the Horton Grand comprises two 1880s hotels moved 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, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/544-1886 or 800/542-1886, fax 619/239-3823, web www.hortongrand.com. 108 rooms, 24 suites. Restaurant (breakfast and high tea only), piano bar, billiards, business services, meeting rooms, parking ($25 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, DC, MC, V.

The next two hotels are really close to each other on the map, so they get the same number.

3. Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter (0.19 mi/0.31 km) ***.5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $474 on AAA (one bed only), $203 last year through the Comic Con (had a shuttle to the Con). Step into the lobby, modern and sophisticated with cozy lounge spaces and wood accents, and you'll know this isn't your usual Hilton. Inspired by the Gaslamp, this Hilton has unique style. Rooms have pillow-top mattresses, down comforters, two-line phones, and free Internet. The 5th Avenue Loft rooms, a boutique hotel within this hotel, are urban retreats with extra-high ceilings, tall windows, Frette linens, and keyed access; some have whirlpool tubs. An outdoor terrace off the New Leaf lounge is furnished like a comfy living room and has a fire pit. And you can't beat the location: the San Diego Trolley whizzes by, the convention center is across the street, and the Gaslamp nightlife and eateries are just outside your door. 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/231-4040 or 800/445-8667, fax 619/231-6439, web www.sandiegogaslampquarter.hilton.com. 282 rooms, 3 suites, 8 lofts. Three restaurants, room service, in-room safe, refrigerator on request, cable TV with movies and video games, in-room data ports, free wireless internet, spa, pool, gym, hair salon, babysitting service, bar, business center, parking ($32 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

4. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (0.27 mi/0.43 km) **** 4D SOLD OUT on Expedia and AAA, $$$-$$$$, $215 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). Built primarily for business travelers, this hotel between Seaport Village and the convention center is the largest in San Diego, and its 40- and 33-story towers make it the West Coast's tallest waterfront hostelry. 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 that open to catch fresh bay breezes. Stay in the newer Seaport Tower for more recently updated rooms. The hotel's 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, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/232-1234 or 800/233-1234, fax 619/233-6464, web www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com. 1,625 rooms, 95 suites. Three restaurants, room service, minibars, cable TV with movies, wireless internet, computer rental, 4 tennis courts, 2 pools, gym, outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam room, bicycles, 2 bars, dry cleaning, business services, meeting rooms, parking ($18 a night self parking, $24 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

There were two hotels at #5, but both are unavailable.

6. Omni San Diego Hotel (0.35 mi/0.56 km) **** 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $$$$, $202 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). The product of burgeoning downtown growth, this modern masterpiece occupies the first 21 floors of a 32-story high-rise, overlooking Petco Park baseball stadium. Though built for the business traveler, the hotel attracts a fair share of sports fans (it's connected to the stadium by a skybridge). The modern lobby is simply stunning; all rooms have windows that open to the breeze, and most have views of the ocean, bay, the downtown skyline, or 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, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/231-6664 or 800/843-6664, fax 619/645-6517, web www.omnisandiegohotel.com. 478 rooms, 33 suites. Three restaurants, room service, cable TV with movies and video games, in-room DVD, free wireless internet, pool, gym, laundry service, parking ($30 a night valet parking), pets under 50 pounds ($50 per stay); smoking and non-smoking rooms. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

No #7.

8. The Westin Gaslamp Quarter, aka Westin Horton Plaza (0.41 mi/0.66 km) **** 3D $548, $449 through AAA, $182 through Comic Con last year (had 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. The lobby lounge is packed every night with business travelers and weary shoppers back from the adjacent Horton Plaza. 910 Broadway Circle, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/239-2200 or 888/625-5144, fax 619/239-0509, web www.westin.com/. 450 rooms, 8 suites. Two restaurants, room service, cable TV, wireless internet, bar, pool, gym, business services, computer & cell phone rental, babysitting, laundry service, parking ($25 per night valet); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

9. Comfort Inn Gaslamp (0.42 mi/0.68 km) ** 2D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $360 through AAA (1 bed). No Fodor's review. 660 G St., Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/238-4100 or 800/598-1810, fax 619/258-5310, web www.comfortinngaslamp.com/. 103 rooms. Free Continental breakfast, cable TV with free HBO, free wireless internet, in-room refrigerator and microwave, business center, laundry service, parking (free); smoking and non-smoking rooms. Accepts AE, D, MC, V.

9 (again). Ramada Gaslamp Convention Center (formerly known as the St. James Hotel, 0.46 mi/0.74 km) **.5 $399. Found on the northern end of the Gaslamp, this historic, 10-story building was San Diego's tallest when it opened in 1913. It's close to restaurants, nightclubs, and shops on 4th and 5th avenues, but you escape the racket when you enter the lobby, adorned with a big crystal chandelier. Good value and location make up for the small rooms. The suites come with robes, coffeemakers, and in some cases hot tubs and big-screen TVs. 830 6th Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/531-8877 or 800/664-4400, fax: 619/231-8307, web www.stjameshotel.com/. 95 rooms, 4 suites. Restaurant, room service, cable TV, free wired internet, cribs available, bar, free gym next door, pool table, dry cleaning, free airport shuttle, parking ($20 per night valet); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V.

10. Ivy Hotel (0.44 mi/0.71 km) **** $349, $325 through Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). No Fodor's review. 600 F Street, Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/814-1000 or 877/814-1000, fax 619/531-7955, web www.ivyhotel.com. 159 rooms. Restaurant and nightclub, room service, plasma TV with cable TV and movies, free wireless internet, in-room refrigerator, umbrella rental, bar, pool, gym, dry cleaning, parking ($30 per night valet), small pets allowed ($150 per stay); no smoking.

09-03-2008, 10:18 PM	#3
Government Man Evil Minion in Training The legends...they're true! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: The Government Posts: 131	Government Man's Guide to San Diego Hotels Part III: Downtown Hotels Here is a map showing the locations of the Convention Center (the big red star is the northern end of it, at address 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101) and surrounding available hotels in the Downtown area. As with the neighborhood map, the orange and blue lines show the two main trolley routes, with the crosses for stations--note that one of the stations is right next to Hotel #26. Coronado Island is off the southern end of this map. Its hotels are just under a mile from the Convention Center, but I left them off the list because they are all four-star hotels (with four-star prices), and I've heard the drive over the long bridge connecting the island with the mainland is hellish. In the following list, numbers 1 - 26 are less than a mile from the Convention Center, 27 is far away but usually has a shuttle to the Convention Center, and 28 - 33 are between one and two miles away. 1. Marriott San Diego Hotel and Marina (0.06 mi/0.10 km) **** 4D $515 (the cheaper rooms are already sold out), $236 last year through the ComicCon (this is usually 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, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/234-1500 or 800/228-9290, fax 619/234-8678, web http://www.marriott.com/hotels/trave...el-and-marina/. 1,362 rooms, 54 conference rooms, 3 restaurants and a Starbucks, room service, cable TV with movies, in-room data ports, refrigerator and microwave on request, 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 ($20 a night self parking, $26 a night valet parking); no smoking. You can bring pets, for $75 each for the entire stay. 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/0.29 km) * 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $185 last year through the Comic Con (had a shuttle to the Con). A Victorian confection, the Horton Grand comprises two 1880s hotels moved 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, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/544-1886 or 800/542-1886, fax 619/239-3823, web www.hortongrand.com. 108 rooms, 24 suites. Restaurant (breakfast and high tea only), piano bar, billiards, business services, meeting rooms, parking ($25 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, DC, MC, V. The next two hotels are really close to each other on the map, so they get the same number. 3. Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter (0.19 mi/0.31 km) .5 3D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $474 on AAA (one bed only), $203 last year through the Comic Con (had a shuttle to the Con). Step into the lobby, modern and sophisticated with cozy lounge spaces and wood accents, and you'll know this isn't your usual Hilton. Inspired by the Gaslamp, this Hilton has unique style. Rooms have pillow-top mattresses, down comforters, two-line phones, and free Internet. The 5th Avenue Loft rooms, a boutique hotel within this hotel, are urban retreats with extra-high ceilings, tall windows, Frette linens, and keyed access; some have whirlpool tubs. An outdoor terrace off the New Leaf lounge is furnished like a comfy living room and has a fire pit. And you can't beat the location: the San Diego Trolley whizzes by, the convention center is across the street, and the Gaslamp nightlife and eateries are just outside your door. 401 K St., Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/231-4040 or 800/445-8667, fax 619/231-6439, web www.sandiegogaslampquarter.hilton.com. 282 rooms, 3 suites, 8 lofts. Three restaurants, room service, in-room safe, refrigerator on request, cable TV with movies and video games, in-room data ports, free wireless internet, spa, pool, gym, hair salon, babysitting service, bar, business center, parking ($32 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V. 4. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (0.27 mi/0.43 km) * 4D SOLD OUT on Expedia and AAA, $$$-$$$$, $215 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). Built primarily for business travelers, this hotel between Seaport Village and the convention center is the largest in San Diego, and its 40- and 33-story towers make it the West Coast's tallest waterfront hostelry. The interior combines old-world opulence with California airiness; palm trees pose next to ornate tapestry couches in the light-filled lobby. All of the British Regency-style guest rooms have water views and windows that open to catch fresh bay breezes. Stay in the newer Seaport Tower for more recently updated rooms. The hotel's Business Plan includes access to an area with desks and office supplies. A trolley station is one block away and the Gaslamp's clubs and restaurants are also within walking distance. 1 Market Pl, Embarcadero, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/232-1234 or 800/233-1234, fax 619/233-6464, web www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com. 1,625 rooms, 95 suites. Three restaurants, room service, minibars, cable TV with movies, wireless internet, computer rental, 4 tennis courts, 2 pools, gym, outdoor hot tub, sauna, steam room, bicycles, 2 bars, dry cleaning, business services, meeting rooms, parking ($18 a night self parking, $24 a night valet parking); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V. There were two hotels at #5, but both are unavailable. 6. Omni San Diego Hotel (0.35 mi/0.56 km) 4D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia and AAA, $$$$, $202 through the Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). The product of burgeoning downtown growth, this modern masterpiece occupies the first 21 floors of a 32-story high-rise, overlooking Petco Park baseball stadium. Though built for the business traveler, the hotel attracts a fair share of sports fans (it's connected to the stadium by a skybridge). The modern lobby is simply stunning; all rooms have windows that open to the breeze, and most have views of the ocean, bay, the downtown skyline, or 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, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/231-6664 or 800/843-6664, fax 619/645-6517, web www.omnisandiegohotel.com. 478 rooms, 33 suites. Three restaurants, room service, cable TV with movies and video games, in-room DVD, free wireless internet, pool, gym, laundry service, parking ($30 a night valet parking), pets under 50 pounds ($50 per stay); smoking and non-smoking rooms. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V. No #7. 8. The Westin Gaslamp Quarter, aka Westin Horton Plaza (0.41 mi/0.66 km) 3D $548, $449 through AAA, $182 through Comic Con last year (had 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. The lobby lounge is packed every night with business travelers and weary shoppers back from the adjacent Horton Plaza. 910 Broadway Circle, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/239-2200 or 888/625-5144, fax 619/239-0509, web www.westin.com/. 450 rooms, 8 suites. Two restaurants, room service, cable TV, wireless internet, bar, pool, gym, business services, computer & cell phone rental, babysitting, laundry service, parking ($25 per night valet); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V. 9. Comfort Inn Gaslamp (0.42 mi/0.68 km) 2D UNAVAILABLE on Expedia, $360 through AAA (1 bed). No Fodor's review. 660 G St., Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/238-4100 or 800/598-1810, fax 619/258-5310, web www.comfortinngaslamp.com/. 103 rooms. Free Continental breakfast, cable TV with free HBO, free wireless internet, in-room refrigerator and microwave, business center, laundry service, parking (free); smoking and non-smoking rooms. Accepts AE, D, MC, V. 9 (again). Ramada Gaslamp Convention Center (formerly known as the St. James Hotel, 0.46 mi/0.74 km) .5 $399. Found on the northern end of the Gaslamp, this historic, 10-story building was San Diego's tallest when it opened in 1913. It's close to restaurants, nightclubs, and shops on 4th and 5th avenues, but you escape the racket when you enter the lobby, adorned with a big crystal chandelier. Good value and location make up for the small rooms. The suites come with robes, coffeemakers, and in some cases hot tubs and big-screen TVs. 830 6th Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/531-8877 or 800/664-4400, fax: 619/231-8307, web www.stjameshotel.com/. 95 rooms, 4 suites. Restaurant, room service, cable TV, free wired internet, cribs available, bar, free gym next door, pool table, dry cleaning, free airport shuttle, parking ($20 per night valet); no smoking. Accepts AE, D, DC, MC, V. 10. Ivy Hotel (0.44 mi/0.71 km) ** $349, $325 through Comic Con last year (had a shuttle to the Con). No Fodor's review. 600 F Street, Downtown, San Diego 92101. Phone 619/814-1000 or 877/814-1000, fax 619/531-7955, web www.ivyhotel.com. 159 rooms. Restaurant and nightclub, room service, plasma TV with cable TV and movies, free wireless internet, in-room refrigerator, umbrella rental, bar, pool, gym, dry cleaning, parking ($30 per night valet), small pets allowed ($150 per stay); no smoking. __________________ Last edited by Government Man; 09-03-2008 at 10:56 PM.