There are the places that wow travelers, and then there are those that lull them into bliss. San Diego is one of the latter, mostly thanks to its stunning climate. No matter the month that travelers find themselves visiting, it's possible to pick up some gourmet treats from a local farmer's market (check out our Foodie Guide to San Diego) and go have a picnic–or even swim in the ocean. The same cannot be said for many other places in the state, let alone the country. And all of this sun and fun means contented residents and an overall upbeat energy to what has become a quickly-thriving city.
In addition to all of the sun-worshipping, biking, hiking, surfing, exploring Balboa Park, and golfing, San Diego offers travelers the chance to take in its ever-expanding cultural offerings. So enjoy a full day of adventure, or relax poolside before heading out to a concert, play, romantic dinner, or night on the town in the Gaslamp Quarter. When you're ready to call it a night, get a great night's sleep and some pampering at one of TravelSort's San Diego boutique hotels, all at members-only prices:
If money is no object, you owe it to yourself to stay here for some true pampering. The extensive, lush grounds, Italianate buildings and gracious service lend the aura of being a guest at a celebrity's private estate. Take your pick of 3 outdoor pools (there's also a kids' pool) or head out to the perfectly manicured golf course, replete with stunning views. Standard Grand Rooms offer beds with pillowtop mattresses, swathed in Italian Pratesi linens, marble baths offer dual vanities and a deep soaking tub and separate shower, and bath amenities are by Acca Kappa. Savor morning coffee with your in-room Nespresso coffee maker, and look forward to chocolate covered oreos at turndown. Don't miss Addison for one of San Diego's best fine dining experiences.
Built by Ulysses Grant Jr. in honor of his father, President Ulysses S. Grant, the iconic US GRANT offers one of the few true luxury experiences in the heart of downtown San Diego, next to the Gaslamp Quarter. From the grand lobby to warm and attentive service by the concierge and front desk staff, this is the perfect place to call home for guests whose tastes lean towards refined luxury and a sense of place, yet still want to be walking distance to restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Superior Rooms range from 300-450 square feet and retain charming historical moldings and trim while having been updated with modern comforts: plush pillowtop beds, original Yves Clement headboards, 32 inch plasma TV and marble bathroom with Remede bath amenities.
If hip and modern is more your style, and you want to be right in the thick of the Gaslamp Quarter nightlife scene, book the Hard Rock San Diego. Refreshingly, for such a place, staff are almost uniformly friendly and helpful. Don't expect huge rooms, since Studios are an average 310 square feet, but they're well-appointed and the 42 HDTVs allow you to plug-in and play most any device you brought with you, from your iPod to video camera. Of course, as the Hard Rock, enjoy a complimentary download of your choice of three music playlists, and also VIP passes for two to Hard Rock clubs 207 and popular rooftop bar Float.
Hotel Indigo is more a cozy and laid-back boutique hotel than a hip and trendy one, but as with the Hard Rock it's perfectly located for going out in the Gaslamp Quarter. We love the hardwood floors (a true rarity in hotels), the stunning views from the rooftop terrace, comfy beds, Aveda bath amenities, and the complimentary WiFi. Dog owners will be thrilled that there's no charge to bring their pet, and the hotel is family friendly as well. The hotel is only about 3 years old, and it would be hard to find a better value give its location.
Set between the lively Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego's trendy East Village and with a modern, clean design aesthetic, there's lots to love about the Hotel Solamar. Even standard Deluxe rooms are good sized, at 340 square feet, and offer a flat screen TV connected to a DVD/CD player. If your stay is for business, take advantage of the complimentary overnight shoeshine service. And as with all Kimpton boutique hotels, enjoy a hosted evening wine hour 5-6pm daily, and complimentary WiFi as well as “raid the minibar” after signing up for Kimpton's InTouch loyalty program. There's no need to leave the dog at home, since Hotel Solamar welcomes pets, who enjoy a complimentary stay, welcome treats and food and water bowls. There's also a pet-free 9th floor for those guests who aren't so keen on four-legged friends.
