W San Diego Hotel Rating: 4.0 Pearls

Downtown, San Diego, California

The lobby

Most of the guests at the W San Diego are either business travelers -- drawn to the hotel for its location near corporate offices and the San Diego Concourse -- or young partiers. (They don't always coexist peacefully; some guests have complained of the loud party noise at night.) The lively lobby fills up in the evening, but is mostly deserted during the day, when guests relax at rooftop lounge or swimming pool.

The location in Little Italy, near the San Diego Concourse and Broadway Pier (where the ferry to Coronado departs) is reasonably convenient, but few of San Diego's popular sites are within walking distance. Those interested in partying might prefer a location in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Rooms have a hip, beach-inspired decor (blue bedspreads, beach ball pillows), up-to-date technology (flat-screen TVs, iPod docks), and fun, trendy details chalkboards window seats). But there is a daily fee for Wi-Fi and some might find the standard Wonderful Rooms a little small for the price.

View on a Larger Map

The W is located in Little Italy, within walking distance of the San Diego Concourse and Broadway Pier (where the ferry to Coronado departs). Though it's not on the neighborhood's most attractive block, the area has vibrant nightlife, a diverse dining scene and numerous of shops. Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the beach are short drive away.

• 3-minute walk to Coaster Santa Fe station
• 3-minute walk to the San Diego trolley
• 6-minute walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art
• 10-minute walk to Little Italy
• 13-minute walk to San Diego Convention Center
• 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive to the Gaslamp Quarter
• 8-minute drive to San Diego International Airport
• 8-minute drive to Balboa Park
• 10-minute drive to Old Town San Diego
• 10-minute drive to SeaWorld San Diego
• 11-minute drive to the San Diego Zoo
• 11-minute drive to Riverwalk Golf Club
• 14-minute drive to Mission Beach
• 15-minute drive to Coronado Island
• 20-minute drive to Stephen Birch Aquarium
• 22-minute drive to La Jolla

Wonderful Room

The sleek rooms at the W San Diego feature up-to-date technology (including flat-screen TVs and iPod docks), stylish, beach-y decor (many rooms have blue-and-white color schemes and beach ball pillows), and great views of the city. But the standard Wonderful and Spectacular Rooms (which start at 250 square feet) are a bit small for the price; standard rooms at the Andaz, in comparison, start at 315 square feet. Noise can be a problem during the weekends, when young partiers fill the hallways and the rooms.

Room types:

• Wonderful Room: 250 square feet; one king or two double beds; soaking tub or walk-in shower
• Spectacular Room: Same as the Wonderful Room, but with better views; located on floors 16 and higher
• Wonderful Penthouse Room: Same as the Wonderful Room, but with special extras, including turndown service, free coffee or tea delivered to the room, and free pressing of up to three garments; located on 19th floor
• Cool Corner Room: 450 square feet; one king bed; soaking tub and separate shower; floor-to-ceiling windows
• Fantastic Suite: 500 square feet; one king bed; pull-out sofa; two bathrooms; two TVs; Bose Surround Sound System
• Extreme Wow Suite: 1,250 square feet; one king bed; separate living area; bamboo floors; 50-inch plasma TV; Bose Surround Sound System; dining area with seating for six; two bathrooms (the master bathroom features a jetted tub and a separate shower)

All rooms include:

• 32-inch flat-screen TV with CD/DVD player
• W signature pillow-top bed with goose-down duvet and 350-thread-count sheets
• iPod dock
• Bliss toiletries
• Cotton Pique bathrobes
• Stocked minibar and snacks
• Chalkboard
• Wi-Fi fee daily (free in Living Room)
• 24-hour room service
• Safe

SWEAT fitness center

• Small heated outdoor rooftop pool, WET.
• Daily fee for valet parking; no self-parking available.
• AWAY Spa offers facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, body treatments and waxing. But it's a day spa, so there's no lounge area or other facilities. Open daily.
• 24-hour SWEAT Fitness Center features weights and state-of-the-art machines; personal trainers available.
• 24-hour concierge service.
• Free chauffeured ride in an Acura MDX SUV to any local destination.
• Meetings and events space with five meeting rooms, all renovated in May 2012.

The hotel offers a few on-site dining options, including 24-hour room service. All three restaurants underwent renovations in 2012.

• Rooftop: Named aptly after its location, this lounge features fire pits, cabanas for rent, and a full bar.
• Kelvin at the W San Diego serves contemporary Latin cuisine in an upscale, stylish space.
• The W Living Room: Redesigned by Thom Filica, this lounge area located in the lobby has definitely taken on more of an artsy vibe, serving specialty cocktails and snacks. It also features DJs and games.