Historic building located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter
Updated rooms have wet bars and microwaves
Rooftop terrace features captivating views
On-site restaurant specializes in fondue
Live music in Vin De Syrah wine bar
Free breakfast
Noise levels can be significant on weekends
No fitness center
Fee for Wi-Fi and valet parking
Historic charm sets Gaslamp Plaza
Suites apart from the rest, with the hotel located one block away from
Horton Plaza in San Diego's hip Gaslamp Quarter. At 11 stories, the
property was the city's first skyscraper and still has fantastic views from its
rooftop terrace, where you can partake of the free continental breakfast. Rooms
vary in size, decor, and layout (some are time shares), but renovations have
preserved their character while updating the furnishings. Noise from the
surrounding neighborhood is common at night and the hotel's own wine bar may
add to it, especially on weekends.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Historic building with preserved marble interiors
Originally a bank, this nationally
registered historic site built in 1913 had the city's first high-speed
elevators. Before becoming a hotel, it was known as the Jewelers'
Exchange, housing gemologists, jewelers, and a variety of importers and
exporters within its marbled halls. Renovations in 2013 and 2014 preserved the structure’s
beautiful natural materials, chandeliers, and Australian gumwood
carpentry while giving the hotel a striking romantic update. Old photos
from the building's past decorate the moody lobby, but the old brass
elevator doors steal the show.
Location
In the center of the lively Gaslamp Quarter
Across the street from an exotic car
dealership, Gaslamp Plaza Suites sits in the middle of the historic Gaslamp
Quarter. Most major attractions are within walking distance and there are
several trolley and bus stops surrounding the hotel, with a bus departing from
Broadway and Sixth Avenue that arrives at San Diego Zoo to the north in 15
minutes. Nearby attractions include the USS Midway Museum and the Seaport
Village shopping and dining complex, which are both about a 20-minute walk west.
The San Diego Convention Center is a 15-minute walk south and San Diego
International Airport is a 10- to 15-minute drive northwest.
Rooms
Classy rooms with wet bars and mini-fridges
Sexy black-and-cream patterned carpets set
the tone in most of the rooms, with striped wallpaper and dark wood furniture
completing decor that's far more elegant than the average mid-range hotel's. Standard guest units are small, but some make up for it with cozy window nooks
big enough to lie down in. Other rooms have spacious sitting areas with couches
and high-backed chairs, and there are a handful of suites which vary in decor
and size. There are some oddities here as well, with amenities varying in time shares and the occasional locked door that doesn't go
anywhere (as part of the building's preservation status). All rooms also have
wet bars with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves. The bathrooms have a
mix of marble and subway tiles, with typical shower/tub combos.
Features
Rooftop terrace, two on-site dining and wine establishments, and free breakfast
Although
it's no longer the tallest "skyscraper" around, the hotel still
towers above most, giving its rooftop terrace captivating views of San Diego.
Comfortable deck furniture mixes with umbrella-covered dining tables and chairs
so that guests can have their free continental breakfast outside, which is
infinitely preferable to the cramped breakfast room. Two full eateries are found on the ground floor: The Melting Pot has four-course dinners that
feature fondue as part of the starter and dessert menus. The restaurant's wine
flights might be seen as a worthy deal, in some cases offering multiple (small) samples for
the same price as a single glass. Vin De Syrah has a big wine list as well, along with small plates and live music.
