Pros

  • 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
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Cons

  • Noise levels can be significant on weekends
  • No fitness center
  • Fee for Wi-Fi and valet parking
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Bottom Line

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.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Gaslamp Plaza Suites

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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Gaslamp Plaza Suites

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.

See More Scene

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.

See More Location

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.

See More Rooms

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. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Rental Car Service Desk Onsite

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

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.