Gaslamp Quarter, United States
Parks, restaurants and
bars, and the convention center are within walking distance
Stylish,
modern rooms with windows that open
Large pool offers
beautiful views
Ample pool deck and
terrace feature plenty of seating and umbrellas
Small but modern fitness center
Breakfast
buffet and happy hour specials
Free Wi-Fi in public spaces and free newspapers
Dogs are welcome with
payment of a deposit
Pedicabs, horse-drawn
carriages, trolley and taxis depart from nearby
No self-parking and limited on-street parking
Fee for valet parking
Fee for in-room Wi-Fi
Some bathrooms and
guest rooms could be cleaner
Breakfast buffet offerings
can be repetitive
Can be noisy from
guests inside and outdoors, as well as dogs barking and trolley noise
The upscale
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is located near the convention center and draws many business travelers. The hotel features
large windows, natural wood, and modern decor, and the 300 rooms have comfortable beds and
42-inch TVs. The Hilton has a small but modern fitness center, a large pool, and an attractive outdoor terrace lounge. A pricey daily breakfast buffet and California-inspired lunch
or dinner fare are available at New Leaf Restaurant. Room noise can be an issue -- a common problem for hotels in this neighborhood. Rates are typically fair for this caliber, but the nearby Solamar and Andaz are also worth considering.
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Scene
Centrally located hotel with modern vibe and a business focus
With nearly 300 rooms and suites, and a younger urban
vibe, this hotel features modern design, warm wood accents, and loads of natural
light in a stunning two-story lobby that's characterized by brick accents, wood, live plants, and modern design. The huge outdoor terrace where light bites and cocktails are served, with bright blue and gray whicker seating, cafe lights, and plants, is another popular place to gather. While very convenient for business or
personal travel, it’s not as much of a party spot as the neighboring Hard Rock
Hotel, or as much of an outdoor nightlife destination as The San Diego Marriott is (specifically Altitude Sky Lounge, which has views of Petco Park). Many guests are business travelers, and the hotel also draws leisure couples and some families. Business travelers may appreciate the easy convention center access, meeting rooms, business center, and laundry and dry cleaning services, while families may appreciate the babysitting services, kids' menus, and availability of cribs and high chairs upon request. However, its setting in this busy area may displease some guests who want quiet nights. The Hilton has a luxury section called The Lofts, though it's a bit complicated to reach from the main lobby, involving a journey up one floor, across the terrace, and then up an elevator to your room.
Location
In San Diego’s popular Gaslamp Quarter, within walking distance of shops and restaurants as well as several parks and the convention center
The Hilton
San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is located two blocks away from Petco Park, across the street (and trolley track) from the convention center, and beside Martin Luther Jr. Promenade Park. The Gaslamp Quarter is a dining and nightlife hub, and there are several cocktail lounges nearby as well as a nightclub known for its DJs. Excellent restaurants, serving everything from casual Mexican fare to good French or Thai
cuisine, can be found in under a 15-minute walk. So can good Southern cuisine at Dick’s
Last Resort, great breakfasts and sandwiches at Broken Yolk Café, and treats at Ghirardelli Chocolate. There’s
little need for a car except to sightsee outside of the neighborhood, as nearby public transportation includes pedicabs, horse-drawn carriages, a trolley, and taxis.
Rooms
Contemporary rooms with beach-chic corporate style
All rooms have modern, corporate style with a San Diego spin; in some rooms the color scheme and distressed wood headboards evoke the feel of the beach. Modern
artwork complements the comfortable Hilton Serenity beds with white linens (sheets are 250 thread count), and rooms also have dark wood furnishings and abstract patterned carpets. Tall windows bring in plenty of natural light
and fresh air. Rooms
also offer 42-inch televisions, Wi-Fi (for a fee), alarm clocks with MP3 hook-ups,and small desks. There are ice buckets, two-cup coffeemakers, and mini-fridges, but no microwaves. Most bathrooms feature shower/tub combos with grab bars, neutral colors, and single sinks; cleanliness has been an issue for some guests, and during our visit we noted some areas that needed fresh grout. Spacious
King Whirlpool Rooms include comfortable chairs and a sofa, and the deep
whirlpool tub offers views of living area and bath. There are also large tiled
showers. Connecting rooms are available, which families may appreciate. Some guests have complained about indoor and outdoor noise.
Features
Large pool and on-site restaurant
New Leaf Restaurant serves upscale California-inspired
cuisine and offers a breakfast buffet, lunch, dinner; drinks and light bites are served in the lobby bar and attractive outdoor courtyard (there are happy hour specials). The small fitness center by the pool has polished wood flooring and lots of windows; there are free weights, a strength training machine, and a few cardio machines with individual TVs. The business center offers
free Internet access on multiple computers, and free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby (there's a fee to use it in rooms). Business services include copying,
faxing and shipping; meeting rooms are also available. There’s a snack shop with
an ATM and even an ice cream freezer. The sunny outdoor pool is surrounded by loungers and there's an adjacent deck with tables; a couple of umbrellas are on hand for shade. Dogs are allowed with a deposit.
