Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

There are no surprises here: The Manchester Grand Hyatt delivers exactly what you would expect from a massive chain hotel next to a massive convention center. There's a gleaming, marble-tile lobby with soaring ceilings and chandeliers. Hand-painted murals and wooden panels add a little warmth to the space. Stainless steel elevators can be slow when the hotel is full. Many of the guests are here on business, though families and couples stay for the pools, restaurants, and convenient location.

The Manchester Grand Hyatt is located on the San Diego Bay, across from the Seaport Village shopping center and down the street from the San Diego Convention Center. It's within walking distance of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, which is home to some of San Diego's best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. It's just a nine-minute drive to the San Diego International Airport. There's a charge for parking at the hotel.

There are a whopping 1,628 guest rooms and suites at the Manchester Grand Hyatt and most of them were updated in 2011. They have soothing contemporary decor and modern amenities. Gray and black carpet is softened by neutral striped wallpaper and light-blue diamond pattern fabric headboards. Glass table lamps and sleek black sofas look chic. All rooms come standard with flat-screen TVs, small coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Upgrade for more square footage and a separate living area. Bathrooms are spacious but have single sinks and basic shower/tub combinations. Amenities like mouthwash and toothpaste are a nice touch. Most rooms overlook the San Diego Bay. Rooms on the top floors have the best views.

Though the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is an obvious draw for corporate events, with its enormous event space, there's plenty for both kids and adults to do. The fourth floor holds a huge swimming pool and deck with whirlpools, fire pits, and a bay-view sundeck. There's a seasonal pool bar that's an adults-only hot spot at night. The Kin Spa does luxe treatments and has an adults-only outdoor swimming pool. The Hyatt StayFit gym is open 24 hours a day. Two tennis courts plus volleyball, shuffleboard, and bike rentals are fun activities. Camp Hyatt kids' club hosts activities like arts and crafts or s'mores roasting at the fire pits. A pet-friendly floor allows animals under 50 pounds. There's a FedEx business center in the lobby for everything from printing to shipping.

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has loads of restaurant options plus a free daily breakfast buffet. Sally's Seafood on the Water, renovated after our visit, serves sushi and seafood dishes along with themed happy hours. A separate breakfast restaurant serves the free American breakfast buffet. Redfield's Sports Bar does bar food and cocktails in front of flat-screen TVs (though guests should note that it's closed for renovations until January 2018, when it will debut with a new concept) while The Grand Lobby Bar is a little more upscale though they still serve bar food and cocktail. Top of the Hyatt is located on the 40th floor: It's a super popular spot for cocktails with panoramic views of the San Diego Bay. A seasonal bar and grill next to the pool is fun for families during the day and a San Diego hot spot at night.