Ramada by Wyndham Gaslamp Convention Center

The hotel is set in a 10-story red-brick building and has an early 20th-century elegance, fronted by charming lanterns and with fire escapes crawling up the facade. The property tends to attract an older crowd and has some intriguing antique details, including two 1913 elevators with sliding gates -- though, with heavy doors, it can be a struggle getting luggage in and out. The hotel looks like it was last updated a few decades ago, so there’s a mix of old and really-old decor that generally feels more bland than charmingly retro. The lobby is bright and welcoming, though, with framed Moulin Rouge prints, a white tin ceiling, and molded walls, though the blue and gold carpeting could use a refresh. Brian's 24 Restaurant Bar & Grill has a clubby, old-school feel, with a crystal chandelier hanging over the antique mahogany bar, though it’s much more low-key than such opulence would suggest. The roof deck is sparsely decorated with white lounge chairs, along with some tables, chairs, and umbrellas, and is a nice place to bring a drink and watch the sun set.

The hotel sits on the slightly grittier side of Sixth Avenue, and is surrounded by other bars and restaurants in the lively Gaslamp Quarter. Most 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 the San Diego Zoo 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. The San Diego Convention Center is a 15-minute walk. It’s also convenient to the Santa Fe Depot train station, which is just under 20 minutes' walk. San Diego International Airport is a 10- to 15-minute drive, and the hotel offers a free airport shuttle.

The hotel’s 99 rooms and suites are clean, but some are a bit cramped. Their generic, dated decor has little of the antique charm of the rest of the hotel. Aside from the old cast-iron radiators; cream-colored walls and blue carpeting, along with framed flowery paintings, the rooms have the feel of a chain hotel. Suites are more specious, with small kitchens that include mini-fridges and microwaves, and seating areas -- though couches and armchairs seem to have been chosen at random. Sinks and vanities sit outside narrow bathrooms with curtained shower/tub combos, some of which are brighter and whiter than others. Standard amenities include coffeemakers and bottled water, small flat-screen TVs, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers. The window air-conditioning units make a little noise, and the area is somewhat noisy overall. 

The hotel's 24-hour eatery, Brian's 24 Restaurant Bar & Grill, has an old-fashioned atmosphere, and serves casual American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with room service available all day and night. The roof deck has lounge chairs and beautiful views of the city, and drinks can be brought up to be enjoyed with the view. The hotel runs a free shuttle to the airport. A business center has a couple of PC desktop computers and a printer, and there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Valet parking is available for an additional fee.