Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

This Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is decked out in stylish, beach-y decor (the hotel's theme is "sun and sea") and is located in a brick building on the corner of 6th avenue and J street. It's a block from the hip Gaslamp Quarter, two blocks from Petco Park, and a 5-minute drive to the San Diego Convention Center, so it's convenient for both business and leisure travelers.

The lobby is inviting, with a candle-lit hanging light fixture, stylish seating, and sunset-inspired mural behind the front desk. The coastal decor continues in the modern rooms, which are outfitted with dark wood furniture and blue-walled bathrooms.

The hotel strives to create an intimate experience for guests with a free nightly wine and beer hour, free coffee and tea, and a pet-friendly policy. The rooftop pool has woven loungers and covered cabanas available; the adjacent LOUNGEsix has a blue mosaic-tiled fireplace and earth-toned seating next to the bar.

The hotel is just a block away from the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, and a short walk to both Petco Park (where the San Diego Padres play) and the San Diego Convention Center.

The historical Gaslamp Quarter, located between 4th and 6th avenues, and between Broadway to the north and Harbor Drive to the south, is a hip, young neighborhood that’s home to some of downtown San Diego's best restaurants, shopping, nightlife, boutiques, and art galleries. It’s also where some of the city’s most popular outdoor celebrations -- Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and the Street Scene music festival -- take place.

• 8-minute walk to the San Diego Convention Center
• 9-minute walk to Petco Park
• 5-minute drive to Seaport Village
• 7-minute drive San Diego Zoo
• 8-minute drive to the Maritime Museum of San Diego
• 10-minute drive to Balboa Park
• 12-minute drive to the San Diego International Airport
• 13-minute drive to Old Town
• 15-minute drive to Sea World

The Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter's rooms feature stylish coastal-inspired decor, with fabrics incorporating stripes and polka dots, dark wood furniture and white wood mirrors, abaca headboards meant to mimic a sailboat's coiled ropes, and a blue-and-brown color scheme. Bathrooms have blue walls, blue mosaic tile accents, square above-counter sinks, Gilchrist & Soames bath products, and in many room types, large, jetted tubs. The suites, like the Master Suite, are larger and have separate living room areas. Cribs are available for free but rollaway beds cost $20/night.

All rooms include:

• Flat-screen TV and DVD/CD player
• Gilchrist & Soames bath products
• Terry-cloth animal print robes
• Yoga mat
• Honor bar with organic options
• Free newspaper delivery
• Free overnight shoeshine
• Same-day valet laundry
• Iron and ironing board
• Hairdryer
• Laptop-sized safe

The highlights here are the rooftop pool and the free nightly local beer and wine hour in the cozy lobby from 5 to 6 p.m. The hotel is kid-friendly (child-size robes available), pet-friendly (no weight limit; welcome pet-treat), and eco-friendly (hybrid cars park for less). The fourth-floor terrace houses the outdoor heated pool and adjacent LOUNGEsix. At night, colorful lights hang and fire pits are lit. The cabanas can be rented and cocktails and light fare are served. The Jsix Restaurant serves coastal California fare like chilaquiles for brunch and butterfish for dinner. Room service is available for breakfast and dinner during select hours.

The small fitness center is open 24/7 and has a treadmill, elliptical machine, stationary bike, and free weights. Discounted day passes to a nearby Fit Athletic gym are available and it's located two blocks from hotel. Free poolside yoga takes place each Sunday morning at 10 a.m. There's no dedicated spa on-site, but in-room treatments are available.

Meeting rooms are available and there's a 24-hour business center with one computer and printer that costs a fee. Wi-Fi will cost guests $13/day, although it's free for Kimpton loyalty program members, which is free to join. Valet parking is available for $45/night and hybrid vehicle owners get a bit of a discount, as it costs them $30/night.