The Keating Hotel by Pininfarina is most notable for its striking red and black interiors designed by the Italian car company behind Ferrari and Maserati. Just like the cars, this historic hotel's makeover is sleek and chic, with a sexy ambience. The industrial-style rooms have Italian luxuries such as Lavazza espresso machines and custom-designed glass rainfall showers. Not everyone will appreciate the lack of privacy some of the showers offer, though, and guests have to pay for upscale amenities (Wi-Fi, turndown service, the Lavazza espresso and tea, and a welcome amenity) by way of the nightly resort fee. The Gaslamp Quarter location is great for partying, but travelers who don't want to be in the same building as Coyote Ugly, which is bumping late into the night, should check out the nearby Andaz San Diego, or the eco-friendly Hotel Indigo.
The Keating Hotel by Pininfarina is most notable for its striking red and black interiors designed by the Italian car company behind Ferrari and Maserati. Just like the cars, this historic hotel's makeover is sleek and chic, with a sexy ambience. The industrial-style rooms have Italian luxuries such as Lavazza espresso machines and custom-designed glass rainfall showers. Not everyone will appreciate the lack of privacy some of the showers offer, though, and guests have to pay for upscale amenities (Wi-Fi, turndown service, the Lavazza espresso and tea, and a welcome amenity) by way of the nightly resort fee. The Gaslamp Quarter location is great for partying, but travelers who don't want to be in the same building as Coyote Ugly, which is bumping late into the night, should check out the nearby Andaz San Diego, or the eco-friendly Hotel Indigo.
This three-floor, 208-room hotel is a family-friendly value option with a pool located within a 10-minute drive of Sea World. Multiple freebies are on offer, including free hot breakfast, a free airport shuttle, free coffee in the lobby, free Wi-Fi, and free weekday newspapers. Parking costs a fee, however, and the immediate area -- right off the freeway -- is a bit gritty: Two strip clubs are in close proximity. The lobby is modern and attractive, while rooms are typical generic chain hotel fare; some have microwaves and mini-fridges. It's also worth considering the Best Western Plus Hacienda, which has a more appealing setting near Old Town.
This three-floor, 208-room hotel is a family-friendly value option with a pool located within a 10-minute drive of Sea World. Multiple freebies are on offer, including free hot breakfast, a free airport shuttle, free coffee in the lobby, free Wi-Fi, and free weekday newspapers. Parking costs a fee, however, and the immediate area -- right off the freeway -- is a bit gritty: Two strip clubs are in close proximity. The lobby is modern and attractive, while rooms are typical generic chain hotel fare; some have microwaves and mini-fridges. It's also worth considering the Best Western Plus Hacienda, which has a more appealing setting near Old Town.
The upper-middle-range Crowne Plaza Hotel San Diego isn't an ideal spot for those hoping to walk to attractions, but its relatively central location right off the freeway makes it a convenient base for driving around the city. The tropical decor feels dated, and enforced quiet zones, the nearby golf course, and large rooms with ergonomic work chairs make the venue a fit for business travelers, but everyone has to sign up with IHG's rewards club (it's free) if they don't want to pay for Wi-Fi. The nearby Courtyard Marriott is a bit pricier, but it’s much more modern -- with free Wi-Fi for all. Just to the south in Old Town, BEST WESTERN PLUS Hacienda Hotel has interesting local flair and cheaper rates.****
The upper-middle-range Crowne Plaza Hotel San Diego isn't an ideal spot for those hoping to walk to attractions, but its relatively central location right off the freeway makes it a convenient base for driving around the city. The tropical decor feels dated, and enforced quiet zones, the nearby golf course, and large rooms with ergonomic work chairs make the venue a fit for business travelers, but everyone has to sign up with IHG's rewards club (it's free) if they don't want to pay for Wi-Fi. The nearby Courtyard Marriott is a bit pricier, but it’s much more modern -- with free Wi-Fi for all. Just to the south in Old Town, BEST WESTERN PLUS Hacienda Hotel has interesting local flair and cheaper rates.****
This romantic Victorian inn near Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo has nine quaint, richly decorated rooms with flat-screen TVs, luxurious amenities (including decadent bedding and butler service), and free Wi-Fi. The free, delicious breakfast is made to order, and free wine and cheese is served each evening in the parlor.
This romantic Victorian inn near Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo has nine quaint, richly decorated rooms with flat-screen TVs, luxurious amenities (including decadent bedding and butler service), and free Wi-Fi. The free, delicious breakfast is made to order, and free wine and cheese is served each evening in the parlor.