Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Opened in 1984, this massive Marriott is primarily a convention hotel, but its downtown location attracts a good deal of upscale tourists as well. It’s a bustling and beautiful property that features lush tropical landscaping around its freeform pools and along walking paths with water features. The luxurious lobby sits between two high-rise towers where its 1,305 rooms are located. Multi-story walls of windows usher in warm Southern California light and afford spectacular views of the city skyline and marina. Colorful carpet and dazzling chandeliers enhance the appeal. Despite the constant influx of guests attending events on site and at the adjacent convention center, the sheer size of the hotel helps alleviate any feelings of overcrowding. Registration lines can get long at peak times, however, and the hotel might feel a bit impersonal and difficult to navigate for some guests.

The Marriott Marquis offers an unbeatable location for business travelers and tourists alike. It’s situated on spectacular San Diego Bay, adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center that can be reached in less than five minutes walking along a pedestrian pathway on the waterfront. The heart of downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter and its dazzling array of restaurants and nightclubs are less than 10 minutes walking, as are the attractions at Seaport Village. Balboa Park and the world-famous San Diego Zoo are 10 minutes away by car or 24 minutes by light rail -- the closest station is a three-minute walk from the hotel. San Diego International Airport is roughly a 12-minute drive or 26-minute train ride. Mission Beach and SeaWorld San Diego are both approximately 15 minutes away by car. 

Guest rooms at this Marriott are divided between North and South Towers. Both have very similar rooms, with one major exception --most units in the North Tower have balconies. But either tower showcases great views of the bay or city skyline, and they have the same tasteful contemporary decor. A soft golden beige is the dominant color, spotted on walls and patterned carpet. Matching wood furniture in a rich amber finish echoes the tone, as do the desks with leather office chairs and headboards padded with butterscotch leather. Plenty of natural light and high ceilings make the rooms cheerful. Bathrooms, on the other hand, run small and feel a bit drab, but roomy granite vanities placed outside keep them from being cramped. Kings have walk-in showers with glass doors, while Doubles hold shower/tub combos. At 400 square feet, standard rooms (Kings and Doubles) offer ample space for comfort. Larger corner rooms and suites with sleeper sofas also are available. Concierge-level rooms on floors 24 and 25 in the South Tower offer access to the Concierge Lounge where a free breakfast buffet, evening appetizers, and other perks are offered on most days. Standard amenities include robes, mini-fridges, safes, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is free only to Marriott Rewards members (although any guest can join the free loyalty program). Note: Some ambient noise can be heard from the busy street and adjacent light rail lines. It’s more noticeable in rooms on lower floors, but it's not a significant issue for most guests. 

Thanks to its massive size, this Marriott has the space to offer ample amenities, starting with two heated outdoor pools and a whirlpool. The largest pool is reserved for adults only, and private cabanas and bar service are available. Another aquatic feature is the 466-slip marina, which rents various watercraft including kayaks and jet skis. A fleet of bicycles for rent is also on site. Guests looking for an indoor workout can make use of the hotel's large fitness center, which is well equipped with the latest Life Fitness equipment. It has a separate Spin room as well as lockers and showers. Post-workout pampering can be booked at the Hideaway, a full-service spa that offers beauty and body treatments including couples massages. For dining, multiple dining options are on site, highlighted by the Marina Kitchen Restaurant & Bar that serves American classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It features an impressive wine cellar and offers tastings of wine flights. An Asian fusion restaurant, outdoor Mexican grille, Starbucks, and a fast casual eatery with to-go items round out the other dining venues. Room service is on call 24/7. The hotel’s 277,000 square feet of event space can host functions for up to 3,700 people. There is also a UPS business center on site, but using its computers and printers requires is fee based. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, and both valet and self-parking are available but both options are expensive. Wi-Fi is free only to Marriott Rewards members, although anyone can join without an additional fee.