Here’s an Inside Look at This Brand-New Tropical Urban Oasis
Named for his catchy 1977 hit song, ”Margaritaville,” Jimmy Buffett’s famous chain of Margaritaville Resorts and Hotels has officially landed in San Diego. Located in the former Hotel Solamar building and transformed by a $31 million refresh, Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter channels major tropical vacation vibes for urban escapists. A state of mind more than just a place, guests can enjoy lazy afternoons watching the world go by while sipping drinks poolside. Margaritaville’s signature ocean blue color scheme and beachy accents are featured across the 235 guest rooms and specialty suites, while large colorful murals adorn public spaces. Joining the lineup of go-to downtown dining destinations is the hotel’s 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar on the pool deck, the LandShark Bar & Grill and a Margaritaville Coffee Shop. Here’s a sneak peek at what this new urban oasis is all about!
In the Center of It All
A short rideshare from San Diego International and the Santa Fe Depot, Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is situated close to the San Diego Convention Center and Petco Park. While the hotel is not near the beach, “Parrot Heads” who are loyal to the brand will be excited to pack their bags for a stay at the chain’s first metropolitan location. Whether you’re dressed like Harley Quinn for Comic-Con or heading to a Padres game, Margaritaville accepts you as you are. Within walking distance of The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and Seaport Village for waterfront strolls and concerts, the city’s historic entertainment district, the Gaslamp Quarter, is also right on the hotel’s doorstep. That’s 16 walkable blocks packed with restaurants, bars and nightclubs, should hitting some of the city’s culinary hotspots or dancing till dawn fit your style.
Check-in for Margaritaville’s Signature Island Getaway Ambiance
Anchored by beachy accents, including wicker chandeliers and a giant flip-flop, the lobby has a wow factor that also feels fun and welcoming. More Instagrammable moments await poolside, where you’ll find huge parrot murals on the building’s facade, two of which will be named in a social media giveaway at the end of August. Settle in for Baja-inspired bites and endless margaritas on San Diego’s largest rooftop pool deck, which has added four new private cabanas and a central cabana for dawn-to-dusk comfort. Live entertainment will be featured on the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar show stage.
Splurge on the Poolside Jimmy Buffett Suite
Spacious and bright guest rooms and suites at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter serve as an urban oasis that meet the carefree feel of the islands. To wit: beachy hues and coastal colors, natural woods, white shiplap walls, rattan fixtures and surfboards adorn the rooms here. You’ll even find fun accent cushions that can be flipped to read “Changes in Attitude” or “Changes in Latitude.” For Petco Park and San Diego Bay views, the Premium King Spa Corner rooms feature living areas with pull-out sofa beds, comfortable workstations and bathrooms with walk-in showers and luxurious soaking tubs.
But if you want to splurge for a special occasion, or perhaps just because, reserve the poolside Jimmy Buffett Suite, which can sleep six and is outfitted with a range of amenities, including a kitchenette, a beautiful living room appointed with a 50-inch LCD smart TV and a private patio near the pool.
You’ll Dine on Island Time
With a focus on Baja-inspired coastal fare and blended cocktails, Margaritaville’s lifestyle ethos extends to its three signature dining concepts. The all-day menu at the ground floor LandShark Bar & Grill features fresh-caught seafood entrees and local microbrews, as well as signature items like LandShark burgers and the LandShark Lager. Here, garage-style doors open onto J Street to create a buzzy indoor-outdoor space. Upstairs at the rooftop restaurant and bar, 5 o’Clock Somewhere, guests can expect light bites, like tasty salads and tacos, and tropical drinks.
The breezy spot is set to become Gaslamp Quarter’s hippest neighborhood hangout, with locals and visitors mixing and mingling poolside. Stocked with a selection of grab-and-go items—from sandwiches to drinks and snacks—Margaritaville Coffee Shop is the place for a morning pick-me-up and to shop branded Margaritaville goodies, including a special-edition San Diego Padres T-shirt!
Live Entertainment for Total Escapism
Inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett, it’s only fitting that live entertainment will be a major draw for the Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Don’t be surprised when you hear performers belt out renditions of “Margaritaville”—Buffett’s namesake hit about living a low-key island lifestyle—at 5 o’Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar or LandShark Bar & Grill. The hotel will host a weekly schedule packed with free live music performances by local bands and musicians. You don’t even have to be staying at the hotel to take advantage of this entertainment. Keep an eye on the events calendar to see what’s happening at the hotel and around the city.
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Stunning Wedding Venues to Say ‘I Do’
If you’ve been dreaming of a casual-luxe, island-style wedding but remaining downtown, consider Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter! You’ll get to exchange vows in an intimate rooftop ceremony, framed by city views and peeks of the bay, then enjoy a post-ceremony poolside cocktail hour before heading downstairs for a lavish but laid-back reception in one of two ballrooms—Compass Rose Ballroom or Fins Ballroom.
The hotel hosts 13,000 square feet of elegant event space accented by floor-to-ceiling windows and woven rattan chandeliers. Depending on the scope of your event, each banquet room can be divided into smaller spaces, making Margaritaville perfect for rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, banquets, birthdays, quinceañeras and bar/bat mitzvahs. The real win-win here is that loved ones can head upstairs to rest after the festivities are over!
Follow @margaritavillehotelsandiego on Instagram and dial into Margaritaville Radio for 24/7 tropical tunes on SiriusXM. Your trip to paradise awaits!
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
435 Sixth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.819.9500
Keri Bridgwater is a freelance writer covering travel and lifestyle. Her work has been featured in Fodor’s Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
