Hereās an Inside Look at This Brand-New Tropical Urban Oasis
Named for his catchy 1977 hit song, āMargaritaville,ā Jimmy Buffettās 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. Margaritavilleās 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 hotelās 5 oāClock Somewhere Rooftop Bar on the pool deck, the LandShark Bar & Grill and a Margaritaville Coffee Shop. Hereās 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, āParrot Headsā who are loyal to the brand will be excited to pack their bags for a stay at the chainās first metropolitan location. Whether youāre 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 cityās historic entertainment district, the Gaslamp Quarter, is also right on the hotelās doorstep. Thatās 16 walkable blocks packed with restaurants, bars and nightclubs, should hitting some of the cityās culinary hotspots or dancing till dawn fit your style.
Check-in for Margaritavilleās 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 youāll find huge parrot murals on the buildingās 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 Diegoās 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 oāClock 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. Youāll even find fun accent cushions that can be flipped to read āChanges in Attitudeā or āChanges in Latitude.ā For Petco Park and San Diego Bay views, the Premium King Spa Corner rooms are your best bet. They feature living areas with pull-out sofa beds, and comfortable workstations. You can also enjoy the bathrooms with walk-in showers and luxurious soaking tubs.
If you’re looking to splurge for a special occasion, or just because, book the poolside Jimmy Buffett Suite. This spacious suite sleeps six and comes packed with premium amenities. Enjoy a kitchenette, a stylish living room with a 50-inch LCD smart TV, and a private patio by the pool.
Youāll Dine on Island TimeĀ
With a focus on Baja-inspired coastal fare and blended cocktails, Margaritavilleās 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. Be sure to try their 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 oāClock Somewhere, guests can expect light bites. Think tasty salads and tacos, and tropical drinks.
This breezy spot is on track to become the Gaslamp Quarterās hippest neighborhood hangout, where locals and visitors mingle poolside. Stocked with a selection of grab-and-go itemsāfrom sandwiches to drinks and snacksāMargaritaville 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
Jimmy Buffett’s lyrics and lifestyle inspire every detail of the resort. Itās only fitting that live entertainment will be a major draw for the Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Donāt be surprised when you hear performers belt out renditions of āMargaritavilleāāBuffettās namesake hit about living a low-key island lifestyleāat 5 oāClock 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 donāt even have to be staying at the hotel to take advantage of this entertainment. Keep an eye on the events calendar to see whatās happening at the hotel and around the city.
10/15
Stunning Wedding Venues to Say āI Doā
If youāve been dreaming of a casual-luxe, island-style wedding but remaining downtown, consider Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter! Youāll get to exchange vows in an intimate rooftop ceremony. City views and glimpses of the bay frame the space beautifully. Then, enjoy a post-ceremony poolside cocktail hour before heading downstairs. Here you’ll have a lavish but laid-back reception in one of two ballroomsāCompass 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. Each banquet room adjusts to fit your eventās scope, dividing into smaller spaces as needed. This makes Margaritaville perfect for rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, banquets, birthdays, quinceaƱeras 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 Fodorās Travel, Marie Claire, Matador Network and InsideHook, among other outlets and publications.
