A Fresh Crop of Fine and Inspired Stays for Your Next San Diego Getaway
Few places have a relaxed coastal vibe and nearly perfect year-round weather like sunkissed San Diego does. California’s second-largest city is stacked with attractions—from famous surf spots and dog-friendly beaches to neighborhoods packed with innovative restaurants. The city’s hotel scene is evolving too, and it’s seen a new wave of exciting openings this year, including stylish additions in the Gaslamp Quarter and even a swanky renovation of a beloved boutique property in North Park. Check out our roster of six stunning new hotels in San Diego for your next getaway.
The Lafayette Hotel
A haven for Hollywood stars (think Ava Gardner) when it first opened in 1946, University Heights’ Lafayette Hotel underwent a $31 million transformation, courtesy of local hospitality group CH Projects, and the result is a wild yet whimsical escape. Guest rooms feature mirrored bar carts and an impressive spirits setup, among many other excellent touches. To see-and-be-seen around the now even more gorgeous signature pool, check into one of the Suze Suites. Order a Sazerac cocktail in the Lobby Bar while listening to the hotel’s hip-hop heavy soundtrack, curated by music producer Swizz Beatz. And then head to Quixote, the Oaxacan-inspired concept that features delicious Mexican dishes and an impressive mezcal list. Round off the night at The Gutter game room, where you can shoot some pool or play shuffleboard before bed. Still hungry? Order small plates, deluxe sandwiches or Jewish deli classics at the 24-hour Beginner’s Diner.
Location: University Heights
Palihotel San Diego
Los Angeles-based Palisociety has a knack for finding cool historic buildings and giving them a design-centric but approachable overhaul. For the brand’s San Diego debut, the St. James Hotel, which opened in 1922, has been entirely reimagined. This boutique spot now sports a nautical-inspired look across its 122 guest rooms, which feature top-notch amenities like Nespresso coffee machines, Bellino fine linens and Diptyque bath products. Elegant bistro Saint James French Diner is open for happy hour and dinner Wednesday through Sunday, as well as brunch on weekends. And more is coming: The guest-only rooftop bar, where you can snap pics of the hotel’s famous neon St. James sign, is opening soon. Located in the heart of Gaslamp, the hotel is a two-block walk to the Balboa Theater and another 10-ish minutes to Waterfront Park.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
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Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Jimmy Buffett’s famous chain of Margaritaville Resort Hotels has officially landed in San Diego, mere steps from Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center. The vibe? A tropical vacation for urban escapists. The rooftop pool deck is a perfect place to spend afternoons, where you can sample Baja-inspired margaritas from the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar. Formerly Hotel Solamar and recently transformed with a $31 million infusion, fun, beachy accents are featured across Margaritaville’s 235 guest rooms, suites and public spaces. Yes, there’s a giant flip-flop in the lobby, as well as parrot murals on the building’s exterior and surf boards in guest rooms. For sweet Petco Park and San Diego Bay views, check into one of the Premium King Spa Corner rooms, which host expansive living areas and bathrooms with oversized soaking tubs. And the hotel’s ground-floor LandShark Bar & Grill joins the list of buzzy downtown go-tos for dinner, drinks and live music.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Kimpton Alma San Diego
Making a splash at Fifth Avenue and Broadway is the understated Kimpton Alma San Diego. Formerly the Hotel Palomar, Kimpton reopened this luxe spot in May after a $25 million renovation. The city’s proximity to Mexico informs the hotel’s colorful aesthetic across all 211 rooms—including four two-story penthouses, should you be feeling bougie—and a pool deck with street art murals backdropped by cityscape views. Kimpton’s Off The Record live music series debuted at select spaces this year, including Alma San Diego, which has a dedicated Spotify playlist. Think uplifting mornings with Beach House and Dope Lemon easing into electronic pop and modern soul, always available to you so you can recreate staycation vibes even after returning home. At signature restaurant The Desmond, come hungry for exquisite dishes like grilled local stone fruit and burrata from the locally inspired menu by Chef Jason Neroni.
Location: Downtown
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
SoCal residents looking to stay local should bookmark the updated Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, where amenities include a market, fitness center, outdoor heated pool and large terrace with fireplaces and games. Within a five-minute walk to the Convention Center and Embarcadero Marina Park South, the hotel is perfectly positioned for Comic-Con and concerts at The Rady Shell. After a $22.5 million redo, decor manifests relaxed Southern California vibes—you’ll find a carved Maplewood statement wall, rattan and wicker seating and neutral-toned curved sofas in the lobby—an aesthetic that continues throughout its 286 rooms. But rabbits are a theme here too, as evidenced in the hotel’s new whimsical signature restaurant, Wild Hare Bar Garden. Helmed by Executive Chef Emiliano Sotelo, the menu is guided by California cuisine and features bunny-inspired items like the I’m All Ears cocktail and every bunny’s favorite—carrot cake.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter
Marriott’s upscale AC Hotel collaborated with Briad Hospitality to open its first San Diego property—the AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter. This seven-story structure on Fifth Avenue maintains its carefully preserved historic façade, one that blends seamlessly with its downtown setting. Within are 147 sleek and spacious guest rooms, each with workstations and Korres bath amenities. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center and a breakfast restaurant, AC Kitchen. Natural materials like marble, leather and mother-of-pearl, plus a calming palette of taupe, white and teal, add to the sophisticated aesthetic—geared towards discerning professionals and solo travelers. Head upstairs for Tulum-inspired cocktails and small plates at Techo Beso (“rooftop kiss” in Spanish), the bar and restaurant that boasts incredible downtown views. This terrace also hosts Sunkissed Poolside Saturdays through September and a new weekend brunch backed by live DJ sets.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
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.
