4 Best Hotels in Downtown, San Diego

This is not your typical Courtyard by Marriott, as the building has a historic past—it was the home of San Diego Trust and Savings Bank in 1928. Today much of the original lobby layout remains—you can even see where the teller cages once stood—and the elaborately stenciled ceiling matches the one in the hotel's presidential suite, which once served as the office for the building's original architect, William Templeton Johnson. Downstairs, the old vaults (with safe deposit boxes intact) serve as meeting rooms. The guest rooms feature contemporary decor and convenient amenities such as free Wi-Fi, microwaves, and work stations; some even have sofa sleepers for extra guests. It takes around 15 minutes to walk to Petco Park from the lobby, with plenty of eateries and bars on the way to stop and grab a bite or drink beforehand. 

Two brands from Hilton Hotels share a building in Little Italy two blocks from the bay, giving guests more space to spread out and be relatively within budget. Hilton Garden Inn rooms occupy the right side of the floor, while the larger Homewood Suites are on the left side. Both brands offer free Wi-Fi and room service, as well as a shared 24/7 grab-and-go market, the Pacific Standard Coastal Kitchen restaurant (dinner only), and access to a heated outdoor rooftop pool. The 160 Homewood Suites have full kitchens and larger layouts, along with daily breakfast buffet and an evening reception Monday through Thursday, making it more ideal for longer stays. Some of the 204 Hilton Garden Inn rooms have bay views and sleeper sofas.

This contemporary 30-story hotel overlooking San Diego Bay strives for a boutique feel. Rooms are modern and spacious with views of either the bay or the port. All rooms have large work desks, perfect for industrious business travelers while families will enjoy the heated saltwater pool and kids-only splash pad. The hotel also has a full-service spa and fitness center. Trolley tours of the city stop at the hotel; joggers will like the waterfront 3-mile path that winds over to Seaport Village.

Primarily a draw for business travelers, this hotel between Seaport Village and the convention center also works well for leisure and family travelers. All rooms have water views, modern furnishings, and windows that open to the coastal breeze. Two pools, several sports courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball, a spa, a 24-hour market, and seven restaurants and bars mean you don't have to leave the hotel. But, if you do leave, the trolley station is one block away, and the Gaslamp's clubs and restaurants are within walking distance. Sally's Fish House & Bar offers locally sourced seafood and has a picture-perfect patio on the waterfront while The Landing is a great spot to sip a craft cocktail.  Be sure to catch at least one sunset from the Top of the Hyatt bar on the 40th floor.