3 Best Hotels in Downtown, San Diego

After an $80 million renovation completed in 2019, the historic Italian Renaissance-style building—a former YMCA building used exclusively by military servicemen—updated all 162 rooms and suites, keeping plenty of nods to its military history like vintage photographs behind the lobby bar and original tile work. Once an underground pool now an event space, the subterranean floor also contains 10 especially quiet guest rooms and an old-fashioned barber shop. Thanks to the courthouse just a stone's throw away from the hotel and numerous reservable breakout areas, many travelers are here on business, where they can enjoy all meals from the lobby restaurant inside the plush indoor seating area or in one of the two adjoining courtyards. 

The moment you experience the cozy lounge spaces and wood accents of the Hilton's modern and sophisticated lobby, you realize this isn't your run-of-the-mill chain hotel—room perks include pillow-top mattresses, down comforters, and spacious work desks. Grab a drink at Wild Hare Bar Lounge, or order one to arrive poolside at the heated outdoor pool. The vibe feels more boutique than resort, and you can't beat the location: the trolley whizzes by, the convention center is across the street, and nightlife and restaurants are just outside your door.

The 22-story Marriott sits amid the Gaslamp's restaurants and boutiques, near a trolley station, the convention center, and Petco Park. The Marriott has sweeping views of Downtown and the waterfront as well as right into the ballpark. You can take in the entire panorama from Altitude, the swanky rooftop bar that's popular among travelers and locals. Rooms offer luxury linens, flat-screen TVs, laptop safes, and Starbucks coffee, and there's fast Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The restaurant, Soleil @k, emphasizes simply prepared fresh produce and meats and offers weekend brunch.