Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [247]
La Pensione Hotel (Map; 619-236-8000, 800-232-4683; www.lapensionehotel.com; 606 W Date St; r from $80; wi-fi) Around a frescoed courtyard at the corner of busy India St in Little Italy, La Pensione has rooms with queen-size beds and private bathrooms, and is within walking distance to most Downtown attractions. There’s an attractive café downstairs. Great bargain but no air-con.
J Street Inn (Map; 619-696-6922; www.thejstreetinn.com; 222 J St; per night/week $90/300) All of the rooms have fridge, microwaves and private bathroom at this well-run single-room occupancy (it rents rooms to those who might otherwise be homeless) that also operates hotel style. The beds are way too soft, but the place is clean and safe, there are laundry and fitness facilities, and the price is right.
Hotel Occidental (Map; 619-232-1336; www.hoteloccidental-sandiego.com; 410 Elm St; d incl breakfast $79-139; wi-fi) Even if this one-time hospital is a tad antiseptic at first glance (eg industrial-style carpeting), it’s got a lot to recommend it: kitchenettes, dual-pane windows to keep out street noise, free local calls, simple continental breakfast, bottled water and delivery from nearby restaurants. Rates are based on room size and en-suite facilities.
MIDRANGE
Hotel Solamar (Map; 619-531-8740, 877-230-0300; www.hotelsolamar.com; 435 6th Ave; r from $149; wi-fi) A great compromise in the Gaslamp: hip style that needn’t break the bank. Lounge beats provide the soundtrack to your view of skyscrapers from the pool deck. There’s a fitness center and the ‘Om away from home’ yoga kit. Parking costs $30.
Bristol Hotel (Map; 619-232-6141, 800-662-4477; www.thebristolsandiego.com; 1055 1st Ave; r $150-180; ) A blah mid-century facade conceals a surprisingly stylish interior. Recently renovated rooms have bold black-and-white graphics, and there are antique-y wood moldings around the doorways. Expect extras such as bathrobes and minibars. Parking costs $22.
Sofia Hotel (Map; 619-234-9200, 800-826-0009; www.thesofiahotel.com; 150 W Broadway; r from $175; wi-fi) San Diego is in the midst of a boom of historic hotels receiving contemporary redos. Steps from Horton Plaza and the business district, the Sofia has 212 stylish rooms, in-room spa services and a yoga studio. Parking costs $25.
Horton Grand Hotel (Map; 619-544-1886, 800-542-1886; www.hortongrand.com; 311 Island Ave; r $179; wi-fi) Some rooms in this 1886 brick hotel in the Gaslamp have wrought-iron balconies on the street, but the quietest face the inner courtyard. All are individually decorated in Victoriana and have gas fireplaces. Parking costs $24.
Westgate Hotel (Map; 619-238-1818, 800-221-3802; www.westgatehotel.com; 1055 2nd Ave; r from $199; wi-fi) Despite the 1970s shell of its 233-room tower, the Westgate is pure white-glove luxury on the inside. Think handcrafted European furniture, high tea with harp music, staff with European accents and a coral, blue and yellow color scheme in rooms. There’s a spa and fitness center. Parking costs $25.
Manchester Grand Hyatt (Map; 619-232-1234; www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com; 1 Market Pl; r $209-399; wi-fi) Adjacent to Seaport Village, the 1625-room Manchester is the largest waterfront hotel on the west coast. It fancies itself an ‘urban resort’, with multiple pools, an ‘adventure cabana’ offering excursions like kayaking and sailing, and forward-thinking kids’ programs. Most of the well-maintained rooms have some sort of water view. Parking costs $20.
TOP END
W Hotel (Map; 619-231-8220, 888-625-5144; www.whotels.com; 421 West B St; r from $230; wi-fi) Sexy and stylin’, the W is aggressively decked out in a sky-sand-and-sea theme, with deep blues and shades of grey and gold. Every room features luxury amenities, and there’s a spa, roof-top beach and a DJ spinning house music in the lobby on weekends. Parking costs $28.
Ivy (Map; 619-814-1000; www.ivyhotel.com; 600