As the epic center of a vibrant urban scene, the Gaslamp Quarter district covers 16 historic blocks that are dense with over 100 boutiques, the county’s best nightlife, and over 200 restaurants. People gravitate toward San Diego Gaslamp hotels in this downtown entertainment also because it’s minutes from the San Diego International Airport.
I’ve listed hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter, which covers the blocks on 4th, 5th, and 6th Avenues in between Harbor Drive in the south and Broadway in the north. I’ve also listed a few hotels so close to the Gaslamp that they are often classified in it.
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You can also read my lists of best downtown San Diego hotels and best Little Italy San Diego hotels which include a few hotels mentioned below. Little Italy is also located in the downtown area, just steps from the Gaslamp district.
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1. Pendry San Diego (Top Pick)
Hotel Class: Luxury
Address: 550 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Pendry San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter hotel that readers choose the most. This is in part due to the value-added Virtuoso benefits that you can secure through me, but also thanks to its multiple restaurants and bars, fabulous outdoor pool deck with cabanas and bottle service, and five-star customer service. It has also become a go-to hotel in the San Diego downtown area for repeat guests, whether they’re business, family, or solo travelers.
Plus, in today’s unique environment, amenities haven’t been as disrupted in comparison to other hotels. That’s because the dining outlets already had plenty of outdoor tables, to begin with. You can also enjoy massages in the outdoor spa courtyard.
Attention to detail is evident in the stunning contemporary decor throughout the common areas and 317 guest rooms and suites. I can tell you that the same attention to detail is lavished on guests as well. I receive tons of positive reviews from people I book in.
The luxury boutique hotel is part of Montage Hotels and a Virtuoso property which means that I can add the following amenities:
*The desktop version of Virtuoso.com is where you’ll search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version from a mobile device, after clicking on a Virtuoso hotel link, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.”
2. Andaz San Diego
Hotel Class: Moderate
Address: 600 F Street, San Diego, CA 92101
The minimalist, chic, coastal design of the Andaz San Diego targets a younger crowd, perhaps one looking to indulge in the local restaurant and nightlife scene surrounding this great location. In fact, STK and Rooftop by STK inside of the hotel are two Gaslamp Quarter hotspots for those who want to see and be seen.
If you’re looking for Gaslamp Quarter San Diego hotels with cool suites, the Andaz has two. One is a Star Suite with king-sized bunk beds (!!!) and the other is the Cabana Suite which opens up to the rooftop pool.
Speaking of the swimming pool, it’s not big, but it’s surrounded by chic cabanas and city views. During normal times, they do host events and pool parties here.
I can book you into Andaz San Diego with Hyatt Prive benefits that include:
* Subject to forecasted occupancy
3. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Hotel Class: Moderate
Address: 207 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego fits right into the area’s electric vibe with its rock and roll memorabilia and legendary rooftop pool. In fact, the iconic Gaslamp Quarter sign is just outside of the hotel and you can walk to the San Diego Convention Center across the street.
Families do stay here, but I think this Gaslamp San Diego hotel is for people who enjoy the rock vibe, late nights, and happening pool scene under the California sun. The onsite spa and ground floor nightclub are also popular with guests, and it’s the location of Nobu San Diego — yes, it’s affiliated with celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
4. Omni San Diego Hotel
Hotel Class: Moderate
Address: 675 L Street, San Diego, CA 92101
A pedestrian walkway that connects Omni San Diego Hotel to PETCO Park helps set this Gaslamp Quarter hotel apart from others. Games can be busy so baseball fans definitely benefit from this feature. Some King Suites offer ballpark views while others boast bay and city views.
It’s a large hotel with 511 rooms and suites decorated in a modern coastal palette. I like it better than the Marriott across the street (also on this list), but you’ll usually pay a little more here. One reason is that there is an outdoor swimming pool, an amenity that can be used year-round in San Diego sunshine.
Also, Omni is a kid-friendly brand. Young guests are treated to kids’ menus in the restaurants and an activity backpack at check-in. A Clefs d’Or concierge will help coordinate your travel itinerary in the nearby entertainment district and beyond.
5. Solamar San Diego
Hotel Class: Moderate
Address: 435 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Solamar San Diego is another boutique Gaslamp hotel choice with a popular rooftop pool hangout with fire pits, large lounge space, private cabanas, Upper East bar, and poolside games.
Guests rooms feature comfortable beds with crisp white linens and a gold palette accented by rich berry hues and Spanish style bold patterns. Specialty suites can include jetted tubs and wet bars.
6. Hilton San Diego Gaslamp
Hotel class: Moderate
Address: 401 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp is across the street from the San Diego Convention Center and three blocks from PETCO Park. For a taste of urban living during your visit, take a look at their loft accommodations that enjoy private key access, Hilton Serenity beds, clean contemporary decor, and an optional terrace with city views.
The hotel itself also offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, Hilton Digital Key (use the app as a key), and is pet-friendly up to 75lbs. In addition to room service, the dining outlets include a California cuisine restaurant and bar and an Italian restaurant. Reserve using the Hilton Honors rate, which offers the best prices.
7. San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
Hotel Class: Moderate
Address: 660 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter is located just across the street from PETCO Park. In fact, its hip ALTITUDE SKY LOUNGE is one place to catch a baseball game outside of the ballpark (and is also a popular Gaslamp Quarter rooftop bar and nightlife spot).
Rooms are basic but bright with white linens and a neutral color palette. You can see the bay and Coronado Bridge from some rooms. During normal times, Concierge Level rooms have access to a Concierge Lounge with breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres and non-alcoholic drinks.
This hotel is a good, no-frills option for Marriott Bonvoy members. They offer business center services, a small fitness center, vending machines, and multiple dining options. It’s important to note that there is no swimming pool or jacuzzi.
8. Ramada Gaslamp/Convention Center (Ramada St. James)
Hotel Class: Budget
Address: 830 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
While it’s considered a budget hotel, Ramada Gaslamp/Convention Center appeals to travelers who prefer historic hotels in San Diego. It’s also known as the Ramada St. James, thanks to its former life as the St. James Hotel, which opened in 1913 as San Diego’s first high-rise hotel at 11 stories. Its twin elevators used to be the fastest in the world, and the classic St. James sign on the roof of the hotel remains to this day.
Now, guests can book into the 99 rooms and suites that consist of simple single and double queen rooms and suites that come with flat-screen TVs and free WiFi internet access. One perk of staying here is that the hotel restaurant is Brian’s 24, famous for breakfast (pancakes and malted waffles especially) and late-night eats (an important Gaslamp Quarter staple).
9. Moxy San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter
Hotel Class: Moderate/Budget
Address: 831 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Moxy is Marriot’s brand of affordable and stylish boutique properties geared toward the Millennial market. Check into Moxy San Diego for cozy, clublike single queen rooms either with no view or city view. You’ll find plenty of communal gathering spaces, a fitness center, a wide selection of grab-and-go food-and-beverage options available 24/7, and a bar that is always open.
Guests receive their digital key from the lobby “trike” in addition to a welcome nitro-cocktail from reception staff. Business services are a little limited but there is a meeting room and free WiFi. Check hotel offers on Marriott.
10. Hotel Z San Diego
Hotel Class: Budget
Address: 521 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
If you like a mix of simple, hip, and colorful, Hotel Z San Diego is for you. You’ll find the stylish pineapple logo woven into countless aspects of your stay, including some taste welcome treats.
Queen, king, and double queen rooms offer free WiFi, bottled water, in-room coffee, Tommy Bahama bath products, and beds with “Naked Experience” linens. There isn’t a restaurant onsite but with so many within walking distance you won’t miss this. But, you can purchase grab and go snacks and drinks from the Pineapple Quick Bites & Bevvies cooler.
11. Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp/Convention Center
Category: Moderate
Address: 453 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp/Convention Center rooms run on the small side between 200-280 square feet and are decorated in a modern style with neutral colors accented by forest green. Choose rooms with one king or two queens. Make sure that you pop up to The Nolan, a very cool rooftop bar with panoramic city views.
12. Gaslamp Plaza Suites
Hotel Class: Moderate
Address: 520 E Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Gaslamp Plaza Suites were built in 1913 inside the city’s first skyscraper. Many original features have been preserved and the Gaslamp Quarter hotel is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.
Hotel rooms and suites are decorated in European style and offer free Wi-Fi. The one-bedroom suites tend to price reasonably for the area. You’ll find one of the most popular wine bars in the area downstairs, Vin de Syrah (I like it), in addition to The Melting Pot restaurant.
Hotels Near Gaslamp Quarter San Diego
These two options are so close to the Gaslamp Quarter that they’re often classified as Gaslamp Quarter hotels. We’re only talking a block or two away, still a great location.
The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
Hotel Class: Luxury
Address: 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
THE US GRANT is part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection and just on the other side of Broadway from the Gaslamp Quarter. So, we’re talking about a block away, a 5-minute walk or so, but still in the heart of the action. It’s also listed on the National Register of Historic Places for being constructed in 1910 by the son of President Ulysses S. Grant.
We love staying there because they’ve done an excellent job of modernizing a historic building with a $6.5 million art collection including custom paintings above the beds. You’ll want to sip fine wine paired with your AAA Four-Diamond California cuisine meal at The Grant Grill.
It’s one of the haunted hotels in San Diego and is known for its excellent service that earns the property a five-star rating. For more detail, read my review of THE US GRANT. Virtuoso is typically the best way to book in because of the $100 food and beverage credit and daily breakfast for two in The Grant Grill. I think that part of the reason this San Diego Gaslamp hotel prices well is that they do not have a pool.
Virtuoso amenities include:
When booking Marriott hotels on Virtuoso.com, use only the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details.
*You may need to be on the desktop version of Virtuoso.com to search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version of a hotel page from a mobile device, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.” When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar
Hotel Class: Moderate
Address: 1047 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
A top option for people in search of boutique hotels in San Diego is Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego, just a few blocks north of the Gaslamp Quarter. I like the Skyline guest rooms on the top floors with prime city views, some with private balconies. Frette linens on the beds, Atelier Bloem bath amenities, and a daily hosted social hour are a few of the luxe touches guests enjoy during their stay.
The 4th-floor pool deck can be a happening space with its large lounge area, bar, and taco cart. And like most Kimpton properties, feel free to check-in with your pets. Reserve through IHG Rewards (of which Kimpton is a member) for the best discounts.
San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Vacation Rentals
Choose vacation rentals in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, or the San Diego Bay between the Convention Center and Little Italy. Do not veer too far east or north of these areas.
I prefer Marriott Homes and Villas because they vet the properties and only use those with professional management. However, VRBO has the most availability.
What are your favorite San Diego Gaslamp hotels?
Katie Dillon
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