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The historic origins of this iconic luxury hotel date back to 1910 when it was first opened by President Ulysses S. Grant’s son. Now a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel, the tradition continues at THE US GRANT in San Diego.
Here, modern amenities meet old-world elegance in a profusion of style. You’ll step into a world of opulence where Empire-style furnishings, hand-loomed silk carpets, classic fine art, and sparkling chandeliers are the norm. This Four-Diamond hotel provides travelers with superb accommodations and impeccable service in downtown. Through my role as a travel advisor, you can book into THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego with extra benefits.
THE US GRANT Reservations: Book with Virtuoso Amenities
Virtuoso amenities at THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel include:
*Use the number of adults traveling to get the correct rate and we’ll add your kids after we follow up to collect your arrival details.
326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
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Guestrooms and Suites at THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
Each of THE US GRANT’s 270 rooms and suites has a regal elegance that’s hard to match. Guestrooms come in three styles and suites in nine.
Each accommodation embodies the rich history of the hotel with crown moldings, nine-foot ceilings, and plush imported carpets. Selectively commissioned Native American and European artworks adorn the walls.
You can also expect distinctive touches like Empire-style executive desks, artisan Yves Clement headboards, and pillow-top mattresses adorned with 300-thread count Italian sheets and plush duvets.
The historic charm of the décor is balanced by modern amenities like large flat-panel televisions, in-room safes, and coffee maker/tea service. Accommodations also include cordless phones with voicemail, high-speed WiFi (free for Bonvoy members), premium movie channels, cable/satellite, CNN, ESPN, and pay-per-view movies.
Each accommodation also features an opulent marble bathroom with enclosed glass showers, a sophisticated basin sink, a lighted makeup mirror, and a hairdryer. Special touches include plush robes, slippers, and luxury bath products.
Although all of the accommodations share the same basic features listed above, there are some slight differences among them such as square footage and the number of beds. Below I’ve highlighted these slight differences for each of the guestrooms, as well as expanded upon what additions you can expect in the different suites.
Superior Guest Rooms
These rooms vary in size from 280 to 325 square feet. You can choose between king rooms and double queen rooms. Connecting rooms are available for some of these accommodations. A few are mobility accessible with features like roll-in showers, visual alarms and visual notification devices for the phone and door for those who are hearing impaired. They are air-conditioned and have 24-hour room service and evening turndown service.
Deluxe Guest Rooms
Deluxe Guest Rooms offer between 300 and 350 square feet of space with your choice of one king bed or two queen beds. Similar to the Superior Guest Rooms a few are mobility accessible with the same extra amenities, and some offer the connecting rooms feature as well. They are air-conditioned, non-smoking, have 24-hour room service, and nightly turndown service.
Grand Deluxe Guest Rooms
Grand Deluxe Guest Rooms offer four options. The Grand Deluxe king and Grand Deluxe double queen rooms provide 380 and 420 square feet, respectively. They’re located on various floors throughout the hotel. Grand Deluxe Tub king rooms and Grand Deluxe Tub double queen rooms are 380 and 425 square feet respectively and, as their name implies, are the only rooms with bathtubs. They’re always located on the top floor.
All Grand Deluxe Guest Rooms are air-conditioned and non-smoking. A few have connecting room options. They also offer evening turndown service and 24-hour room service. These guest rooms are not mobility or hearing-impaired accessible.
Legacy Junior Suites
Legacy Junior Suites range between 375 and 475 square feet and have one king bed in a semi-private bedroom area. Adjacent to the stylish bedroom is a well-appointed living area with sofa, elegant leather chair, and unique coffee table. The suite also includes two 55-inch LED plasma televisions. Expect evening turndown service and 24-hour in-room dining.
These suites are not equipped with mobility accessible amenities, but they do have hearing accessible features such as visual alarms and notification devices. These are non-smoking rooms. Some have connecting rooms.
Chaffee Junior Suites
Chaffee Junior Suites have an identical layout to Legacy Junior Suites, but offer additional square footage. They include the same amenities and services. They don’t provide mobility accessible features, but do offer hearing impaired accessibility features. Similar to Legacy Junior Suites, there are a few with connecting room options. They are also non-smoking.
Landmark Suites
Landmark Suites are non-smoking, air-conditioned, one-bedroom suites with some offering the option of connecting rooms. They are between 375 and 550 square feet with a separate bedroom with king bed. The living room features a cozy blue couch, writing desk, unique coffee table, and one of two 55-inch LED televisions. The second television of the same size is located in the bedroom. These suites do offer mobility accessible features such as roll-in showers or hearing accessible features.
Grant Suites
Grant Suites have an identical layout to Landmark Suites, including a private bedroom with one king bed and a 55-inch LED television but they offer larger square footage at 500 and 675 square feet, and are located on higher floors. The separate living room has a cozy blue couch, work desk, and additional 55-inch LED television.
They include the same amenities and services as the other suites such as evening turndown service and the option of connecting rooms. They don’t have mobility accessible amenities, however, have hearing accessible features.
Signature Suites
With 770 square feet of space, Signature Suites are air-conditioned, non-smoking suites with living and dining areas. The living area features a cozy couch, 55-inch LED mounted television, writing desk, and an adjacent dining area with a four-person dining table.
The studio-suite floor-plan is equipped with two king beds and an additional television. It has an oversized bathroom with a large walk-in shower. This is a good choice for families with small children, or for a bridal suite.
This suite option does not provide connecting rooms, nor does it have mobility accessible features.
Senator Suites
Senator Suites feature 800 square feet of space with two bedrooms – one with a king bed and the other with two queen beds. Each bedroom is equipped with a 55-inch LED television and has its own marble en suite.
These suites also include a separate living room with a comfortable seating area and work desk, and a dining area accommodating a four-person table. There is also one walk-in closet. Some have the option of a connecting room. Their second floor location next to the hotel’s event space makes them a good choice for business travelers. The suites are not mobility accessible.
Ulysses Suite
The Ulysses Suite is large one-bedroom suite with 778 square feet of space, and a separate living/dining room area. The bedroom features one king bed, a 55-inch LED television, and a private en suite. The living room has a large seating area with a couch, two chairs, a coffee table, a 55-inch LED television, and a writing desk. The adjacent dining area has a table that seats four. There is also a second full bathroom adjacent to the living space.
The Ulysses Suite is located on the top floor of the hotel offering stunning views of the San Diego cityscape. A one-of-a-kind suite, it has no option for a connecting room. It’s a non-smoking suite with air-conditioning, and is both mobility and hearing accessible.
Presidential Penthouse Suite
Located in the top floor, the lavish Presidential Penthouse Suite has 1,300 square feet of space. The private bedroom is equipped with a king bed and a 55-inch LED screen television. The expansive marble en suite comes complete with an oversized tub with spray jets, a separate shower, double vanities, and lighted makeup mirror.
The separate living and dining area offers a residential feel with exquisite furnishings, including a grand six-person dining table, stylish high-top bar with three stools, and a living room with two love seats, two plush chairs, and a 55-inch LED television.
This one-of-a-kind suite provides you with panoramic views of downtown San Diego, San Diego Bay, and the Coronado Bridge. It includes all the upscale services and amenities of the other suites, including turndown service, as well as a mini fridge and complimentary bottled water.
There is no connecting accommodation, and the suite is not mobility accessible.
Presidential Bi-level Suites
The two luxurious Presidential Bi-Level Suites each have their own unique personality – Presidential Leisure and Presidential Glamour. Each has 1,300 square feet of space with the main living space on the ninth floor and a private bedroom with en suite on the tenth floor. There is an option for a tenth floor connecting king bed guest room.
The bedroom features a king bed with a leather bench seat, large six drawer dresser, 50-inch television, a comfortable seating area, and a luxurious marble en suite.
On the lower level you’ll find an expansive living room with two couches, a 50-inch LED television, a writing desk, and a conversation area with two chairs. A private terrace offers spectacular views of the San Diego cityscape.
Adjacent to the living room is an elegant six-person dining room with a pantry area and mini-fridge. There is a half-bathroom on the main level too, an excellent feature when entertaining guests.
These suites feature the same services and amenities as other suites. They don’t provide mobility accessible features, however, they do provide hearing accessible features.
The hotel’s three Presidential Suites have been designed to accommodate presidential visits that meet the requirements of the Secret Service.
THE US GRANT as a Historic Property
THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel in San Diego is named after President Ulysses S. Grant. The President’s son, Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., built the 11-story hotel that includes 270 unique guestrooms (including 47 suites) and appears on the National Register of Historic Places.
It includes a Four Diamond restaurant with a private dining room, two bars, an elegant ballroom, vintage boardrooms, and a multi-million dollar art collection. Located at the north end of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, the iconic hotel has hosted presidents, celebrities, and countless San Diego visitors for over 100 years.
Dining at THE US GRANT
At THE US GRANT, you have three upscale options for dining and imbibing. Grant Grill is the hotel’s signature restaurant serving California cuisine. Grant Grill Lounge is a Gaslamp Quarter hot spot for happy hour, or gathering before the theater. Rendezvous, the hotel’s vintage French cocktail bar, is a reincarnation of its original 1933 Rendezvous bar.
Grant Grill
You can indulge in an upscale dining experience in the historic hotel’s signature restaurant – Grant Grill. The Four-Diamond restaurant serves classic California cuisine made with seasonal ingredients from local produce to Pacific seafood to prime meats. You’ll notice that the small, but distinctive dinner menu is short on main course options for vegetarians, although there are tempting starters and sides that would be suitable.
The sophisticated ambience of Grant Grill complements the epicurean nature of their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. From mahogany wood to fleur de lis banquettes to fine linen tablecloths this culinary landmark envelops diners in a luxurious ambience.
An intimate private dining room for up to 12 diners is available for your special occasion. The dress code for dining at Grant Grill is smart casual.
Grant Grill Lounge
Grant Grill Lounge is renowned for its innovative craft cocktails and chic nightlife experience in the Gaslamp Quarter. Their signature cocktail menu includes their own 100-day barrel aged US Grant Centennial Manhattan, Modernist Negroni, and 2 Year Genepi Americana. You can also indulge in seasonal limited-time cocktails, Cicerone curated cask ale and other craft beers, and Wine Spectator awarded wines.
The Grant Grill Lounge serves elevated bar food to complement their wide range of cocktails, craft beer, and wine. Their iconic Mock Turtle Soup is a must-try made from an original 1951 Grant Grill recipe that finishes with a side of sherry (lunch menu only). Lounge culinary offerings after 2:30 p.m. dial it up a notch.
Expect a vibrant happy hour on weekdays. Weekends (Thursday through Saturday nights) feature live music, including rock, blues, jazz, pop, and samba.
Rendezvous Bar
Right after prohibition ended, Rendezvous, The Wonder Bar opened its doors at THE US GRANT in 1933. Today’s version is inspired by that original 1930s French cocktail bar. The vintage French ambience begins with a replica of the original neon Rendezvous sign over its West Broadway entrance and extends indoors. Dim lighting, communal tables, sofas, and a custom gramophone-style faux jukebox add to the allure.
You can expect a reasonably priced list of French wines, an array of cask ales, punchbowls, and tableside cocktail experiences featuring their signature US GRANT Manhattan, Vieux Carre, Fantôme de Veracruz, and The Golden Rooster. You’ll also find champagne by the glass, their signature cider, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Hotel Amenities at THE US GRANT San Diego
You won’t find a pool, full-service spa, or nightclub at THE US GRANT San Diego, but what you will find is luxurious accommodations wrapped in stylish elegance. The spa has been replaced with a private Spa Suite available by reservation only. Fitness classes give way to urban outdoor activities via the hotel concierge. The nightlife here oozes glamour and sophistication. And an extensive art collection throughout the hotel is a feast for the eyes. Here are a few highlights.
Celebration Fine Art Collection
The $6.5 million Celebration Fine Art Collection sets this cultural landmark hotel apart from its contemporaries in both scope and significance. The hotel’s curated collection includes murals, paintings, sculptures, and ironwork by world-renowned Native American, American, and European artists.
Among the vast collection, some pieces to search out include the collection centerpiece, a 1910 oil portrait of Ulysses S. Grant by artist Urban Lawrence Gray hanging in the valet entry, and a white, four-foot-tall, bronze sculpture of a woman emerging from water by artist David Montour that is the hotel lobby centerpiece.
The works of nine contemporary artists are reflected in the collection, many commissioned by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, representing local Kumeyaay heritage. In addition, there is a curated historic collection of artworks.
Spa Suite
Although there is no formal spa at THE US GRANT, there is a dedicated spa suite on the eighth floor where Relax & Rejuvenate for THE US GRANT offers a full menu of spa services by appointment. You can choose from a variety of massage therapies, including a Couples Massage, plus an array of skin care and body treatments.
The spa suite is available for appointments 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, with before/after hours services for an extra fee. Reservations can be made through the US Grant Spa Concierge (ext. 2076), and require a credit card.
Fitness Center
The hotel’s small fitness center is well equipped with an array of cardio equipment, weight training equipment, and a full set of free weights and weight benches. The fitness center, located on the lower level beneath the lobby, is open 24 hours every day. Amenities include towels, bottled water, fresh fruit, and a television.
Check with the hotel concierge for outdoor fitness experiences that take advantage of San Diego’s sunny disposition.
Destination Wedding Venue
THE US GRANT is an in-demand destination wedding venue in San Diego. The landmark hotel offers six options for wedding ceremonies and receptions, including the lavish Bivouac Ballroom. Its glamorous 1920s décor is the perfect setting for your vintage wedding.
The Gaslamp Quarter Neighborhood
The Gaslamp Quarter is arguably one of San Diego’s most famous neighborhoods. THE US GRANT hotel sits at its northern end on West Broadway across from Horton Plaza Park, between Third and Fourth Avenues. This prime downtown location puts it close to the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, yet affords guests a bit more privacy and quiet.
This vibrant historic neighborhood has been the city’s cultural hub for decades. A culinary destination, it’s chocked full of tantalizing options from fine dining restaurants to smoothie shops. You’ll find bars, restaurants, boutiques, museums, theaters, and cultural events all along Fifth and Sixth avenues from West Broadway to the San Diego Convention Center at the neighborhood’s bayfront end.
A great way to get an overview of this 16-block historic neighborhood is to take a walking tour of its Victorian era architecture. Places to visit in the Gaslamp Quarter include Davis-Horton House Museum, and Chuck Jones Gallery (Loony Tunes animation director). Catching a performance at the historic Spreckels Theater is also a good bet.
Outside of the Gaslamp but still in downtown San Diego, nearby major attractions include the USS Midway Museum, the Maritime Museum, Seaport Village, Petco Park (San Diego Padres baseball), Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo. Nearby neighborhoods worth visiting include East Village, Old Town, and Little Italy.
THE US GRANT Hotel Reservations
You have access to Virtuoso benefits at THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel that include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom in The Grant Grill or via room service (maximum value of $60 per day)
- $100 USD Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full, available in the Grant Grill or via room service only)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
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.
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Katie Dillon
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