Where to Stay in San Diego Right Now

The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
Downtown
Member of The Edit by Chase Travel

Set inside a commanding, neoclassical-style landmark in downtown, The US Grant has welcomed a dozen presidents since it opened in 1910. Today, the historic home-away-from-home, which debuted a fresh look in 2006, draws a more diverse crowd—the clientele is less “leader of the free world” and more leisure travelers and business executives who just wrapped a conference. The stately lobby retains a sense of bygone splendor with soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers and ornate Corinthian-style columns, while the 270 guest rooms and suites are elegant with abstract drip-painting headboards, crisp white linens and houndstooth carpets.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Carmel Valley
Member of The Edit by Chase Travel

Impressive in both scale and style, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar encompasses 400 acres of gardens, undulating canyons and eucalyptus groves. Conceptualized as a vacation destination in its own right, this enormous, Mediterranean-inspired resort has four heated pools (three of which welcome families), two tennis courts, a golf course, an equestrian center, a spa, a gym and fitness studio, and six different restaurants and bars—so you scarcely need to leave the grounds to find a plethora of activities. Inside, guest quarters range from sophisticated rooms to suites with private terraces and even to palatial three-bedroom villas. Beyond the first-class amenities and accommodations, activities include guided morning hikes and horseback rides, and e-bikes are available for cruising the property.

The Westgate Hotel
Gaslamp Quarter

In contrast to the Spanish-style lodgings that prevail in greater San Diego, The Westgate Hotel goes in a decidedly more opulent direction. The lobby is a fine example of European-inspired grandeur, complete with crystal chandeliers, a Steinway grand piano and an antique Henry Dasson desk adorned with golden cherubs, while the rooms flaunt marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, the better to take in the skyline views. There’s also a full-service spa and a luxurious afternoon tea, plus San Diego’s largest rooftop pool. Or, indulge in a workout on the outdoor track, in the group exercise studio or at the 40,000-square-foot gym with state-of-the-art equipment.

The Lafayette Hotel and Club
North Park

The Lafayette Hotel is a see-and-be-seen playground that’s dripping in zebra print, velvet upholstery, bold colors and a trove of found items. Rooms and bungalows are equally over the top: think striped canopy beds, four-posters with snake lamps wrapping around the bedframe and a chic clash of toile and tropical wallpaper. The result is a lively spot to visit for design inspiration, photo ops, socializing and people watching. There’s a cafe, a cavernous Oaxacan restaurant and a classic 24-hour diner, but the place to be come evening is the atrium Lobby Bar, which buzzes with espresso martini-fueled fervor. On the weekends, the pool also turns up, with a mix of locals and out-of-towners bopping to music and sipping drinks.

Photo by Matt Kisiday.