Fodor's Expert Review Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

The Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter puts you in the heart of the city’s happening historic district. A five-minute walk from the Convention Center trolley station, and a short stroll to more than a hundred restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, this contemporary hotel is a comfortable, convenient option, especially for Hilton loyalists with points to burn. From the outside, the building looks like urban lofts, with accents such as brick, concrete, stainless steel, and huge windows, all of which fit the revitalized old neighborhood which is full of converted warehouses (long ago, the area was a red-light district). Views are best at night when the city twinkles all around you. The hotel also has a prime view of the iconic Gaslamp Quarter sign.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Valet parking is $49 a night. Ouch.

room

Standard rooms feature contemporary decor like wood-slat headboards, colorful artwork, and a serene blue accent wall, plus the hotel’s signature Serenity bed. Upgraded rooms are more sophisticated, like the executive Loft rooms, which boast huge arched loft windows with thick black panes, and of course the hotel’s suites, which have all sorts of extras like whirlpool tubs, balconies, and bay views.

bathroom

Bathrooms have a standard-issue feel, with white square-tiled floors and shower-tub combos, granite counters, and wavy wallpaper.

lobby

The soaring lobby is clad from floor to ceiling in different woods, including check-in counters in contrasting stripes and a unique floor. Concrete beams and brick accents complement the warmth of all that wood, and a cluster of pendant lamps hangs high above. There are groupings of contemporary seating throughout the expansive space, some near an in-wall fireplace.

Don’t miss the hotel’s outdoor terrace, which has plenty of cushy seating and a hip urban vibe thanks to the brickwork and steel sliding warehouse doors.

pool

The pool area features a decent-size pool, a whirlpool, chaises, terrace seating, and views of the convention center.

gym

The hotel’s large fitness center has a good selection of cardio equipment (several of each treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical trainers), strength-training machines, free weights, and mats. It also has floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the convention center and city.

dining

New Leaf Restaurant serves casual California cuisine. The restaurant’s sidewalk patio offers prime people-watching, but unless you’re after convenience, there’s better food elsewhere.

drinking

The New Leaf lobby bar serves craft cocktails, wine, and beer.