hotels downtown san diego

History loves company and the renovated 102-year-old US Grant Hotel in San Diego is a dazzling host, if you want to sleep in the imprints of 13 US presidents, heroic legends of the last century and Hollywood’s greatest stars.

The $52 million spent on a nearly two-year redo that allowed the hotel open in its current form in late 2006, preserved most of the splendor found in the original Italian marble esplanades, white gold trims, aged oak panels and glimmering crystal chandeliers.

But the 270 guest rooms (including 46 suites), too, benefit from the focus on preservation and luxury charms. Find nine-foot ceilings, original art canvases on the bed panel, soft Italian white-on-white linens, Euro-style in-room coffee service (using Melitta coffee makers), 32-inch flat screens, high speed Internet and 24-hour dining and concierge.

US Grant Hotel San DiegoThe property was built by the son of the civil war hero and president takes up a full city block. That ample imprint includes 33,000 square feet of meeting and special event space in 22 rooms, each with its own story to tell (whispers of ghosts sightings on the lower level are not unusual). The Grant can seat up to 1,200 for meetings and events that wow in the face of the iconic elements for which the hotel is known — combined with the latest technologies of the 21st century, of course.

Spa suites on the top floor of the Beaux Arts icon feature oversized bathrooms with infinity tubs, ceiling spout, color therapy soaks and grand views of the Gaslight District in old San Diego. Two palatial Presidential Suites and a Penthouse Suite are worthy of the presidents and statesmen who have slept there, though the décor has been significantly updated for modern sensibilities.

For guests doing business in San Diego, the location is within walking distance to downtown court offices, the sprawling glass San Diego Expo Center, the Petco Park baseball stadium and home of the Padres, and the thriving GasLamp District with its tony clubs and restaurants. Shopping is even closer at Horton Plaza, a whimsical circular center city mall that was influenced by sci fi writer Ray Bradbury. It’s anchored by Nordstrom and Macy’s with every chain brand in between.

The Grant offers the perfect cocktail amenity that would be of interest to anyone who has just flown in from a distance or is entertaining guests in one of the Grant’s large suites. Choose from a vodka infused Champagne cocktail or a fine wine and it comes with all manner of French cheeses, charcuterie, nuts, delicate fruits and gourmet toast points depending on the number of guests, served on a silver platter and starting at $100. For those with heartier appetites, the Grant Grill serves up farm to table fare with an award winning wine list and curated hand-crafted cocktails.

A very San Diego package called the Lindbergh Legacy package makes a stay at the Grant quite affordable.

Hotel deal San Diego

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh stayed at this hotel while the his legendary plane, the Spirit of St. Louis was built. In 2013, the city is celebrating the $1 billion Green Build expansion of the San DiegoInternational Airport, Lindbergh Field, and the US Grant is marking the occasion with $19.27 Suite rates for the 2nd and 4th night with a minimum two-night stay. Suite Accommodations range from junior suites to Presidential suites and start at $309 per night (rack rate) for the Landmark Suite. The Lindbergh Legacy package is valid for stays through the end of 2013.

The property belongs to the Starwood Luxury Collection.  Parking is valet only at $38 a night.

Contact:

U.S. Grant
326 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 232-3121,
(866) 716-8136
www.usgrant.net

 

US Grant San Diego: Still Acting Presidential

 

Google+ author

Like us, Join us