Most people visit San Diego for the sunshine, sandy beaches, and world-famous zoo, but America’s finest city offers out-of-towners more than just coastal charms and marquee attractions.
The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively—albeit slightly gritty—nightlife hub with everything from dive bars to breweries to boisterous clubs. Beyond the present-day booze establishments, the Victorian-era architecture illuminates the district’s past. Yesteryear is where the story of San Diego’s most noteworthy aesthetic oasis begins. The recently opened Granger Hotel, a member of Design Hotels, blends cool, contemporary style, an eye for detail, and rich history. Before it was the chicest place to stay in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Romanesque building, which was originally built by local architect William Quayle in 1904, served as the headquarters for the Merchant’s National Bank and Dr. Harry Wegeforth, the founder of the San Diego Zoo, briefly kept some cuddly critters on-site while waiting for their permanent living quarters to be ready.
After a $30 million renovation that preserved and polished many of the historic elements and punched up the panache, the landmark was reborn as a guest-only retreat. That means all the spaces are reserved for those who call it home on any given night. There’s no see-and-be-seen public restaurant drawing a line around the block, local watering hole, or co-working area. By keeping the impeccably designed spaces strictly for key holders (and their pals), the Granger Hotel is able to curate an intimate, decidedly chill experience that’s a welcome break from bustling downtown.
Once guests enter through the large arched door, the hubbub of the Gaslamp District feels like a fleeting memory. Interiors layer vintage and contemporary elements. The light installation above the entry showcases a structural cage repurposed from the original elevator. There’s an Art Deco mirror from the 1920s and a rare late 1980s abstract painting by Philip North. A small stone elephant curls up beside the potted plants (an adorable surprise and delight moment). The old tin ceilings remain intact—and as resplendent as ever. The rounded reception desk is shaped from rose colored marble. The lobby living room is decorated with plaster walls, colorful murals, low-slung seating, and mosaic flooring. Standing lamps from the 1960s, sculptures pulled from the archives, and a bookshelf stocked with volumes from decades past inject even more period character.
Off to the side, a curtained-off drinking den (or WFH hideaway) nods to the more unseemly behaviors that used to take root in the Gaslamp Quarter. But, of course, in true design hotel fashion, all the decorative elements are tasteful and subtly seductive. Nude silhouettes mingle with leopard print carpet and plush rose velvet chairs. In keeping with its bold, creative spirit, the property has a partnership with local artist Walter Redonado. Guests are encouraged to pop into his ground-floor studio, say hi, and watch a master at work.
Upstairs, wide corridors, 120-year-old doors, and a navy paint job distinguish the hallways from just about any other hotel. Inside the rooms and suites, the love affair between modern and bygone continues. Every detail tells a story. There are custom curved armoirs, peacock lamps, fan-shaped headboards, and leopard door handles. When pulled closed, the heavy drapes conceal any reminder of the revelry just outside.
Top Takeaways
Location: San Diego, California
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: A whimsical design gem that’s creative and cool.
Food + Drink: While the hotel doesn’t have a full-service restaurant, guests can still start the day with a home-cooked breakfast buffet of eggs, bacon, fruit, oatmeal, and pastries. When cocktail hour comes around, the reception desk doubles as a bar.
Amenities: Complimentary welcome cocktail; guest-only bar; breakfast buffet; snack pantries; artist studio; garage parking; access to the fitness center at The Guild Hotel
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The pantry cabinets are stocked with snacks like jelly beans and mixed nuts. Also, the animal accents around the hotel feel like a playful adult scavenger hunt.
5 Nearby Attractions: Gaslamp Quarter; Petco Park; San Diego Convention Center; San Diego Zoo; Seaport Village
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Go to Rustic Root for craft cocktails, tasty twists on classic American comfort food (think: firecracker shrimp, bacon mac ‘n’ cheese, fried chicken with homemade hot sauce), and a lively rooftop atmosphere. Grab a craft brew, a burger, and a caviar bump (because why not?) at Neighborhood. If you have more than one night, be sure to explore beyond the Gaslamp Quarter. Head to Kingfisher in historic Golden Hill to gobble up morel and English pea congee, house-made stinging nettle egg noodles, and kurobuta pork collar in a glam setting.
Rooms: 96 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $300/night
Closest Airport: San Diego Airport (SAN)
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