Andaz San Diego's Stunning Rooftop: Escape Winter Blues with Poolside Views
Andaz San Diego
San Diego, CA
Approachably Stylish, $$, (From $165)
Southern California may be all about beach living, but the rooftop is clearly the main attraction at Andaz San Diego. The largest rooftop in town is home to the pool, the gym, and a very lively lounge. And those views — of the sunset and the city below. Since you're probably in town for more than the hotel, you'll be glad you booked a stay in the Gaslamp Quarter, the very central and diverse urban-coastal neighborhood where Victorian-era buildings and modern skyscrapers mingle in a sixteen-square block radius of downtown's best restaurants, shopping, arts, and nightlife. Which means the overall take here is contemporary but not intimidating. Which is not to say that everything is new here: The historic structure was built in 1913, in time for the Panama–California Expo, a World's Fair that celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal.
Book It
Rates start at $165. Click here for reservations. Or contact the Fathom Concierge and we can book your trip for you.
At a Glance
The Vibe: Modern with a view.
Standout Detail: For direct access to the pool, book the spacious Andaz Cabana Suite, where a spiral staircase leads to a private rooftop outdoor lounge.
This Place Is Perfect For: First-time visitors to San Diego who want a lively home base and close proximity to the city's action.
Rooms: The unique configurations of the 159 guest rooms and four luxury suites allow for plenty of room to stretch out or share with friends and large families. Contemporary, cool-toned decor elevates the spaces, as does provocative photography. Suites come with king bunkbeds, spacious living areas, dining tables, and stocked wet bars.
On Site: The large outdoor pool on the roof is dotted with fire pits and chaise lounge chairs. The rooftop fitness center is open 24 hours, as is the business center. If you've ever been to an event at an Andaz, you'll know that these hotels love a gathering, and this is no exception, with several flexible social spaces, including a studio, a loft, and a white cube gallery. Exhibitions, fashion shows, movie premieres, and corporate events may be on hold for now, but they'll be back in a post-pandemic world. The WiFi is free.
Food + Drink: On the ground floor, the San Diego outpost of the clubby STK Steakhouse serves dinner every night. For a meal with a view, head to The Rooftop by STK, where DJs spin at sundown and the whole thing turns into a lively lounge with private cabanas at boozy weekend brunch.
Special Covid-19 Protocols: The hotel, which operates under Hyatt's Global Care and Cleanliness Commitment protocols to ensure the safety of guests and staff, has implemented enhanced measures around cleanliness, sanitation, and social distancing. Masks are required in all public areas and some services — food and drink, housekeeping, and fitness — are limited. Read more details here.
What to Do Nearby
With near-perfect weather year-round, there's plenty of outdoor attractions in San Diego: so many ways to embrace the sunshine. Cheer on the San Diego Padres baseball team at Petco Park, sample the many local craft brews at Karl Strauss or Knotty Brewing, stroll charming Seaport Village, or hop on the trolly to the famous San Diego Zoo. Come sundown, the Gaslamp Quarter will be bustling with twentysomethings bar and restaurant hopping, but if you find yourself needing a more culturally rich evening, you're just a four-minute walk to the historic Balboa Theater, where a rotating calendar of live music, theater, and movies will do the trick. (Note: The theater is currently closed due to Covid-19.)
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