The Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel is a striking waterfront hotel located on the SDVB (San Diego waterfront, duh) and a stone’s throw away from the famous Gaslamp District. This hulking Gothic Revival-style building originally opened its doors in 1924 as the 16th Street Schoolhouse, an elementary school for pupils aged six through 14. It was later repurposed in 2001 as the Hotel Indigo before being acquired by Hilton and undergoing another transformation into what it looks like today; one of the most Instagrammable hotels in San Diego. In true Hilton style, this hotel offers travellers everything you’d expect from its brand while still maintaining a sense of individuality with features like locally inspired artwork and unique guest rooms.
Awards and Recognition
This hotel has won a number of awards including the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award in 2018, a Top 25 Hotel in the United States award from Condé Nast Traveler in 2018, and a TripAdvisor Luxury Hotel award in 2018.
Best season to visit
Being located on a stretch of land that’s close to the ocean, the weather in San Diego is pretty much the same year-round. That being said, you’ll find that it does rain every now and again and that summertime weather can get a bit chilly at night. However, this is generally the only time of year when guests might want to bring a light jacket or sweater.
Rooms & Services Available
Amenities
The Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel is home to a number of different amenities, including a fitness center, an outdoor pool, a spa, a hair salon, and a Starbucks. If you’re travelling with your furry friend, you can also bring him along for the ride as the hotel allows pets. You’ll also find a number of meeting rooms in the hotel that can be used for a variety of events and conferences. For food and drinks, you’ll find a number of options in the hotel, including the Bayfront Bar & Grill, Bistro 110, Poolside Cafe, and the Lobby Lounge. You can also order room service if you want to stay in and relax.
The Good
There’s no shortage of good things to say about this hotel. First and foremost, the location is fantastic. Being less than a 10-minute walk away from the San Diego Convention Center, this hotel is a perfect spot for those attending conferences or conventions in the city. Guests can also easily walk to some of the city’s top attractions including the Little Italy neighbourhood, the Gaslamp District, and the San Diego Bay. The hotel also has a ton of amenities, including a fitness center and an outdoor pool, which is great for those travelling with their families or with young children. You’ll also find that the rooms and the overall aesthetic of the hotel is extremely modern and stylish, with many featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that let in tons of natural light.
The Bad
While there are plenty of great things to say about this hotel, there are a few areas where improvements can be made. For example, the price of both food and drinks in the hotel can be a bit on the expensive side, so you’ll want to make sure to budget accordingly. You’ll also want to make sure you sign up for the hotel’s rewards program, Hilton Honors, prior to visiting the hotel. While the hotel’s location is great, it’s also right next to the bay and a bit of a walk from the city’s public transit system. This isn’t a big deal for most travellers, but it’s something to keep in mind.
Bottom line
This is a Hilton-branded hotel like you’ve never seen before. It’s stylish, modern, and extremely Instagrammable thanks to its gorgeous waterfront location and bright, bold interior. You’ll find that the rooms are well-designed and feature a ton of natural light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the hotel’s amenities are fantastic for families and travellers with pets. All in all, this is one of the best hotels in San Diego.
