The Westgate Hotel
"How did it strike you on arrival?Once you get past the nondescript exterior and the Panera across the street, you step into the hotel and feel transported to Versailles. The lobby is opulent, with Baccarat crystal chandeliers, French tapestries, and Persian rugs. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the recent wave of modern, minimalist, millennial-focused hotels. What’s the crowd like?The elegance draws in a lot of couples and business travelers, but you'll also spot families. On to the big stuff: Tell us about the rooms.In line with The Westgate's “Versailles” vibe, the rooms feel like they’re straight out of a European hotel. The Deluxe rooms have good views of the skyline, the Premier rooms have even better views of the skyline, and the seven suites feature private terraces from which, of course, you have a wonderful view of the skyline. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Yes, expect cozy down pillows and down comforters to match. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The bathrooms are huge, with beautiful brass fixtures by the sink and in the shower. Don’t miss the robes hanging in the closet. We all need some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that?The word is that it's not free: A $20 access fee pays for the in-room Wi-Fi, as well as turndown service and entry to the business lounge. What are we talking for food here?There’s weekend brunch with an eclectic, if not slightly odd California-inspired menu mix of Brioche French toast, dim sum, and a chorizo omelet, as well as room service (tacos, burgers, sandwiches), but the treat here is afternoon tea held in the lobby under crystal chandeliers. The experience—$49 for adults ($52 if you add a glass of bubbly) and $29 for kids 12 and under—includes bottomless tea, plus three small food courses with options like smoked salmon, buttermilk scones, and petit fours. Any other standout features we didn't mention.The Westgate AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club is an enormous space with all of the workout equipment you could want, plus a spa, rooftop pool, dry sauna, and hydrotherapy circuits. What was most memorable about your stay?The elegant rooftop pool and that Baroque-inspired lobby. Bottom line: Why are we coming here?The downtown location means you're walking distance from the Gaslamp Quarter and just a few miles from Little Italy, Balboa Park, and the zoo. It's an elegant, unique option in San Diego." - Archana Ram
