Tucked on the Pacific Coast at the southwestern edge of the United States is the city that is known as the birthplace of California. We’re talking about the “City in Motion,” a.k.a. “America’s Finest City,” San Diego. Unlike many other US cities, San Diego doesn’t have a very long history, even though Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo discovered the West Coast way back in 1542 by landing in San Diego Bay. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not home to a bunch of historic hotels. The best historic hotels in San Diego date back to the late 19th or early 20th century, ranging across coastal escapes and boutique mansions.
What makes them worth considering staying is that they’re located in special structures, have interesting stories, have served as movie sets and even hosted US Presidents. If you’re also planning a historic holiday in San Diego, here’s a comprehensive guide to its best old-timey stays.
Table of contents
- Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant
- Gaslamp Plaza Suites
- Palihotel San Diego
- Courtyard San Diego Downtown
- La Valencia Hotel La Jolla
- The Sofia Hotel
- Horton Grand Hotel
- Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club, and Bungalows
- Grande Colonial Hotel
- The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
- Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
- What is famous about Hotel del Coronado?
- What is San Diego known for historically?
- How long can you spend in Old Town San Diego?
Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant
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The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant sits in historic Old Town in San Diego and boasts a history that goes back to the early 19th century. It was originally built in 1827 as the Bandini family home, back when the area was Mexican territory. After tiny Old Town later became San Diego and the area became American territory, the dilapitated property changed multiple hands before landing in the lap of a stagecoach company in 1869. This stagecoach hotel was the original Cosmopolitan Hotel between 1971 and 2005. The ground-floor Casa de Bandini restaurant was extremely popular, featuring giant margaritas, flashy costumes, and complimentary baskets of salsa and chips.
After a few years, the restaurant relocated and the property underwent a renovation, returning it its original, authentic 1800s version. The rooms and suites feature Victorian-style beds and baths, along with mod-cons like fridges, coffeemakers, and modern bathrooms with bespoke bath products. Did you know that you even have the option of booking a free “wine and dine” package when you check-in? Yes!
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Gaslamp Plaza Suites
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Deep in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter sit the Gaslamp Plaza Suites, occupying a building whose origins go back to 1913. It was the Watts Building earlier, which was intended to be the first skyscrapers in the city and even had the city’s first high-speed elevators. While it began with the San Diego Trust and Savings occupying the building first, it later housed many businesses for many decades in the 1900s. These included the offices of lawyers, doctors, businesses, and even jewelers. In 1988, the nationally registered historic site transformed into the hotel that it is today.
Even now, you can see remnants of its historic past in the form of beautifully preserved Australian humwood carpentry, shimmering chandeliers, mosaic tiles, brass elevator doors, and original marble stairways. In fact, the moody lobby displays vintage photographs of the structure’s past. It might not be the tallest skyscaper around, but it’s still tall, with its rooftop terrace offering captivating views of the Gaslamp Quarter. If that wasn’t enough, the hotel has a restaurant, a wine parlor, and stylish wallet-friendly rooms.
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Palihotel San Diego
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The hotel known as the St. James Hotel earlier is now the Palihotel San Diego. Built way back in 1885, this luxurious high-rise was the very first skyscraper in San Diego. In fact, you can see the sign of the original St. James Hotel right at the top of the building. What’s more, it was considered, and actually was a magnificent structure in its time, with shiny tin plates on the upper stories and a brick facade. All in all, as the St, James, the hotel symbolized the promise of San Diego in an era of prosperity. When the boom finally came to an end, the St. James faded in popularity, with the then-new Hotel del Coronado stealing some of its thunder.
Fast-forward to the 21st century, the St. James Hotel-turned-Palihotel San Diego with its own 24-hour restaurant, St. James French Diner. We loved the sexy teal nautical aesthetic of the common spaces as well as the nautically inspired rooms and suites with Nespresso coffee machines, Diptyque bath products, and free Wi-Fi.
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Courtyard San Diego Downtown
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Don’t be fooled by the title; the Courtyard San Diego Downtown isn’t your average Courtyard by Marriott property. This stunning hotel was the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank earlier, one of the era’s most gorgeous commercial structures. The 1928-structure was designed in Romanesque revival style and saw a series of banking takeovers in the 1990s. Before it closed, it became a National Register of Historic Places structure, finally reopening in 2013 as a Courtyard property, complete with intact architectural details. For instance, the lobby features marble quarried from all over the world, including 19 kinds from the Mediterranean Sea alone!
Today, the hotel brims with a lot of charm, melding both old-time touches and modern ones. For one, there’s a Starbucks in the lobby, which might very well be one of the most aesthetic Starbucks outlets we’ve ever seen. We even enjoyed a guided tour by the hotel ambassadors, who told us the history of the place. Did you know that the meeting rooms are in the old bank vault? Yes! Moreover, the rooms and suites boast mini-fridges, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, high-end Frette linens, and tasteful vibrant accents.
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La Valencia Hotel La Jolla
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The La Valencia Hotel La Jolla opened in December 1926, at the start of Hollywood’s “Golden Age.” At that time, La Jolla, which is thought to mean “The Jewel” in Spanish, was an undiscovered gem, making it a retreat for the rich and famous from their hectic LA life.
Since then, it has hosted many Hollywood celebs, thanks in part to La Jolla Playhouse, which cast famous names like Ginger Rogers and Gregory Peck in its earlier years. Later on, the hotel was a temporary home during World War II for many young military officers, who were about to ship overseas, and their better halves. The Whaling Bar (now Café La Rue) has been a favorite destination for locals and guests since the 1940s, with La Jolla native Gregory Peck even having hosted fellow cast members here.
Today, “The Pink Lady,” as the hotel is popularly known, is within walking distance to some of San Diego’s best restaurants and shopping. The rooms and suites are gorgeous with paned windows, superb views, and mod-cons. Moreover, the amenities include the gorgeous seafront pool, a wonderful restaurant and bar, and excellent personalized service. Since it sits right across the street from La Jolla Cove, where the famous La Jolla sea lions hang out, it’s one of the best beachfront hotels in La Jolla, San Diego.
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The Sofia Hotel
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The origins of the Sofia Hotel, formerly the Pickwick Hotel, go back over a century ago to 1915, when one of the country’s then-largest stagecoach companies moved its operations to downtown San Diego. Its cars were based in San Diego since there were lots of people on the move here. So, it made sense for the company to build the Pickwick Hotel in 1926 for its transiting passengers. At the time, the hotel was notable for its Gothic revival style as well as for being the city’s first hotel to have ensuite bathrooms.
In 2006, it was thoroughly renovated, being reimagined as the Sofia Hotel. Rooms and suites boast mod-cons like coffeemakers and fridges and mahogany furnishings with soothing purple accents. Besides the Currant Brasserie for dining, they even offer in-room spa treatments and a whole lot of special packages to choose from.
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Horton Grand Hotel
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If you want to stay in San Diego’s oldest standing hotel, then you’d better head to the wildly popular Gaslamp Quarter. We’re talking about the Horton Grand Hotel, whose roots date back to the 1880s, when two hotels were built at the site where it stands now. Even after a meticulous 1980s reconstruction, you can still see original touches and the attention to detail. Think rich oak panels, period antiques, and polished marble floors, along with vintage photographs of old San Diego.
At the same time, there are modern touches that keep the Horton Grand from feeling old and stuffy. Two of the most standout features here are the opulent Palace Bar, with its huge mural and majestic wood staircase, and the brick-lined, NOLA-style interior courtyard. All in all, it makes for a classy and quiet oasis in the middle of the sometimes-raucous Gaslamp Quarter, making it one of Downtown San Diego’s best hotels.
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Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club, and Bungalows
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The origins of the Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club, and Bungalows goes way back to 1946. Originally built as the Imig Manor, it was owned by local entrepreneur Larry Imig. Today, it sits on the National Register of Historic Places, with an eminent guest roster including the likes of Bob Hope, who was its very first guest. So, it’s been a destination for both locals and celebrities for many decades now. What’s more, the hotel’s history even extends to its amenities. For instance, champion Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller, who also played Tarzan in 1930s and 1940s movies, has designed the Weissmuller Olympic Pool here. In fact, Top Gun’s famous ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” scene was also filmed at the bar.
After a USD 31 million renovation, the Lafayette Hotel threw its doors open in 2023 to much fanfare, along with eight new restaurants. The Olympic pool is still famous for its pool parties, while one of the bars has a slew of indoor games, like skee ball, shuffleboard, pool, and bowling. A Turkish bath–inspired spa, a ballroom, and some seriously swanky accommodations complete the hotel today.
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Grande Colonial Hotel
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The 1913-opened Grande Colonial Hotel has the distinction of being the very first hotel in La Jolla. The drugstore on the inside had become a sort of gathering place for locals, with the pharmacist being the father of actor Gregory Peck. In the 1940s, during World War II, it even housed some officers from the nearby military camp. In fact, some younger actors even performed at the La Jolla Playhouse then. Of them, some went on to become huge Hollywood stars, including David Niven and Charlton Heston!
Moreover, the hotel also has the repute of being haunted, maybe by some of its former guests. Think ringing phones, rumbling kitchenware, and other benign paranormal activity, which are just some of the strange happenings here, adding to its innate charm.
Today, the AAA Four Diamond hotel has been entirely renovated, and is one of La Jolla, San Diego’s best hotels. It boasts modern European decor, especially in the swanky rooms that blend old-time decor and mod-cons. When it comes to amenities, it has a fantastic Michelin-starred farm-to-table restaurant, as well as a fabulous pool with ocean views. There’s even a children’s pool, where the La Jolla seals often hung out!
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The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
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The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego opened originally in 1910, and that too at the same site where it stands today. Built by and named after US President Ulysses S. Grant’s son, the hotel was the Horton House hotel earlier. Its formerly glory had long faded by the time it was facing demolition in 1979, before an extensive renovation saved the hotel, which eventually re-opened in 1985. Not only has it hosted everyone from Charles Lindbergh to Albert Einstein, but also, it’s been a speakeasy during Prohibition and hosted the inaugural Comic-Con festival.
Today, it sits on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the city’s oldest hotels. Interestingly, President Franklin Roosevelt gave his first radio “fireside chat” right here in the Presidential Penthouse Suite. Another fun fact? Three presidential suites are outfitted to Secret Service requirements! Even the other regular rooms are spacious with elegant furnishings, modern touches, room service, and even turndown service. You’ll love the strong cocktail program, with bartenders making the extra-special Vieux Carré cocktails between Thursday and Saturday evenings.
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Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
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There’s a reason that the Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton will always be at the top of most “best hotels” list in San Diego. It also happens to be one of the most haunted hotels in San Diego. The majestic Victorian-style stay is also a National Historic Landmark and sits on Coronado Island, San Diego Bay. Its origins go back to February 1888, when it was built by Hampton L. Story and Elisha Babcock, Jr.
The original intention was for the Del Coronado to be a hunting and fishing resort for the ultra and uber-rich. In the beginning, most guests made arduous seven-day journeys to get here by train all the way from the East Coast. Even at that time, it had elevators, telephones, electricity, modern technology and even private baths. So, it’s not surprising that many famous people, including US presidents, have stayed here. They even filmed “Some Like it Hot” featuring Marilyn Monroe here.
Today, this beach resort is a San Diego icon and one of the best hotels on Coronado Island San Diego. It has a gorgeous oceanfront swimming pool, four restaurants, a spa, and multiple choices for rooms, including wonderful oceanfront ones.
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What is famous about Hotel del Coronado?
While Hotel del Coronado is known for many things, one of the most prominent things about it is the front facade’s stained-glass window, which is original to the hotel since the very beginning.
What is San Diego known for historically?
San Diego is known as the “Birthplace of California” and was historically home to the Kumeyaay Native Americans, It was also the first site where the Europeans visited and settled on.
How long can you spend in Old Town San Diego?
Two hours is a good amount of time to spend exploring Old Town San Diego.
