With Spanish-inspired architecture, museums and performance spaces, and loads and loads of beachfront resorts, San Diego is an exciting city to visit. You might not believe it, but the city is a prime destination for business travel in California. However, San Diego business hotel options are anything but run-of-the-mill, especially with the pandemic having changed the way business travelers view work stays. Today, they’re as exciting and varied as the city itself, ranging from luxurious and swanky stays to boutique outposts by the beach. Whether you’re looking for speedy Wi-Fi, a well-equipped business center, or lots of meeting space, there’s a San Diego business hotel to meet your needs.
Besides work and meetings, there are so many amazing and Top Things To Do In San Diego. For instance, the city is home to two of the Best Beaches in California, the Pacific, and Coronado Beaches. There’s also Balboa Park, which is an innate part of the city’s fabric and one of the Top Tourist Attractions In The USA. And, of course, there’s the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, one of the World’s Largest Zoos. So, a business trip to this city doesn’t have to be boring. To that end, here are the 11 best business hotels in San Diego.
Table of contents
- InterContinental San Diego
- The Westgate Hotel
- Park Hyatt Aviara
- The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
- Andaz San Diego
- Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
- Hilton San Diego Bayfront
- Horton Grand Hotel
- Where to Stay in San Diego
- Recommended Restaurants / Bars in San Diego
- Recommended Activities in San Diego
InterContinental San Diego
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The mid-range InterContinental San Diego is an excellent waterfront San Diego business hotel. Not only does it boast excellent views and have a great location, but it also offers great business amenities. The hotel boasts 95,000 square feet of flexible outdoor and indoor meeting spaces. What’s more, it also includes terraces with gorgeous views of the bay and meeting rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. But, that’s not all. There are even creative catering menus on offer which are sure to impress your business clients. Even the rooms and suites are no less, with huge windows, marble bathrooms, and excellent harbor or city views. Business travelers can even book the Club rooms and suites, thus gaining daily access to the Club InterContinental lounge. Why? Because it has amazing perks such as hot breakfast every day, beer, wine, and evening cocktails, and even a private waterfront terrace with a fire pit. Wow!
The Westgate Hotel
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A breathtaking slice of France comes to San Diego in the form of the Westgate Hotel, which radiates a historic feel. Stepping into the hotel is like you’ve arrived in Versailles, especially the opulent lobby with Persian rugs, French tapestries, and Baccarat crystal chandeliers. Gracious serenity meets charmed elegance at each of the hotel’s 12 event and meeting spaces. The crown jewel is the Versailles ballroom, which is lavishly decked out with artwork and Baccarat crystal chandeliers. But, that’s not all. If you want something truly spectacular, then go for the Fountain Terrace, which can accommodate up to 500 people. The incredible San Diego skyline makes for a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop. Besides that, the hotel also has a business center and laundry services for those who’re leaving in a hurry.
Park Hyatt Aviara
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One unique San Diego business hotel that’s perfect for business travelers looking for some peace and quiet is Park Hyatt Aviara. This is one of the rarer resorts in San Diego that’s neither by the beach nor in Downtown; rather, it sits on a lush estate in Carlsbad. In fact, the hotel overlooks golf greens, which is perfect if you want to take your clients out for some tee time. Add to that a wildlife sanctuary and mesmerizing ocean views, and you’ve got yourself a brilliant base for contract negotiations. Located in Carlsbad, just north of San Diego, the hotel has eight venue types spanning 78,000 square feet. So, no matter the size of your convention or business meeting, you’ll find a room here.
After a long day of work, why not unwind with a Swedish massage at the 15,000 square foot spa? Or, you could enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool. Do you want to unwind with your clients or associates? Then head for barbecued oysters and Sonoma Chardonnays to the sharp new Californian bistro, Ember and Rye.
The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel
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Do you want to impress clients or associates with a regal stay in San Diego? Then the only place to stay is the 11-storied historic building of The US Grant, which is one downright regal place to stay. Step inside the palatial lobby, complete with Corinthian-style columns, glossy tile floors, and sparkling chandeliers. Start off your ‘conference’ with the impressive cocktail program, with bartenders even making them tableside between Thursdays and Saturdays. Despite having opened in 1910 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel is far from stuffy and boasts more than 33,000 square feet of meeting space. What’s more, there are 16 breakout rooms and 19 event rooms, with the largest room having a capacity of 900 people. If that wasn’t enough, the 270 exclusive rooms and suites offer an upscale and never-seen-before living experience.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
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Yet another excellent San Diego business hotel is Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. After all, what better way to impress clients than bring them to the tallest waterfront hotel on the west coast? Located 40 stories up, the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows are stellar, to say the least, especially the sunset views. After a long workday, it’s a great place to unwind with a bite to eat and cocktails with your clients or associates and watch the sky put on a spectacular show. In fact, the hotel even screens movies on its rooftop deck between April and October and during holidays. So, if you wanted to break the ice, then we can’t think of a better way. Did we mention that the pool is one of the best Best Hotel Pools In San Diego? Yep.
When it comes to working, the hotel boasts everything from grand ballrooms to refined boardrooms that are spread across a whopping 320,000 square feet. What’s more, a mix of flexible outdoor and indoor event spaces makes it a versatile pick for a business event. Are you staying at the hotel? With more than 1,600 rooms, you’ll get exactly what you’re looking for, complete with sensational views of Downtown, San Diego Bay, or the Pacific Ocean.
Andaz San Diego
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Freelancers and companies looking for smaller and intimate meeting spaces will love Andaz San Diego, which is a hipper and younger outpost of Hyatt. Tucked right in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, Andaz has everything you need for a successful work trip. For one, each of its 159 rooms is actually a suite, with each featuring a separate living area for informal meetings. Plus, you’ll also have daily newspapers, welcome beverages, and snacks to fuel your work-filled staycation.
Besides the work-related amenities in the room, there are also superb business-related amenities in the rest of the hotel. For instance, you’ll find free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 24-hour tech support, and more than 10,000 square feet of meeting space. In fact, there are five meeting rooms, with the largest one having an area of more than 6,500 square feet. Too tired after a long day? Head to the rooftop pool and lounge area to chill before winding up with a dinner and nightcap at the restaurant and wine bar. So, if you were planning to travel with your bae and spend some time with them after work, you should know that Andaz is also one of the Most Romantic Hotels in San Diego.
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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Defining San Diego’s skyline is the Marriott Marquis at the Marina, a spectacular-looking San Diego business hotel. Set in two curved, glassy towers, the hotel sits right on the boardwalk adjacent to the Gaslamp Quarter. So, it’s close to some of the biggest business offices in the city, as well as convention centers. However, where this hotel shines is the meeting space – it boasts more than 270,000 square feet of it! With a whopping 56 breakout rooms and as many as 81 event rooms of all sizes, this is easily one of the largest business hotels in the city. But, that’s not all. It even has a business center that’s equipped with the latest technology for those who want to get some work done.
Are you staying here? You’re going to be enjoying some of the most breathtaking views of Downtown San Diego and the Bay. In fact, some rooms even come with balconies! Besides the in-room yoga program, the heated pool and hot tub is a great place to unwind. Or, you could enjoy a massage at the on-site Hideaway Spa. Do you want to impress clients? Reserve a table at the award-winning Marina Kitchen restaurant that has more than 20 sommeliers. Concierge service, laundry, and dry-cleaning services, room service, and even an in-hotel Starbucks – this one has it all.
Hard Rock Hotel
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It’s hard to imagine the Hard Rock Hotel as a business hotel, but it’s true! Located a hop, skip, and a jump away from the San Diego Convention Center, this hotel has been setting the standards in the convention and conferences scene in the city. Choose from as many as 22 large and mid-sized meeting rooms spread over a total meeting space of more than 40,000 square feet. Moreover, the largest meeting room boasts an area of more than 9,000 square feet. The best bit? They all boast stunning views of the Gaslamp Quarter. Did we tell you about the meeting planners and the top-of-the-line Av equipment and tech? Yep. And finally, when you want to chill at the end of the day, there’s that amazing rooftop pool and bar. It’s no wonder that this is one of the Best Hotels in San Diego.
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
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The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is one of the best San Diego business hotels located in the San Diego marina. In fact, it offers one of the most picturesque views of the San Diego skyline, the Marina, and the Bay. With nearly 120,000 square feet of meeting space, you can choose from 46 rooms of different sizes and shapes for your next business meeting, conference, or convention. What’s more, there’s even a business center with high-tech AV capabilities, as well as VIP services and video conferencing facilities.
If that wasn’t enough, there are even options for green meeting rooms for LEED-certified companies who want to stick to their business principles. Are you hosting an annual office party here? We’d suggest the Bay View lawn – mingling doesn’t get any better than this. Of course, if you’re staying here, each of the more than 1,000 rooms boasts stunning views of the Marina and the ocean.
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
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With more than 165,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is hands-down the largest waterfront business hotel in the city. Located right next to the San Diego Convention Center, the hotel boasts not only 35 breakout rooms but also a 10,000 square feet terrace overlooking San Diego Bay – the largest in the city! If that wasn’t enough, you’d also find the 34,000 square feet huge Sapphire Ballroom, which is the largest pillar-free ballroom in all of San Diego. All in all, the hotel is perfect for upscale conferences, especially since it also has an attentive and efficient conference service team. Are you saying here? All rooms and suites boast stunning views of the Bay.
Horton Grand Hotel
1
Topping the list of the best San Diego business hotels is the Horton Grand Hotel, which is located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Despite being a business hotel, the Horton Grand welcomes everyone with personable service and charm, making even business events memorable. With a total meeting space of 9,000 square feet, it’s perfect for smaller companies for holding conferences and conventions. Even then, its largest meeting room has an area of more than 3,000 square feet, and there are nine meeting rooms in all. What’s more, they all boast a royal feel and look as well as high-speed Wi-Fi. Besides that, the hotel is utterly charming, especially its restaurant that boasts a tree-laden courtyard. It’s the perfect place for grabbing drinks after work.
Where to Stay in San Diego
San Diego is a sprawling city and is said to be the birthplace of California. In fact, it was the first place to be visited by Europeans on the western coast. Since it lies right on the United States border with Mexico (Tijuana sits on the other side), it’s one cultural melting pot. So, choosing your neighborhood is very important, especially if you’re in town for business. First comes Downtown San Diego, the city’s financial, commercial, entertainment, and cultural hub. The two most prominent sub-neighborhoods of Downtown are Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter, the latter being the heart of nightlife in the city. If you want to impress clients and associates with great drinks and even better views of the city, then the Gaslamp is where you should be.
Right across the Coronado bridge from Downtown sits the seaside neighborhood of Coronado, which can also be reached by ferry. It’s famously home to Hotel Del Coronado, the city’s best and most famous beachfront resort. Other equally excellent all-around neighborhoods include Little Italy, North Park, La Jolla, and Old Town. Not only do they have some of the best restaurants in San Diego, but also they have a great local cultural vibe.
Are you planning to stay near the airport due to a short layover? Here are the Best Hotels Near San Diego Airport.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in San Diego
- Level 9 Rooftop Bar: As we mentioned earlier, San Diego has some drop-dead gorgeous views. There’s no better way to impress a client that bring them to the Level 9 Rooftop Bar in the Gaslamp Quarter. The ninth-floor lounge atop Hotel Indigo boasts sweeping views of the city, with potent cocktails to accompany them. If you want those contracts signed right then and there, then this is the place where negotiations should be.
- Bluewater Grill: When you say you have the “best seafood” in an oceanside city, it’s a huge deal. But, the Bluewater Grill stays up to its claims. Tucked on the bayside in Coronado, this seafood place is perfect for a business dinner after a long day of work, presentations, and conferences. Unwind with your clients or associates with a menu filled with local craft brews and fresh fish dishes.
Recommended Activities in San Diego
- San Diego Harbor Cruise: Explore San Diego’s best sights on a harbor tour of San Diego Bay. Enjoy beautiful views of important landmarks such as Coronado Bridge, Downtown San Diego, Midway Aircraft Carrier and many more depending on option booked.
- Luxury Catamaran Sailing Charter of San Diego: Looking for the ‘wow’ factor to woo your clients? Take them on a luxury sailing catamaran cruise around San Diego Bay onboard the 47-feet-long Malarky Luxury Catamaran, Mission Bay’s largest! The swanky catamaran has everything you all need for a day of exploring the SoCal coastline, including food, drinks, and entertainment.
