Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego; Float rooftop pool and lounge exterior

Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, California


Many of you know about my obsession with San Diego. The city has everything you could ever want: beautiful beaches, friendly locals, chills vibes and a wonderful nightlife. And right in the middle of it all is the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, quite possibly the best hotel in Downtown San Diego.

My best friend/bridesmaid’s birthday was slowly approaching and unsurprisingly, she decided to celebrate her birthday in San Diego. San Diego’s Gaslamp District is home to some of the best cuisine, bars and clubs in Southern California and I LOVE IT!

Now that we’re in our late twenties (EW, WHAT?) we were very excited for this trip. We could finally let loose and get cray (do kids still even say that anymore?). Which meant staying at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego was the best way to do it!

The Property

When I say the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is in the middle of everything, I quite literally mean it is in the middle of EVERYTHING. Located on corner of Fifth Avenue and L Street, the hotel is situated right next to the iconic Gaslamp sign, across the street from the convention center and 1 block away from PETCO Park. It really is in the heart of the most exciting neighborhood in San Diego!

If you’re a local, you probably know this hotel not for its accommodation, but for its famous rooftop pool party. World famous DJs, showing lots of skin and the best views of Gaslamp make this one of the best parties in all of San Diego. (Not gonna lie, the whole party I had ‘Party Like a Rockstar’ stuck in my head. Cause you know… HARD ROCK.)

The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego may be known for its location and legendary parties, but its restaurants, spa and event space are also note-worthy. If you’re coming from out of town or looking for a staycation, this hotel is perfect for everyone!

The Amenities

I had a particular idea of what this hotel was going to be like.

After visiting the Hard Rock Las Vegas, I imagined a particular “casual” vibe, if you will. One where there was no dress code and partiers sort of took over the hotel. However, I was wrong. This hotel was nothing like what I thought and was in fact just as luxurious as it was well-located.

My girls and I arrived a tad early and were taken to the VIP Rock Royalty Room where we were greeted with champagne and an air-conditioned reprise. This was just the beginning of a series of endless selfies and Snapchat stories.

Of course it’s no surprise that we didn’t finish taking pictures of our champagne and thus, had to bring them upstairs with us.

Once we entered our Queen Studio, we were not only greeted with a Crosley record playing Top 40 hits, but had a special knock on our door moments later. We opened the door to find a gentleman with a special delivery: a birthday cake for my bestie and a bottle of champagne to prepare us for an epic pool party! Between the champagne and sugar, we were on a serious rush!

In addition to all of this, our room also had:

  • Halo-illuminated beds and 300-thread-count cotton linens
  • Complimentary Wifi
  • Incredibly powerful ceiling-mounted Hansgrohe rain showers
  • Mini bar with snacks, liquor and water
  • 47″ LG flat screen HDTVs that allow you to plug-in and play your iPod, computer and camera
  • Real record player with Top 40 hits
  • Complimentary Rock Gym Spa toiletries
  • Personal safe
  • 24-hour access to the business center

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego also has a well-equipped gym for even the most die-hard athletes! HR’s fitness center has state-of-the-art treadmills, tons of free weights and hydrating cucumber water. And while we had the best intentions, that trip to the gym was never actually going to happen for us.

Things to Do

The dining options at Hard Rock are not only extensive, but impressive. First there’s Nobu, the world famous, Japanese restaurant with some of the best sashimi you’ll ever have. Next you have Maryjane’s Diner, an American throwback with a new age spin. Enjoy tasty donut holes, Tijuana Eggs Benedict and even a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar. And then of course there’s the delicious room service (with a free pot of coffee after $25 spent-a necessity for us the next morning).

As mentioned earlier, Hard Rock’s day club known as SUNBURN is legendary! This epic pool party is set atop the hotel overlooking the Gaslamp Quarter featuring amazing DJs and performers. With daybeds and cabanas, flat screen TV’s, and lots of space, it was the best way to celebrate my BFFs birthday!

If partying isn’t really your scene, you’re still in the right place! Rock Spa is one of the most luxurious spas in San Diego. This spa has private changing rooms, a pre-treatment lounge and plenty of luxurious services. Their most popular? The ‘Revive Oxygen Treatment’ and the ‘Celebrity Oxygen Facial.’ If you’re feeling a little rundown from the night before, this treatment is a must!

Trying to find something to do in San Diego isn’t difficult, especially when you’re in Gaslamp. Whether you’re eating your way through San Diego, visiting the famous zoo, picnicking in Balboa Park or sailing around Coronado, the hotel concierge will hook you up with the best of San Diego.

The Staff

Our experience at Hard Rock was defined by the amazing service we received from the moment we walked in to check out the next day (although the amenities listed above were pretty sweet).

Everyone was incredibly kind and cheerful no matter what their position at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. From the valet to the house cleaning that gave us complimentary rock candy, everyone was so kind.

And I’m not the only one who thinks so! As a Four-Diamond Award-Winning Hotel, the Hard Rock’s service is globally renowned for it’s impeccable hospitality.

We were treated like royalty at every moment of our stay and it was that, paired with the luxurious amenities, that has made me a loyal Hard Rock fan!

 

To book a night with Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, click here!

Thank you to the Hard Rock Hotel for hosting me during my stay in San Diego. As always, the content and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

3 comments on “Staying at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, California”

  1. This may have to be the next place I stay when I am in town. I often stay at the Hilton, but this review has me thinking a change may be in order.

    1. Hey John, thanks for reading! It really is a game changer. Hard Rock provided the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, so it’s perfect for any traveler. Hope you have fun on your next trip to SD!

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