The W San Diego is one of my favorite Starwood properties. Hip from the get-go, the lobby blares music while the fashionable masses crowd around the living room and lobby bar.
The rooms are decorated in ocean hues, lots of blues and whites, with terrific window benches perfect for curling up with a book. I enjoyed the lap desk stacked with magazines ready for use in each room.
Our guest room came stocked with Bliss amenities, a fully loaded minibar and stacks upon stacks of throw pillows. The showers are unique ? a not-fully-closed glass door that somehow manages not to spill on the floor. Bathtubs would be welcome, particularly given all of the foot-tiring shopping of Horton Plaza just five blocks away, but they aren?t necessary.
The coolest part of the hotel is Beach, a bar located on a roof patio of the hotel, complete with heated sand floors, fire pits and private cabanas, with other benches and ottomans scattered throughout the sand. The cabanas are very romantic, while the setup of benches, couches and ottomans makes for a fun social experience. We sat for hours, both in the cabanas and on the outside couches, and we had a blast. The scene is mixed ? hip San Diegans mixed with travelers from all over looking for a great time.
Every time I stay in this hotel, I?m impressed by the W?s service and standards. I also tend to sleep very well in these hotels, although it?s not too much of a surprise given that the entire Starwood line is known for ?Sweet Sleeper? type beds.
Room service and internet access fees are pricy, and valet charges are steep. Their main restaurant, Rice, is also a bit pricy but completely worth it - their specials are some of the more creative ones I've seen.
The hotel is located a mere 2 miles from the airport, but a lot of one-way streets in the area make getting to the valet a challenge. Be prepared for a quick U-turn off B Street.
If you're looking for a true California experience, this hotel will do it. I highly recommend it!