The top suites are the bi-level Presidential Suite and the Presidential Penthouse. Covering two floors and 1,300 square feet, the stunning Presidential Suite was once the hotel’s original grand ballroom and offers guests its own butler’s pantry and sweeping vistas over the city and bay area.
The U.S. Grant doesn’t have its own spa, however, massages, facials and body treatments are offered in-room or at its dedicated 8th-floor spa suite by Relax and Rejuvenate Spa. For a full spa experience, the Concierge recommends the new AquaVie Social and Wellness Club at the adjacent Westgate Hotel on Broadway. Ask for Sarahi Viquez – she’s not only a great masseuse but will also give you an awesome mani and pedi.
As well as in-room service, the U.S. Grant has two dining options on the main lobby floor: Grant Grill and the Grant Lounge with its cool bar area. Dark mahogany wood gives the space a private cocoon-like vibe, with a sophisticated and intimate ambiance.
Guests, when I stayed, were a mix of older couples, businessmen and women who lunch. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here daily with generous seafood and meat options created under the expert eye of Executive Chef Mark Kropczynski, himself a keen fisherman and lobster diver.
The wine list is extensive with New and Old World options, as well as craft beers for which San Diego is increasingly known. I thoroughly enjoyed my Thyme Roasted Sea Scallops, Meyer Lemon Curd, Braised Kale and Roasted Beets paired with a superb Zinfandel.
The Downtown and Gaslamp area is suffused with great restaurants. Try the fabulous Persian Bandar for a start. Head north a few blocks to Little Italy for great coffee and superb pre-theatre menu at Davanti Enoteca on India Street, or try Juniper & Ivy on Kettner Boulevard. The Spreckels, Lyceum and Balboa theatres are all within easy walking distance of the U.S. Grant and have a varied programme of cultural events.
Downtown also offers visitors myriad retails options from small eclectic boutiques to the ubiquitous American mall. Directly opposite the U.S. Grant you’ll find the Horton Plaza shopping mall. Occupying 15 blocks, it boasts 130 specialty shops, restaurants, a cinema and the Balbao Theater.
If like me, your stay is only 48 hours, I recommend a fun trolley bus tour of the city. Jump on at the Horton Plaza stop – tours depart every 30 minutes – and you can cover 25 miles of San Diego’s neighbourhoods in comfort, with excellent commentary from the driver. Stay on board for the whole two-hour loop, or hop on-hop off at one of the 11 stops. The route makes its way through the Gaslamp quarter, the bay front, across the spectacular Coronado Bridge to Coronado Island, Balboa Park with its multiple museums and San Diego Zoo, as well as Little Italy, the Old Town, the Embarcadero and Seaport Village.
I also highly recommend a whale-watching excursion with Hornblower Cruises. I took the morning cruise (3.5 hours) from North Harbor Drive – just a short taxi from the hotel. The captain gives live narration and volunteer naturalists from San Diego Natural History Museum were especially helpful in pointing out the sea mammals and birdlife. And when I bit into a dodgy bagel and dislodged a crown, they even found me the number of a dentist. As well as seeing whales – itself a joy – the boat trip affords sweeping views of downtown San Diego, Point Loma lighthouse and the Navy submarine base. A visit to the USS Midway afterwards is worthwhile. Adjacent to the jetty, this former aircraft carrier has interactive exhibits as well as 25 restored aircraft.
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