Andrew James

Review of San Diego Marriott Hotel and M...

Perfect Location, Spectacular Views

Perfect Location, Spectacular Views
I recently stayed at the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina for a work conference. The hotel was chosen by the vendor putting on the conference but it was definitely a great choice. It is located right downtown, minutes walking distance from the Gas Lamp Quarter and directly on the waterfront.
Check-In: The staff was very professional, helpful and courteous - checking in was a pleasure.
Rooms: I had a room with a half bay view, half city view (best of both worlds) The morning view was great looking over the bay and the night view of the city lights fantastic. The rooms looked new and clean and the bed put me to sleep in under 3 minutes. One neat thing about this hotel is each room has hookups connecting your laptop, tablet, game console or other device to the flat panel TV easily.
Dining: We ate one night at the Marina Kitchen inside the hotel - the tenderloin was very delicious and of course - tender. The wine was also very good.
Amenities - I was able to take advantage of the fitness facility a couple times during our stay. It is a well equipped gym with everything you need for a good workout. It was a bit cool in San Diego so we didn't go in the pool but It looked inviting nonetheless in it's tropical setting at the back of the hotel.
Must Do's:
Rent a bike (back of hotel) and tour the waterfront and other parts of the city.
Walk the waterfront, check out Seaport village and the USS Midway
Walk to the Gas Lamp Quarter do some shopping and try out some of the great open air restaurants along 4th and 5th avenues
Rent a car for the day (really cheap) - they have a Hertz desk right at the hotel

Don't:
Park your car at the hotel if you don't have to - it's $35 / day!