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San Diego: A Playground for Kids and Adults - 4

San Diego: A Playground for Kids and Adults

This Southern California destination remains a family favorite, but cool new hotels and restaurants make it an appealing playground for adults too.

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New Downtown Hotels

In addition to a number of family-friendly hotels in the city (see accompanying article), there are a handful of new options for couples and singles wishing to stay in downtown San Diego.

The Keating

Located at the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter, The Keating’s sleek look is the product of the Italian firm Pininfarina, the masterminds behind the designs of Ferrari and Maserati. Expect top-of-the-line audio and video equipment (as well as ultraexpensive espresso machines—I’m afraid to touch them!) at this upscale boutique hotel, stunningly modern bathrooms (they are integrated into the guestrooms themselves—and thus don’t offer much privacy), and luxurious amenities like Frette linens and goose-down duvets. 432 F St., tel. 619-814-5700. www.thekeating.com

  • The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic neighborhood that was constructed more than 100 years ago.
  • Joanne DiBona

W San Diego

Although a bit of a hike to the hottest parts of town, the somewhat isolated W San Diego nevertheless provides both a sanctuary from the noise that can characterize the big city (thanks to guestrooms with a soothing color palette and Asian-inspired design) and a hint of excitement (thanks to the popular rooftop bar, called Beach, which boasts real sand that is heated to keep bare feet warm). 421 West B St., tel. 619-231-8220. www.starwoodhotels.com

  • Enjoy ultra-modern accommodations at the Ivy Hotel.
  • thomasesmith

Ivy Hotel

The Ivy Hotel is the newest kid on the Gaslamp block and contender for favorite grown-up lodging. Standard accommodations are stunning—with modern, fresh design, luxurious fabrics and spa-like bathrooms—and suites offer more than a little pizzazz, with extras like stripper poles (classy ones, really!); palatial soaking tubs; and private cabanas that look over the rooftop pool. Guests enjoy preferential admission to Envy, the hotel’s exclusive onsite nightclub. 600 F St., tel. 619-814-1000. www.ivyhotel.com

U.S. Grant Hotel

Although hardly a new property in town, the U.S. Grant Hotel has new life, thanks to a $56 million renovation completed a couple years ago that has given this aging 1910 beauty a successful facelift. The plush lobby done up in chocolate brown and icy blue is an art deco masterpiece, rich in historical details. Guestrooms are sumptuous, each accented with original artwork, theatrical lighting and high-end televisions. Indulgent suites feature a “shower experience” in the bathrooms—a large walk-in affair with nearly a dozen showerheads. (Although I’m usually conscientious about conserving water, I admit to standing in one of these showers for close to an hour, so blissful was the experience.) 326 Broadway, tel. 619-232-3121. www.usgrant.net

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Comments

3 Comments on this article | read all comments
Eric Wood

Lego Land...

by Eric Wood on July 22, 2008

My 5 year old son loves this place (as do I), but the lines during the weekend are really long. After my son commented "Dad, this isn't fun" while waiting in a 25 minute line, I vowed never to go back during a weekend or holiday.

dangerjr

Time to return

by dangerjr on July 22, 2008

It's been too long since I've visited San Deigo. This article gives me a good list of things to do on my next visit.

fiona

San Diego crew and zoo

by fiona on July 22, 2008

I've been to San Diego a couple of times to race in crew boats on Mission Bay. The "San Diego Crew Classic" happens in April when 8's from all over the US gather to compete - from Juniors to College to Masters level. It's an amazing festival and set in a great town. Sea World backs on to Mission Bay so we caught a glimpse of the shows from the water - it's on my list to visit properly next time. I did visit San Diego Zoo and highly recommend it. Lots to see and do, well laid out and great for all ages - even without kids. I'd love to visit again and see it through the eyes of my daughter - she is seriously into the Jungle Book just now - monkeys!! If you have time take a trip out to the upmarket town of La Jolla - we had brunch there and it's got some great restaurants, beaches and shops.

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