Help me decide on a hotel!!

Question

Staying at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront for a conference from Sun, March 20 to Wed, April 2. Going a few days early to explore the city myself. Have never been to San Diego before. Will not have a vehicle. Having trouble deciding on a hotel.

Here's my loose plan:

-Thurs, March 27 - arrive around 2pm. Check in to hotel. Uber to La Jolla. Might try a walk around Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve if there's time. Explore Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, have dinner.

-Fri, March 28 - Breakfast in Little Italy then head to Balboa Park. Honestly think I could spend all day there! Dinner in Bankers Hill.

-Sat, March 29 - Go to the Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market and (maybe) the Little Italy Food Hall before checking out of my hotel. Move luggage to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront (Marina area) and explore Gaslamp district or maybe Point Loma Heights.

-Conference starts noon on Sunday. This morning might be a good alternative time for Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

I need a hotel for Thurs, March 27-Sat, March 29 when I'm exploring the city. Because of the day exploring Balboa Park and then hanging out in Little Italy the next morning, I have been looking central-ish. I don't care about being in the Gaslamp District. I will get to see it enough when I walk there from the Hilton during the conference.

My maximum price for 2 nights is around $550. I would like a hotel with a nice gym. I am a heavy sleeper so I don't care about street noise. Single female so I do care about safety but I will likely avoid walking blocks and blocks downtown by myself at night and just get dropped off at the hotel entrance.

Below are the places I've been considering (all around Broadway/the Civic Theater area):

-The Westgate Hotel, $382.40 total

-Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, $473 total

-The Sofia Hotel, $485 + room wifi ($25/night)

-Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection, $528 total (includes airport shuttle)

-THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, $532 + room wifi ($10-$15/night)

I'm slightly more into The Westgate, The Sofia, and The US Grant but can definitely be swayed. Hard for me to tell if any of these have that stiff generic business hotel feel. Anyway, they all seem so similar. How do I choose between them?

...I drooled when I saw La Jolla hotels but I feel it would be inconvenient to stay all the way out there and I don't even know if they are in my pricepoint. However, I love that Spanish boutique hotel feel with custom tiles and plants dripping all over the place. Anyway, I wish I'd never seen the places in La Jolla. It's making it harder for me to make a decision.

Answer

Given your itinerary and priorities, staying central in Downtown San Diego is the smartest choice. It allows easy access to Balboa Park, Little Italy, and convenient Uber rides to La Jolla or Torrey Pines, without the hassle of commuting from the coast. You’re focused on exploration, so being in a lively, walkable area but with a safe hotel environment is ideal.

Here’s a breakdown of your hotel options:

The Westgate Hotel: Classic boutique luxury with Spanish-style tiles and elegant décor. Excellent for your aesthetic preference, quiet rooms, and centrally located. Gym is available. More intimate and less “corporate” feeling. Price is the lowest on your list, leaving room for dining or extras.
The Sofia Hotel: Boutique-chic with historic charm, closer to the Gaslamp/Civic area. Comfortable rooms, good safety record, and a gym. Wi-Fi fees are extra, which bumps the total cost a bit. Feels slightly more boutique than the typical business hotel.
US Grant, Luxury Collection: Iconic historic hotel with opulent décor, a grand lobby, and central location. Gym is available, though some rooms may feel more formal. Slightly above your ideal budget once Wi-Fi is included, but offers a classic San Diego experience.
Alma San Diego & Hotel Republic: Trendier, modern boutique hotels. Gym facilities are solid. Hotel Republic has the airport shuttle advantage. Both are more “business/boutique hybrid” than historic charm. Higher price point but still central.

Considering your preferences for boutique feel, aesthetics, safety, and central location, here’s how you might choose:

If you prioritize charm and boutique aesthetic: The Westgate Hotel or The Sofia Hotel would be excellent. Westgate slightly edges out for a mix of elegance and quiet luxury.
If you want historic opulence and iconic San Diego experience: US Grant offers that, but it’s slightly more formal and expensive.
If modern, sleek boutique with convenience is key: Alma or Hotel Republic work well, though they feel more contemporary and less “Spanish boutique”.

Other considerations:

Staying in La Jolla would be beautiful but adds commuting time, especially without a car, which could cut into your sightseeing time.
Safety in all Downtown hotels listed is generally good; just follow usual precautions at night.
For gym needs, all options offer facilities, but check the size and operating hours if that is a key factor.

Overall recommendation: The Westgate Hotel seems to strike the best balance for your goals: central yet quiet, aesthetically pleasing, safe, with gym access, and within budget. You can enjoy Little Italy, Balboa Park, and still easily Uber to La Jolla or Torrey Pines.

Help me decide on a hotel!!

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