Located in the heart of the Historic Gaslamp (literally next to the historic Gaslamp sign), the Hilton Gaslamp Hotel is an option to consider if you are spending time in Downtown San Diego.
But the real question is… is it worth the price?
Read on for helpful tips so you can make the best decision as to whether this hotel (or elsewhere) is right for you!
The Hilton San Diego Gaslamp is in a Prime Location
Given it’s located in the heart of the Historic San Diego Gaslamp, the pro is that you can walk anywhere, but the con is the parking is not cheap. Latest rates were $55/night for valet parking (this is the only option for parking at the property).
I use parking apps (such as Spothero) to book parking in the area at discounted rates. Using this I was able to get a nearby garage (a few blocks away) for $20 for 24 hours.
However, if you’re primarily hanging out in the Gaslamp, you won’t be needing a car. Everything in the Gaslamp is walking distance (the neighborhood covers approximately 16.5 blocks) and areas like Little Italy or Balboa park are a short Uber or Lyft ride away.
Rooms at the Hilton Gaslamp
There are many room types at this property. The standard King room with a city view is very basic (but does come with a jet bath tub!).
While rates per night can fluctuate based on time of year, demand, etc, on average this property is $170/night for a standard room.
At the time in which I had stayed there last (I’ve stayed a few times) standard rooms were going for over $300.
Want to SEE a tour and more helpful tips about this property? Checkout the video below!
An honest opinion
There are too many amazing properties in Downtown San Diego. While I have stayed at this specific property a few times, unless you are getting a DEAL on the price, it’s not worth it to book just for the great location.
I had preferred staying at the Monsaraz hotel – a boutique hotel with beautiful design located in Point Loma a short Uber ride away. Read the full blog post about it.
Below are a few other options in the area:
The Pool at the Hilton Gaslamp
The Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter hotel has a rooftop heated pool and hot tub, which are located on the fourth floor of the hotel. The pool area features lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a poolside bar, offering guests a relaxing and convenient place to unwind and enjoy the San Diego sunshine.
I was excited for a pool with a view and while on a beautiful day it could be really nice to lounge poolside, the pool is fairly small and there isn’t a bar experience.
The pool at the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, and is for the exclusive use of hotel guests. The pool is heated year-round, so it can be enjoyed even in cooler weather. The hot tub is also open during the same hours as the pool.
Things To Do in the Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in the Gaslamp Quarter:
- Explore the historic architecture: The Gaslamp Quarter is home to over 100 historic buildings, many of which date back to the late 1800s. Take a walking tour to learn about the history and architecture of the neighborhood.
- Visit the museums and galleries: The Gaslamp Quarter is home to several museums and galleries, including the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, and the Sparks Gallery.
- Enjoy the nightlife: The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Catch a live show or enjoy a cocktail at one of the many venues in the neighborhood. Checkout the full video for Downtown San Diego Nightlife!
- Shop at the boutiques and specialty stores: The Gaslamp Quarter is home to a variety of boutiques and specialty stores, offering everything from clothing and jewelry to artisanal foods and home decor.
- Dine at the restaurants: The Gaslamp Quarter has a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes and coffee shops to fine dining restaurants. Try some local favorites like Mexican street tacos or fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean.
- Attend a sporting event: The Gaslamp Quarter is located close to several sports venues, including Petco Park (home of the San Diego Padres baseball team) and the Pechanga Arena San Diego (home of the San Diego Gulls hockey team).
- Relax at a rooftop bar: The Gaslamp Quarter has several rooftop bars that offer great views of the city skyline. Enjoy a cocktail while taking in the view at one of these popular spots.
Overall, the Gaslamp Quarter offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, nightlife, or outdoor recreation. Want more? See the full blog post for more ideas on things to do in the San Diego Gaslamp!
Bottom Line
The Hilton Gaslamp quarter has the location in it’s favor, but it’s a pretty standard hotel. It’s one restaurant on site is just so-so, the lobby isn’t anything special, it lacks a great bar environment, and there are too many other options in the area to pay such a premium just for the location.