Andaz San Diego, by Hyatt

"At first glance, the lobby is the place to be at this boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. At check-in guests are offered a selection of local wine and beer—and again during happy hour. Under soaring ceilings supported by leather-wrapped pillars and surrounded by colorful art, you can sip and socialize. But don’t ignore the scene on the roof, either, where you’ll find a pool with oversized, floating pillows; fire pits with food and drink service; and views of the Coronado Bridge, Mount San Miguel, and the old and new architectural icons of downtown. In fact, the rooftop is so special, you may want to book the only accommodation in the 159-room hotel that grants you direct access to it: the Cabana Suite, where a private staircase leads to your own poolside cabana. On the other hand, if you’re traveling as a family, you may find that another option beats private rooftop access: the Star Suite, complete with three king-size beds, two of which form a custom-built bunk bed. Either way, expect ultra-modern furnishings paired with skyline views."

"At first glance, the lobby is the place to be at this boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. At check-in guests are offered a selection of local wine and beer—and again during happy hour. Under soaring ceilings supported by leather-wrapped pillars and surrounded by colorful art, you can sip and socialize. But don’t ignore the scene on the roof, either, where you’ll find a pool with oversized, floating pillows; fire pits with food and drink service; and views of the Coronado Bridge, Mount San Miguel, and the old and new architectural icons of downtown. In fact, the rooftop is so special, you may want to book the only accommodation in the 159-room hotel that grants you direct access to it: the Cabana Suite, where a private staircase leads to your own poolside cabana. On the other hand, if you’re traveling as a family, you may find that another option beats private rooftop access: the Star Suite, complete with three king-size beds, two of which form a custom-built bunk bed. Either way, expect ultra-modern furnishings paired with skyline views."

"While the leather-bound lobby and erotic specialty suites (with group showers, for example) draw most of the notice, the voyeuristic vibe is really built around more subtle features at the Andaz (originally the Ivy Hotel). From the overstuffed beds made up with Thai linens, one has the option of gawking at a giant TV or your companion voguing in the translucent shower cube. But substance also accompanies the sexy style. The rooftop sundeck (where after-dark movies are screened) is strewn with daybeds, private cabanas, and a large fire pit. Andaz’s nightlife scene is a hot ticket in the Gaslamp Quarter, with the crowd gathering to watch the city lights (and one another) at the Rooftop bar."

"San Diego offers a splendid selection of hotels in and just outside the buzzing Gaslamp Quarter, including The Andaz San Diego, which has a rooftop pool." - Sophie Friedman