Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

"Hotel Solamar is all about providing warm SoCal hospitality. Mingle in the lobby during the daily happy hour, and rent a free designer bike for beachside cruising. You can even turn your room into your ideal retreat, thanks to an eight-option pillow “menu” and in-room spa services. Wellness-minded travelers should take advantage of the available yoga mats and tune into yoga, Pilates, and core-strengthening exercise programs on TV. Pets are also given special attention with free amenities that include welcome treats and beds. The chic downtown hotel is design-focused without being stuffy, creating a laid-back vibe throughout the property. Oversized chairs, sleek mahogany furniture, and plush stitched walls adorn the rooms. Sunny days aren’t hard to come by in San Diego , so don’t miss the fourth-floor terrace with its memorable skyline views. You can also take a dip in the heated Shore Pool or catch some rays on one of the lounge chairs."

"The Solamar is in the East Village, a quickly developing downtown neighborhood with warehouse-style restaurants, hip bars, and baseball at Petco Park. They're not going for understated here. The decor includes prints, metallics, and pops of purple throughout. and you’ll probably want to take a selfie in front of the bathroom’s graphic black-and-white wallpaper. It's an ideal jumping off point to a lot of the buzz-worthy things to do in San Diego ." - Archana Ram

"How did it strike you on arrival?This hotel is located in the East Village, a quickly developing downtown neighborhood with warehouse-style restaurants, hip bars, and baseball at Petco Park. Enter through the brick building and you'll find a spacious lobby with warm woods and modern decor. It's trendy but approachable. What’s the crowd like?The crowd is a mix. You’ll see couples of all ages, families with young children, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and some business travelers. On to the big stuff: Tell us about your room.They're not going for understated here. The decor includes prints, metallics, and pops of purple throughout the spacious, 340-square-foot rooms. The suites feature soaking tubs, outdoor patios, and full living areas. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Yep, the mini-bar (dubbed an “honor bar”) offers wine, beer, alcohol, and snacks like gummy bears, as well as corkscrews ($12), intimacy kits ($15), and lip balm ($8). If you forget a razor, your cell phone charger, or other essentials, call down to the front desk—the hotel has them in stock. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Oh no. Actually, you’ll probably want to take a selfie in front of the bathroom’s graphic black-and-white wallpaper. If you're staying in the Master Suite, get ready for a regal, spa-like bathing experience with a jet tub. The bath and body products are hotel standard: Atelier Bloem made by MALIN+ GOETZ, set up in dispenser pumps. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. Tell us it's free?Not exactly, but the $25 Daily Facilities Fee (included in the room rate) includes bike rentals and poolside yoga classes in addition to Wi-Fi. Room service: What do we have here?The hotel's upscale JSix restaurant offers in-room dining, but hours are limited. Breakfast is available 7 a.m.–10:30 a.m. on weekdays and until noon during weekends, while dinner is 5p.m.–9 p.m. daily. How did you find the staff?Every staff member gets a gold star, but reception and housekeeping are tops. They've been known to write personalized welcome cards and put out complimentary champagne for guests celebrating special occasions. Any other cool features we haven't asked about yet?Solamar's fourth-floor deck, Upper East Bar, has a heated pool, lawn games, a bar, fire pits, and private cabanas for rent. And on Fridays and Saturdays after 9 p.m., it turns into a 21-and-up lounge. Bottom line: What are we coming here for?It's an ideal jumping off point to a lot of the buzz-worthy things to do in San Diego." - Archana Ram

"Famously laid-back singer Jimmy Buffett is bringing his Margaritaville brand of restaurants and hotels to San Diego. Margaritaville will be taking over Hotel Solamar in the East Village, giving an island-themed overhaul to the 15-year-old boutique hotel and its signature restaurant Jsix. The incoming Margaritaville eatery’s menu includes coconut shrimp, Jimmy’s Jammin’ Jambalaya®, and a Cheeseburger in Paradise. The transformation is scheduled to be completed next year." - Candice Woo

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