Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter — Hotel in San Diego

This is my first time writing a google review. We arrived at the hotel on 8/31. After checking in we went up to our room (I believe it was 419). As soon as we walked in, we knew we wouldn’t be getting any sleep. Our room was in the corner by the entrance to the pool and bar. There was a door connecting our room to the room next to ours and we could HEAR EVERYTHING. I immediately went back to the front desk to see if we could get a new room. The man that I spoke with was not empathetic and could care less about my concerns. He told me that we were assigned that room because we booked ADA (which we didn’t and nor did Expedia). He said no rooms were available but that we could try again on 9/1.

We woke up multiple times that night to drunk people heading back to their rooms on the same floor. After spending the day at the Zoo, I went to the front desk again to see if we could get a new room. I could tell that the lady I spoke with was annoyed and irritated by my request, but at least she acknowledged the inconvenience that was caused. Again, I was told no rooms were available but that we could try again on 9/2.

We went to bed that night and DID NOT SLEEP. Our neighbors next door stayed up all night watching tv, laughing out loud, getting ice from the ice machine next to our room (we were sandwiched between them and the ice machine), dropping their steel ice bucket with every trip that was made, and playing with cups? We thought they would go to sleep eventually but it was 5:45 am and they were still awake. I grabbed my robe and went down to the front desk for the third time to see if we could get a new room. I believe the lady that I spoke with was Stephanie. She was so kind and empathetic unlike the two individuals I spoke with before her. We had a terrible night and it was nice to have a friendly face vs someone who is annoyed/irritated and doesn’t want to help you. She said that we could possibly move to another room but to check later in the day as it was six in the morning.

At that point I was fed up and frustrated with the situation. It seemed like they had no intention of ever changing our room. We were just going to be told no every time until it was time for us to check out on 9/4. We decided to end our stay early and checked out on 9/2 as we desperately needed a place where we could actually sleep and relax. When we checked out we were assisted by another lady who was also nice.

Key Takeaways:

It was our first time staying at a Margaritaville Hotel and because of this horrible experience it will be our last.

THE WALLS ARE PAPER THIN. You can hear everything including conversations and intimate moments.

IT IS LOUD ON THE FOURTH FLOOR. This is where the pool and bar are located. Especially in room 419.

EVERYONE AT THE FRONT DESK SHOULD BE MORE LIKE STEPHANIE. Follow her example because kindness and empathy goes a long way. If you are defensive or easily annoyed/irritable, you should not be in customer service.

We were determined to get some sleep and make sure that our trip to San Diego was not ruined. So we booked a room for our last two nights at Hotel Del Coronado and it was worth every penny! Everyone there was hospitable and we were greeted with smiles. We also slept like babies! We didn’t hear a single sound from the rooms next to us or the hallway....

This is a fine little hotel with a few areas that could be improved. ---Negatives:

1. Hidden resort fee: I don't know why they can't at least warn about this when you book... it's 30/day which is pretty substantial. It's extra frustrating in my case because they don't really have resort amenities (what hotel doesn't have wifi/gym/pool?) and the pool and rooftop bar was closed while I was there.
2. Thin walls: This is a refurbished hotel but unfortunately that means there's old fashioned machinery in between rooms, and the walls are thin. I could clearly hear my neighbor's conversations and the machinery in the closet beside my room woke me up at 5am. Luckily I was there for work so that was close to my wake up time but if you're trying to "relax" like Jimmy Buffet I could see that being annoying.
3. The worst part for me was that there was no where to get breakfast! The restaurants in the hotel don't open until 11 (seems an easy thing to fix) and there's a convenience store that has coffee and pastries (no healthy or savory food, only sweets) but even that didn't open until 7am! I imagine plenty of people who stay at a Margaritaville are pensioners or folks there for work at the convention center so it seems an odd thing to leave out. Easy fix to open the shop a few hours earlier and include a few non-sweet options, hope they'll do that*. There is a brunch place across the street but that isn't really appealing for folks like me who like to get brekkie right when they wake up AND don't have half an hour to wait for an order to be made.
4. The parking is 60-70/night even if you are staying there? There is no option for not using the valet. ---Positives:
5. Location: This is central, near museums, sports, city center, convention center, loads of great bars and restaurants nearby and is very easy to get to by public transport (I came by train)
6. I really loved most things about the interior and layout. The big restaurant downstairs has decent food and a good bar-- nice work spot if you're the work in a pub type. There are also lots of hang out and work spots downstairs with table space and power points so you can hang out somewhere peaceful. The rooms similarly while small and simple at least have some very thoughtful choices with lamps, chargers, and power points available. There's a fine little gym. No views from the rooms (maybe on the top floor) but no exterior noise which made up for the interior noise a bit.
7. The hotel staff were courteous and communicated well. I was especially impressed by this because the hotel is new, and I know it can take a while to find staff with good customer service skills. But the valets, front desk, bartenders, waiters, cafe/store worker, bellhop, cleaners, etc etc were all kind and helpful.*

tl;dr To the hotel: please open the cafe a bit earlier and expand the options. Your very patient store clerk handled the guy in front of me getting miffed about the lack of options well but she doesn't deserve to have to deal with that, expanding hours and options would make her job easier and make visitors happy/at ease. To the visitors: beware of large hidden fees and noise, but otherwise...

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp: A Slice of Paradise in the Heart of the City

The Margaritaville Hotel in San Diego's vibrant Gaslamp Quarter offers an idyllic escape infused with tropical charm, superb service, and luxurious comfort. Whether you're in town for business, pleasure, or a bit of both, this hotel provides a unique blend of relaxation and excitement.

Ambiance and Setting: Stepping into the Margaritaville Hotel feels like entering a tropical oasis. The decor is cheerful and island-inspired, with bright colors, palm trees, and subtle nautical themes that immediately set a relaxed, vacation-like tone. The rooftop pool and bar area provide stunning views of the city skyline and are perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Rooms: The rooms at Margaritaville Hotel are spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind. Each room features plush bedding, modern amenities, and a balcony or patio for enjoying the San Diego sunshine. The tropical decor extends into the rooms, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Many rooms offer fantastic views of the Gaslamp Quarter or the waterfront.

Dining: The hotel’s dining options are a highlight. The main restaurant serves a delicious array of coastal cuisine, blending local flavors with tropical influences. The signature margaritas are a must-try, and the poolside bar offers a variety of refreshing drinks and light bites. Room service is prompt and friendly, adding an extra layer of convenience for guests.

Service: Service at the Margaritaville Hotel is exceptional. The staff are welcoming, attentive, and go above and beyond to ensure guests have a memorable stay. Whether you need recommendations for local attractions or assistance with reservations, the concierge team is always ready to help with a smile.

Location: The hotel’s location in the Gaslamp Quarter is unbeatable. It’s within walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The proximity to Petco Park, the San Diego Convention Center, and the waterfront makes it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers. Despite being in the heart of a bustling area, the hotel maintains a serene and relaxing ambiance.

Amenities: Margaritaville Hotel offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay, including a well-equipped fitness center, business facilities, and event spaces. The rooftop pool is a standout feature, providing a tranquil spot to relax with stunning city views. Free Wi-Fi and other modern conveniences ensure a comfortable and connected stay.

Overall Experience: Staying at the Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp is a delightful experience that perfectly balances luxury, comfort, and tropical fun. The vibrant ambiance, excellent service, and prime location make it a top choice for anyone visiting San Diego.

Rating: 5/5

For a relaxing, fun, and memorable stay in San Diego, the Margaritaville Hotel Gaslamp is an outstanding option. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, exploring the local sights, or enjoying the exquisite dining options, this hotel offers everything you need for a...