The Sofia Hotel — Hotel in San Diego

I’ve always heard that San Diego is a state of mind 🌴…. shaped by its dynamic topography, breezy warm weather ☀️, and friendly locals. That’s why it was always on my bucket list, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my birthday 🎉 than by finally experiencing this city’s charm.

We chose to stay at an iconic landmark: The Sofia Hotel 🏨. Originally opened as the Pickwick Terminal Hotel, it made history as one of the first hotels with private bathrooms (a rare luxury at the time). Inspired by Gothic Revival architecture, its New York–style façade still stands out in the heart of downtown. Back in the day, it was home to The Piccadilly Lounge, a lively gathering place for travelers. That spirit of hospitality is still alive today.

From the moment we arrived, the Sofia’s character shone through, from the welcoming statue guiding you to the entrance to Scott’s warm and efficient check-in 🙌. Each floor showcases the hotel’s rich story through lighted scripted boxes, and then suddenly you’re swept into modern comfort with beautifully upgraded rooms. Thoughtful details like customizable lighting 💡, plush bedding 🛏️, and freshly remodeled VIP Suites make it feel like your own apartment. Housekeeping also did a pristine job, keeping everything spotless ✨ and sharp throughout our stay. Add in the Nespresso machine (with decaf capsules too! ☕), and you’re instantly woken up into the San Diego mood. And to top it all off, I was surprised with a special warm welcome, my room was cheerfully decorated to celebrate my birthday 🎂, making the experience even more unforgettable.

The amenities go beyond the room. Guests can enjoy a private namaste yoga studio 🧘 with on-demand classes, a well-equipped fitness center 💪 to balance out all the delicious treats along the way, and business rooms with reliable high-speed Wi-Fi 💻—perfect for travelers mixing work and leisure. Sweet touches make every stay memorable: complimentary treats at the front desk (my wife couldn’t resist the Jolly Ranchers 🍬), refreshing drinks like hibiscus tea 🌺 and horchata 🥛, plus hydration stations with purified water on every floor 🚰.

To dive deeper into San Diego’s culture, the hotel offers free walking tours of the Gaslamp Quarter with Pamela, a true local who shares fascinating stories you won’t find in any guidebook 📖. For exploring on your own, complimentary bikes 🚴 make it easy to cruise through the city’s gems, like the Spanish-Mexican-inspired Balboa Park 🌸.

But what truly makes the Sofia Hotel unforgettable is its team 💖. Paulina, Mariana, Alexandra, Mia, Scott, Ian, and John (the general manager himself) you embody the finest spirit of the finest city in the U.S., with warmth, energy, and genuine care. Gracias, obrigado, grazie, danke 🙏… however I say it, we are deeply thankful. You made my transition into my 4th level of life the smoothest and most joyful way possible.

The Sofia Hotel isn’t just a place to stay, it’s part of San Diego’s history, personality, and soul ❤️. Celebrating my birthday here was the perfect way to recharge and step into this new stage of life and state of mind, fully loaded with the best vibes: work smart, laugh hard, rest easy.. the best motto Sofia taught me during our...

I’ve always heard that San Diego is a state of mind 🌴—shaped by its dynamic topography, breezy warm weather ☀️, and friendly locals. That’s why it was always on my bucket list, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my birthday 🎉 than by finally experiencing this city’s charm.||We chose to stay at an iconic landmark: The Sofia Hotel 🏨. Originally opened as the Pickwick Terminal Hotel, it made history as one of the first hotels with private bathrooms (a rare luxury at the time). Inspired by Gothic Revival architecture, its New York–style façade still stands out in the heart of downtown. Back in the day, it was home to The Piccadilly Lounge, a lively gathering place for travelers. That spirit of hospitality is still alive today.||From the moment we arrived, the Sofia’s character shone through, from the welcoming statue guiding you to the entrance to Scott’s warm and efficient check-in 🙌. Each floor showcases the hotel’s rich story through lighted scripted boxes, and then suddenly you’re swept into modern comfort with beautifully upgraded rooms. Thoughtful details like customizable lighting 💡, plush bedding 🛏️, and freshly remodeled VIP Suites make it feel like your own apartment. Housekeeping also did a pristine job, keeping everything spotless ✨ and sharp throughout our stay. Add in the Nespresso machine (with decaf capsules too! ☕), and you’re instantly woken up into the San Diego mood. And to top it all off, I was surprised with a special warm welcome—my room was cheerfully decorated to celebrate my birthday 🎂, making the experience even more unforgettable.||The amenities go beyond the room. Guests can enjoy a private namaste yoga studio 🧘 with on-demand classes, a well-equipped fitness center 💪 to balance out all the delicious treats along the way, and business rooms with reliable high-speed Wi-Fi 💻—perfect for travelers mixing work and leisure. Sweet touches make every stay memorable: complimentary treats at the front desk (my wife couldn’t resist the Jolly Ranchers 🍬), refreshing drinks like hibiscus tea 🌺 and horchata 🥛, plus hydration stations with purified water on every floor 🚰.||To dive deeper into San Diego’s culture, the hotel offers free walking tours of the Gaslamp Quarter with Pamela, a true local who shares fascinating stories you won’t find in any guidebook 📖. For exploring on your own, complimentary bikes 🚴 make it easy to cruise through the city’s gems, like the Spanish-Mexican-inspired Balboa Park 🌸.||But what truly makes the Sofia Hotel unforgettable is its team 💖. Paulina, Mariana, Alexandra, Mia, Scott, Ian, and John (the general manager himself): you embody the finest spirit of the finest city in the U.S., with warmth, energy, and genuine care. Gracias, obrigado, grazie, danke 🙏… however I say it, we are deeply thankful. You made my transition into my 4th level of life the smoothest and most joyful way possible.||The Sofia Hotel isn’t just a place to stay, it’s part of San Diego’s history, personality, and soul ❤️. Celebrating my birthday here was the perfect way to recharge and step into this new stage of life, fully loaded with the best vibes this city and its people...

we arrived a little after 2;00pm. We noticed that there were only 3 cars in the parking lot. I made a comment that there aren't too many guests at this hotel. There was a lady at the front desk who did not smile nor greeted us and asked if we have a reservation which we did. we had a long drive and since I recently had 2 knee replacement surgeries, I needed to rest and put my legs up because we has a wedding to attend that would start at 4:00pm. |||| She said you are early, check in is at 4. I explained about the wedding and that I had noticed there are only 3 cars in the parking lot so, we know the must be several rooms available. She said there is if we pay 40$ for the early check-in which really upset me because I had never heard of it. ( my wife said she had heard about this ). I said I absolutely refuse to pay any amount. The room is available and out of courtesy she should let us us check-in. She responded that " well, I guess I can wave it if we write a good review " she said that with a NOT very nice attitude. My wife agreed and asked for a room closest to the elevator. She said it is on the first floor. BTW, she hardly ever made a eye contact nor smiled NOT welcoming at all. We proceeded to go to our room. She had made sure to give us the room at the very end of the hallway. All this for an absolutely no reason. My wife was quite nice to her the entire time. I only responded about the 40$ extra charge.|||| My wife and I had several practices. We retired 3 years ago. We used to have morning huddles and monthly longer meetings with the staff and explain the importance of making people feel good about themselves and of course many other subjects. I always explained that if you do a favor for a patient, never make them feel like they owe you something and always make a comment like " you are such nice person I would love to do this for you " and always with a smile. I never hired nor kept staff who did not smile, greet, said goodbye, thank you and you are welcome.|||| I don't think 40$ will make you rich nor would it make you poor but good effective management will go long ways.|||| Breakfast was alright and the lady who worked there was very nice.|||| We continued our trip to San Diego the next morning after the wedding. We arrived about 10:30am. We were greeted with a beautiful genuine smile. She checked us in and she surprised us by upgrading us to a suite with nice views. The difference in management and personality of the staff were ...