The Westgate Hotel in Downtown San Diego is unapologetically maximalist, but you’d never know it judging by its plain exterior. Built in 1970 as one of San Diego’s first skyscraper hotels, its opulent aesthetic took inspiration from France’s Palace of Versailles, and upon entering the aptly named Grand Lobby, overstimulation will hit you immediately.
A sweeping staircase loomed next to a Steinway piano in one corner (it was the fifth one ever manufactured), the place is adorned with 300 glittery crystal chandeliers, and intricate crown molding blanketed every inch: the elevators, rooms, and restaurant and bar.
But decor aside, its comfortable rooms, oversized fitness center and prime location make the 19-floor hotel a convenient launch pad for exploring San Diego’s azure waterfront, surrounding theaters and pulsing nightlife. Here’s what I thought of it.
Why stay at The Westgate Hotel?
If ornate, 17th-century inspired design is your thing, The Westgate Hotel’s got it in buckets. There are geometric parquet floors and large, painted scenes of what appear to be European countryside once upon a time throughout the place.
However, don’t let its old-fashioned style completely fool you. Even the fitness-averse will take to its modern wellness offerings: there are multiple indoor and outdoor exercise spaces, a spa and a rooftop pool and jacuzzi area that got a refresh in late 2024.
Most recently, film buffs may know that the lavishly decorated hotel played a supporting role in One Battle After Another, the 2025 movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, and as well as movie stars such as Meryl Streep and the late Sean Connery, the hotel has also hosted U.S. President Gerald Ford.
What are the rooms like at The Westgate Hotel?
San Diego’s perpetual sun filters in through floor-to-ceiling windows of its 222 rooms, and each one features marble bathrooms with ornate brass fixtures and lots of counter space, a sturdy work desk and soft white linens. Keen for some views over the curvy Coronado Bridge, San Diego Bay and the city skyline? Those will be visible from the southern and western-facing Premier level rooms.
Traveling in a group? You might spring for its two-bedroom suites separated by French doors and extra square footage. Its 1,800-square-foot Governor Suite is adorned with brocade fabric sofas and armchairs, antique lamps and a full kitchen.
However, in all, amenities are adequately stocked: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion. You’ll also find waffle-textured robes, a mini-fridge and a couple of small, complimentary bottles of water.
What are the best things to eat at The Westgate Hotel?
Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar is the hotel’s only full-service restaurant—it’s softly lit, just as extravagantly decorated and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. It opened in fall 2025 with coastal and northern French recipes but more local ingredients, like seafood from Baja California and blue cheese from the Sonoma Coast.
Don’t miss the steak frites—the potatoes are delicately crispy outside, steamy and creamy inside and balanced by a side of seasonal veggies. When I visited in the fall, it was bright green asparagus and sliced, meaty mushrooms.
Breakfast feeds all types of appetites. The almond-milk soaked overnight oats with chia seeds, agave syrup and fresh fruit is light yet filling, and fluffy omelettes with your choice of produce and protein will power you through the afternoon. Large mugs of coffee by local roasters Cafe Moto seem almost comical compared to the daintier china used in The Westgate’s Afternoon Tea service ($55 per adult, $35 per child, ages 2-12), but be sure to try it out—Afternoon Tea service is offered Wednesday to Sunday and features finger-sandwiches, scones, and rotating pastries served to the sounds of a live harpist.
Nearby, pop over to Goldenchild on the same block for more coffee and cardamom buns. On Saturday mornings, the Tuna Harbor Dockside market grills up fresh, locally-caught seafood. Come evening, make a reservation for Animae or Callie, and a night cap at Kamon Craft Cocktail Bar.
What is the service like at The Westgate Hotel?
The hotel staff were courteous without overdoing it. You’ll have brief salutations as you zip in and out of the lobby and they’re helpful at navigating the restaurant menu. The hotel also has a business center, ice machine, and ATM machine in the lobby.
What are the facilities like at The Westgate hotel?
The rooftop pool is lined with cushy loungers shaded by blue and white striped umbrellas, and a row of fire pits. Next to it, an outdoor jogging track and strength and cardio equipment take advantage of San Diego’s envious weather. A tip: hit the open-air deck before 3pm for maximum sunbathing opportunity and to enjoy a refreshing citrus and mint-infused hard seltzer served poolside. Any later and the surrounding buildings block the sun’s warmth.
Inside are three floors outfitted with even more fitness equipment, a spin studio, group fitness studio, chiropractor, and locker rooms with sauna and steam rooms. At the spa, I opted for a 50-minute facial, and after a brief chat with my esthetician, I quickly eased in and out of consciousness to the gentle rhythms of a customized exfoliation and mask treatment, and an ethereal background soundtrack. A warm, wet towel is draped over your chest and face between steps, which is standard but dreamy nonetheless.
What’s the area like around The Westgate Hotel?
It’d be tricky to be more centrally located in Downtown San Diego than The Westgate Hotel. It’s surrounded by city administration buildings but you’ve got options when it comes to the fun side of the city. The hotel is only several blocks away from performing arts venues San Diego Civic Theater, Balboa Theater and Spreckels Theater.
You’ll also be on the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter, a historic and popular area for late nights and loud music. And with the Civic Center trolley stop around the hotel’s block, you can hop over to Little Italy’s beer and wine spots or to a baseball game at Petco Park in the East Village, where the San Diego Padres play. For families, The New Children’s Museum is walkable in less than 15 minutes.
Why you should stay at The Westgate Hotel
Travelers who refuse to sacrifice their wellness routine on the road, and those keen on being near the action of Downtown San Diego’s liveliest neighborhoods without being in it, will value a stay at The Westgate Hotel.
California residents can receive 20% off room rates and a $50 credit toward parking, dining or the spa through February 2026. Special rates are also available for AAA members and government service workers.
DETAILS
Address: 1055 Second Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Price per night: Starting from $250
Closest transport: Civic Center trolley stop. San Diego International Airport is a 10-minute drive.
Book now: via Booking.com
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