I’m just back from a trip visiting my daughter and excited to share my insights about staying at The Guild– a gorgeous hotel in downtown San Diego. As I’ve paid my dues living in dorms and campus housing – this was a good reason to stay at a brand new hotel! 😉
The Guild is in the historic Army-Navy YMCA building, which has hosted thousands of military personnel over the years. Along with all the interior upgrades it’s received (the old basketball court is now a ballroom!); the exterior of the building is also beautifully restored.
1. Location
A block from the train station – it’s the perfect spot with so many San Diego sites nearby. From here I easily walked to Little Italy, the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, and the harbor area. You can be enjoying the beach on Coronado Island in a few minutes by car and it’s also a convenient 10 minute ride to the airport.
2. Rooms
During my stay at The Guild I stayed in a room with 2 queen size beds (they are super comfy!). Keep in mind if you prefer a king size bed, those rooms seem quite a bit smaller. The rooms are modern in design but at the same time still feel cozy. I loved the bathroom with its black and white decor and luxurious shower! It’s a nice extra touch with a flat iron also included for your use.
3. Lobby
One of my favorite places in The Guild is the sophisticated lobby! The beautiful bar is the focal point and it’s surrounded by smaller, more intimate seating areas. I noticed it attracts the after work crowd, along with those staying at the hotel enjoying a drink before going out for the evening. This is a stylish lobby with most people in business attire or a little more dressed up (compared to the casual San Diego beach attire).
I recommend this hotel for couples or a getaway with friends, as it’s definitely not family friendly (I didn’t see any children during my stay in mid August). The Guild doesn’t offer extra amenities such as a pool, spa, or fitness center (there’s access to a nearby gym). It is a terrific location as a home base for your San Diego vacation, a unique setting for your wedding or celebration, and a very trendy bar to grab a drink!
I recommend a visit to Coronado Island while you’re in San Diego. You can read my TBK article here: “3 Things to Do on Coronado Island”.
Until the next adventure – bon voyage!
Kris
