San Diego

Gaslamp Plaza Suites

Hotel | "Perfect Location to Enjoy San Diego"

Quote:

Since my usual preference is to utilize timeshares whenever possible, the Gaslamp Plaza Suites was high on my list of possible accommodations for my five day trip to San Diego. Unfortunately, I was unable to score an exchange through RCI, so I was left facing hotels within our group's "block" of rooms. With nightly room rates of between $189 and $250 (plus tax), I was really concerned about spending that much of my association's money. Fortunately, I learned from another timeshare owner friend that Gaslamp Plaza Suites actually rents their units through an online broker system. I was able to pick up my four nights for a total of $625 including all taxes. Truly a bargain in just about any resort d...Read More

Since my usual preference is to utilize timeshares whenever possible, the Gaslamp Plaza Suites was high on my list of possible accommodations for my five day trip to San Diego. Unfortunately, I was unable to score an exchange through RCI, so I was left facing hotels within our group's "block" of rooms. With nightly room rates of between $189 and $250 (plus tax), I was really concerned about spending that much of my association's money. Fortunately, I learned from another timeshare owner friend that Gaslamp Plaza Suites actually rents their units through an online broker system. I was able to pick up my four nights for a total of $625 including all taxes. Truly a bargain in just about any resort destination city!

The resort has units from what I would consider to be a standard hotel type "suite" to more spacious two bedroom units. For just me, the hotel unit was just fine. The room was cozy, but had all of the amenities that one might want for an extended stay. In addition to the usual bed and bathroom, there was also a nice set up that included a mini-fridge, microwave, personal coffee maker and dishes/silverware for four guests.

The building was built in 1913 and is described as an old European style hotel that has retained much of her glamour and ambiance of an era long gone. I loved the beautiful marble walls of the hall of my floor. There are photos of the hotel and downtown San Diego throughout the property to give you a feel of what it was like back 50 or 75 years ago.

As a guest here, whether you are an owner, timeshare exchanger or renter like me, there is a daily complimentary breakfast served from 7:00-10:00a daily up on the rooftop terrace. The view faces down the Gaslamp District and out to the San Diego Bay. A very lovely way to start the day, indeed.

In the lobby level of the building is Dakotas, a restaurant that is open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner seven days a week. As a guest at Gaslamp Plaza Suites, your room key serves as at $10 dining discount ($40 minimum purchase). They also provide room service to guests in the building.

All in all, I could not be happier with the accommodations and services. Unlike most timeshare resorts, there were daily housekeeping services to include making the bed and refreshing the bathroom towels and toiletry items.

I would recommend Gaslamp Plaza Suites for anyone looking for nice downtown accommodations in San Diego - right in the middle of everything that's happening in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 17, 2008

Gaslamp Plaza Suites
520 E STREET
San Diego, California 92101
1-619-232-9500

Cheer!
Flag

Getting Around San Diego

Story/Tip

San Diego Water Taxi Photo - San Diego, California

Quote:

San Diego is a remarkable city and very easily navigated without a car. It's amazing to me to observe all of the ways people get around this place. I should say that at night, while out and about, I felt very safe. The city is clean with lots of people out and about.As I walked down the hill to meet a friend for dinner, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the mix of what appeared to be locals and tourists. Many of my ASAE cohorts were out and about, as noted by their "convention badges" worn proudly around their necks. Walking is a great way to get some exercise in a climate that almost creates the need to be outside!But after a few days of walking the hard floors of the San Die...Read More

San Diego is a remarkable city and very easily navigated without a car. It's amazing to me to observe all of the ways people get around this place. I should say that at night, while out and about, I felt very safe. The city is clean with lots of people out and about.

As I walked down the hill to meet a friend for dinner, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the mix of what appeared to be locals and tourists. Many of my ASAE cohorts were out and about, as noted by their "convention badges" worn proudly around their necks. Walking is a great way to get some exercise in a climate that almost creates the need to be outside!

But after a few days of walking the hard floors of the San Diego Convention Center, it is easy to want to find an easier way to do things, especially at the end of a long day of standing and walking. This review is written in honor of all of the vendors who bring fun alternative ways to getting around San Diego.

Perhaps the most unique that I saw was the group of segway riders. Looking more like a tour than a mode of transportation, it still looked like a great way to get around. Since all of America has probably seen the video of President Bush wiping out on a segway, I guess we are to assume it does take some amount of coordination to navigate on the stand-up two wheelers.

A more relaxing and even romantic way to see the city is by horse drawn carriage. Many cities offer this as a way to impress your lady or simply get from one place to another. I saw several carriages throughout the weekend, day and night.

Pedi-taxis are sorta like a rickshaw pulled by a bike peddler versus someone just pulling the cart along. After watching them for several days, I decided I would take one "up hill" to my hotel after an evening of dinner and adult beverages. The price was $15 for the seven block ride. While I felt very comfortable with my driver, I did see on cut across traffic resulting in horn blowing and brake jammin'. The most fun seen by travelers using this mode of transportation was this group of young women singing along with their dreadlocked peddler.

If you are down along the waterfront without a vehicle and interested in going over to Coronado, you really owe it to yourself to take the water taxi. At $6 each way for the seven minute ride, it really is a neat way to be on the water and getting to a change of scenery.

So much to see . . . so many ways to get there. No need to rent a car if you're planning a downtown visit. Read Less

Cheer!
Flag

Dakota Grill & Spirits

Restaurant | "Wonderful Right at the Gaslamp Plaza Suites"

Gaslamp Plaza Suites & Dakota Grill Photo - Gaslamp Plaza Suites, San Diego, California

Quote:

For my last evening in town, I decided a quiet simple dinner in the restaurant downstairs on the street level of my resort was my best bet. It was really very good . . . I'm glad I dined at Dakota Grill & Spirits before heading home after my five days in San Diego.A "white linen" type of place, it was comfortable dining alone. I thoroughly enjoyed the large windows on the two outer walls of the building. The view as evening approached, the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp District, was a nice diversion to dining alone.The menu offered a rather simplistic assortment of entrees, most of which included potatoes and fresh string beans. Salad was an ala carte, but I passed i...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 19, 2008

Dakota Grill & Spirits
901 Fifth Ave
San Diego, California 92101
+1 619 234 5554

Cheer!
Flag

Fine Dining in San Diego

Story/Tip

Quote:

It is always nice to travel and enjoy a wonderful meal with colleagues, friends or family. San Diego has many outstanding options for visitors. This review is on two that I had the opportunity to experience first hand while attending my ASAE Conference.Oceanaire Seafood Room400 J StreetSan Diego, CA 92101PH: 619-858-2277Web: http://www.theoceanaire.com/Location/Default.aspx?id=6Reservations RecommendedA friend and I chose this restaurant based on a recommendation from someone working at the Marriott on Harbor Drive. We were definitely NOT disappointed.As you enter the building and ascend the open air staircase, you can feel the amb...Read More

Cheer!
Flag

Open Air Dining

Story/Tip

Open Air Bar Photo - San Diego, California

Quote:

San Diego is a beautiful city with perfect weather. Many of the restaurants and bars throughout the Gaslamp District are open air, no windows, no doors . . . just open space and fresh air. It is really nice to sit outside, whether you are enjoying a beer with a friend, as I did at The Field . . . or grabbing a bit to eat, which was how I spent my first afternoon in town at Bare Back Grill. Not only can you casually drink or dine, there are several very nice restaurants that offer outdoor cafe dining . . . like Lou & Mickeys.In the Gaslamp District, the choices are almost endless. I don't think that in just a few days you can really to the area justice. But I thoroughly enjoyed my ...Read More

San Diego is a beautiful city with perfect weather. Many of the restaurants and bars throughout the Gaslamp District are open air, no windows, no doors . . . just open space and fresh air. It is really nice to sit outside, whether you are enjoying a beer with a friend, as I did at The Field . . . or grabbing a bit to eat, which was how I spent my first afternoon in town at Bare Back Grill. Not only can you casually drink or dine, there are several very nice restaurants that offer outdoor cafe dining . . . like Lou & Mickeys.

In the Gaslamp District, the choices are almost endless. I don't think that in just a few days you can really to the area justice. But I thoroughly enjoyed my "Average Joe" burger at the Bare Back Grill. Complete with cheese, toppings and condiments, along with a generous portion of fries and a diet coke, you're looking at $15. There are some discount coupons available in the hotel's restaurant recommendation rack if you're looking to save a couple of bucks.

Nothing is really inexpensive in San Diego. I guess it is the price you pay for the great weather! The night we stopped for a beer at The Field, I was a bit shocked at the $6 price tag on my pint of New Castle. That's OK . . . the great open air and friendly local folks was worth the extra buck (or two). The Field also offers bar food if you're interested in snacking, as well as a traditional Irish pub menu.

As I walked by Lou & Mickeys, I remember my night out with Susi back in 2005. That night it was exotic cocktails after the Hall & Oates concert. On this night, it was more a fond memory as I walked by because it was too early to eat supper . . . and definitely too early in the evening to be drinking wild drinks served in "monkey" mugs.

When you go to San Diego, be sure to get out into the street and experience the Gaslamp District. It really has a hip, urban feel that is exhilarating.
Read Less

Cheer!
Flag

MaryJane's Coffeeshop

Restaurant | "Convenient to the Convention Center"

Quote:

My sister was able to come down to San Diego to spend some time with me and breakfast on her last morning in town was our last opportunity to get together. Meeting at the San Diego Convention Center, it was nice to just have to go a couple of blocks into the Gaslamp Quarter for breakfast.We entered from the 5th Avenue sidewalk and chose to sit outside because the morning was so beautiful. Our server Mickey was attentive and patient as we took our time to place our orders. After several visits to our table, we finally decided on the lox and bagels. Accompanied by the usual red onions, capers and ripe red tomato slices, and of course cream cheese, it was very good.The bagels ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 19, 2008

MaryJane's Coffeeshop
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego - Corner of 5th Avenue & L Street - 207 5th Avenue
San Diego 92101
(619) 702-3000

Cheer!
Flag

Embarcadero Park South

Attraction | "Welcoming ASAE to San Diego"

Quote:

The Embarcadero Marina Park is a lovely place whether it is for a special event like the ASAE Welcome Reception or a family picnic. While the park is often closed for private parties, there are a lot of times when visitors and locals can enjoy the San Diego Bay while watching the boats sail or cruise by.Located on the north end of Harbor Drive, through the Seaport Village shopping area, this really is a beautiful place to sit and enjoy the sea breeze through your hair. The park faces across to Coronado providing a nice backdrop for photos.If you are looking for a nice location for a private function, I would highly recommend considering the Embarcadero North or South areas. ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 17, 2008

Embarcadero Park South
Marina Park Way
San Diego, California 92101

Cheer!
Flag

IgoUgo

San Diego Journals

San Diego "Association" Style

Gaslamp Plaza Suites

Getting Around San Diego

Dakota Grill & Spirits

Fine Dining in San Diego

Open Air Dining

MaryJane's Coffeeshop

Embarcadero Park South

About the Writer

More Journals by MilwVon

More San Diego Journals

San Diego Tips & Stories

Popular San Diego Hotels