BeSeeingYou at: The US Grant, A Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
Location: San Diego, California, USA
Number of rooms and suites total: 270
Date of Stay: August 2024
Website The US Grant , A Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
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Presidential Suite at The US Grant, A Luxury Hotel Collection
Why book?
The US Grant Hotel offers a unique blend of history and reimagined modern luxury, making it an exceptional choice for San Diego visitors. Located in the heart of the city’s Gaslamp Quarter, the hotel is not just a place to stay but a destination, with easy access to bars, restaurants, and some of San Diego’s top tourist attractions.
The US Grant’s Saturday evening champagne service and nightly lantern lighting ceremony add a touch of grandeur, creating a welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere.
A rotation of dignitaries and luminaries have roamed the hallowed halls of the US Grant Hotel, among them: Albert Einstein, Charles Lindbergh, five former first ladies, and 15 U.S. Presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush (three Presidential Suites are designed to meet Secret Service standards).
Enjoy a $6.5 million collection of distinctive artwork including sculptures, ironwork, murals, and paintings.
Who’s staying?
The US Grant attracts a diverse crowd, including couples looking for a romantic getaway, well-heeled jetsetters, and history buffs.
You might find couples enjoying a weekend away, or groups of friends sipping champagne amidst the regal environment. It’s a place where you feel the weight of history while still being pampered with contemporary service.
The Hotel is close to San Diego’s beaches (Photo by Redideo – CC BY-SA 4.0)
Does the hotel have a past?
Yes, and it’s a fascinating one. Its walls could tell various fascinating tales, from being a Prohibition-era speakeasy to playing a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement.
The US Grant Hotel was built in 1910 by Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., as a tribute to his father, President Ulysses S. Grant. The hotel has since become a historic landmark, hosting celebrities, dignitaries, and even presidents.
The building took five years to complete, and is an architectural gem, combining elements of Beaux-Arts design with upgraded embellishments that cater to a new generation of sophisticated travellers.
Rooms & Suites
I stayed in the Ulysses S. Grant Suite, a sublime reflection of the hotel’s commitment to luxury and history. The suite featured rich, dark wood furnishings, plush bedding, and a curated selection of art paying homage to the hotel’s past. One standout feature was the intricately designed headboard.
The spacious bathroom, with its marble finishes and deep soaking tub, provided a perfect retreat after a day out in San Diego. The room also had a well-stocked minibar and a selection of books related to San Diego’s history and Ulysses S. Grant, which added a thoughtful touch.
Turn-down service is always a treat, and each evening we returned to chocolates, bathrooms refreshed with plush towels, replenished water on our nightstand, and complementary slippers at our bedside.
Spill the tea: how’s the…
Food & Drink?
The hotel boasts a couple of dining options that cater to different tastes. The signature restaurant, Grant Grill, delivers a modern twist on classic American cuisine. The craft cocktails are a must-try, particularly the US Grant Old Fashioned, a nod to the hotel’s namesake and a collaboration cocktail with San Diego-based Malahat Spirits and the hotel, featuring an 89-day barrel-aged rye whiskey.
The weekend brunch is another highlight, featuring an array of decadent dishes like the truffle eggs Benedict and the vanilla bean waffles.
For those who may not enjoy a hearty breakfast, the Grant Continental is perfect for sharing. The wheat toast is tasty, and the rainbow of fresh fruit starts the day off on a healthy note.
Even if you don’t dine in the restaurant, the in-room dining menu is equally impressive, with options ranging from gourmet sandwiches to indulgent desserts. A mid-afternoon snack of focaccia with balsamic vinegar and exceptional olive oil, paired with champagne kept us sated from lunch until dinner.
Balboa Park is home to 18 museums, numerous beautiful gardens and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. (Photo by Myles McGuiness)
Neighbourhood?
The Gaslamp Quarter is one of San Diego’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. Staying at The U.S. Grant puts you right in the middle of the action. The area is known for its nightlife, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs just steps away from the hotel.
The location is central to Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, the vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, and the scenic bayfront area. Step outside onto Broadway Avenue, and it’s a leisurely walk to the Embarcadero and USS Midway.
During the day, you can explore the nearby shops, galleries, and parks, or take a short walk to the waterfront. The neighbourhood is also well-connected by public transport, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.
The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its lively nightlife but the area still feels safe, even for solo travellers.
Stop into the bar for a signature cocktail
Service?
Impeccable! We felt like VIPs. Staff remembered our names, anticipated our needs, and were always ready with a smile. The valet staff was always at the ready to secure a ride or provide directions for excursions.
One note: there was a small water leak in our suite, enough to puddle and begin to discolor the wood floors. We reported it but were never notified as to whether the problem was addressed. It did not impact our stay, but we would’ve appreciated some communication on this front.
Amenities?
Boredom is not an option given the hotel’s location in the Gaslamp Quarter. At the hotel, a range of amenities cater to both relaxation and fitness. The hotel’s spa incorporates organic and locally sourced ingredients into its treatments, while the fitness center remains open 24 hours for those travellers who like to keep up with their workout routines.
Don’t expect to lounge by the pool as the US Grant does not have one. However, that wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, as I preferred to spend my time discovering San Diego. Plus, the area is full of beaches along San Diego’s 100+ kilometres of Pacific Ocean shoreline.
Check out the hotel’s menu of curated experiences such as the San Diego Private Driving Tour: Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and Old Town, an option to Explore San Diego with an OtterBox cooler backpack filled with local amenities, and other third-party partners who offer sailing excursions, distillery tastings, and private driving tours of the city and outlying areas, like La Jolla.
Drop by cocktail hour in the lobby for a complimentary glass of champagne.
There are close to 100 historical buildings in the walkable Gaslamp Quarter (Getty Images)
Is there a green scene?
The hotel is committed to sustainability, with several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. They have eliminated single-use plastics, implemented extensive recycling programs, and offered guests the option to decline daily housekeeping to conserve water and energy.
Additionally, the hotel supports nearby farmers and artisans by sourcing ingredients and products from the region, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to the local economy.
Extra! Extra!
Request a room with a view of the Gaslamp Quarter – the cityscape at night is stunning.
I loved the hotel’s “Art of Sleep” program, which offers guests a selection of pillow types, herbal teas, and even a curated bedtime playlist to ensure a restful night.
The nightly lantern lighting recalls days when castle workers were tasked with ensuring guests of the nobility were taken care of during their stay. Candles and flame torches were the only sources of light in the castles, therefore, the concierge became known as “keeper of candles”. The concierge team at The US Grant leans into the tradition every evening at dusk with a lighting of the candles spectacle in their grand lobby. It’s a charming welcome home after a day of sightseeing.
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Author bio: Kerry Kreisman
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