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1. The AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter

In a clever move by parent company Marriott, this subgenre chain sounds a lot like another hotel group that starts with “AC”. It channels all the millennial grooviness of the ACE brand but at a lower rate. So what’s not to love? There are 147 rooms and if you want a hotel you can party at, look no further. The rooftop bar and pool - Techo Beso - is a Tulum-inspired space which all about live DJS, tacos, ceviche and cocktails. 

Book here.

2. Palihotel San Diego

This chain may not yet be well known to Aussie travellers, but it is slowly cementing its rep as a big-chain alternative with an enviable quirk factor. Like the AC, its SD outpost is in the buzzy Gaslamp quarter and like the rest of its properties, it has been overhauled a historic building - in this case the St James Hotel which was built in 1912. There are 122 rooms, a guests-only rooftop bar with daily social hour and the elegant St James Diner at which hotel residents automatically score 10 per cent off their bills. We’ve always said you can tell a lot about a brand by what it chooses to put in its room and Palisociety scores big ol’ ticks for it Diptyque bathroom gear, Nespresso coffee machines and Smeg mini fridges.

Book here.

3. The Guild Hotel

Originally built in 1924 as a YMCA, the Guild has 162 rooms, decorated with a modernist twist. We especially love the floor to ceiling arched windows and blue velvet drapes in the Superior City Level Loft rooms. Big points for the location too - between the Gaslight Quarter and Little Italy. Hit up the Deco Guild Bar for a martini then adjourn to the Hollywood Regency chic of Poppy - described as San Diego’s only urban garden. Photography by James Tran.

Book here.

4. Kimpton Alma San Diego

Many Aussies got their first glimpse of the Kimpton largesse when the Margot opened in Sydney last year. In San Diego, it has undertaken such a dramatic reno of its Hotel Palomar property that has been rechristened the Kimpton Alma San Diego. There are 211 rooms and the aesthetic has been colourfully informed by San Diego’s proximity to Mexico and its artists. It’s a look that carries through to the pool deck with its custom street art. Foodwise, chef Jason Neroni helms The Desmond restaurant with its exquisite raw bar for crudo and tartare selections.

Book here.

5. Cormorant Boutique Hotel

If you thought your last reno dragged on, get this: it took three years to turn the old La Jolla Inn into this breezy mid-century masterpiece. It’s an intimate collection of 26 well priced rooms - each with its own balcony and ocean views. Check out the new rooftop terrace bar, Birdseye, which features craft cocktails and small plates; and Prospect Market, an upscale grab-and-go marketplace.

Book here.

6. Margaritaville Hotel San Diego

A bit of context is required here for Aussie travellers. Back in 1977, American musician Jimmy Buffett recorded a song called Margaritaville - which conjured a cocktail-laced tropical paradise. That vision was so appealing that it spawned retail merchandise, actual bars and eventually hotels - dozens of them - plus a cruise line. Set to open in July, the corporation threw almost $40 million at the renovation of the Hotel Solamar in San Diego. As it's still under construction there aren't many images to share so this is the Key West property pictured as a vibe check. The SD incarnation will have 235 rooms, the Landshark Bar & Grill (excellent burgers) and the 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar. Kinda like Disneyland but for grown ups, Margaritaville is the best kind of cheesy.

Book here.

See also:

7 things every Aussie gets wrong in the USA

The ultimate guide to Disneyland

How to see Disneyland without the crowds