Good for exploring downtown San Diego - but drop the stupid surcharge!
Three nights in the Westgate formed the perfect base for a mini-weekend break in San Diego. We chose the hotel for its central location that was within easy walking distance of the main attractions and we weren't disappointed - its a 20 min walk to Petco park, 15 minutes to the Maritime museum and ferries, 5 minutes to 4th and 5th avenues and all their attractions and only 2 mins from Dalton Plaza. We even walked back from Balboa Park (a 40 minute descent down 6th avenue), and a pleasant amble hom,e. it really is perfectly placed for a great downtown experience.
The hotel is themed on a Victorian ballroom with chintz and chandeliers aplenty and an old fashioned barber's shop in the basement. We had a suite style room with plenty of space, which though slightly dated in appearance, was immaculate with no flaws at all. Service was very, veyr good and really helpful - a good, well run professional team. We only sampled one breakfast, which contrary to most business hotels was NOT a standardized buffet - a most refreshing change, though the price was anything but - $4 for coffee? But, the food was excellent and freshly prepared and we it enjoyed it mightily, despite the sticker shock! The only real sting in the tail is the much-commented upon $15 daily surcharge for spa, water, conference centre etc - even fully forewarned on this, I still just don't get it...either charge it all-in on the reservation, or make it apply on as-used basis...why continue to press on with weird approach to customer relations when it elicits so-much comment?
Overall though, a great and nicely classy downtown place to stay and, if they dumped or included the surcharge, it would be excellent.