Core-Columbia San Diego, California
Renovated
2022
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Wellness SocialOutside the door
The house
HiltonAvocado sunbed oasis
Avocado-print sunbeds and a mosaic-tile fire pit give the pool deck a playful streak above downtown San Diego.
What it’s good at
Notable
Avocado-print sunbeds and a mosaic-tile fire pit give the redesigned pool deck character.
Listed
Weekly rooftop yoga complements a fitness center equipped with rowing machines and free weights.
Listed
The Café & Lobby Bar serves evening cocktails; seasonal Leave of Absence animates the rooftop.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Start at the gorgeous rooftop pool, as fine a place as any to soak in the sun and sea breeze that locals take for granted.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Fifth Avenue puts you just north of Broadway, a short walk from the Gaslamp Quarter’s Victorian architecture, restaurants and bars.
The rooms
Bright, open interiors feel residential, with Mexican-inspired textiles and window seating that brings the city into view.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Loungers and shaded cabanas line the rooftop pool deck, which hosts open-air yoga classes above the city.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
The Café and Lobby Bar pours morning espresso and evening cocktails, opening through wide doors onto the patio.
How it began
The hotel rose on the former J. Jessop & Sons Jewelers site in 2008, retaining part of the jeweler’s facade.
Good to know
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Alma San Diego Downtown
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San Diego
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.