Westgate Hotel

The staff made sure we felt appreciated, and Alejandro, the manager, Keana (spelling?), and Mariana were especially attentive and wonderful. Paige in the Lounge was friendly and lovely to chat with. The restaurant and lounge both serve delicious food, and their menus won't disappoint. The Westgate is one of the most elegant hotels I've stayed in, but it still feels comfortable and inviting. The lobby and dining areas are full of beautiful European decor, paintings, and antiques. There are spacious guest rooms with city views, marble bathrooms, soft carpeting, upscale furnishings, and very comfortable beds. The third-floor pool is lovely, with a staffed bar and the most comfortable pool loungers I've experienced in all my travels. The hotel exceeded my expectations, and I can't wait to return.

The outdoor gym was a real highlight for me. It has several cardio machines and a full set of weights, so on a nice day you can get a complete workout outside. Guests can also use the large, high-quality gym down the hall for free. I went there several times and enjoyed it. The neighborhood is easy to get around on foot, with plenty of coffee shops and restaurants, including a Blue Bottle coffee a block away. The room was small, but the bed was comfortable. Even with those positives, I wouldn't return to the Westgate. The rooms do nothing to block outside noise. Every night and morning I heard the trolley, bells, buzzing, and barking dogs, and kept waking up. I don't see how you could get a good night's sleep without earplugs. If you stay, ask for a room on the side away from the train tracks.

The pool was beautiful and genuinely relaxing, which is why I wanted to love this place. But for the price, the stay fell short. The rooms seemed dated and smelled musty, and the area around the entrance felt uncomfortable at times. I understand the hotel can't control the neighborhood, but seeing people screaming and physically fighting outside on our way to dinner was jarring. Service at the pool was disappointing too. We waited more than an hour for a Caesar salad and got a Cobb salad instead. Even after the long wait and mix-up, we still paid for it. Housekeeping also missed basic details: a full trash bag was left on the bathroom toilet, the linens weren't refolded, and the shower cap and vanity kit weren't replenished. Those things matter at this price. Better room upkeep, housekeeping, and service would make a big difference.

I've photographed several weddings at the Westgate Hotel, and it remains one of my favorite San Diego venues. The staff have been helpful and accommodating each time, and you can tell the team takes the experience seriously. The rooms are beautiful to photograph, with spacious getting-ready suites for both the bride and groom and lovely window light. There aren't cramped, cluttered, or dark corners to work around. The hotel's French-inspired design gives the spaces a grand feel, and there are so many backdrops: the Versailles Ballroom with its Baccarat crystal chandeliers, the ornate wrought iron staircase in the grand lobby, and the antique-filled sitting rooms. For a downtown setting, the rooftop Fountain Terrace works wonderfully for a ceremony or cocktail hour, with the skyline behind you. Couples who'd rather be indoors can use the Versailles Ballroom as a ceremony space and make the most of the architecture. Both photograph beautifully. If you're planning a San Diego wedding and want a venue that looks great from morning prep through the last dance, the Westgate is hard to beat.