The 12 Best Hotel Bars in San Diego
For many travelers, a noteworthy bar takes a hotel stay to the next level, whether it's a dimly-lit nook of a wine bar or a perch in the sky with panoramic views. When it comes to lodging, sprawling San Diego has a lot of different options, from hotels in the heart of the city to resorts overlooking the sea. You'll find just as much variety among hotel bars. Want to sidle up in an Old West-style saloon? No problem. Prefer to swill cocktails while peering down at the world from a sleek lounge in the sky? You can do that too. We've rounded up some of our favorite San Diego hotel bars below -- and be sure to check out our roundup of Best Nightlife for even more options. Cheers!
Porto Vista Hotel & Suites
Why it made the list
Porto Vista’s top-floor Glass Door Restaurant is the best part of the hotel, with expansive black-paned windows framing a panoramic view of the city skyline and San Diego Bay and a collection of colorful, mismatched lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Head up at sunset on a clear day and you definitely won't be disappointed.
The Pendry
Why it made the list
Airy by day and dimly lit in the evening, Fifth & Rose is a sophisticated spot to swill cocktails. Like the rest of the seriously chic boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, the attention to detail and ambiance is admirable. Think soaring tin-tile ceilings, black marble hex flooring, large banks of windows, and head-turning light fixtures.
Hotel La Jolla
Why it made the list
At Hotel La Jolla, sweeping ocean views abound. The vintage concrete high-rise looks out over La Jolla Shores and the palm trees that dot the neighborhood. Hiatus, the hotel’s eclectic poolside bar, serves drinks afternoons and evenings when weather permits while the hotel's Cusp restaurant is also a stylish spot for a happy hour cocktail.
La Valencia
Why it made the list
Locals were crushed when La Valencia ("The Pink Lady") decided to close its famous Whaling Bar -- once a favorite haunt of well-known actors and writers -- and replace it with Cafe La Rue. They got over it, though, and are now among the regulars at the hotel's chic European brasserie, known for casual, seasonal fare and artisanal cocktails.
Hotel Republic San Diego
Why it made the list
Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the stylish Hotel Republic has an urban-meets-California-coastal vibe. The hotel’s rooftop Topside Terrace Kitchen + Bar is a perfect spot for happy hour cocktails and nibbles. The lounge also hosts weekend brunch and morning yoga classes (nobody will judge if you flow right into a mimosa afterward).
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