By Thomas K. Arnold
The Holiday Inn Harbor View, recently renovated but still circular!
This distinct, circular-shaped hotel has been a downtown
San Diego mainstay for years but underwent a dramatic, and much-needed, renovation last year. If you're looking for location the other big Holiday Inn, on San Diego's waterfront, is a much better bet. But the 220 guest rooms are comfortable and the views are spectacular.
Wows and Woes
Wows: It has fantastic views of the bay and Balboa Park.
Woes: There used to be a top-floor bar with 360-degree views, but that's been turned into meeting rooms. The hotel is in downtown's core, which has not been redeveloped. Walking at night can be a little dicey.
Insider Tips
Be sure to get a room as high up as you can. If you have a choice, go for the bay view.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
Sharing cocktails in the top-floor lounge with a good friend. The views were spectacular. I still can't believe the bar is gone and has been converted to meeting space!
Bottom Line
A decent place to stay if none of the better hotels near the convention center are available--or in your price range.
About the Author:
Thomas K. Arnold is the publisher and editorial director of "Home Media Magazine" and a regular entertainment contributor to various publications including "USA Today," "The Hollywood Reporter" and "San Diego Magazine." He has written travel stories for "San Diego Magazine," the "San Diego Union" and the Copley News Service. Arnold attended San Diego State University.
Photo Credits:
Photo by Thomas K. Arnold
