There’s a reason Ron Burgandy told San Diego to stay classy. With Balboa Park, SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo and Coronado Island as a part of its attraction portfolio, the sunny SoCal city has managed to bring in the best sights while highlighting the seaside culture. Over the past week, I had the honor to explore San Diego apart from family vacation and pit stops to visit friends and was blissfully awakened to the city’s constant push for improvement as an unmatched west coast destination through the iconic landmark Manchester Grand Hyatt.
Because of the land and sea legacy in San Diego, it seemed only fitting to unpack for my weekend getaway at the MG Hyatt, the tallest building in San Diego. The hotel is currently undergoing a complete renovation. All 1,628 guests rooms have finished the makeover while the final stages of the rest of the hotel are set to be finished by 2015.
Guest rooms and suites unravel with plush carpets inspired by the famed Coronado bridge and the rich sunset San Diego is known for while the super comfy bedding—an exclusive Hyatt brand that you can purchase for your own bedroom—take center stage among the other sleek interior features. Floor-to-ceiling windows only add to the room’s connection to the place, bringing in the best sights of San Diego to your new favorite bed.
For the two towers that embody the MG Hyatt, named Seaport and Harbor, each is crowned with full panoramas of the bay, downtown scenes, and let’s just say—amazing photo ops. The top floor of the taller tower (Harbor) unfurls for the Top of the Hyatt bar and lounge. Walls of windows invite guests and locals to enjoy a different view of the city while sipping on beloved cocktails.
Below, explore the nearby Seaport Village with unique, local boutiques like the Seaport Oil and Vinegars—a tasting room/shop dedicated to all things olive oil and balsamic vinegar. My favorite combo: Lime flavored olive oil with coconut flavored balsamic vinegar (insert mouth-watering face here). Guests can unwind at the KinSpa in the MG Hyatt, famed for using all-natural and local products or soak in the sun by the main pool. By night, enjoy roasting s’mores by the pool’s fire pits overlooking the bay.
And because of MG Hyatt’s prime downtown location, you are walking distance to fantastic memorials including the USS Midway museum, where you can tour the first aircraft carrier that served after WWII, or downtown hotspots like the Padres stadium, the convention center (location of the annual Comicom), and new eateries and breweries in the Gaslamp district. A short water taxi can whisk you to Coronado Island and a short drive can land you at any number of the city’s other highlights as well.
For dining, opt to go out on the town or enjoy decadent courses close to your room thanks to MG Hyatt’s restaurants. One of our favorites is Sally’s Seafood on the Water. Under the direction of Italian chef, Laura De Martin and master sushi chef Ilyuk “Kaz” Kim, indulge in fresh fish and opulent menu items like the Gold Coast sushi roll (topped with real gold flakes) and half Maine lobster paella.
Over the next couple years, renovations will take place in the spa, meeting rooms, lobby and several other dining options, soon revealing an unparalleled destination.
For more information on the Manchester Grant Hyatt and to follow their renovation, visit www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com.
[Photos: Courtesy of Manchester Grand Hyatt]
