Having had the pleasure of staying at Andaz Peninsula Papagayo and Andaz Singapore, I’ve been clamoring to check out more Andaz locations closer to home.
I finally got that chance with the Andaz San Diego.
Review: Andaz San Diego
Location & Parking
Located only ten minutes from San Diego International Airport, on the edge of the famed Gaslamp Quarter, Andaz San Diego is just steps away from the restaurant mecca of Fifth Avenue and the vibrant nightlife of Downtown.
After speaking with the valet, my parking anxiety fears were easily allayed when I was directed to park in the parking garage at the “T” intersection two blocks to the West at the intersection of F Street and Fourth Avenue.
FHOP Tip: The parking garage cost $52 a night, however guests of the Andaz can park there for $38 a night with validation. Even better, Hyatt Globalists can park there for free.
World Of Hyatt Redemption
The Andaz San Diego is a member of the World of Hyatt loyalty program and is listed as a Category 4 hotel, redeemable for 15,000 points (or a Chase World of Hyatt free night award – which is what I did).
On the night of my stay, I booked a 1 King Bed room that was going for $239 ($314.42 with taxes and fees). This gave me a strong redemption value at 2.10 CPP.
Front Desk & Check-In
I was very warmly greeted at the front desk, and immediately recognized for my Hyatt Globalist status.
As I was checking-in, some very attractive (but semi-rude) women were “demanding” to be let up to the Rooftop Bar via the elevator. To my surprise, the front desk attendant shot back at the women with, “excuse me, I am with a very important guest right now and you are being very rude; please wait your turn and I’ll be happy to assist you when I am done”.
Now that’s how you do it.
Room Upgrade
Also to my surprise, I was told I’d been given an upgrade as a Globalist member to an Andaz Suite.
This was a room upgrade value worth just over $100.
Elevator Area
Hallway
Room Entrance
Bedroom
The room was not quite what I expected, but I was pleased with the size and cleanliness.
Overall, the room was well-lit and the bed was very comfortable.
I’m not sure what’s up with that 1980’s metal filing cabinet
Living Area
I did notice visible signs of wear and tear around the room.
Nothing too serious, but it was clear the room had seen some parties in its day.
Even the couch had become a bit “floppy”.
Room Amenities
Bathroom
As is often the case at renovated hotels, the bathroom was perhaps nicer than the room itself.
It was clean and modern, and came with the Jonathan Adler brand of toiletries.
Breakfast At Rooftop Bar
My favorite thing about the Andaz San Diego had to be the Rooftop Bar area.
As a Globalist, we were treated to a wonderful complimentary breakfast where we went with the Breakfast Sandwich, Andaz Eggs, and an Acai Bowl (to-go).
We washed all that down with a couple of Lattes all while enjoying the amazing rooftop views of downtown San Diego.
The Breakfast Menu
The Breakfast Sandwich
Andaz Eggs
Views From The Top
Image: hyatt.com
Image: hyatt.com
The Swimming Pool
The most iconic feature of the hotel was easily the rooftop swimming pool.
Poolside Cabana
Image: hyatt.com
Fitness Center
Image: hyatt.com
FHOP Tip: Just down the street from the Andaz, is one of my favorite restaurants in San Diego, Bud and Rob’s New Orleans Bistro. At just a short 5 minute walk to the East (down F Street), this Cajon joint is not to be missed. Be sure to order ahead because the place is very popular with the locals.
The Bottom-Line Review: Andaz San Diego
We really enjoyed our stay at the Andaz San Diego.
The location was excellent, the service was impeccable, and treatment of Hyatt elites was something to write home about [or this blog entry].
The hotel is popular, and that translates to “heavily trafficked”. As such, I’d definitely recommenced this hotel to singles, couples, and partiers (but no so much to families with kids or people looking for a quiet weekend to relax).
I can’t see the Andaz San Diego staying a Category 4 hotel for much longer, so if you plan on checking it out with a free night award or with points, I’d do it sooner rather than later.
Final Rating: 8 out of 10.
