Review: Hotel Republic, Autograph Collection (San Diego, California)

Review: Hotel Republic, Autograph Collection (San Diego, California)

Image: marriott.com

Walkthrough Tour: Prestige Corner Executive Suite

About Hotel Republic, Autograph Collection

Hotel Republic, Autograph Collection, was originally a bank and now occupies a building meticulously transformed into a boutique hotel with much of its original architectural charms intact and visible through its exposed brick walls, original vault doors, and vintage accents.

At A Glance:

• Average Nightly Cost During Stay: $351
• Loyalty Program: Marriott Bonvoy
• Loyalty Category: N/A
• Discount Applied: 34,000 Points
• Room Type as Booked: Classic Guest Room, 1 King
• Room Upgrade: Prestige Corner King Executive Suite ($100 value)
• Resort Fee: $25 Destination Fee
• Parking Fee: Overnight $60 (Valet Only)

Booking/Redemption

We booked a Classic Guest Room, 1 King, via a points.

Location & Parking

Situated in lively downtown San Diego, Hotel Republic is within walking distance of iconic attractions like the USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, Petco Park, and the historic Gaslamp District.

The hotel offers valet only parking for guests at price of $60 per night.

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  Image: marriott.com

Image: marriott.com

FHOP Tip: $60 parking can be steep, even in San Diego. Luckily, we found there was a good amount of available street parking in the area. We parked at Columbia St. and B St.

Lobby

The lobby was one of the more impressively grand lobbies that I can remember – with its high-ceiling, towering columns, artsy chandeliers, and focal point on Trade Lounge. The lobby also showcases rotating art installations and a small library of curated reads.

Image: marriott.com

What Does Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Get You?

As Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite members, we received the following:

• Complimentary Room Upgrade: I ended up using one of our Platinum Elite Bonvoy Suite Night certificates which got us an upgrade to a Prestige Corner Executive Suite.
• Late Checkout: Extended stay until 4:00 PM.
• Access to M Club Lounge: This club was closed during our stay, but we were given a welcome drink and breakfast at Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bat (via grab & go at Trade Lounge).

Welcome Package

There was a $25 Destination Fee, but it came with a $25 food and beverage credit (among other benefits).

Room Key

Room Upgrade

I ended up using one of our Bonvoy Suite Night certificates which got us an upgrade to a Prestige Corner Executive Suite.

Elevator Area

Hallway

Suite Entrance

The Prestige Corner Executive Suite turned out to be a great upgrade. It was a spacious suite, boasted floor-to-ceiling windows, and offering sweeping views of the city (although the windows could have used a wash).

Bedroom Area

Room Amenities

Bathroom

The bathroom was cleaned to a shine and well-lit.

Hotel Republic provides guests with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, which seemed to be of good quality. There was also a soap brand mishmash with BATHE collection soap and body lotion.

View From The Room

These are the windows I was talking about…

Dining Options

1. Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar: A rooftop gem serving coastal-inspired cuisine.
2. Trade Lounge: A lively coffee shop/bar which also serves bites from Topside.

Breakfast At Topside

We called down to order grab & go breakfast at Topside Terrace. We we told to pick it up at Trade Lounge in the lobby.

We went with the Baja Shrimp and Rajas Omelette (amazingly delicious and hearty!) and the Roasted Turkey Club on a Croissant.

Baja Shrimp and Rajas Omelette

Roasted Turkey Club on a Croissant

Trade Lounge

Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar

Hotel Republic’s pièce de résistance is the rooftop lounge, which had panoramic views of the downtown skyline.

Image: marriott.com

Meeting Room

The Club Lounge (Closed During Our Stay)

Image: marriott.com

FHOP Tip: Things To Do Nearby

1. Explore Little Italy: Wander through the nearby Little Italy neighborhood, where charming cafes, art galleries, and gelato shops await.
2. Shop at Horton Plaza: The open-air shopping center offers a mix of high-end boutiques and quirky stores.
3. Visit The Embarcadero: Take a stroll through Seaport Village, see the “Unconditional Surrender” sculpture, and visit the USS Midway Museum.
4. Coronado Island: Take the ferry across the bay to checkout “the island”.

THE FHOP BOTTOM-LINE 10 RATINGS

The Bottom-Line Review: Hotel Republic, Autograph Collection (San Diego, California)

We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Republic, Autograph Collection. The service was excellent, as was their treatment of Bonvoy Elites. The hotel had a good location in Downtown San Diego, right next to all the action. The Prestige Corner Executive Suite was a great upgrade that really elevated our experience, as did the delicious food from Topside (even though it was a grab & go). Parking was steep, but we got around that by finding street parking, and the $25 destination fee wasn’t bad because it came with a $25 f&b credit. On top of all that, the hotel had a beautiful lobby area and in turn was a popular place for guests (and non-guests) to hang out. I don’t really have any complaints, and I’m pleased to say Hotel Republic is yet another reason why Autograph Collection is my favorite Bonvoy brand.

Final Rating: 8.75/10