Andaz - San Diego

Stayed at the Andaz San Diego on the Hyatt “Free Time” promotion in which you got one night free with two paid nights, plus breakfast each day and a 4 PM check-out.  With my Hyatt Diamond status, which includes breakfast daily and a 4 PM check-out the only real benefit was getting one night free, but one I was very happy with.  I also used a Suite Upgrade during this stay, and was upgraded to a Large King Suite rather than the King Suite which is the usual upgrade when using the Suite Upgrade Certificates.

The Andaz is located in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, so numerous shops and restaurants abound.  The back side of the hotel is located across the street from the Salvation Army, so there are more homeless people and vagrants in the area.  Although they generally leave you alone and I had no problems, some people may feel a little unsafe or concerned about the immediate surrounding area.

The lobby of the Andaz is more like a lounge with numerous couches and sitting areas for guest to relax in.  There is a small reception area, however “hosts” assist you with the check-in process using iPads and don’t use the reception area.  A welcome drink of wine, coffee or water is offered at check-in, which is a nice touch.

The Large King Suite, located on the 6^th floor is at the end of the hallway and only borders one other room.

As you enter the room, the mini-bar instantly greets you.  There is a Keurig coffee maker, along with a tray of snacks.  Unlike other Andaz properties, not all snacks are complimentary.  There is a small basket on the tray, which are complimentary and included a granola bar, Toblerone candy, and some chips.  The refrigerator was fully stocked, but not all non-alcoholic drinks were complimentary.  Water, soda and juice were free, but Rockstar energy drinks could be had for a small fee.

Mini-Bar

Snack Tray

Free Snacks

To the right is the living room, with a small table/desk and four chairs.  The view overlooks the Salvation Army, not the idyllic view one would like.  There is a couch ~12 feet long and could easily seat six people along with a large coffee table.  There is dark wood flooring throughout the room with the exception of the bedroom where there is carpeting, and the bathroom which contains stone tiles.

Living Room

Although I had chosen points as my amenity, I was also provided with a welcome amenity including a cheese plate and bottle of wine.  Nice!

Cheese Plate & Wine

The bathroom is extremely large and includes a glass encased shower.  Water pressure in the shower is not all that great, as there is only a small hand held shower head.  The bathroom sink is a glass covered table with stainless steel sink.  There are ample towels with Lather bath amenities.

Shower

Sink

Toilet

Lather Bath Amenities

The bedroom features a long narrow desk situated right under the TV with a small lamp.  Lighting in the bedroom is rather sparse.  There is a small couch near the desk, and at the foot of the bed sits a dresser.  The king bed is a platform bed, so with the combination of sharp corners on the dresser and platform, situated close to the couch, shin guards are a great idea to avoid scrapes, bruises or broken knee caps.  Dangerous during the day it gets especially lethal at night in the dark.

Bedroom Desk

Bedroom Couch

King Bed

One of the big drawbacks to the room is the lack of outlets and minimalist lighting.  I can live with minimal lighting in the bedroom, but the lack of outlets in any hotel these days is inexplicable.

Breakfast is served on the rooftop restaurant/lounge/pool area.  Service is great and attentive, but the menu is somewhat limited.    We were allowed to order an extra entrée per day, as the banana crème brulee French toast is not to be missed.  On one day, we were brought the wrong item and the manager took it off of our bill.  Even though we were on a breakfast package plus my Diamond status, this gesture was a welcomed surprise.

The gym is rather small and includes three treadmills, a few recumbent bikes and a Universal gym.  There are some small hand weights and Thera-bands to get in a quick work out.

Service was great throughout the stay.  Often greeted or recognized by name.  All employees were friendly and cheerfully willing to assist.  I have read that noise has been an issue at night because of the Ivy night club, but I did not notice any noise from the club during my stay.

The main downside with the Andaz is that valet parking is $35 per night, but there are lots in the area as low as $10 per night.