The Westgate Hotel

San Diego, California

Star rating

The hotel

Transport yourself back in time and stay at the elegant Westgate Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. Brimming with decadent furniture, the rooms here are some of the largest in the city, and designed to meet the high standards of European hospitality - so you'll certainly feel at home! If you're visiting between Thursday and Sunday, afternoon high tea in the Grand Lobby is a must. And on these evenings there's a host of live music to be enjoyed in the evenings too, be it out on the Veranda on balmy evenings, or in the Plaza Bar (where you can enjoy it with some delicious light bites and cocktails). The hotel is close to the famous Balboa Park, you can even see it from some of the rooms, and the area has plenty of restaurants, bars and boutiques. Back at the hotel, leave time to enjoy a bit of relaxation at the rooftop pool or in the sauna - the AquaVie fitness and wellness centre spans 4 levels offering a range of classes and treatments to have you feeling rejuvenated.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Close to City Centre

Where is it

Set in the Gaslamp Quarter adjacent to Horton Plaza, and a 3-minute walk from the San Diego Civic Theatre. The hotel is 3 blocks from the 5th Avenue Light Rail Station.

Hotel information

223 rooms and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows, air conditioning, complimentary WiFi access, 49-inch LED TV, safe, hairdryer, handheld steamer, coffee maker, bathrobes, and bathroom amenities. 

Deluxe Rooms offer views of downtown San Diego, and have either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people. 

Premier Rooms are located on floors 11-18, offering uninterrupted panoramic views of downtown San Diego and the historic Balboa Park, with either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people.

Westgate Room (traditional French cuisine, open for all day dining). Grand Lobby (serving afternoon tea Thurs - Sun). The Veranda (open air dining, serving locally sourced seafood). Plaza Bar (serving drinks and light bites). Poolside dining available. Room service*.

Rooftop swimming pool and hot tub. AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club with fitness centre, fitness classes, outdoor running track, spa*, sauna and steam rooms. 

Complimentary WiFi access. Concierge. Laundry service*. Valet parking $50 plus tax per night (payable locally, fee subject to change). 

Resort fee has been waived for Virgin Atlantic Holidays' guests, saving over $30 per night.

*Denotes local charge

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1223)
  • Very good (392)
  • Average (119)
  • Poor (54)
  • Terrible (41)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Hotel and Spa. Charm, Class and Value

Aug 8, 2025 David S Oakland, California

Over 12 years, we've stayed at a several downtown hotels. Our 1st visit to the Westgate and it will now be our default choice. Very spacious rooms with ample upholstered chairs, a large dedicated work desk, separate vanity/shower-tub toilet rooms. The hotel decor is old school opulence, with professional courteous staff at every level. … Read more
Over 12 years, we've stayed at a several downtown hotels. Our 1st visit to the Westgate and it will now be our default choice. Very spacious rooms with ample upholstered chairs, a large dedicated work desk, separate vanity/shower-tub toilet rooms. The hotel decor is old school opulence, with professional courteous staff at every level. The crowning jewel is the roof top pool and bar, cabanas, fire pits, Jacuzzi, huge (indoor and outdoor) fitness centers, spa, and gender separate sauna/steam and locker rooms. The afternoon high tea in the lobby was a real treat also. Unfortunately, the restaurant facilities were undergoing reconstruction. During our stay, there was a temporary dining room. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Top-Notch Service Even During Comic-Con Madness

Aug 8, 2025 Archie T

We recently stayed at The Westgate for Comic-Con. If you're familiar with the process, you basically put your name into the hotel lottery and hope for the best, and I definitely got lucky. It was my first time staying here, and hopefully not the last. Every single staff member I interacted with was warm, personable, and genuinely friendly. From… Read more
We recently stayed at The Westgate for Comic-Con. If you're familiar with the process, you basically put your name into the hotel lottery and hope for the best, and I definitely got lucky. It was my first time staying here, and hopefully not the last. Every single staff member I interacted with was warm, personable, and genuinely friendly. From the moment we arrived, the valet made us feel welcome and gave us a helpful lay of the land. Meli at the front desk checked us in and patiently answered all our questions. The hotel has a high-end, old-school charm, like something straight out of Mad Men. Our room was impressively spacious, very clean, and surprisingly quiet given the weekend crowd. I sent out for dry cleaning and it came back quicker than expected. When I called to request it, someone came to my room right away, just another example of how responsive the service was. The restaurant and bar were excellent, even though the main dining area was under renovation. If what we experienced was their temporary setup, then I’m excited to see the final version. The burger and stuffed pancakes were both delicious, and the bar served up well-crafted cocktails. I especially liked the Perfect Martini and the French 75 that I ordered. Location-wise, it was ideal for Comic-Con, walkable to the convention center, and also along the official shuttle route. Valet service was quick and efficient, which made things even easier. Considering the hotel was almost certainly at full capacity, the fact that everything ran so smoothly, and with such a personal touch, was genuinely impressive. I’m hoping I get paired with The Westgate again for a future Comic-Con, but even if not, I’ll definitely be returning for a vacation or weekend getaway. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great service

Aug 7, 2025 P P

Thank you Meli and Omar! They fixed and accommodated for a miscommunication on my part and extended my stay. I couldn’t be more grateful!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating First time experience and it wowed us.

Jul 29, 2025 646gregorya

A very nostalgic older hotel with a lot of class. Sarah and Sophia at the front desk were awesome to deal with. Matthias and Sam in the valet did awesome. The location is close to Balboa Park and the gas lamp district with some very unique older buildings. Loved the rooftop pool and jacuzzi and workout areas. It even has a track to run or walk.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Downtown Gem

Jul 29, 2025 jchalltravels

This was the hotel that we got through the Comic-Con hotel lottery. While we would have liked to be a little closer to the convention center, this turned out to be a great option. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable. Loved the beds! My adult kids also thought that the pool and fitness center were fantastic. Besides a hot tub, you have… Read more
This was the hotel that we got through the Comic-Con hotel lottery. While we would have liked to be a little closer to the convention center, this turned out to be a great option. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable. Loved the beds! My adult kids also thought that the pool and fitness center were fantastic. Besides a hot tub, you have access to the sauna and steam rooms. Even though it was a very busy weekend, everyone on the staff went out of their way to be welcoming and of assistance. I would love to stay here again next year! Read less