Review: The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Why did this hotel catch your attention?
The beach communities have incredible views and the hipster 'hoods have the beer and coffee scene, but downtown San Diego has been slower to find its value prop. The answer started emerging in summer 2019, when The Guild Hotel opened in a 1920s-era YMCA. The 162-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio property retained some historic details, like the (restored) exterior and grand stone staircase. But there are plenty of the new touches, too, like blush-colored velvet couches, herringbone floors, and a slick lobby bar.

What's the backstory?
A growing number of military bases in 1920s San Diego created the need for a community center for service men and women. This Army-Navy YMCA was registered as a National Historic Place in 2007.

Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?
Six room categories range from the 200-square-foot Apprentice to the nearly 450-square-foot Master suites. (There's also a two-bedroom penthouse.) The rooms may be small, but the ceilings are high, and the design team kept almost everything white with minimal decor. A subway-tiled bathroom has Maison Margiela products, and all rooms come with in-room safes, Netflix- and Hulu-equipped Smart TVs, and a custom artwork paired with a short biography on the artist.

Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?
With its striped parasols and Palm Springs–meets–French Riviera vibe, the outdoor courtyard at Luca, the all-day Mediterranean restaurant at The Guild, draws locals and guests alike. The menu offers omelettes, avocado toast, and cardamom lattes for breakfast; sandwiches and salads for lunch; and small plates like Spanish octopus and roasted red peppers with fig jam and pistachio dust for dinner. Don't miss a cocktail or local beer at The Guild Bar in the lobby, which has indoor and outdoor seating. Rich in velvet and jewel tones, it's a welcome respite from the beachy, tropical interior design so common in this town.

And the service?Befriend Carley, the front desk supervisor; she's an ace at making you feel at home and organizing whatever you need.

What type of travelers will you find here?
Business travelers during the week, locals at the bar and restaurant, and leisure travelers on weekends and holidays. The crowd here appreciates design-driven hotels, good food, and the comforts of an established hotel brand.

What about the neighborhood? What else will we find here?
Downtown San Diego is many things; there are busy restaurants and cool coffee shops among convention centers, office buildings, and sadly, a growing homeless population. That said, The Guild is situated on West Broadway, the more polished section of the pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. It's also a quick walk to the Santa Fe Depot, where trains can zip you up to Old Town, Solana Beach, Oceanside, and downtown Los Angeles.

Any other hotel features worth noting?
Hotel designer Sormeh Rienne restored and framed one of the building’s original blueprints, unearthed in a wall during construction; today it hangs in the lobby. The 24-hour gym is equipped with Peloton bikes; you can also take classes, use the rooftop pool at Broadway Athletic and Swim Club; and there are donation-based yoga classes the first Sunday of each month.

Bottom line: What are we coming here for?
Come for the chic design, good food, and affable service in a convenient downtown location.