Chief Concierge
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
San Diego
What service can you provide to groups that they normally might not receive?
Something we are increasingly doing is what you might call an orientation for spouse programs as soon as a group checks in. For instance, on their first day here, they learn that the spa has a quiet, private pool that they may prefer over the main pool, a favorite for kids. Being a waterfront property, men are interested in fishing, and San Diego’s military history is a big draw, too. We are able to direct them to the nearby USS Midway Museum and the history museums at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego.
What are your group restaurant recommendations?
In San Diego, waterfront or water-view dining is the most popular request of groups. Fortunately, we have waterfront dining right next to the hotel at Sally’s Seafood on the Water. Sally’s private Chef’s Table in its kitchen accommodates up to 12. Other popular options for private rooms include Redfield’s Lounge and Deli just off of our main lobby. In the Gaslamp Quarter, I recommend Morton’s The Steakhouse and The Palm for groups of 20 or more.
As Southern California’s largest hotel we are frequently the headquarters hotel for very large meetings. So, an informal, last-minute request for a dinner for 50 is not unheard of. We can make it happen because we have been loyal to local restaurants.
What are your bar or nightclub recommendations?
Regularly voted the best view bar in San Diego, our own Top of the Hyatt on the 40th floor is not to be missed. It offers spectacular views over San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean, from La Jolla to Mexico.
In the Gaslamp Quarter, the new king is Stingaree. Longtime favorites are On Broadway and The Bitter End.
Can you recommend a good place to take a stroll?
Immediately outside our hotel is the wide boardwalk along San Diego Bay, perfect for walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, and people-watching. It connects two large island-like public parks that jut out into the water. Out the hotel’s front door is the stroll to the Gaslamp Quarter.
Are there any quirky places we should check out?
Top Gun filmed scenes right across the street at Kansas City Barbecue, and Tom Cruise fans don’t miss it. The Green Eggs & Ham served at Cafe 222 are a favorite, too. And you can sail on Stars & Stripes, a boat that participated in the America’s Cup race.
Wild West history has strong links to the now-revitalized Gaslamp Quarter, so no history buff should miss the Wyatt Earp Building. Nor should roller coaster aficionados miss the Giant Dipper roller coaster in Belmont Park at San Diego’s Mission Beach. Fish taco fans know that on this side of the border, San Diego put the Baja delicacy on the map, and they can be sampled all over town.
A party of 12 wants to have dinner right away. What restaurant can accommodate last-minute requests of this size?
On-property at Sally’s, and at most of the 200 restaurants within a brief walk of the hotel, a party of 12 can be seated on short notice. While generally, at the last minute, our strong relationships with area restaurants will translate into a great table for our groups, the best advice I can offer meeting attendees is to do some planning.
What’s a unique event that has taken place at your property?
From Comic Con to a Republican National Convention, to Super Bowls, the World Series and Holiday Bowls, to Donald Trump holding his grand opening here for his Baja high-rise, we enjoy hosting every kind of event.
We also host many professional sports teams and Hollywood stars, global political leaders and major meeting planners, including hosting the annual meetings of the American Society of Association Executives, MPI, PCMA, and the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives, among others.