Set in the midst of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter—the historic “Gaslamp” sign is right out the lobby door—is the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. The Hard Rock brand fits right in with the area, which is known for lively restaurants, lively bars and Las Vegas-style clubs, but with 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and being just steps from the San Diego Convention Center, the property is an ideal place for those that need to get down to business.
The hotel, which opened in December 2007, offers amenities to make anyone feel like a rock star. From the ability to offer VIP check-in at the Rock Royalty desk; the Sound of Your Stay program, where guests can choose from a curated playlist or turn their room into a dance floor with a DJ setup that includes a Traktor S2 controller and a laptop; and the luxurious Rock Spa with unique treatments like the Celebrity Oxygen Facial, groups can be assured that attendees’ inner rocker will shine.
Aptly named “I’m With the Band,” the FAM began with a multicourse Omakase, or chef’s choice, dinner at Nobu. World-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is known for fusion and re-imagined Japanese dishes, and has restaurants worldwide, including venues in London, New York and Milan. The restaurant and lounge are available for group rentals ranging from the 30-seat private dining room to a section of the main dining room that can accommodate 50 guests or an entire restaurant buyout for up to 250 people.
The hotel offers three other food and beverage outlets, with MaryJane as the all-day restaurant serving great breakfasts and healthy lunch and dinner options with California and Mexican flare. Saturday night, into the wee hours of Sunday morning, the diner-style restaurant is open until 3 a.m.
The hotel’s lobby bar by day, named 207, features flat-screen TVs for big games and is a club by night with dance floor and live bands. Over lunch at 207, we were lucky enough to catch tween heartthrob Shawn Mendes play a private set, including his hit, Stitches.
At the rooftop pool deck, Float offers food and drink during the day along with private poolside cabanas and DJs spinning Saturdays from noon-6 p.m.. In the evening Float becomes an outdoor lounge with firepits and dance music.
Although there is enough food, drink, entertainment and of course memorabilia throughout the hotel to keep one busy, it was great to get out and explore San Diego’s offerings. And what better way to see the city than from the water?
Our group headed to San Diego Sailing Tours at Harbor Island and boarded Lana Kai, a yacht built in 1971. Our relaxing tour lasted about two hours and took us around San Diego Bay, with views of Point Loma, the downtown skyline and Coronado Bridge. Our captain even served us drinks, snacks and shared details about the boat and the sights we saw, including the USS Midway, as well as the city’s history.
After the morning on the water, we headed to The Headquarters at Seaport, the iconic former police department headquarters that is now an outdoor dining and retail destination. There, we had lunch at Puesto, which serves elevated Mexican street food emphasizing fresh, sustainably grown, all natural and organic ingredients.
Another off-site adventure was House of Hints, where we participated in a live escape game. Designed for small groups, these games take teambuilding to a higher level. In order to find the key to your escape, you must work together, using clues within the room to solve a series of puzzles, challenges and mysteries, all leading to the final piece, which will set your team free.
House of Hints offers three different rooms, designed for groups of three to six, each with a different difficulty level. There are two identical rooms, which is a great option for groups that want to break into teams and compete against each other, racing the clock for their escapes.
Closing out our weekend, we were treated to a total sensory immersion with the brand’s Wine Riffs dining experience. We headed up to the hotel’s 11th floor, where the rooftop patio provides panoramic views of the San Diego skyline. Elevation is a nearly 600-square-foot indoor space located on a 1,620-square-foot terrace, and can accommodate 30 for a seated dinner or 40 for a reception, while the terrace can host up to 125 guests.
Steps from the terrace are the hotel’s premier Rock Star Suites, which provide groups additional space. We had cocktails on the terrace and admired the sun setting over the city before we headed in to Elevation, where because of the floor-to-ceiling glass walls we could still enjoy the views.
The Wine Riffs experience pairs wine and food, but also ties in each course with its own lighting and soundtrack. The Vibe Manager works with the chef to use music and lighting that complements each course, creating an evening with delicious, carefully curated food and drink with that Hark Rock twist.
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
619.764.6440
