Winter, spring, summer and fall, Intercontinental San Diego with bay views in California really does have it all. Especially when you are visiting from the rainy Pacific Northwest in January.
If you read many of my hotel reviews, you’ll see that I play the points game when it comes to IHG hotels. Like you, I’m on a budget when I travel. However, birthday weekends or special occasions are the times to celebrate. This luxury hotel with San Diego Bay views was the ideal 2-night stay for us.
The 4.5-star hotel was situated along the waterfront in the ideal part of downtown. With stunning views of the harbor and a lovely rooftop swimming pool, the InterContinental San Diego front desk had me at hello. If you’ve stayed at these IHG top-tier hotels, you’ll know what I mean.
Hotel guests are treated as VIPs upon arrival. I’ve mentioned previously that I’m an IHG rewards member. Finally, I had reached Platinum Elite status and was rewarded to an upgraded room category. (Obviously I don’t work for any one hotel. Yet I firmly believe in joining free hotel reward programs if you are loyal to particular brands.)
InterContinental San Diego hotel rooms
The InterContinental San Diego hotel was built in 2018 and is contemporary and sleek in design. With 400 total rooms, including 24 suites, prices vary depending on the time of year and events happening. All rooms offer floor to ceiling windows with either city or San Diego Bay views.
I booked a king room with a bay view and was upgraded to a premium water view room with a king bed. Our room, #1507, felt like a penthouse compared to our typical Holiday Inn Express & Suites room.
Room categories ranged from king and queen with city or bay views, to club rooms on the 18th floor and spacious suites. All rooms include Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, cozy bedding, Keurig coffee maker (hidden in the cabinet below the TV) and mini bar.
The website states that there were robes and slippers, as well as complimentary snacks in the room. I did see a fully stocked mini bar, yet I have learned not to touch those items.
I enjoyed the chaise lounge situated next to the floor-to-ceiling windows. I also appreciated the Byredo Bal d’Afrique bath amenities in our walk-in shower.
InterContinental SD hotel amenities
The Layover pool and bar were empty on our visit. I’m sure this 4th-floor rooftop space is hopping in the spring and summer. I’ve stayed at InterContinental San Francisco with its indoor swimming pool. I much prefer to swim and lounge by an outdoor pool.
There’s also a 3,300 square foot fitness center, located on the 4th floor of the San Diego hotel. Hotel guests are close to downtown San Diego and Balboa Park. Additionally, Seaport Village and Embarcadero Marina Parks are within walking distance.
Dining and drink options at InterContinental San Diego
Vistal Bar & Restaurant was located on the third floor of the San Diego hotel. Garibaldi was a second restaurant. We have several friends in the area, so we didn’t try any InterContinental San Diego restaurants.
If you have Intercontinental Club Lounge access, you are in for a treat. Breakfast was served from 6:30 – 10:00 am and featured scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes, bacon, waffles, Eggs Benedict, oatmeal, fresh fruit, cheeses, yogurt and dry cereals. There was also a fancy Capaccino machine and high-end teas, but no hot chocolate.
The afternoon offered hot and cold beverages, fresh baked cookies, assorted candy bars and potato chips. Evening hors d’ oeuvres included chicken skewers, beef bites in puff pastry and a ceviche-type dish, as well as several dessert offerings. My husband was impressed by the on-tap beverage selections. I was impressed that the Club Lounge receptionist remembered our names! Very attentive customer service at this hotel.
An outdoor patio included space heaters and a gas fireplace to take in the San Diego Bay views. Hotel guests may purchase Club Lounge access if you don’t have IHG status.
Additionally, there was a Starbucks on the 1st floor of the hotel property.
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Standard room rates at Intercontinental San Diego range from $269 – $849. Valet and self parking are available for an additional charge. The hotel was pet-friendly for a $150 charge per stay. On our visit there was a $47 nightly amenity fee.
Check rates for the Intercontinental San Diego online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
Hotel review and photography supplied by travel destination expert Nancy D. Brown. She used her IHG points for this 2-night stay for review purposes, however all opinions are her own.
