Just west of the Convention Center, San Diego is about to set sail, huge mast and all. 5th Avenue Partners is planning a 20-story, 250 room spinnaker Hotel that would include a water taxi terminal & pedestrian bridge connecting the hotel to the Convention Center. Inspired by the sail shaped Buri-Al Arab in Dubai- the largest hotel in the world, the $87.5 million property breaks ground next year and will be completed in 2007.
In 2002 our Downtown started to turn chic with a bustling of activity, when the “W Hotel” opened on B Street. Then the Omni joined us containing Luxury condos on the top 10 floors, with a skybridge over to Petco Park, some of the rooms enjoy perfect views into the ballpark. In April the 4 star Hotel Solamar (by Kimpton Hotels) opened a bright 235 room hotspot. With flat screen TV’s, a tropical 13,000 square foot pool deck.
Downtown is seeing a wave of new hotels opening in 2006 on beyond. A new 12 story Marriott Renaissance Hotel is being built on the north side of J Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, with 344 rooms and 5,000 square feet of retail space. Next September the much talked about Diegan the 20 story boutique hotel on the east side of Fifth Avenue between Broadway and C Street. Architects “Tannerhect” of San Diego will be adding a rooftop pool, outdoor sky bar & a fine dining restaurant. Their focus is to preserve the historic face of the Jessop Building but add a retro hip style.
At the end of 2006, as part of the $100 million downtown renewal project , the famous Hard Rock Hotel is due to open with the restored National City Otay Railroad Depot building as the lobby bar. Sporting a huge 417 rooms, plus a massive grand ballroom and retail space, located near the main entry to the Gaslamp quarter on Fifth & Sixth & L & K Streets.
