Andaz San Diego Review: A Solid Choice But with Some Big Caveats (Why It Doesn’t Work For Everyone)

Updated June 28, 2026

Recap: I like being in the middle of cities when I travel and love a great outdoor rooftop area so my stay Andaz San Diego was quite enjoyable and would stay here again. But for some, the location in the middle of San Diego’s Gaslamp district is an important consideration to take into account.

HOTEL INFO

HOW I BOOKED 

Direct with Hotel via HOTEL LOYALTY PROGRAM: World of Hyatt (WOH)

• LOYALTY PROGRAM HOTEL SPECS: Category 5 – 18,000 Points Off-Peak / 20,000 points Standard / 23,000 point Peak pricing
• CASH RATES: Cash rates are from $205 – $650 (including destination fees pre-taxes) when rooms bookable on points are available (and up to $900+ when they are not) – making it an attractive option for when you can get a 1.8 CPP or above
• WHAT I PAID: $168.12 rate + tax / During my stay, an award booking would have been 20,000 points/night. Note that Hyatt does not charge resort/destination fees nor taxes on award stays for all World of Hyatt members

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HOTEL LOYALTY PROGRAM – STATUS PERKS / EXPERIENCE 

SERVICE EXPERIENCE 

Check-In

I had a morning flight into SAN so I arrived at the hotel around 11:30. I headed to the front desk to check-in; as in, it wasn’t “I need a room now” situation but “I want to drop off my bags before I grab lunch and explore so I might as well let you know I am here” type of check-in.

I was promptly greeted by the host and thanked for my loyalty. I was informed that with my Globalist status that I had been upgraded to a King Deluxe Room that was available now. They did not have any suites currently ready but I could be added to the queue if I would like, with the understanding that it would likely be close to check-in time for when I would get that room.

I opted for the latter, he verified the best phone number to reach me, and I was off to find some tacos. During our check-in convo, one of the things I learned was that the hotel was around 91% occupancy that weekend so I was more than pleasantly surprised when I received a text around 12:15 that my room was ready!

When I came back to the hotel later that day, a second host helped with getting my room key.

I was again thanked for being a globalist and he went into detail about what amenities the hotel had ie the rooftop outdoor pool is open year round as it is kept around 82°F (27.8°C), gym location hours. And even though I was not being charged a destination fee, he did go over what was included such as the daily local beer and wine tasting but now that I am writing this, I am bummed I missed out on asking about the Andaz tote bag!

Lastly he did a quick overview of my Globalist benefits: he proactively added a 4 PM check-out + discussed how the complimentary breakfast could be taken at the STK on the Rooftop restaurant or in my room + what the hours were. We both talked about how rare that in-room dining is included for Globalists within the US, while I rarely use that, I like having the option!

Overall Impression

When a hotel is well-managed, you often won’t notice because service is seamless and things tend to run seamlessly.

Every person that I encountered did acknowledge and thank me for my loyalty to Hyatt. My mobile key wasn’t working and I locked myself out going to the gym plus I checked out in person so this was with four different front desk agents. I bring this up because this showcases that this isn’t just an individual or two but likely boils down to management that trains and encourages employees to recognize Hyatt loyalists. The team as a whole knows what my elite level entitles me to and makes it easy for me to get those benefits which makes travel so much more rewarding and relaxing.

Quick aside on managing expectations (from someone that intimately knows the industry having worked in hotels!): As a Globalist, I typically don’t care if I get upgraded to a suite or not since I often travel solo. If I do opt for a suite (normally because these are the rooms that have nice bathtubs – IYKYK!), I know that it is likely another Globalist or VIP was in that room and will have a late check-out so I plan on not getting into my room until after the time.

ROOM

ROOM TYPE: Originally Booked: King – Complimentary Upgrade to Andaz Suite (World of Hyatt Globalist bene) / ROOM # : 329

ROOM SIZE/CONFIGURATION: The standard King room at the Andaz is 385 square feet, the King Deluxe is 400 square feet and the Andaz Suite is 515 square feet.

The Andaz suite setup includes an entryway when you walk in. On the left, there is a long bar area that has an ice bucket and glasses at one end and coffee/tea amenities on the other end. Underneath the K-cup brewer, you find your hotel safe and a small refrigerator behind a wood door.

But the odd thing is the only closet that the suite has is located in that separate area to your immediate right when you come in.

If it was a second closet, this would be great as I love having a space to hang jackets right when you walk into your hotel room. While I understand why it was done for a space and planning perspective, I personally did not care for this design choice.

As you walk further in, you come into the living / working room in a separate section of the suite. There’s a large sofa (not a sleeper sofa), marble coffee table, large workspace and 46″ flat screen TV.

In the bedroom, there is a king sized bed, another 46″ flat screen TV, a dresser underneath the TV, and nightstands on either side of the bed. The lamps on the nightstands have two outlet plugs + two USB slots which theoretically is great but ended up not being useful/functional for me (as I use a plug that can accommodate two USB-C slots it was too big to use on the lamp outlet plugs)

The bathroom has dark grey/almost black subway tiles along the walls which paired with the lights sets up a moodier vibe. A single metal sink sits atop a glass and metal vanity table. One thing I really liked is how the set-up of the adjustable light-up make-up/shaving mirror accommodates both shorter and taller persons.

The toilet and shower were partially separated from the sink area by a half wall. An adjustable, single head configuration for the shower space with only a small space for personal toiletries items. Lather branded bamboo creme scented hair wash, conditioning rinse and body wash in large bottles. The only bathroom amenities pre-placed in the sink area are hand soap and body lotion.

The bottles are representative of the room in that the wear and tear/age is showing for this property and tends to be one of the two main complaints for this hotel. For example, the outlet closest to the couch was non-functional so I couldn’t charge my laptop while working there.

Traveling solo, it didn’t bother me but I could understand how a lack of doors / clear demarcation with only half walls between the two spaces in the bathroom and bedroom + separate living room could be a mark against this suite. It would be less than ideal for those parties who book suites so one could work or watch TV and the other slept or rested.

What I didn’t love about the suite was where the suite was located in two regards.

The first was completely on me for not re-iterating my preference for a quiet room (not near an elevator and no connecting door) at check-in and then not noticing immediately. The suite shared a wall with one of the elevator banks which I hadn’t realized until I got back from dinner as I had only used the other elevators or stairs until then! I didn’t request a room move and was prepared with my ear plugs if my sleep became disturbed. I was pleasantly surprised and did not hear the elevator at all during the night.

Due to the location / view being of the interior of the hotel, the lack of light was a slight negative. But I don’t consider this too big of a deal personally as I don’t typically spend much time in hotel rooms plus there were a lot of spaces on the roof top I could hang out and work from if needed.

HOTEL AMENITIES

The information on what the hotel offered and where everything was located was easy to locate for this Andaz as you could scan the QR code in the room and there were these information sheets at the elevator landings on each floor!

SPA (No)

The property does not have a dedicated spa. The $35 daily Destination fee does entitle you to some discounts with nearby providers ie $25 Discount at Vasseur Skin Clinic & Spa Towards Facial of Guests Choice and 10% Discount on IV Drip Hydration (Offered Daily)  

FITNESS

While not sprawling, the fitness center at Andaz is functional for most travelers looking to lift as it is stocked with a small number of free weights, kettle balls, weighted medicine balls along with a single bench.

With the window in the cardio area, the gym is bright and airy making for a nice setting to get a working out in. There are treadmills, elliptical and three pieces of Peloton equipment.

This was my first time seeing a Peloton Rowing machine in a Hyatt! I really loved how this along with the two Peloton bikes had the log-in info listed on them as I have had many instances when I needed to wait for a manager the next day to get a machine up and running!

Why do I care so much? As nothing motivates me to work out besides getting more WoH points! It’s that the Hyatt and Peloton partnership is still ongoing with an easy opportunity to earn WoH points when you stay at a Hyatt and work out on a Peloton machine.

POOLS

One end of the rooftop houses the heated outdoor pool with loungers and sweeping vistas of downtown – from here, you can see how close the hotel is to PetCo stadium. The pool was a comfortable temperature for swims but the outdoor temp and slight breeze were slightly chilly once I got out of the pool!

There’s also bar service (during my winter stay, this didn’t start until 2 PM per the signs)

Cabanas are available to rent or included as part of a suite package – For this specific cabana, I should have taken this from the other side/angle but the glass door leads to a spiral staircase into the Andaz Cabana Suite.

BARS / RESTAURANTS

From the pool (or if you’re looking at the pictures of the rooftop/map of amenities moving from right to left), you will come across the first lounge area. I don’t really know what distinguishes the Rooftop by STK area vs the bars that are listed on the map as it wasn’t busy during the day and there was a corporate event the one evening I was here sooo this is more a general space.

Z Bar

To the left is the Z bar which would be the pool bar during the busier, warmer months. I spent an hour or so both days in this area writing and in the warm California sun

Rooftop Lounge Area / The Rooftop by STK

Bar in the Afternoon + Evenings

In the middle of the rooftop and what greets you when you step out from the elevator bank is this large fire pit.

The Rooftop by STK

The hotel’s signature dining scene is The Rooftop by STK, a vibrant, stylish space serving elevated American cuisine with specialty cocktails and panoramic city views.

I would imagine that it is popular in the evenings when DJs and skyline views set the mood – there’s also a few bar games scattered around the space.

Breakfast Venue in the AM

I was surprised that so many were already up and finishing breakfast when I came here right before 8 but then remembered that many were likely here on business. There are large heaters set up in the space and the wait staff were very nice in trying to seat me near them but I was fine temperature-wise and chose to sit next to the plant wall.

Breakfast menu – I forgot to ask exactly what the Globalist breakfast benefit was (some hotels/restaurants don’t include espresso drinks and/or juice and there are none to my knowledge that cover a morning cocktail).

I opted for a light start to the day after eating my weight in tacos the evening before. I will say that I made the best choice – yes, yes very basic but the avo toast was insanely good. The citrus arugula and the addition of eggs elevated the dish to the next level and the acai bowl was very well done.

Extremely happy with my breakfast and most importantly not weighed down so I was able to get a morning swim in later.

At this hotel, as a Globalist both my OJ and latte along with the two brekkie dishes were all comped along with the full tip I had written

STK Restaurant (Lobby Level)

Inside, STK Restaurant offers steakhouse classics and contemporary dishes in an atmospheric setting and is great for lunches or dinner dates without leaving the property. 

In-Room Dining

You are able to order IRD for delivery or pick up from the Rooftop

SOME OF THE TOUCHES I LOVED

One of the things that I have come to appreciate more and more as I travel (and get older) is good design. For me this is not only about aesthetics but as importantly how are things put together to make a hotel stay better, make things easier on guests.

Sometimes it is the little things and touches – solving pain points that guest have – like how to turn on the shower without it spraying all over you with a cut-out in the glass – and not having those stupid half-glass doors that allow water to get on the floor. Or even more simple – multiple hooks in the bathroom for towels and robes – why is there only one usually?!

With thought on how to use space most effectively with a communal hand washing station in the middle of the two restrooms

And again, attention to detail: a small space near the toilet to safely hold a purse, wallet or phone!

And one of my favorites was that every floor had a hydration station making it so easy to refill my bottle which luckily more and more hotels are doing!

GOOD TO KNOW

Location Matters: What to Know About San Diego’s Gas Lamp District

Andaz’s downtown setting places you right on the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter which is a 16-block historic district known for Victorian architecture, late-night bars, trendy lounges, and an energetic social scene. It’s a prime base for exploring San Diego’s nightlife, craft cocktail culture, and sporting events at nearby Petco Park. 

Walkable Highlights Nearby:

• Historic nightlife and restaurants
• Petco Park (baseball & concerts)
• Boutique shops and art galleries
• Easy trolley access to major attractions

But along with that comes some city street realities: Street noise and urban challenges typical of busy downtown nightlife districts.

✔ Who This Hotel Is Good For

• Couples & nightlife lovers: Perfect for those who want to be in the center of evening activity and dining.
• Social travelers: Great rooftop vibes, people-watching, cocktail culture.
• Business travelers: Convenient downtown walking access to venues and meetings.

❌ Who Might Want to Consider Somewhere Else

• Families seeking resort relaxation: No full spa or large pool complex plus the realities of large cities may be uncomfortable for some
• Noise-sensitive travelers: Street and rooftop nightlife will likely impact restful sleep.
• Luxury purists: I have had others warn me not to stay here as the property shows wear and may not feel as polished as newer luxury hotels.

FINAL THOUGHTS

For me, the hotel was a mixed bag as I could see some of the points for why this hotel gets a fair amount of hate for being worn down as I do agree that it is due for some remodeling. As for the noise, there were ear plugs pre-placed in the room so it’s definitely something that the hotel is aware of as well. But I also know that much of that comes by virtue of the hotel being located in a place known for its happening + boisterous nightlife and being downtown!

And I should mention that yes there are a fair number of unhoused folks around the area as I had been ‘warned about’ as they made some people uncomfortable. But I didn’t feel unsafe or threatened during my stay – I did venture out at night solo and it wasn’t frightening by any means.

Random dudes screaming at me from bars on and cars on the other hand, that made me more weary than the presence of homeless people while I was here – oh the joys of solo female traveling.

But I digress, back to the Andaz – if the price (cash or points were right), I would definitely stay here again when I am in San Diego! While it is probably not my first choice (there’s still a lot of hotels for me to check out in San Diego), the service and the rooftop area and the avocado toast do have me wanting to come back!

Have you stayed at this property – what are your thoughts on it? Or is this now on your list of places to stay?