The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The valet service appeared quite overwhelmed, perhaps requiring additional staff. Other amenities provided a satisfactory experience during the stay. Guest rooms offered a cozy atmosphere, though space was somewhat limited. Despite the room size, the comfortable accommodations were appreciated. Overall, the stay presented a mix of positive and less ideal aspects.

a week ago

Cute hotel and bar. Has that 1920’s art deco style throughout. Room was small but had a lot of character, the bathroom was spacious and the aesthetic was cool! The service at the bar/restaurant was great, and the location of the hotel is super convenient. Definitely a great option for a boutique hotel in downtown SD.

a week ago

First, the positive aspects: The staff were pleasant, the mattress was very comfortable, the bathroom is spacious and the room was clean. It is located very close to the tourist area(s) and the marina. What I found to be unenjoyable: This was probably one of the strangest and atmospherically uncomfortable hotels I’ve ever stayed at, honestly. It’s very old (originally built in the 1920s) but was restored in 2019. (I did not know this when I booked it since it was booked through an agency and not by me directly.) The overall vibe is very “hipster-ish” and oddly minimal. It looks like 2012 Mumford & Sons were the interior decorators. I did not care for or enjoy this overdone, tired and uncomfortable aesthetic at all. The location of it isn’t the best, either. It’s definitely not worth the price point. The downstairs bar and outside patio area are VERY loud, and I could hear the celebrations that were being had up until about 11-11:30pm. The bar area isn’t closed off or off in another section; you walk in and are almost immediately standing in the bar. If you have heavy bags, you will need help. There is no ramp and the steps up to the front are a little steep and there are several. The elevator is so slow, and you have to press the buttons several times. The container of “fruit infused” water (it was water with orange slices floating around in it) they had set out all day was leaking everywhere. There was no view from my room. I was staring directly at the industrial components of the hotel. There was also a very potent and distinct sulphur smell that came and went frequently in my room. I’m not sure what that was but it was smelly. So was the highly perfumed cleaner/deodorizer they use. It’s so potent that my clothes smelled like it when I returned from my trip. If you’re not accustomed to interactions with homeless populations, the location of this hotel may be uncomfortable. I did not experience this when visiting others in the larger hotels there, and believe this may have been due to this hotel being right off of the sidewalk and at street level. Conclusion: Needless to say, it was an experience that I don’t care to repeat again! While it isn’t the worst, it is far from the best. There are a plethora of more modern, safer and pleasant hotels in the area to stay at. I’ll definitely find something in this price range with better amenities and facilities the next time my travels lead me to this area.

a week ago

My wife and I followed my alma mater (Syracuse -- GO ORANGE!!!) to the Holiday Bowl, and we booked the Guild. It ended up being perfect for our needs! Great location -- right by light rail and Amtrak, and the stop for the 992 bus line to and from the airport (best way to get between downtown and the airport -- trust me on this!) is also very close by. It's within easy walking distance to Little Italy, the Gaslamp District, and the waterfront. Also loved the architecture of the repurposed YMCA. And it didn't break the bank! My main issue was with the entrance steps; they were hard on my creaky knees. I didn't see a wheelchair ramp, so just a heads-up if you are mobility challenged. But otherwise, we had a great stay! I'm not sure when or if we'll be out in San Diego again, but if we are, we will definitely stay here again!

2 months ago

I had the greatest time at The Guild. The building is beautiful. The interior is classical and modern at the same time. People are so kind, the atmosphere is warm and cozy. Best cocktails ever in San Diego. |Jose and Leo at the front desk were really friendly. |Special thanks to Lauren, Erika, Sidney, Donna and Bryan who made my visit a delightful experience.|I surely hope to come back soon

2 months ago

Whoever worked as doorman, front desk, restaurant, and the cafe in 1.5-7 all deserve a promotion and bonus. All these folks gave me a happy vibe and great service. I had a really nice time at SD and would love to visit back in the same hotel. Hotel room good; bathroom style love it; designer has great taste on design room and lobby. Got the free admission to museum. Walk distance to Amtrak train station. Anyway I recommend this hotel especially you are AMEX card holder

a month ago

Very nice hotel, very clean, great service. Dropping 1-star due to the lack of parking. The hotel has zero lobby area for vehicles. You must park on the public street to drop luggage or valet. All the spots were full and we had to park in a public garage behind the hotel (on same block). If you take India street side (walking) as you exit the parking garage, there is a side entrance to the hotel. Hotel staff was waiting there to let us in (see picture)(but this is not always the case). Otherwise you have to walk around the building to the front steps to enter the hotel. Otherwise the hotel was fantastic.

3 weeks ago

The Guild is a wonderful restoration of a historic property. It spent its original life as a YMCA. The lobby is welcoming although up a steep flight of steps. (There is a ramp entrance on the Columbia Street side of the building.) Staff is truly outstanding, particularly Toms, the Director of Operations. Rooms are on the smallish side, but with nice amenities including lots of outlets. What the rooms are lacking are minifridges and coffee makers. (Fridges may be available on request). The Guild Bar serves as the "dining room" (Very limited seating). There is an outdoor courtyard which looks very nice, but was unavailable for dining during our stay as the staff could not get the heaters to work. The property is extremely well maintained, Staff is very accommodating. Location is close to Little Italy, waterfront, gaslight district, trolley and all downtown attractions.

2 months ago