February Visit - Francesca Stafford
February 21 -23, 2010 was my first time visit at the US Grant Hotel. I'd chose to visit San Diego for my birthday and take in some of the museums in Balbo Park as well as Old town and other local sites. Not wanting to stay at one of the generic chain hotels, without a car and traveling on my own. I decided to go on line and check out various web sites and consumer reviews of the top rated San Diego Hotels. Intrigued by what was said about the Grant, plus its' location and proximity to public transportation my selection was made. The reviews were not exaggerated. My arrival was very early morning yet the bell staffs greeting was courteous, welcoming, chipper and helpful without hovering. At the front desk I requested an early check in and water view. Being that the US Grants is a downtown location most of the rooms have a city view however the front desk assured me, every effort would be made to accommodate me. Leaving my cell phone number and checked bags with bell service. I went off for some breakfast and to check out the nearby Gaslamp district. Around 11am a call from the front desk letting me know my room was ready. The room was as requested, great city view with a partial harbor view. The rooms decor had a feeling of old world charm yet contemporary sophistication. Wood floors covered with a deep pile Plush Parisian rug, high ceilings with crown molding a large pen and ink artistic headboard invites you to dive onto the beds soft duvet or just take a minuet to sit back in a high back chair and drink in the room. The bath area is equally inviting, with marble shower floors, curved porcelain sink, granite counters and ambient lighting. This room is on the front corner of the hotel so it gets all the downtown traffic noise, I enjoyed my first night in this room taking in the sunset. Because of the noise and my being a light sleeper a request to move to an interior room was necessary. The hotel was very understanding and found me a great room for my next two nights. My entire experience with the staff and the hotel was wonderful. Dining at the Grill was marvelous, the halibut was scrumptious. I want to particularly applaud the personnel that I found exceptional, Bell Service Sam for the ease of moving my things to the new room and pointing out many of the hotels fixtures such as the crystal chandeliers, second floor art and lower ballroom, Front Desk Maria for making the effort to find the room that suited my request, Concierge Mark for suggestions on thing to do in the area, providing maps and guides to information on access to transit, Engineering Marvine who got my room phone working, Cliff whose official position at the hotel I don't know, gave me a walking historical tour which really pointed out the nuance of the background and inspiration for The US Grant Hotel, former visitors and its place in the history of San Diego as well as its future plans. A special thanks to Marcie at the Grill restaurant from the birthday cake. I truly was treated like a family guest and look forward to my next stay and will definitely recommend the US Grant to family and friends. Sincerely,
