HOTEL REPUBLIC SAN DIEGO: The BEST Boutique Luxury Hotel in Downtown San Diego

By Danny R. Johnson 

THE BASICS AND LOCATION

Hotel Republic San Diego, an Autograph Collection by Marriott, officially opened its doors on November 8, 2017, in downtown San Diego as part of Autograph Collection Hotels’ diverse portfolio of more than 125 hotels around the world –all one – of a kind properties that showcases the unique and rich decorative and exceptional amenities from the rest of the boutique hotels in the area. Located at 421 West B Street, San Diego, California, the 19 story property is set in the business district, four blocks from the popular Horton Plaza Mall, and just a short distance from the internationally famous Gaslamp Quarters, where you will find well over 75 or more restaurants and entertainment venues.

Hotel Republic San Diego is all about service and surrounding the guest with an incomparable experience you will not find anywhere else. The adventure starts the very moment you park in front of the hotel with the valet service. The valet attendants professionally escorted me from my vehicle and opened the door; as you enter the building – you are immediately swept away and immersed in the sheer beauty and majesties’ of the open space lobby.

THE ROOMS

Our over-sized guest room feature state-of-the-art technology, attention to details sure to please any discriminating interior designer. The room was luxuriously styled with elegant touches like warm and rich wood, beautifully decorated curtains and accessories, and picture-perfect views of the surrounding downtown skyline. No matter which room style you choose, count on the utmost in comfort and discretion. Our luxury corner executive room had the usual suspects – large flat-screen TV which is hooked up to receive NETFLIX, PANDORA, YOUTUBE, and access to high-speed Internet ($12.95 for 24 hours); however, free for Marriott Rewards Platinum and Gold members. The plush king-size bed was comfortable and maintained its elasticity throughout my four days at the hotel. In addition to a concealed miniature refrigerator, the room was equipped with an upgraded premium Keurig coffee maker with several flavors of coffee for those coffee affectionate who must have their coffee around the clock. The room has a few seating niches that affords guests the opportunity to entertain as well as relax.

ROOM SERVICE

One of the bright spots of the hotel’s 24-hour service was the attention the hotel devotes to its guest. It was in the wee hours of the morning and I noticed I accidently forgot to bring my shaving kit. I called the front desk to see if they had any available. It must have been no more than 15 minutes after I placed the request, the room service personnel delivered my shaving kit. Quite impressive I might add and the contents included more AVEDA lotions and creams!

THE FOOD

Executive Chef Amol Thanky (San Francisco: The St. Regis, Restaurant Gary Danko), has created an assortment of flavors from Latin America and Southeast Asia, combined with New York flare and California’s local treasures, which make up the menus offered at Hotel Republic San Diego’s three signature restaurants: Patio Marketplace, Trade, and Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar, are a collection of distinct restaurants with a common thread of excellence thanks to Chef Thanky and his talented staff.

Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar provides an elegant setting and dinner dishes are market driven and feature light and bright small plates to be enjoyed and shared, plus vegan and vegetarian specialties such as grain bowls. Hotel Republic’s open-air third-floor terrace restaurant and lounge takes full advantage of San Diego’s perfect year round climate; situated above the hustling and bustling of downtown with a Southern California inspired food and drink menu that will please any hard to please and demanding guest. My party of five had a delightful meal while taking in the city views and enjoying signature drinks from the bar, which concluded for an evening of mixing and mingling around the fire pit.

TRADE is perfectly situated in the lobby of Hotel Republic San Diego and welcomes patrons upon arrival – is a stylish and vivacious 57-seat restaurant and cocktail bar offering a selection of daily dining options including lunch, happy hour, and dinner. According to the hotel’s management, “…Trade aims to celebrate San Diego’s unique gastronomic identity—influenced by the city’s abundance of local farms, easy access to fresh fish and crustaceans from the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez, and proximity to Mexico.” After sampling several of the restaurants’ signature entrees, I can attest that the restaurant is well on its way to accomplishing its objectives. Lively, passionate and personal, this cocktail lounge is the perfect accompaniment to Hotel Republic San Diego. Slip into this stylish bar any time of day for your favorite appetizers and craft cocktails.

THE PATIO MARKETPLACE

With seating for up to 46 guests, The Patio Marketplace caters to the business office environment of downtown San Diego. The marketplace provides quick-service and healthy dining options, as well as full-service dining in its street-side bistro setting. I ate breakfast and lunch there – which consisted of a daily rotating breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu offers freshly pre-packaged to-go items, a selection of bowls, sandwiches, and plates prepared a la minute, alongside an expansive coffee bar featuring The Patio Group’s Swell brand coffee, fresh pressed juices, local kombucha, craft beer, and wines by the glass. There’s always something delicious to be had in the marketplace, from homemade pastries to unique light bites and afternoon tea. In the evening, enjoy Chef Thanky’s special penne pasta creation or simply order a perfectly prepared signature burgers or specialty sandwiches. Don’t miss the decadent desserts; pair them with one of their specially curated sweet or fortified wines for a nightcap to remember

BOTTOM LINE

The perfect embellishments for your stay at Hotel Republic San Diego is to indulge in all the hotel has to offer. This hotel is undoubtedly the BEST boutique hotel in downtown San Diego and no establishment comes even close to having that distinction. The selling points of this weathered bayside boutique hotel extend to the superb customer service, the daily happy hour receptions, exceptional service and food menus in all three of its signature restaurants — and of course the spacious and luxurious rooms. Room rates start at $219 per night. For more information on Hotel Republic San Diego, you can visit www.hotelrepublicsd.com