During our recent trip to San Diego, we got to experience one of downtown’s more unique hotels. From the moment we pulled up to the Sofia Hotel, where we were greeted curbside by a friendly valet, the charming mix of old and new was abundant.
Born of a $16 million renovation of San Diego’s historic Pickwick Hotel, the Sofia Hotel has an exceptionally decorated lobby with classic, old-world charm and a smartly-dressed staff who were pleasant, helpful, and efficient. Check-in was very smooth and in no time we were settling into our room. The spacious room offered a living room complete with a couch, chairs, desk, table, drawers, and a television.
Efficiently designed and comfortably appointed with a chic tone, the luxuries were in the detail. Our suite had an updated, modern bathroom with a unique layout in that the sink and counter were in the throughway to the bedroom, opposite a shower and toilet chamber enclosed by a space-saving sliding door. Fine linen, with plush pillows made for a comfortable night’s rest. Gilchrist & Soames spa products and toiletries made even quick showers a delightful experience.
The suite also included a microwave and a miniature fridge that came in handy during our four-day stay. The bedroom also had television as well as a safe for storage of valuables. While the TVs were a bit smaller than in some other hotels they offered a wide range of channels including both free and on-demand movie channels and local information channels.
Dining options were abundant as not only did the hotel offer its own bar and restaurant, the Currant Brasserie, but there were numerous restaurants as well as shopping options within an easy walk of the hotel. The Currant has been rated the best French Bistro in town and each evening offers an amazing specialty popcorn. I had expected it to be simply new seasonings and was happy to experience, meat, cheese, and other delights when it arrived. The hotel also offers spa services and the 24-hour Harkishan Yoga Studio and Health Center provides yoga mats and a surround sound system and an on-call yoga instructor is available. The pet-friendly hotel also partners with Dogs and the City to offer pet care services such as grooming or in-room pet sitting.
I strongly suggest taking advantage of the local area station on the in-room cable service as I learned about some great venues in the area as well as a famous pancake restaurant which has garnered national praise.
While parking downtown can be a bit of an issue the Sofia offers valet parking at $30 a day. The valet service was extremely efficient and helpful and a couple of times provided directions that were even better than our GPS could provide. There are also numerous lots in the surrounding blocks which offer numerous options for guests.
The hotel charges a resort fee of $12.00 per day which includes complimentary Internet access as well as other amenities such as bottled water. Since this was a working trip, I was extremely grateful to have reliable access to the Internet and a comfy room in which to unwind after an extremely long day in a city that offers countless activities.
Sadly our time went by very quickly but we were given and very friendly and prompt check out, and the reception desk even offered us coupons to a local dining facility. From a great room and very friendly staff, we cannot wait for a return visit to this charming hotel.
