Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, a move to Arizona was an extremely difficult decision to make. Aside from leaving most of my family behind, I’d also be leaving the beautiful Cascade Mountains, lush greenery and most importantly, easy access to the ocean.
One year later, I still miss Washington’s mountains and trees, but an easy 5 hour drive to San Diego keeps my love of the “big water” sated. And it doesn’t hurt that San Diego, whether overcast or sunny, is always a fun place to explore. On a recent trek to get our fill of the Pacific, we stayed at the Manchester Grand Hyatt where, according to their website, “the best of San Diego is right outside” their door.
From our room on the 22nd floor, the best of San Diego was right outside our window. I fell in love with the view of San Diego Bay and at night was delighted by the colorful city skyline. The room was a corner unit with a wrap-around view of the bay and the city. With a king-sized bed, a richly appointed room with a gorgeous view and a bathroom full of amenities (including toothpaste!) and a comfortable robe, I was content to stay in and just indulge in a little bit of relaxing luxury.
But breakfast called and we made our way to Lael’s, one of the hotel’s elegant restaurants. In a spacious dining room fit for royalty, a sumptuous breakfast buffet awaited that offered fruits, French toast, bacon, sausages, bagels, pastries, oatmeal with all kinds of toppings and an omelet bar with numerous ingredients to customize your meal. Our server was a delightful and entertaining gentleman who kept our glasses filled with fresh-squeezed orange juice and our coffee cups warmed with strong, bold coffee.
To walk off your breakfast, take a walk to roam Seaport Village. The Gaslamp Quarter is also a short hike from the hotel. The Manchester Grand Hyatt is also just down the street from the San Diego Convention Center, and my husband and I joked about maybe lining up now to be first to get into one of the San Diego Comicon panels. Petco Park, the San Diego Zoo, the Midway Museum and Coronado Island are nearby attractions. We took a quick drive to SeaWorld to enjoy the park’s newest ride, The Manta.
After a long day playing tourist, guests can recover nicely by booking an appointment at Kin Spa to be pampered and rejuvenated with a massage and/or facial at the spa facility in the hotel. The spa offers services for both men and women, or you and your significant other can unwind by turning on the 46” flat screen TV. If you must work, the hotel offers high-speed internet access for a fee, available in all guest rooms and in the Grand Lobby Bar or Redfield’s Sports Bar. Also for a fee are a full range of services from faxing, photocopying, to charger rentals in the hotel’s business center.
Whether you’re traveling for pleasure or business, the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego is definitely the hotel that can accommodate both easily, keeping you productive and feeling pampered at the same time. To check out their latest specials, visit www.manchestergrandhyatt.com.
