The Horton Plaza, owned by the Westfield Retail Property Group, is one of the main shopping centers in San Diego. Based off Broadway in downtown, the Horton Plaza plays host to over 130 stores including the well-known Abercrombie and Fitch, Banana Republic, Gap, Macy's and Victoria's Secret. There are also 24 food outlets. Given Horton Plaza's location, a large number of hotels are situated within a mile, affording travelers excellent access to the shopping center, as well as the best of downtown San Diego.
Situated a tenth of a mile from the Horton Plaza on Broadway, The Sofia Hotel is one of the closest places to stay for Plaza visitors. Inducted into the National Trust for Historic Hotels of America, the hotel's history dates back to the early 20th century. Guests at The Sofia can dine at the Currant brasserie, serving contemporary American cuisine with tables both inside and out. Nearby eateries include Daisie's bar and bistro, St. Tropez bakery and bistro and the Westin Gaslamp Quarter, each within five minutes walk. Guests staying at The Sofia Hotel are well-placed to explore the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District and to visit Croce's restaurant and jazz bar, winner of the 2010 Lamplighter award for favorite entertainment, to enjoy some smooth jazz with a meal.
The AAA four-diamond-rated Westgate Hotel offers travelers an upmarket luxury accommodation within five minutes walk of the Westfield Horton Plaza. The hotel's grand lobby is an indication of the overall hotel decor, with elegant marble flooring, 18th-century tapestries, bronze sculptures, Baccarat crystal chandeliers and a Steinway grand piano. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the hotel's Westgate Room promises a "modern twist on classic cuisine" and was voted "Best Seafood restaurant" in the city by the San Diego reader magazine. The hotel's Plaza Bar was also voted "Best Piano Bar" by the same publication, and has an interesting range of cocktails available. Nearby eateries include the U.S. Grant, serving American cuisine, and Joey's Smoking Barbecue, each within five minutes walk.
Se San Diego Hotel is located half a mile away from the Horton Plaza shopping center, and leaves travelers near to the 1,200-acre Balboa Park, with its entertainment, museums and fresh green space. Se San is a luxury accommodation bedecked with Brazilian walnut floors, Zen-inspired furnishings and Jerusalem-bone bathrooms. Modern European-style breakfasts, a luxury spa and an around-town chauffeur service add to visitors' experience at Se San, which was named on the Conde Nast Traveler 2009 hot list. Luxury lunch and dinners are also provided from the hotel's Suite and Tender restaurant, with authentic American cuisine, while guests enjoy use of the Siren rooftop bar and lounge with its diverse cocktails served in an open air setting. The nearby House of Blues offers alternative dining, with Southern-inspired cuisine accompanied by live blues music.
The Pacifica Hotel is located on 1st Avenue, two minutes walk from Horton Plaza, and offers guests budget accommodation in downtown San Diego. This family-run venue has limited facilities, and does not offer any food. As such, guests will need to use the nearby Fiesta Mexican Grille, Royal Asian Fusion and Athens Market Taverna. Dependent on the weather, get some fresh air with your food and buy a picnic to eat in Pantoja Park, two miles away, or overlooking San Diego Bay from Embarcadero Marina Park, two and a half miles from the hotel. For a family day out, visit San Diego Zoo or the Space Museum in Balboa Park. Those looking to stretch their legs can play a round of 18 at the Balboa Park Municipal golf course.
