The US Grant vs The Westgate Hotel

If you like to spend some time relaxing in a hotel pool, it’s important to know that only one of these two hotels has a pool on the property, which will make this comparison quite quick!

No Pool at The US Grant

The US Grant doesn’t have its own pool. However, if you’d like to go for a dip during your stay, the hotel has partnered with other Starwood hotels nearby to allow guests to use their pools instead.

The closest option is the beautiful and stylish Westin which is just across the road.

Swimming at The Westgate

The Westgate’s pool is on the building’s roof! I love a rooftop pool because you get to look out over San Diego and appreciate it from an all new angle while also soaking up some of that iconic San Diego sun.

Plus the pool is right next to the rooftop Crossfit-style workout at AquaVie.

Entrance to the Rooftop Pool at the Westgate Hotel

The Winner for Swimmers: The Westgate Hotel

Since The Westgate Hotel is the only hotel that has an on-site pool, it wins this comparison by default, as it’s much more convenient than leaving the property to go for a swim.

Both The US Grant and The Westgate offer guest rooms that are much more than just a place to sleep after a busy day.

Grand deluxe room, The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

Rooms & Suites at The US Grant

The US Grant is one of a handful of 5-star San Diego hotels, and it’s not hard to see why just by looking at the rooms.

Staying at The US Grant feels like you’re experiencing the best of the best. There are lots of options for those who want the deluxe treatment, including Penthouse and Presidential Suites, but even the standard Superior Guest Room is very nice and really lets you feel like you’re being pampered.

Bedroom in the Executive Suite at the Westgate Hotel

Staying at The Westgate Hotel

The Westgate offers deluxe and premier guest rooms plus an array of suites. These rooms are well-appointed and many offer great views of the city just outside the window. They’re also fairly large, starting at about 400 square feet, with even bigger suites available.

Presidential glamour suite, The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

Who Wins the Room Comparison: The US Grant

The rooms at The Westgate are very nice in their own right, and you won’t be uncomfortable staying at either hotel. But I think The US Grant’s rooms are really something special.

Both The US Grant and The Westgate Hotel benefit from being part of Downtown San Diego.

Major attractions aren’t far with public transit options like the downtown FRED Shuttle. And if you pick up a Go City San Diego pass using our discount code GVSD5OFF, you’ll save money on admission to tons of these attractions.

Seaport Village in San Diego

Setting Out from The US Grant

The major highlight of The US Grant’s location is that, as is true for many of San Diego’s historic hotels, it’s just outside of the Gaslamp Quarter. This is a popular spot for tours, including food and drink tours like the ever-popular Brothels, Bites & Booze, and it’s also got lots of bars and clubs once the sun sets.

It’s right across the street from Horton Plaza Historic Park and a bit closer to locations like East Village and the Embarcadero along the Marina, which houses major attractions including the Seaport Village shopping center.

There’s also the USS Midway Museum, which any history lover staying at The US Grant is sure to love.

Hiking the trails of the Desert Garden Path at Balboa Park

Navigating What’s Around The Westgate

You can reach many of San Diego’s biggest attractions from The Westgate, from the museums of Balboa Park to the coast of the San Diego Bay.

It’s a bit closer to the San Diego Civic Theatre and right nearby other arts venues such as Spreckels Theatre and Balboa Theatre.

The Beautiful Bayfront Seaport Village

Our Choice for the Better Location: The US Grant

It’s a tight race given how close these two hotels are to each other, but since it’s a bit closer to the Gaslamp Quarter, we’ll name The US Grant as our winner here!

To elevate your stay, don’t miss out on the popular amenities offered by these hotels, starting of course with their incredible restaurant options.

Fitness center, The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

Amenities at The Grant

As a 5-star hotel, The US Grant has similarly top-quality amenities. Its restaurants are excellent, especially the historic Grant Grill Lounge. I can say from personal experience that if you have a special occasion or really want to treat yourself, it’s one of the best spots for fine dining in the city!

Other amenities include Rendezvous Bar, a dedicated Spa Suite, a fitness center, and the ability to book excursions through the front desk.

Indoor Gym Cardio Machines at the Westgate Hotel

Westgate Amenities

The standout attraction at The Westgate is, for me, the afternoon tea which is served in the lobby.

There’s also dining at the aforementioned stunning rooftop pool, plus the Aqua Vie Spa and a full gym.

Piano in the Grant Grill at the US Grant in San Diego

Our Pick: The US Grant

Combined with The US Grant’s other amenities, the Grant Grill is not to be missed and gives the hotel a leg up over the competition.

Beautiful View of the US Grant in San Diego

As we’ve said from the beginning, our team loves both of these hotels. You can’t go wrong with a 4 or 5-star property in the heart of Downtown San Diego, but we have to pick a winner in the battle of two of San Diego’s premier luxury hotels!

For our team, it’s The US Grant! Not only is it historic, but it flawlessly embodies its promise of 5-star accommodations.