When The Guild Hotel opened in the summer of 2019, it made quite a splash downtown. A local landmark since 1924, with a lovingly restored façade the Italian Renaissance-inspired former Army-Navy YMCA turned into one of San Diego’s most glamorous new hotels. For the interiors, the owner tapped Swedish-born LA-based designer Sormeh Rienne to work her magic across the 162-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio property. The result was a chic Paris-meets-the-Cote-D’Azur kind of affair that paid homage to the building’s storied past with historical touches (think vintage décor and black and white photographs) alongside more modern Scandi-chic accents.
Visit SDMA for Free
Thanks to GM Onal Kucuk's push for cultural collaborations with local museums and galleries, The Guild Hotel recently partnered with the San Diego Museum of Art (Masters of Photography: The Garner Collection opens November 20), with two tickets a major perk of the property’s new $25 nightly destination amenity fee. In addition, overnight self-parking (a no-brainer when considering downtown’s tedious parking situation), complimentary daily morning coffee or tea service, and a $25 food and beverage credit, plus access to rental bikes, are also included.
Sip Roaring 20s-inspired Cocktails
At The Guild Bar, a just-released fall cocktail menu riffs on the “Roaring 20s” with eight new drinks designed by lead bartender Robert Chacon and bar consultant Lee Zaremba. Stories from San Diego’s history served as inspiration for the lineup, with The Dew Drop being a particular standout. Made in honor of an infamous local speakeasy that went up in flames at the height of prohibition, it’s said when the fire department arrived on the scene they cracked open a cooler, and finding a perfectly sealed bottle of bourbon encased in ice, got drunk and watched the bar burn to the ground instead. The cocktail’s key ingredient, bourbon, pays homage to the tale and is accompanied by ginger, lime, sugar, allspice dram and pomegranate.
Hideaway Outside Spaces
While there are plenty of communal spaces in the lobby – including a cozy nook anchored by a handsome blue velvet custom sofa – thanks to San Diego’s often 70 degrees and sunny climes, guests and visitors can enjoy cocktails and conversation alfresco at The Guild. Step outside and sit among the olive and Carolina Laurel cherry trees on The Grace Garden or gather with friends beside the fireplace in the courtyard for happy hour.
A Showstopping Penthouse Suite
With its private rooftop lounge and discreet elevator entry, The Guild’s two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath penthouse suite is a showstopper. Although thanks to its historic floor-to-ceiling arched windows and velvet drapes, the Artisan Room is another solid choice. No matter which of the six room styles guests plump for, all feature Stearns & Foster beds and Garnier-Thiebaut linens, plus luxe bath amenities by Maison Margiela Paris. They’re also tastefully accented with original works commissioned from local artists that nod to the hotel’s Army-Navy roots.
The Guild Hotel, San Diego, A Tribute Hotel is located at 500 W Broadway.
All photos courtesy of The Guild Hotel/Dylan & Jenni
