Cruising out of San Diego, California? Here are three highly recommended hotels.
- The Ivy Hotel. Metrosexual to the max. This design hotel in the gentrified Gaslamp area is close to
Rooms at the Ivy Hotel in San Diego are metrosexual to the max!
all the shopping of Horton Plaza, and just a short ride to the gay zone of Hillcrest. Rooms are over-the-top chic. My junior suite had large, flat screen TVs in both rooms. Super comfy beds. The rooftop patio includes a bar with dazzling views, a lap pool (did someone say muscle boys sunbathing…yes, they were there), a fire pit, and on weekend evenings, the coolest dudes and chics San Diego can offer. Several gay pals and I took over the bar one weeknight, and the coversation was 100% “out.” The bartender (likely straight) was right in on it. Fun.
- Best for: Luxury, pampering, exclusivity
- Gay-friendly: VERY
- Distance to cruise pier: 1 mile (walkable with no luggage)
- Distance to airport: 2.5 miles
- Secret tip 1: Call the concierge, request to be driven around downtown in their Escalade. It’s free, you just need to tip. Cruise pier is included. When possible, they’ll even drive you outside the free zone.
- Extra touch: if you forgot your condoms, they have a “love pack” in the minibar
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- Holiday Inn on the Bay. Yes, It’s just a Holiday Inn. But the location cannot be beat! This sprawling hotel complex is quite literally across the street from the cruise ship terminal. Fly in, sleep, walk your bags across the street, sail. It couldn’t be easier. Nothing terribly gay about it, but one of the world’s most convenient port hotels.
- Best for: Quick overnighter, walk to ship
- Gay friendly: we felt comfortable, although the chain is family-focused
- Distance to cruise pier: 0.1 mile (they offer park ‘n cruise packages)
- Distance to airport: 2.7 miles
- Secret tip: request a room facing the water, get up early and watch your ship sail in!
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- Park Manor Suites. On our recent San Diego trip, some of our group stayed at this spot and quite
The Park Manor Suites is super gay-friendly, and close to Hillcrest
liked it. It’s a plenty-nice property, and very gay friendly–a member of IGLTA. Rooms are spacious enough, and it’s just across the street from Balboa Park if you want to go jogging or explore the amazing Spanish Colonial architecture of the park.
- Best for: near Hillcrest (SD’s gay village), 0.7 mile, an easy walk.
- Gay friendly: they usually fly a rainbow flag and belong to IGLTA.
- Distance to cruise pier: 2.2 miles
- Distance to airport: 3.2 miles
- Secret tip: request a room facing the park–it’s an amazing view! Plus, be sure to check their site’s “specials” page.
