Horton Grand Hotel San Diego Exterior photo

Key details

About the Hotel

311 Island Avenue, San Diego, 92101

Close to the Gaslamp Quarter

Great

8.6

8.8

/10

4.3

3.9

Loved by Horton Grand Hotel guests

Comfy beds

Clean room

Historic hotel

Great location

Nice touch

"The stay came with 2 free well drinks from the bar, Salt and Whiskey."

Kristen from United States

read full review

"The rooms were spacious, very clean and properly appointed."

kevingV6713VG from United States

read full review

"The building is a gorgeous classic hotel with a beautiful interior courtyard."

Michael

read full review

Historic boutique hotel in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter

Dining & Entertainment

The on-site restaurant Salt & Whiskey serves local cuisine with live entertainment Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Guests receive complimentary drink tickets at check-in and 20% off dinner at the restaurant. The bar closes at 10 PM, and the 24-hour gift shop offers snacks and souvenirs.

Rooms & Suites

Each guestroom includes period Victorian-style furnishings and a gas burning fireplace. Some rooms offer a private balcony overlooking the courtyard or city streets. The renovated Premier Suite features luxury amenities and a balcony view.

Location

The hotel is located 4 blocks from the San Diego Convention Center and Petco Park. Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are within a 10-minute drive. Guests can walk to over 100 restaurants and bars in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Business & Meetings

The hotel offers meeting venues that can accommodate up to 240 guests. A 24-hour business center provides complimentary computer use and fax/photocopying services. Accessible rooms and facilities are available for guests with disabilities.

History & Amenities

The Horton Grand Hotel is one of San Diego's oldest hotels, dating to the 1880s. Dedicated historical storytelling events and Victorian architecture are part of the guest experience. The hotel includes a fitness center, valet parking, and a courtyard with outdoor furniture.

Highlights

History: One of San Diego's first hotels (1880s)

Dining: Salt & Whiskey with live jazz Thu-Sat

Rooms: Gas fireplaces and period furnishings

Location: 4 blocks from Convention Center and Petco Park

Business: Meeting space for up to 240 guests

Perks: Complimentary drink tickets and 24-hour gift shop

“Stepping into this hotel is like entering a preserved chapter of San Diego's past, nestled perfectly in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. The Victorian architecture, combined with modern comforts, creates a distinctive atmosphere; the on-site dining, complete with live jazz, offers an authentic taste of local culture. For those seeking both charm and convenience, this boutique hotel presents a unique experience, especially with its accessibility features and proximity to attractions like Petco Park.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

View our interactive map

Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingValet Ease

Valet parking made our arrival seamless. They whisked our car away and retrieved it quickly every time. A real time saver!

Ricardo from Spain

Review on

Room FeaturesBalcony Bliss

The balcony overlooking the courtyard was a highlight, perfect for morning coffee and evening relaxation. The fireplace added warmth.

Mei from China

Review on

DiningWhiskey & Salt

The restaurant had a great atmosphere, live music and delicious local draft ale. Drinks were good, service was a little slow.

Hans from Netherlands

Review on

BedroomRestful Nights

The bed was incredibly comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. I loved the unique military-style presentation of the tucked-in covers.

Jane from Australia

Review on

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included

Standard King Room
2 persons
305 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
2 Queen Beds
2 persons
360 sq. feet
2 Queen Size Beds
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
1 King Bed Balcony
2 persons
305 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details

Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

Facilities: Great

8.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
On-site car park
Handicap parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
ATM/Cash machine
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Services

Valet parking
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Shops/Commercial services
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Sink

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At the Horton Grand Hotel, dining embodies warmth and authenticity with a touch of sophistication. Guests can unwind at Salt & Whiskey, where classic American flavors meet a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings or romantic evenings.

Horton Grand Hotel San Diego Restaurant photo

Salt & Whiskey

American

Ambiance

Family-friendly and romantic, perfect for various occasions, set within the historic charm of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Key Offerings

Signature cocktails paired with hearty American classics, ideal for dinner and cocktail hour.

Reservation

Recommended for dinner and cocktail hour.

Monday to Friday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

Horton Grand Hotel Location

311 Island Avenue, San Diego, 92101

Map view

City landmarks

Museum

USS Midway Museum

1.0 mi

Zoo

San Diego Zoo

1.9 mi

Mall

Seaport Village

3800 ft

Landmark

Petco Park

3300 ft

Convention Centre

San Diego Convention Center

2100 ft

Theatre

Spreckels Theatre

2800 ft

Bridge

Coronado Bridge

1.4 mi

Theatre

Copley Symphony Hall

3900 ft

Train Station

Santa Fe Depot

4900 ft

Museum

Maritime Museum of San Diego

1.3 mi

Mall

The Headquarters at Seaport

2600 ft

Museum

San Diego Museum of Man

1.6 mi

Park

Embarcadero Marina Park South

3500 ft

Landmark

The Unconditional Surrender

4800 ft

Library

San Diego Central Library

2400 ft

Monument

Little Italy

1.2 mi

Nearby

Theatre

Horton Grand Theater

300 ft

Mall

Horton Plaza Park

1700 ft

Museum

The New Children's Museum

1100 ft

Mall

Westfield Horton Plaza

1600 ft

Museum

Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House Museum

300 ft

Museum

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

400 ft

Harbor Drive & G Street

U.S.S. San Diego Memorial

1100 ft

715 J St

Bub's at the Ballpark

1300 ft

Night club

FLUXX Nightclub

200 ft

Restaurants

The Dubliner

400 ft

554 Fourth Ave

Las Hadas Grill

400 ft

558 4th Ave

The Lazy Hippo

500 ft

416 3rd Ave

The Whiskey House

500 ft

420 3rd Ave Between Island Avenue & J St in East Village

Tabac

400 ft

589 3rd Ave

The Field Irish Pub

700 ft

544 Fifth Avenue

Royal India

600 ft

329 Market St

Market St. Bar & Grill

700 ft

329 Market St

Searsucker

900 ft

611 5th Ave

Blarney Stone Pub

400 ft

502 5th Ave

Explore San Diego

USS Midway Museum

20 minutes' walk

An aircraft carrier turned museum featuring naval aircraft. Offers audio tours and exhibitions detailing naval history.

San Diego Zoo

30 minutes' walk

World-renowned zoo containing over 3,500 animals and lush landscapes. Great for families with numerous exhibits and shows.

Seaport Village

14 minutes' walk

A waterfront shopping and dining complex with unique boutiques. Features beautiful views of the marina and live performances.

Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House

5 minutes' walk

The oldest house in San Diego, offering insights into the city's history. Guided tours available showcasing local heritage.

Biking along the Embarcadero

13 minutes' walk

Rent a bike to ride along the scenic waterfront. Ideal for thrill-seekers and offers bike rental shops nearby.

Yoga at Pantoja Park

5 minutes' walk

Relax in this peaceful park. Often hosts outdoor yoga sessions, perfect for stress relief and scenic views.

The Dubliner

2 minutes' walk

An Irish pub known for its casual atmosphere and hearty fare. Signature dishes include shepherd's pie and fish 'n' chips.

The Whiskey House

2 minutes' walk

A whiskey bar featuring over 1,500 varieties. Offers a cozy vibe and modern American dishes with a whiskey twist.

The Headquarters at Seaport

10 minutes' walk

An open-air shopping and entertainment center with lively events. Offers family-friendly activities and unique shops.

Balboa Theatre

15 minutes' walk

A historic venue showcasing concerts and performances. Regularly hosts family-friendly shows and musical events.

Tips on navigating the city

City Centre
San Diego 24 min · 1.2 mi
Airports
San Diego International (SAN) 8 min · 3.3 mi
El Cajon (CJN) 37 min · 15.2 mi
Train
Santa Fe Depot 12 min · 3300 ft
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 700 ft

Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway

Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Year renovated:

2011

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

132

Former name

The Horton Grand Hotel and Suites

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Horton Grand Hotel, rich in history, provides a unique experience reminiscent of the late 19th century. Its location is ideal for many, with the convention center being within walking distance, about 5 minutes away, and various restaurants and the bay area easily accessible. Many rooms feature balconies, a detail that guests appreciate; however, some have noted that the rooms lack a refrigerator and microwave.

Review score

Based on 3 verified reviews

8.2 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Location

9.6/10

Staff

9.1/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.2/10

Value for money

8.3/10

Pros

Vintage bar

Complimentary cocktails

Friendly staff

Valet services

Central location

Cons

Low water pressure

Expensive parking

Street noise

Thin windows

Georgina from United Kingdom

Business traveller

Standard King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 21, 2026

8.5/10

historical charm and attentive service

helpful staff drink coupons easy access

the staff was helpful and accommodating. i needed assistance with printing documents and the front desk quickly arranged it. i also received complimentary drink coupons for the bar, a very nice touch! the location was perfect, with access to nearby attractions.

the walls seemed a bit thin, and i occasionally heard noise from neighboring rooms.

Rooms

9/10

my room included a comfortable king-sized bed and a spacious wardrobe. the air conditioning worked effectively, maintaining a consistent temperature. in addition, the room had a writing desk and a chair for working comfortably.

Dining

8/10

the hotel bar provided a relaxed atmosphere, with a wide selection of cocktails. the restaurant offered convenient breakfast options, including fresh fruit and pastries. tony at the restaurant was very helpful and attentive to all guests.

0 Helpful

Ron from United States

Couple

Standard King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 15, 2026

9/10

excellent location short walk complimentary tickets

the location is excellent. it is very close to restaurants. the stadium is also a short walk away (perfect for game nights!). the hotel provides complimentary drink tickets and a food discount.

the historic windows are thin, i could hear street noise.

0 Helpful

Avery from United States

Single

Standard King Room

4 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: September 23, 2025

7/10

Adequate Stay

late snackshop cozy room polite staff glitching tv noisy room fridge absence

The lobby snack shop stayed open late. This helped when I arrived after my flight delay. I was able to buy a bag of chips. My room felt cozy and easy to settle into. Housekeeping staff were polite.

The networked TV glitched a lot, it was hard to watch shows. There was some noise in my room. I did not have a fridge to keep my drinks cold.

0 Helpful

Show more reviews