The Hotel Republic San Diego has been on my radar for a while now. Based on several positive comments in some of the hotel travel groups I am in it was looking to be a sure winner. I love the Autograph Collection hotels and had high hopes for a unique stay during my trip.
Booking and Check-In
I booked a pre-paid cash rate for this hotel as the price-to-point conversion was below .08 which is my ongoing break point. I also submitted a SNA request for the 2-night stay and it was granted 5 days prior to arrival. There are lots of things to consider when submitting for a suite night award and several can affect your redemption rate.
If you are not using points or points-cash, you should be booking via the Marriott Stars program which gets you Bonvoy points, elite night credit, and a few extra FB credits most are unaware of. If you are staying in luxury hotels and booking direct you are missing out.
Parking
Valet parking is $52 per night with in and out privileges, I was “ubering it” so avoided this charge.
Room
My suite night award put me in a Prestige Corner, Executive Suite, 1 King, city view room and it was absolutely wonderful.
I love the curved bay window with shutter blinds. I left them open all night to let the glow of the nearby building lights lightly flow in. In the morning the the sunrise was off to the right so I was able to leisurely watch the city wake up from the comfort of my bed.
This is one of those rooms I will specifically request in the future.
The cozy bay window seating with pillows and reading light really made the room feel it was designed for me to stay and enjoy. I wrote most of this article in the spot along with the double-love couch nearby.
Bathroom
A large tub dominated the center of the bathroom and although I didn’t use it during my stay it had a wonderful presence on the overall decor. Water pressure in the shower was excellent and the window shelf came in handy for toiletries and storage, make sure to close the blinds 🙂
Dining at the Hotel Republic San Diego
Trade Restaurant
As a Bonvoy elite member I received a breakfast voucher that was good for $10 credit on any menu item at Trade Restaurant which operates in the lobby area. I was seated quickly along with many other business people getting an early start to their day.
I ordered a breakfast burrito since I was in San Diego but it was too heavy and chorizo spicy. I should have gotten the açaí bowl, maybe tomorrow.
The next morning, I ordered an açaí bowl, great presentation, and the morning staff was quick and on point. Jumbo raspberries, and raisins were a couple of unique add-ons to the bowl. The peanut butter was a no go for me in the açaí though, kind of an odd pairing.
Topside Terrace
If you have read some of my other reviews or seen my YouTube vides, you know I seek out a good taco or margarita when possible. When is saw the raw tuna tacos with taro shells it was an easy decision. Delicious! Being from Hawai’i I was surprised I had never come across taro taco shells, a nice change up to the traditional corn tortillas.
The filling was fresh and the sauce was paired perfectly with the light flavored tuna, give it a try.
If you are a Marriott elite member (Platinum or above) you get a free beer or wine between 4-5 at Topside so I managed to slide in around 4:50pm and ordered one right away.
The menu was limited but the service was excellent and friendly. I chose the braised short ribs which were delicious and well seasoned, fork tender but a bit over sauced.
I wanted to order the apple cobbler, but the server who was clearly running the show recommended the butter finger mud pie so I made the switch. Delicious ice cream and the butter finger crumble on top was perfect for the raspberry, its always nice when the server calls you out on your sweet tooth.
Fitness Center
Clean, well stocked, and while not large it didn’t feel cramped or small when I visited late in the evening, one day I will test the equipment, one day.
Final Thoughts
I recommend The Hotel Republic San Diego to anyone who is planning a stay in the San Diego area. Great staff, Topside Terrace served up some great food, and the rooms really had a unique feel to them. Looking forward to returning soon and staying here.
If you have stayed here recently let me know your thoughts on this property, everyone has a different experience so don’t be shy.
