Cosmopolitan Hotel

2 Star Rating2 Star Rating
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2660 Calhoun Street, San Diego, CA, 92110
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The Cosmopolitan Hotel is a historic landmark located in downtown San Diego. Complete with vintage furniture & timely details, the hotel has a haunting charm.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Cosmopolitan Hotel
Prices starting at $164 / night
Cosmopolitan Hotel
Cosmopolitan Overview
Whats Nearby
Things to Know
Property Amenities
Parking
Rooms & Rates
Things to Do
Popular Activities
Similar Hotels
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Highlights

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Amenities
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Rooms
Amenities
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Our Overview of What to Expect at the Cosmopolitan Hotel

Moonrise at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town San DiegoLobby Room at the Cosmopolitian Hotel

One thing I love about San Diego, especially in the Old Town neighborhood, is how there’s history around every corner. At the Cosmopolitan Hotel, I got to experience some of that history first-hand, all without sacrificing on quality or comfort.

Daytime at the Famous Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town San Diego
Daytime at the Famous Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town San Diego

A Hotel and a Landmark

Not to be confused with the same-named hotel along the Las Vegas strip, the Cosmopolitan Hotel is a registered national landmark, located within Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. It was built as a home for a prominent rancher in the early 1800s, and served as a stagecoach stop and olive factory throughout its history.

In 2010, the hotel was renovated, and restored to its original Victorian Era glam.

Centered in Old Town, the hotel and surrounding area are quaint and charming. The Cosmopolitan hosts a bed and breakfast experience, with only ten rooms available for an intimate stay. The rooms are all unique, furnished with antique furniture and other timely pieces.

Guests will appreciate the historic details and authenticity of the decor. There is a choice of a king, queen or full bed, and although every room is unique, you can expect to find four poster beds, deep copper bathtubs, porcelain door knobs and pull chain toilets.

To remain true to the motif, there are no TVs at the hotel, but there is WiFi, so you can stay connected during your stay.

Lucas in the Dining Room at the Cosmopolitian Hotel
Lucas in the Dining Room at the Cosmopolitian Hotel

Dine Through Time

There is a historic saloon and restaurant on-site. A continental breakfast is included with each stay, and served in the saloon. Guests start their day with hot coffee, hot tea, and homemade sweet pastries and biscuits.

A hallmark of the hotel is the daily Victorian tea on the veranda, consisting of small bites, sweet treats and a variety of teas, all with a Mexican influence as a throwback to the property's history.

The Front of the Cosmopolitian Hotel
The Front of the Cosmopolitian Hotel

A Haunted Reputation

The hotel is often visited by guests seeking to experience paranormal activity, as many of the rooms, namely four, five and eleven, are rumored to be visited by the spirit of Ysidora Bandini, the daughter of the original proprietor.

Reports have included flickering lights, doors opening and items moving around, all harmless tricks by the "Lady in Red”. Keep an eye out for the resident spirit cat, who has been spotted roaming the hallways at night.

Staying at the Cosmopolitan is truly a unique experience, for those looking to relive the Victorian Era, or those looking to encounter a spirit from the past! The Cosmopolitan is actually featured in our Most Haunted Places in San Diego as well as in our Best Things to do in San Diego articles!

Local Tips
Take a Ride on the Dark Side
According to the Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted, the Whaley house is the most haunted house in the United Sates. Also don't forget to take one of Old Town's most famoust Ghost Tours at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

What Todd Loves Best About This Hotel

Want to know what it’s like to be a guest at the Cosmopolitan San Diego? Here were some moments that really stood out during my stay!

Entrance to the Saloon at the Cosmopolitan Hotel
Entrance to the Saloon at the Cosmopolitan Hotel

The Hotel’s Architecture

The Cosmopolitan Hotel doesn’t try to hide its historic roots, but instead lets guests experience what it’s like to walk around in a little piece of history.

Originally, it was constructed between 1827 and 1829 by Juan Bandini as a U-shaped home in the corner of the plaza.

This humble home has undergone expansions and renovations throughout the years, turning it into the hotel we know and love today, but you can still see lots of the original facade. In fact, when looking around the bottom floor, it’s almost entirely made of adobe.

The hotel is one of just 5 original adobe buildings still standing in Old Town. It was really special getting to stay in such a historic spot and admiring the construction while spending time in the lobby.

Horton Grand Hotel at Sunset in the Gaslamp Quarter
Horton Grand Hotel at Sunset in the Gaslamp Quarter

It’s One of San Diego’s Oldest Hotels

Not only is the Cosmopolitan one of Old Town’s oldest buildings, but it’s also among the oldest hotels currently operating in all of San Diego.

Though spots like the Hotel del Coronado in Coronado and the Horton Grand Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter opened their doors to guests earlier, the building of the Cosmopolitan Hotel itself is much older. Both the Del and the Horton Grand Hotel were built in the mid-1880s, so the original construction of the Cosmopolitan as a personal residence predates them by about 60 years!

You can be sure that the walls of the hotel have plenty of stories to tell - and according to some, they do! Rumors of ghost sightings and unexplainable phenomena are all too common - though if you’re just hoping for a quaint stay at a charming hotel, you can certainly get that too.

Birria Tosada at Tahona Bar in Old Town San Diego
Birria Tosada at Tahona Bar in Old Town San Diego

So Many Nearby Attractions

Seated right in Old Town’s central plaza, the excellent location is one of my favorite things about this hotel. You’re never far from tons of excellent attractions and things to do, with plenty of great restaurants and stores within walking distance.

You can also take advantage of public transit to get around and to reach nearby neighborhoods, whether you’re heading to Downtown or out to the coast at Ocean Beach.

I also really love the restaurant Tahona, and it happens to be just a 15 minute walk from the Cosmopolitan Hotel. It’s right next to El Campo Santo, the oldest cemetery in San Diego, and a must-see for anyone staying at the Cosmopolitan hoping for a ghostly encounter!

Cosmopolitan Hotel
Prices starting at $164 / night

Step back in time with Todd on this tour of The Cosmopolitan Hotel and restaurant. The Cosmopolitan Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in San Diego and is rumored to be haunted. Originally built in 1827 as Casa de Bandini, this historic San Diego landmark has led many lives over the years and continues to be one of the most visited haunts of San Diego.

Stay at the Cosmopolitan Hotel

What's Nearby

Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego
2 min Walk
Embarcadero
Embarcadero
8 min Drive
Balboa Park
Balboa Park
9 min Drive
USS Midway
USS Midway Museum
10 min Drive
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego
11 min Drive
Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
12 min Drive
Belmont Park
Belmont Park
13 min Drive
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
13 min Drive
Petco Park
Petco Park
15 min Drive
Beach
Coronado Beach
24 min Drive
Cosmopolitan Hotel
Prices starting at $164 / night

Things to Know Before Arrival

Neighborhood Old Town San Diego
Go sightseeing and visit the historic sites, and museums using the hop on hop off bus. Or explore the local cafes, shopping boutiques, and gorgeous parks.
Check In / Check Out
3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Pet Policy
Only Service Animals are Welcome
Wifi
Free WiFi in Lobby & Rooms
Breakfast
Included
Property Size
10 Rooms

Property Amenities

Bar on Property
Bar on Property
Breakfast Included
Breakfast Included
Couples Friendly
Couples Friendly
Laundry
Laundry
Museum Nearby
Museum Nearby
Restaurant on Property
Restaurant on Property

Parking

Self Parking
Self Parking
Free Parking
Free Parking

Room Amenities

Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning
Daily Maid Service
Daily Maid Service
Flat Screen TV
Flat Screen TV
Handicapped Accessible
Handicapped Accessible
Iron
Iron
No Smoking
No Smoking
Phone in Room
Phone in Room
Roll Away Bed
Roll Away Bed
Getting Around
SAN Airport
SAN Airport
- 9 min Drive
Trolley
Trolley Station
- 4 min Walk
Cruise Port
Cruise Port
- 10 min Drive
This Month's Forecast
61°F / 81°F
Sunny in October
Nov
53°F / 75°F
Sunny in November
Dec
48°F / 69°F
Sunny in December
Jan
48°F / 68°F
Sunny in January

Rooms & Rates

Guest Room at Cosmopolitan Hotel

The Cosmopolitan Hotel offers ten unique rooms to choose from. All rooms are furnished with comfortable pillow-top beds, guest controlled heating and air-conditioning, and access to high speed WiFi.

Don’t forget to wake up in time for the continental breakfast that is included with every stay.

Cosmopolitan Hotel
Prices starting at $164 / night
The Pine Tub Suite

In room number one, you will find a queen bed with an additional sitting room. The highlight of this room is the unique pine soaking tub.

Relax, and let your mind take you back to the 1800s! There is also a walk in shower, along with a balcony offering expansive views of Old Town State Park.

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Estudillo Room

In room number three, there is a queen bed with a large walk-in shower. This demurely decorated room is the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring Old Town. The Victorian style wallpaper and antique armchair welcome you.

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Refugio Bandini Room

Room number six offers views of Old Town State Park as well as the Johnson House Haberdashery. Guests enter the room through a private hallway entrance, and are greeted by a full bed and walk in shower.

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Californio Room

In room number nine, guests enjoy a queen bed with a wrought iron frame. There is a clawfoot bathtub in the bathroom, and access to the veranda.

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Arcadia Bandini Suite

This premium suite, room ten, is fully ADA compliant to welcome all guests. The room is accessible via the elevator, and features a full bed and loveseat.

The extra large bathroom features a roll-in shower with seating, and handrails. There is also a decorative fireplace.

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Ysidora Bandini Room

This room is rumored to be the most haunted room in the hotel! Room eleven was previously used as the living quarters of the Bandini family, and now features a queen bed, large walk-in shower and antique decor.

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Josefa Bandini Room

In room two, there is a queen bed and a large walk in shower. The Victorian style wallpaper and antique wooden bed frame are stunning. There is access to a veranda style balcony, offering views of Old Town State Park.

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The Seeley Suite

Rooms 4 and 5 offer two entrances to the largest suite on the property. This suite houses a Victorian style king bed with a dark wood bed frame.

There is an attached sitting room, separated by sliding pocket doors. This suite also features a claw foot tub and breathtaking views from the veranda.

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The Cauldron Room

Room seven is a great choice for families staying at the Cosmopolitan. The room features a king bed along with an adjoining room with a twin.

This room is unique in that it's the only room with views of both the front veranda and courtyard.

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Cosmopolitan Hotel
Prices starting at $164 / night

Find Activities at the Hotel and Nearby

I’ve already mentioned how much I love the Cosmopolitan Hotel’s location, and you’ll see why when you realize just how many fun activities are right near the hotel. Check out everything from informative tours and iconic museums to services offered by the hotel.

The Historic Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town
The Historic Cosmopolitan Hotel in Old Town

Enjoy Your Time at the Cosmopolitan

There’s plenty to do nearby, but you can also choose to spend time at the hotel itself.

Since the whole property is themed around providing an authentic-feeling Victorian style bed and breakfast experience, spending the night here is an attraction in itself.

Have an Immersive Experience

Everything about the Cosmopolitan Hotel is immersive, even down to the rooms, which skip the usual phones and TVs to let you really soak in the atmosphere.

From taking afternoon tea the Victorian way to checking out the Old West style saloon, the experience is unlike any other in San Diego County.

And for an experience of a lifetime, consider holding an event or even a wedding on the premises. For those seeking an old time themed wedding, this is a very popular choice!

Listen to Live Music Performances

The Cosmopolitan Hotel isn’t just a place to rest your head, but it also serves as a venue for a rotation of live performances throughout the year. Many of these musicians are locals taking the stage, playing everything from classical tunes to jazz, Americana, pop, and more.

Live music performances are typically scheduled for weekends and held in the outdoor dining area of the hotel’s restaurant and bar, so you can dine while you listen and cozy up around the fire pit.

There’s even a grand piano that dates back to 1898 which sees frequent use by performers.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Front of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Front of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Explore Old Town’s Finest Attractions

Situated within Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the Cosmopolitan Hotel is centrally located for those looking to explore Old Town. There are multiple activities and attractions nearby, and many walkable restaurants and shops as well.

Front of the Whaley House in Old Town San Diego
Front of the Whaley House in Old Town San Diego

Visit the Whaley House

For guests of the Cosmopolitan who are seeking paranormal activity, the Whaley House is a must see! Located just under a half mile from the hotel, the Whaley House has been dubbed as the "Most Haunted House in America". Check it out- if you dare!

Through our exclusive partnership with Go City San Diego Pass, you’ll save when you bundle your Whaley House tickets with other attractions, such as entrance to the San Diego Zoo or a Trolley Tour of Old Town.

If you’re into exploring the paranormal and ghosts, make sure to check out our article on the ‘Best Ghost Tours in San Diego’ where we cover the most haunted locations in all of San Diego and the wonderful tours you can take to be a part of it all!

Building Art in Old Town San Diego
Building Art in Old Town San Diego

Explore the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

During your stay at the Cosmopolitan, spend some time exploring the park! Here you can learn about the early history of San Diego, including History of Old Town - The Birthplace of California.

Learn about Mexican and early American periods from 1821 to 1872, as well as California Missions History. Check out five original adobe buildings in the park in addition to museums, retail stores, and restaurants.

Close-up of a Baby Orangutang at the San Diego Zoo
Close-up of a Baby Orangutang at the San Diego Zoo

Enjoy a Day at the San Diego Zoo

Calling all animal lovers, the San Diego Zoo is where you can experience more than 3000 animals of 600 different species! The zoo is the most popular in the world with more that 4 million visitors a year.

Plan in advance and pick-up a Go City San Diego Pass to reserve a GoCar Tour of Old Town or entrance to the Museum of Contemporary Art in addition to your zoo tickets. Through our exclusive partnership with Go San Diego, we’re able to offer an additional discount with code GVSD5OFF on top of the discounted price offered to the general public.

Hand Made Tortillas in Old Town San Diego
Hand Made Tortillas in Old Town San Diego

Wander Through Old Town

This historic section of San Diego is chock full of restaurants and unique shops in addition to history!

Consider checking out the Old Town Tequila and Tortilla Tour, which winds through Old Town and is led by an English speaking tour guide. You'll learn about the origin of San Diego, and the Mexican influence, while tasting local tacos and sipping on tequila.

Standout offerings in Old Town are called out in our picks for the 10 Best San Diego City & Bus Tours and the 13 Best San Diego Walking Tours. We’ve got even more recommendations for you with our team’s article on the 21 Best Things to Do in Old Town San Diego.

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The World Famous San Diego Zoo
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Spend the day at the iconic San Diego Zoo! Featuring over 3,500 animals and 650 species, this zoo is the heart of Balboa Park. There are multiple exhibits & experiences for all ages to learn about animals and their habitats.
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USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum provides history of aircraft built in California. The museum includes over 60 exhibits with restored aircraft and tours of the carrier.
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The world-famous SeaWorld San Diego is home to animal shows, roller coasters and other rides for the entire family. Enjoy encounters featuring the famed Orcas, dolphins and sea lions, or take a tour through the habitats.
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Drive Your Own Speed Boat Tour
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Looking for adventure? 2 hours of thrills await as you captain your own 2-person speed boat. Enjoy the San Diego skyline, spot a sea lion and cruise the harbor complete with guided narration from your 2-way communication system.
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Historic Whaley House Museum
The Whaley House Museum is located in historic Old San Diego. As one of the most visited attractions in the area, the complex is made up of multiple houses that offer spooky fun for the whole family.
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Jump on a jet ski and speed through the San Diego Harbor! This 45-minute rental gives you the opportunity to ride a Yamaha Waverunner jet ski in one of the most beautiful places in Southern California!
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