Pendry San Diego vs The US Grant

The historic US Grant & the upscale Pendry San Diego are two of our team’s favorite hotels Downtown San Diego. Use our guide to compare each hotel’s offerings.
Jess Tucker
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.
Pendry San Diego vs The US Grant
Hotel Comparison Overview
Lobby Comparison
Explore & Save
Pool Comparison
Hotel Rooms
Which Location Is Best
On-Site Amenities
Our Overall Pick

Highlights

Lobby Comparison
Pool Comparison
Restaurant Comparison
Final Verdict
Lobby Comparison
Pool Comparison
Restaurant Comparison
Final Verdict

Find Your New Favorite Luxury Retreat in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter

Fun and Unique Places to Get Away at the Pendry San DiegoGrand Piano at the US Grant in San Diego

If you love feeling pampered while on vacation in Southern California, booking a 5-star hotel is a must.

And if the activities, history, and nightlife scene of Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter are calling your name, two hotels in stiff competition for the top spot are Pendry San Diego and The US Grant.

You can’t go wrong at either of these two San Diego hotels, but to make your choice easier, our team has created a comparison guide.

Nighttime in the Gaslamp Quarter
Nighttime in the Gaslamp Quarter

Boutique Versus Historic

Luxury is the name of the game at both The US Grant and Pendry San Diego. However, each hotel has a slightly different angle.

At The US Grant, history is brought to the forefront, in everything from the artwork to the architecture and decor. It’s beloved among history buffs who also want an upscale experience.

Meanwhile, the Pendry has all the hallmarks of the best boutique hotels, focusing on providing a more individualized experience for guests.

Each hotel could easily be your top choice depending on your preferences, but before we name an overall winner, let’s look at what each hotel has to offer.

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Looking for the Best Views?
The Pendry’s rooms offer some of the best views of the city and the San Diego Bay in all of San Diego County, which elevates the atmosphere.

A Look at the Lobbies

See how the lobbies of the Pendry and The US Grant compare to each other.

Reception at the Pendry San Diego
Reception at the Pendry San Diego

Stepping Into the Pendry

The lobby of the Pendry San Diego is immediately welcoming, with a simple and comfortable layout offering plenty of places to sit and relax. There are two attached lobby bars, these being Fifth & Rose and Nason’s Beer Hall, which also serves food.

On the other side of the lobby, you’ll find the amazing restaurant Provisional, which is my favorite place to dine at the Pendry.

Reception at the US Grant in San Diego
Reception at the US Grant in San Diego

Entering The US Grant

The US Grant brings its historic past to the forefront as soon as you step into the lobby.

Previously known as the Horton House, the hotel was reopened under its new name of The US Grant in 1910. Not only is the hotel named after President Ulysses S. Grant, but it was also built by Grant’s son, and has welcomed 14 currently-sitting US Presidents as guests since its inception!

History buffs will get the most out of a trip to The US Grant, as there’s a lot to admire, but even those who don’t know the hotel’s past can still enjoy the incredible architecture and the collection of fine art on display.

Cozy Lobby Fireplace at the Pendry San Diego
Cozy Lobby Fireplace at the Pendry San Diego

The Winning Lobby

While the Pendry’s lobby provides lots of space to hang out, The US Grant is the big winner thanks to its history and stunning design.

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Availability of Swimming Pools

When you book a stay in San Diego, you’re never far from beach towns like Pacific Beach and La Jolla, but if you’d prefer to swim in an on property pool, only one of these two hotels has one on the property.

Deluxe Room View of Downtown and the Rooftop Pool at the Pendry San Diego
Deluxe Room View of Downtown and the Rooftop Pool at the Pendry San Diego

Swimming at the Pendry

I always love the view of Downtown San Diego from a rooftop pool, and the pool at the Pendry is no exception. The pool is surrounded by cabanas providing shade, and it’s a great photo opportunity day or night.

Sunset from a Trail at Torrey Pines State Reserve
Sunset from a Trail at Torrey Pines State Reserve

No Pool at The US Grant

The US Grant does not have a pool on the property. Thankfully, San Diego has no shortage of beaches where you can go for a dip in the Pacific Ocean instead.

Outdoor pool, Pendry San Diego
Outdoor pool, Pendry San Diego

Which Hotel has the Better Pool

Since only the Pendry has a pool, it’s the victor here by default.

Comparing the Rooms at Each Hotel

Whether you’re the type to spend a lot of time at the hotel while on vacation or you’re just looking for the best spot to sleep, use our room comparison to see where each hotel excels.

Deluxe Room at the Pendry San Diego
Deluxe Room at the Pendry San Diego

Booking a Room at the Pendry

The spacious rooms at the Pendry San Diego are fit for royalty, with standard king or queen rooms, suites, and handicap-accessible options.

The Pendry’s rooms offer some of the best views of the city and the San Diego Bay in all of San Diego County, which elevates the atmosphere.

Grand deluxe room, The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
Grand deluxe room, The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

Staying at The US Grant

The US Grant’s rooms perfectly blend the past and present. The architecture and decor calls back to the hotel’s extensive history, while the rooms are kept up-to-date with the latest and greatest in modern amenities.

Happy to Be in the Spacious Premier Room at the Pendry San Diego
Happy to Be in the Spacious Premier Room at the Pendry San Diego

Which Hotel has Better Rooms?

Personally, I really love the rooms at both hotels, though this is one comparison that could go either way depending on your preferences.

For the sack of making tough decisions, my winner here is the Pendry.

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What to Do in the Gaslamp Quarter

Inside the San Dieg Coaster Train
Inside the San Dieg Coaster Train

San Diego has excellent public transit, which means you can stay almost anywhere in the city and still get to the shores of La Jolla, Del Mar, Mission Bay, Coronado Island, and more without having to drive, which is a huge benefit if you’re flying into the San Diego International Airport (SAN). Still, knowing activities are near each hotel can be an important deciding factor.

Both the Pendry and The US Grant are within San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. If you’re looking to get around Downtown San Diego easily, the FRED Shuttle is your new best friend, but there’s plenty to do within walking distance too.

The Comic Con Museum
The Comic Con Museum

Activities Near the Pendry

The Pendry San Diego is smack in the middle of the Gaslamp Quarter, offering the best access to tons of activities. These include taking a day trip to East Village, attending popular events like Comic-Con at the San Diego Convention Center, and watching a game or taking a tour at PETCO Park.

There’s a trolley stop within walking distance of the hotel, so you can get around the city and see attractions like the San Diego Zoo at Balboa Park and SeaWorld San Diego in Mission Bay Park, both of which are part of the All-inclusive Go City San Diego pass by the way. Use our discount code GVSD5OFF when buying your pass to save even more!

Main Stage at the San Diego Civic Theater
Main Stage at the San Diego Civic Theater

What’s Around The US Grant

The US Grant is in the northern end of the Gaslamp Quarter and a bit further from the biggest attractions in Downtown San Diego, but it still has its fair share of things to do nearby. These include the San Diego Civic Theatre and the Balboa Theatre, making it ideal for those who want to watch live performances.

The US Grant is also a bit closer to the San Diego Airport (SAN), and there’s a trolley stop right nearby.

Tony Gwynn Statue at Petco Park in East Village
Tony Gwynn Statue at Petco Park in East Village

The Best Choice for the Adventurous Traveler

If you prefer a packed itinerary on vacation, there’s no better choice than the Pendry, which has a little more to do right around the hotel.

The Best Hotel Amenities

The right amenities can elevate any hotel from a place to sleep to a true luxury hotel experience!

Here are our selections of the best services provided by each hotel.

Fifth and Rose Lounge next of the Lobby at the Pendry San Diego
Fifth and Rose Lounge next of the Lobby at the Pendry San Diego

Amenities at the Pendry Hotel

The Pendry has some of the best hotel restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter, including my personal favorite, Provisional.

There’s also the cocktail bar Fifth & Rose, where you can grab a drink while looking out at Fifth Street. For a more relaxed experience, Nason’s Beer Hall has more of a sports bar vibe.

Other amenities include a 24/7 fitness center, curated day trips and activities, and Spa Pendry.

Bar at the Grant Grill at the US Grant in San Diego
Bar at the Grant Grill at the US Grant in San Diego

Services Offered at The US Grant Hotel

My favorite spot to relax at The US Grant is The Grant Grill. It shares the architecture of the hotel, and it’s a great spot to grab a drink. From Thursday through Saturday, the Grant Grill Lounge has live music in the evenings.

The US Grant has a spa suite rather than a traditional spa. There’s also a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and dry cleaning and room service upon request.

The Beautiful Erika and Daniela Loving the Pendry San Diego
The Beautiful Erika and Daniela Loving the Pendry San Diego

Ranking the Dining and Amenity Options

Both The US Grant and the Pendry cater to guests seeking an upscale experience, and for me, the Pendry’s excellent restaurants and lounges make it my go-to choice and the winner of this category!

Additional Considerations

Here are a few final points of comparison for these San Diego hotels before we get to our verdict.

Fifth and Rose Entrance Attached to the Pendry San Diego
Fifth and Rose Entrance Attached to the Pendry San Diego

What to Know About the Pendry

  • There is paid valet parking
  • The hotel allows up to 2 dogs of any size for an additional fee
  • There are 6 on-site event spaces for meetings and weddings

Street Entrance at the US Grant in San Diego
Street Entrance at the US Grant in San Diego

Know Before You Go to The US Grant

  • There is paid valet parking
  • The hotel allows 1 pet under 35 lbs. for an additional fee
  • There are a whopping 19 different event venue options on-site

Our Team’s Preferred Hotel

The Pendry San Diego in the Gaslamp Quarter
The Pendry San Diego in the Gaslamp Quarter

Truly there is no loser when it comes to these two landmark luxury hotels in San Diego. They are both exceptional in their own right!

If you’re a history buff, The US Grant is the clear winner between these two hotels. But for me, the vacationers seeking the all-around better experience, I’ll always recommend the Pendry.

Overall Winner: The Pendry San Diego

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