Pendry San Diego vs The US Grant

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

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

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

Which Hotel has the Better Pool

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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!

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