Ramada Inn Suites Gaslamp Convention Center Review

	by Bridgetta Tomarchio on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
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The charming hotel, Ramada Inn Suites Gaslamp Convention Center in the Gaslamp district of downtown San Diego, California is definitely a hidden gem! Built in 1913, it was San Diego's first high-rise luxury hotel with one of the fastest elevators during that time. Don’t believe me, just look at the plaque inside the elevator which still has its original wrought iron door that you have to pull shut and push open to get in and out. You can see all of the floors as you ride the old fashioned elevator up and down the 10 story building which has 99 guest rooms and suites.

If you’re looking for a great view of the city and bay, just take a quick elevator ride up to their Harborview Rooftop Terrace where it’s lined with tables and benches for you to see the breathtaking views. I myself enjoyed a few glasses of wine while looking over the San Diego skyline illuminated by moonlight! Ahh sounds romantic, huh? Too bad I was moping from my Ravens loss to the Chargers, but if you’re in town for a game, the stadium is only minutes away!

I booked a room with 2 double beds for a very affordable rate. When I got to the room I was pleasantly surprised that double beds meant actually 2 bedrooms! Each of the bedrooms had a separate door with separate keys, and inside in between the rooms there was an adjoining door. Each room had its own private sink area and built in desk with a coffee maker, a comfortable enough bed, closet, a/c and heater unit, ceiling fan, and flat screen tv. The room also had free wi-fi with a passcode. The master room had the actual full bathroom. It was perfect for privacy if you were sharing a room with a friend- you literally had your own room in this boutique hotel! In the mood for extra space and wanted to impress? Ramada Inn Suites Gaslamp Convention Center also has a 1,300 square foot Presidential Suite!

I loved the fact that check out wasn't until noon! That helps when you have a huge night out on the town as the hotel sits in the heart of Gaslamp! The Ramada Inn Suites Gaslamp Convention Center is centrally located near the convention center which is literally only a few walking blocks away. It also lies in the heart of all the nightlife. There are a ton of clubs, bars, restaurants galore and boutique shops plus stores you will recognize all in Gaslamp, all walking distance from the hotel.

Other amenities include a business center, free services of a local gym, concierge, safe deposit boxes, and laundry valet. Adjoined to the hotel lobby is Brian’s 24 which also has a huge menu and offers breakfast 24 hours a day, even 24 hr room service! They too offer free wi-fi! Complete menu available at www.Brians24.com

The staff was young yet super friendly and informative. There is also valet for $20 a night, and yes you can come in and out as you please for that price! Otherwise there is meter parking, or a lot next door to them. The Ramada Inn Suites Gaslamp Convention Center is truly a charming and pleasant find in downtown San Diego, and the hotel has a lot of history as well. It not only used to be and is now again a hotel, but also a R&R resort during WWII for military personnel.

Should you ask the staff about the hotel being haunted, they will tell you the 9th floor is the most active with doors opening and closing, and lights flickering about. They don't hold back about the history of the hotel, and absolutely will tell you of the friendly hauntings that occur quite frequently there! I myself felt an energy there, and experienced some strange things in my room, but it was kind of intriguing! Nothing to be scared about, and I definitely will be coming back to stay at this historical landmark in San Diego!