We stayed at the HR Hotel for one night just to check it out and be a tourist in my own town. The location of the hotel is great, right in the heart of the Gaslamp District and next to Petco Park. The rooms were modern and clean and we had a good view of San Diego Bay.
There is music all around the hotel which is cool.
My major complaint about the Hard Rock is the bars and the cost. The bars are trying to be "exclusive" by limiting people and creating fake lines to get in. If you are a hotel guest you can get on the list, but have to be in the bars by 10pm. I saw at least 5 different arguments between doormen and want to be patrons because they were not being let in and had to wait in a line even though the bars were not crowded. One lady was an owner of one of the units and was not let into the pool. She got the manager and was finally let in. The drinks are really expensive at $10 a piece, which is way above other area bars. A friend of our tried to get in but the doorman said he could not go to the bar unless he was willing to do table service, which costs at least $300. We were in the bar and there was no table service going on at that time. The people in the bars are wantabe posers, and like to act like they have money. Although I thought it was good for people watching.
The pool area is really small but the bar by the pool has alot of plush seating and has a good vibe, even though most people are trying to pose. Get down there early to get a seat, otherwise there will not be any.
Parking is $30 which is high, and you have everything is expensive in the hotel.
We saw at least 5 different bachelor/bachelorette parties going on at the hotel. This place would be good for that.
Overall, the rooms and common areas are nice and modern and have a hip vibe. It was fine for a night but I thought too expensive for more than that for what you get.
hotel reviews