We were in San Diego for a week and on check in they seemed surprised that we were staying for so long - guess it is just a short stay place. The room we had was a great size with all mod cons and funky design. The staff were friendly and went out of their way to help - even exchanging travellers cheques which was a service that they didn't usually provide! Hotel is situated in an excellent location a block a way from 5th street where all the funky shops/restaurants and bars are (also they are building the Hard Rock Hotel at the end of the street so this will bring even more life to the area when it opens next year). The food and drink is priced accordingly - the portions are large and you are paying for the location as everywhere else we ate/drank around the gasslamp was similarly priced. The pool area was quiet during the day and the bar was only busy on a Friday and Saturday night but closed at midnight - some friends had a room over looking the pool/bar and said that the noise was not an issue. If i ever go back to San Diego then i will def be staying at the Solamar!

After saying at the over rated Omni this place was great.Friendly staff,huge room with all the amenities anyone would want.,CD player, well stocked mini bar( including condoms and lube). This place does try go for the party crowd but this should not put anyone off . The rooms are welli insulated.
The J bar on the roof was lovely, but my only complaint wasit was difficult to get a seat or table because so may non hotel guests use it. They should limit the numbers allowed up, especially during the day.
Had brunch at the J six, which was good but nothing special.
Like the free wine hour in the library area. Great idea

Let me say that San Diego is a great city with lots to do. However, if you plan on stayin at a hotel with ZERO service and overpriced atmosphere, then stay at the Hotel Solamar. There is a general sense with the receptionists that having an attitude and lecturing guests is "OK" in the hospitality business. Just ask receptionist Rebecca who instead of rolling with the flow, berated us about luggage checks and even had the audacity to ask "if we've stayed with them before" prior to switching from a $500 a night suite , to a room with 2 double beds. Please look at your guest index to see that when guests have already spent $2000 in 4 nights, that yes, they have stayed with you before. And I havent even mentioned the techno DJ by the pool blasting music nightly till 10pm and even on Sundays!

Overall, do not stay here. Stay at the Hilton which is much nicer as is the Omni. San Diego is a very laid back place but if you feel like spending a lot of money for a lack of service, then the Hotel Solamar is yours

My boyfriend and I celebrated our birthdays from August 25th to August 28th at the Hotel Solamar. Beforehand, I read all the reviews and, while many of them were negative, I suddenly realized why. All the people reviewing negatively were either older or had kids with them.

Upon arriving at the hotel, we were greeted by valet (parking for 24 bucks is not too cool, but whatever). The guys were very attentive and nice the whole weekend. We stayed on the 7th floor, overlooking the Gaslamp District. We never ended up going to the pool bar but it was no biggie. Room service was prompt and very friendly, and the front desk was helpful with recommendations of good restaurants and bars to head to at night.

The room was beautiful! We stayed in the king spa suite and I couldn't have asked for anything more wonderful. The tub was big enough for two, the decor was modern and fabulous, and the bed was super comfortable.

Overall, I had a great time. I was expecting less because of all the reviews but I have some words of advice. Please don't go to the Hotel Solamar if you have children. For the sake of your good time, their good time, and single people's good time, it might be better to book a room at a more family-friendly spot. But, considering the hotel is centered in the middle of the bars and clubs of San Diego, this is exactly what you would expect.

I couldn't have had a better time.