There’s a life-size bronze statue, created by artist Seward Johnson, standing outside The Sofia Hotel. The artwork, entitled “That-a-Way”, is that of an elegant yet relaxed man, dressed in a casual suit who is holding out a gesturing hand pointing the way to the hotel reception. This pretty much sums up the style of this hotel.
That-a-Way bronze statue by Seward Johnson at the entrance of The Sofia Hotel (c) Sharron Livingston
The reception is a pleasant, cosy space, with a dark wood reception desk and colour palate of pale greys and creams, comfy sofa seating and an inviting fire place that combine to give off a sense of easy living.
Reception at The Sofia Hotel
This hotel, nationally recognised as an Historic Hotel, has a fantastic downtown location close to or within easy access of all that San Diego offers.
Who for
This is a great location for anyone in town for a few days looking to enjoy the city limits without blowing the budget. Or for those who want to mix business with pleasure.
Service and facilities
The staff at reception are always attentive and greet you by name when they see you. There’s a sign offering complementary essentials – if you have forgotten say, your toothpaste, the hotel will supply these for free.
Free yoga lessons
There is a 24/7 fitness and yoga studio and the hotel offers free hour-long yoga classes and free neighbourhood walking as well as brewery tours to acquaint you with the city. It’s a lovely touch.
To the left of the lobby is a small 24/7 business centre with three PCs offering high-speed fibre-optic Internet. Valet parking is available too and incidentally, some rooms are pet friendly.
Accommodation
Double bedroom
There are 211 rooms decorated in muted colours ehanced by calming mood lighting. Some rooms are a tad small but still include perks such as coffee and tea facilities, a mini fridge and two bottles of water are provided every day. Bathrooms are adequate and have aromatic Pro Terra products and toiletries. A pretty bowl sink and vanity area is in the bedroom dressed with real orchids.
Nice linen, comfy beds and mod cons such as a hair dryer, iron and board and a universal docking station with an alarm clock/radio make life a little easier. And of course, there’s also a large flat screen television.
In case you have to work, there is a work station and a lap top safe.
Food and drink
The hotel restaurant, the 120-seat Currant, is an American-styled brasserie that looks quite retro with its high ceilings, marble topped table, black seating, marble columns and black and white tiled floors. American-French Bistro style food is served as well as cocktails and other tipples.
Is Wi Fi available?
Yes and is included in the resort fee.
Value for money
This three-star hotel delivers a lot of service for its three-star rates. Comfy rooms, free tours and yoga and 24-hour service. This is a good value hotel.
What’s nearby?
The fantastic location of the hotel means there’s plenty nearby, such as the trendy Gaslamp district, the Horton shopping mall and the Seaport Village from where you can pick up the hop on hop off trolly bus.
The train station that can take you along the coastal route to say, LA or San Franciso is walking distance and the airport just a 15-minute drive.
You should also read: Top 10 things to do and see in San Diego
Nearest airport
San Diego airport is a 15-minute drive away. You can pick up a taxi or instead use the MTS’ San Diego Trolley – a light rail transit network. Its three lines serve many popular areas and attractions, such as Downtown, the Convention Center, SDSU, Old Town, and the Mexican border. There are two ways to reach the Trolley from Terminals 1 and 2.