The Hotel InterContinental San Diego offers sweeping views of San Diego Bay, sublime culinary experiences, a rooftop swimming pool, and a central location just across the street from the Santa Fe train depot and a short stroll from trendy Little Italy. This hotel “blends the energy and excitement of the city with a relaxed waterfront setting,” says Eric Manning, the InterContinental’s director of sales and marketing.
Part of a historic neighborhood, it sits on the former site of Lane Field, home to San Diego’s beloved Padres from 1936 to 1957, and is located near the Embarcadero and the 19thcentury sailing ship Star of India, now the centerpiece of San Diego’s Maritime Museum.
Each relaxing guest room includes a chaise lounge for taking in the picturesque waterfront through floor-to-ceiling windows, along with luxurious bedding and a sense of tranquil style.
The InterContinental offers an in-house A/V team and up-to-the-minute equipment, in addition to an assortment of meeting and event spaces. Natural light floods every indoor space, while outdoor event spaces include spacious bay view terraces and Lane Field Park, a large, welcoming grassy space punctuated by palm trees.
For an extra fee, enjoy the InterContinental Club’s Lounge. This serene space, perfect for working, networking or catching up on some reading offers beautiful views and includes delicious food offerings courtesy of awardwinning chef Amy DiBiase that change daily and throughout the day, along with wine, beer and a private outdoor terrace.
DiBiase helms the kitchen of Vistal, the InterContinental’s anchor restaurant. Located on the hotel’s third floor, with huge windows affording expansive views of the bay, Vistal’s adventurous, coastal menu reflects influences from the Baja Peninsula, Hawaii and other Pacific islands, Mediterranean fishing villages and more.
The highest quality produce, fish and seafood are always on the menu here. As DiBiase says, “It all begins with the sourcing, taking a hyperlocal and hyperseasonal approach.” She has “one-on-one relationships with every purveyor” and makes time to “personally taste their best products every week.” That attention to detail comes through in every bite. Bursting with flavor, dishes like ricotta-filled gnudi with English pea or rapini puree and charred baby broccoli, or chili-orange blackened Baja prawns with Meyer lemon salsa, harissa aioli, and grilled artichoke, make Vistal a must-visit for hotel guests and locals alike.
Another on-site dining option is Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. This upscale steak and seafood purveyor offers chic private dining rooms and dishes such as Wagyu beef carpaccio, prime steaks aged for 45 days, caviar service and warm banana bread pudding.
A special team-building option at the InterContinental is a recurring two-hour “Get to Know Little Italy” tour with DiBiase. Discover why this historic area is now being called Top Chef Alley. The tour culminates in a cooking class back at Vistal, where DiBiase will teach attendees how to create her signature gnudi dish.
Between meetings, lounge by the pool or visit the health and wellness center. Encompassing more than 3,000 square feet, the center is illuminated by sunshine streaming through huge windows. Enjoy views of sparkling blue water while weight lifting, cardio, or stretching and breathing in the fresh ocean air on the yoga terrace. The fitness-on-demand feature offers numerous workout classes via video screens.
By the Numbers
60,000 square feet of outdoor space, including Lane Field Park and spacious bay view terraces
35,000 square feet of indoor meeting/function space
12,000-square-foot Pacific Ballroom, accommodating as many as
1,500 guests
3,300-square-foot wellness center
500-step walk (approximately) to the Santa Fe Depot
400 guest rooms
24 bay view suites
