The brand-new Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave. (tel. 619/702-3000), has a location at the very entrance to the Gaslamp Quarter, and includes features like a million-dollar suite designed by the group the Black Eyed Peas, concert spaces, high-end nightspots, and a celebrity-chef restaurant. Big-time "wow" factor.
The Keating Hotel, 432 F St. (tel. 877/753-2846 or 619/814-5700), was designed by Pininfarina, the Italian company that is the driving force behind Ferrari and Maserati. That's why this cutting-edge boutique hotel, ensconced in historic Gaslamp Quarter digs, offers packages featuring fast and furious Italian sports cars.
Four Seasons Resort Aviara, 7100 Four Seasons Point (tel. 800/332-3442 or 760/603-6800), is a AAA 5-diamond resort in Carlsbad that pulls off the hat trick of encompassing one of the best restaurants, spas, and golf courses in the county.
San Diego's other AAA 5-diamond property is The Lodge at Torrey Pines, 11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd. (tel. 800/566-0087 or 858/453-4420). Not surprisingly, the Lodge also features one of the area's top restaurants and spas, and elbows up against renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla.
