Although I live in Del Mar, I still like to stay in the Gaslamp to have some fun and not have to hassle with a driver or getting home. I mean, it’s pretty pointless to go to one of the most interesting neighborhoods in San Diego only to leave in a jiffy, right? That’s why whenever I lose myself in the combination of historical and hip spots in the Gaslamp, I make sure to make reservations for a splendid and comfortable stay at some of the best Hotels in San Diego.

More often than not, I find myself checking into The Ivy Hotel. Sure, I love the plush rooms, the egg-shaped Jacuzzi tubs and the high-tech amenities expected of a hotel of the Ivy’s level, but the main reason why I choose this place is its rooftop. Seriously. Eden, its chic rooftop bar and poolside lounge, is a great place to take in breathtaking views. And I’m not just talking about the fabulous views FROM the rooftop, but ON the rooftop as well. The place was crawling with cute guys the last time I was there, and I was at the receiving end of about a dozen pickup lines before I found myself chatting with a thirty-something businessman from Chicago.

The following day, much to my surprise, that same guy called me up in my room, and asked if I would be kind enough to show him around the Gaslamp since it’s his first time in the area, and of course doesn’t know the place. I thought it was kinda lame, but I said, what the hell. The guy was cute anyway, and seemed real nice. And I sure could use a bit of company. So an hour and half later, we met at the hotel lobby and off we went checking out some of the coolest places in the Quarter.

As we were driving downtown, I noticed that the Hard Rock Hotel on Fifth Avenue is nearly finished. There has been much hype about the place ever since construction began, Now I can’t wait for it to open so I can see if it’s luxurious enough to live up to the hype.

We had a great time, although I didn’t think anything good would come out of it. I mean, come on! I’m from Del Mar and he’s from Windy City. Anyway, on the way back, he asked that I drop him off at The Keating Hotel, where he has been staying for the past two days. Nice hotel, because I’ve stayed there before in one of my previous trips to the Gaslamp, and the place is pretty swanky. They even called their rooms ‘stanzas’, which is, of course, Italian for guestrooms.

Anyway, we said our goodbyes, after I politely turned down his invitation for a ‘nightcap’. I didn’t expect to hear from him again when he called me, again, the following morning, told me he had a nice time, and that he’ll be on a flight back to Chicago in a few hours. Then he hung up. And that’s that. I then slammed by body back into comfort of the sleek, divine bedding, and dozed off some more.