Porto Vista Hotel

Porto Vista Hotel is at 1835 Columbia Street in Little Italy, San Diego, California, a few blocks from the waterfront and the Embarcadero. The neighbourhood is one of the city's most walkable, with Italian restaurants, cafes, boutiques and a well-known farmers market on Saturdays along India Street. The trolley and the Santa Fe Depot are close, and the airport is only a few minutes away by car, though aircraft noise is a consideration in this part of town. The hotel is a Mediterranean-styled boutique property with a rooftop deck that offers views of the harbor and the downtown skyline. Its character is relaxed and neighbourly rather than corporate. Room types include king rooms, double queen rooms and suites, with rates generally from about $130 to $280 depending on the season. Rooms are modern and compact, and the suites suit small groups. A restaurant on site serves meals, and the Little Italy dining scene means many additional restaurants lie within a short stroll. The rooftop deck is a main attraction for sunset drinks and photographs, and the hotel has a fitness center. There is no large pool or spa, so the property suits travellers who plan to spend their days exploring. Service is friendly and informal, and the staff can recommend nearby restaurants, the Waterfront Park and day trips to Coronado and Balboa Park. The hotel attracts couples, solo travellers and visitors who prefer neighbourhood character over the larger convention hotels. Parking is available at a daily charge, and rideshare is common. Because the hotel lies under the airport flight path, light sleepers may want to ask for a quieter room or bring earplugs.