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Downtown San Diego: A budget friendly hotel in Gaslamp Quarter
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Courtesy of crashmattb's photostream at flickr.com
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Spoiling ourselves with a quick weekend escape to Downtown San Diego can be a tad difficult to imagine these days when we take into account our current economic situation. In fact, most of us are so busy trying to cut corners to stay afloat that indulgences and luxuries often end up last on the list of priorities. Nevertheless, I like to think that where there’s a will there’s always a way to fit in a trip to Gaslamp Quarter guilt free, and finding a cheaper yet chic hotel that’s a little easier on the pocket book is an ideal way to get started.
Conveniently located in the heart of lively Gaslamp Quarter, the boutique style Ramada Inn and Suites Gaslamp/Convention Center offers very reasonable hotel rates starting at $100-$185 per night. Not a bad deal when you consider what other hotels charge in and around the same area. The 11-story high-rise, once known as the St. James Hotel, is a beautifully restored oldie but goody. It captures the spirit of historic 20th century ambiance and character with its old cage type elevators, old-fashioned furniture, and antique “St. James Hotel” sign that still stands tall on the rooftop terrace. Here, guests can enjoy a moment of relaxation while they take in the spectacular 360-degree bird’s eye view of the San Diego skyline.
So, what’s the catch may you ask? Well, on the downside the standard rooms are a bit small, and it’s not exactly the newest, fanciest, or most luxurious hotel in town--but keep in mind that you’re most likely going to spend the majority of your time outside sightseeing and exploring the city anyway.
The hotel is situated in the ultra exciting Gaslamp Quarter, which extends from 4th to 6th Avenue and covers about 16 blocks of the downtown area. The name "Gaslamp Quarter" is actually a reference to the gas lamps that were common in San Diego in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At this time, the area was booming with gamblers and prostitutes. Even the famous retired sheriff Wyatt Earp ran three gambling halls here. Once the neighborhood underwent urban renewal in the 1980’s, restaurants, retail shops, clubs, pubs, theaters, art galleries, offices and residential lofts began to house former brothels and saloons. Today, the quarter is known for its great nightlife and historical charm. 
For more info:
The Ramada Inn and Suites Gaslamp/Convention Center
830 6th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101 ~ USA
Hotel: 619.531.8877
http://www.stjameshotel.com/
Gaslamp Quarter
www.gaslamp.org/
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