Concierge Reveal Favorite Romantic Picks

“Even in the daylight, San Diego sparkles with romance,” say the concierges in our finest hotels. In the spirit of Valentine’s month, we persuaded five of them to reveal their favorite romantic places and pastimes.

For Hillary Allen of the Hotel Del Coronado the choice was easy.  “Our hotel has specialized in romance for 118 years,” she says, adding that a walk on “The Del’s” beach has encouraged many marriage proposals.  Hillary also endorses packing a special libation and taking a picnic aboard a sunset sail with Seaforth Boat Rentals. For morning romantics, Hillary suggests “staying in your beautiful room and ordering breakfast in bed.” You can even dine on a spread of rose petals, if you call ahead.

Bobby Udell of Paradise Point Resort and Spa suggests a gondola ride in Coronado, followed by cocktails at the top of the Hyatt downtown, where the all-glass penthouse showcases panoramic views of our
city and sea. 

Strolling through one of our lush gardens was the outdoor choice of Gaby Delgado of The Four Seasons Aviara. Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas and Alcazar Garden in Balboa Park are her favorites. For those preferring luxurious romance, Gaby recommends “Spa Day” at her hotel, where the two of you can enjoy clandestine massages and relaxing treatments together.

Privacy aboard your own sailboat or hot air balloon are favorite romantic suggestions made by Jen Moore of the Sheraton Hotel and Marina.  Her other ideas for the starry-eyed are breakfast at Brockton Villa to spot dolphins cavorting in La Jolla Cove and twilight at Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach to spot the “green flash.”

Philip Kaufman of the Manchester Grand Hyatt would have you hire a limo and cruise along the coastal route or up Mt. Soledad. If you can’t bear to leave your fabulous suite, he’ll arrange to bring in a piano player and private dance floor so you can dance the night away, your way.  “We can do almost anything your heart desires,” he says.