Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego provided us with an unforgettable family staycation, featuring stunning bay views, luxurious accommodations, and endless activities for the kids. Located in the heart of downtown, this waterfront hotel made exploring San Diego’s top attractions easy and fun for our whole family.

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Family Staycation in San Diego

When Bobby and I were first stationed in San Diego back in 2004, we had the ultimate, pre-kids beach lifestyle. We loved our neighborhood, with its shops and restaurants lining the main drag. Other than our typical outdoor adventures of surfing, beach cruising, and nearby hiking, we didn’t find it necessary to venture any further. We hardly left our little beach bubble.

Looking back, our lackadaisical love affair with the ocean had us fooled! San Diego was (and has since become) so much more. Fast forward 17 years and four kids later, now that we’ve made America’s Finest City our home (yet again), we are on a serious Schaffer mission to explore every ounce of what goes into making our city truly the finest.

Born and bred a city girl, I am drawn to San Diego’s downtown neighborhood, with its urban energy that I crave from time to time.

Why Stay at Manchester Grand Hyatt

For our local San Diego excursions, the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is a must-stay for quite a few reasons.

  • Location: This downtown San Diego hotel boasts stunning waterfront views and easy access to top attractions like Seaport Village, the Gaslamp Quarter, and the San Diego Convention Center. From the rooftop, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline and the bay.
  • Kid-Friendly: I need a hotel that’s spacious enough so that the kids can play, and it needs to have a little separation so mom and dad can play, too. Who am I kidding? Separation… so we can sleep! The Manchester Grand Hyatt offers that plus kid-centric activities to keep the littles entertained and engaged.
  • Luxurious: This resort has the panache I love in a world-class hotel. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning bay views, and the modern décor and spa-like bath amenities enhance the experience. Spacious suites and club amenities will have you wanting to take up permanent residence!
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Get That Ocean View

We’ve all heard it before; the saying is true. Location, location, location! The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has an incredible location, hugging San Diego’s scenic bay front, and nestled between two downtown landmarks: The San Diego Convention Center and the bustling Seaport Village. Aside from having so many attractions within walking distance, I actually enjoyed staying put right in the hotel with my family of six.

The views of the bay from our room and the pool deck were spectacular. Directly across the bay sits the island of Coronado, its iconic bridge a perfect silhouette in the distance. On the north end of the island, there were several Navy ships docked side by side, a beautiful reminder of the strong military presence we have here in town. And steps away from our two-tower waterfront resort was the Gaslamp Quarter, where entertainment is aplenty.


The top employer in the city of San Diego is the United States Navy.


baby playing
kids in hot tub
dad and kids playing

Amenities for the Kids

There’s something special about a luxury hotel that focuses on kid-friendly amenities. My children loved the rooftop pool area, not just for swimming but also for the green space where they played ping-pong, foosball, and bocce ball with the cityscape in the distance.

The fun didn’t stop there—there’s also a rooftop with tennis courts, basketball, volleyball, and shuffleboard. I never expected so many activities in a downtown high-rise resort. Our staycation, a surprise anniversary gift from my husband, was too short to try everything, but next time we plan to check out the bike rentals and poolside cinemas. The kids especially enjoyed ending the day with s’mores at the outdoor fire pits.

A hidden gem at the hotel is The Grand Club, a dream for parents. It offers snacks like trail mix, yogurt, fresh fruit, a full breakfast spread, and drinks like cappuccinos, hot chocolate, and juices—all for an additional fee. The kids loved the evening hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and the board games provided unplugged family fun.


Celebrity singer Jason Mraz has a 5.5 acre avocado farm in San Diego.


baby playing
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego views
daddy and baby
hyatt club buffet
grand club buffet
grand club views
kids making s'mores on the rooftop
mommy and baby poolside
campfire marshmallows at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
brothers playing by the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego pool
 

World-Class Accommodations

On a trip (even a staycation), I want to feel like I’ve escaped the day-to-day, and am retreating to an oasis of comfort and luxury. Because who doesn’t?! I give the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego five stars in this area.

The sleek, contemporary design of our room with its floor-to-ceiling windows set the tone for our stay. The suite was big enough to accommodate all of my children and then some. The decor was modern and plush. The kitchen area was clutch with the needs of little ones, and the deluxe bath amenities had that spa-like feel.

To top off our staycation, we got a babysitter and enjoyed an anniversary date during the evening hours. We didn’t need to go far, just a quick elevator ride to the Top Of The Hyatt to enjoy some light bites and adult beverages.

We sampled the sliders and the scallop ceviche. Both were delicious and exactly what we needed. Cuddling in a corner watching the sailboats was the perfect, unexpected evening for me. The views were divine, and in each window was a notable quote, serving as great conversation starters—not that we needed any.

The topic of conversation for Bobby and me? Where to next? San Diego keeps surprising us with its array of offerings and attractions, and our stay at the Hyatt was no exception.


San Diego has the most ideal climate with temperatures averaging 70 all year long.


Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego suite
bay front view from Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego club room
family pool
kids in pool at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
kid sitting
drinks bar
mom and kids
baby and seagull

Fun for the Family

As a mom, I have learned it is important to take breaks as a family. To remove my family from the constant demands of their routines is so beneficial. Not just for them, but for us as parents, too. It’s quite refreshing to step away from our day-to-day and enjoy a change in scenery, even if it’s in our hometown. The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego was the exact memorable experience our family was looking for.

It’s within these types of family escapes that we as parents get to truly enjoy our children and one another. We couldn’t be more appreciative to the Grand Hyatt for making us feel more grateful and giving us this new staycation experience. I am sure we will be talking about our special weekend for years to come!


San Diego is home to the largest oceanographic museum in the USA, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is Grand Hyatt the same as Hyatt?

The Grand Hyatt is a subdivision of the Hyatt properties. It’s an upscale offering with luxury accommodations, expansive spaces, more dining options, and amenities.

Does Manchester Grand Hyatt have free breakfast?

The Seaview Breakfast Buffet offers free breakfast for guests ages 4 and under. It’s $42 for patrons ages 12 and up, and half off for children between the ages of 5-12.

How far is Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego from the nearest airport?

The San Diego International Airport is just over 2 miles away. It takes less than 10 minutes to get from one to the other.

How much is parking?

Parking at the Manchester Grand Hyatt costs $65 per day for valet and $45 per day for self-parking. Transit valet parking is $12 for the first hour and $8 for each additional hour, up to $70 per day. Transit self-parking is $10 for the first hour and $8 for each additional hour, up to $50 per day.

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