There’s no doubt that San Diego, California, is filled with endless opportunities for both entrepreneurs and massive corporations. As home to the enormous San Diego Convention Center (which hosts The Small Business Expo) and the headquarters for huge corporations like PETCO and Brain Corp software, San Diego has grown to become an outstanding city for commerce. Entrepreneurs who travel to San Diego also fall in love with its vibrant food scene (Little Italy is amazing!) and beautiful beachside neighborhoods.
If you have an upcoming business trip to San Diego, it is important to plan out the best hotel to stay at and must-experience establishments to visit in your downtime. Home Business Magazine recently connected with SanDiego.org (the top resource for all things San Diego) and got the inside scoop on exciting spots the city has to offer. Below is a fantastic hotel option and wonderful places to take your diligent employees and clients to.
Where to Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Downtown
Located less than a 10 minute drive from San Diego International Airport, this hotel offers airy and comfortable rooms and many business amenities for traveling entrepreneurs. Home business owners will greatly appreciate the business center, complimentary printing services, faxing capabilities, meeting rooms, office center, and photo copying services. The hotel even allows guests to rent audio/visual equipment for all their media projects!
All of the rooms also feature a convenient work desk with ergonomic chair, two-line phones, blackout curtains (get much-needed rest so you can work to the best of your ability!), and superb bath amenities. Those visiting the hotel will also love the fitness center (blow off steam after that long trade show!), pool, and complimentary airport shuttle. Located in the Little Italy neighborhood, the hotel also has endless food options nearby. Visit the hotel’s website for more info information and to reserve a room.
Where to Have Happy Hour: The Rooftop by STK at Andaz® San Diego
If you want a gorgeous panoramic view of downtown San Diego, a posh and relaxed atmosphere for connecting with your employees, and delectable food options, this is the place to go. Known as the biggest rooftop hotspot in San Diego, The Rooftop by STK at Andaz Hotel San Diego offers many comfy seating options and even a pool next to the bar to relax in after a long day! The food is also absolutely divine, such as the poke nachos, fried Cauliflower Bites (tossed in buffalo sauce with celery and carrots), and giant pretzel.
Other must-try food items are the mouthwatering Spiced Drumettes (served buffalo style with ranch) and Brussel Sprouts that have slivers of parmesan cheese on top. Those looking for fun cocktails will love the Buck You (made with Tanqueray gin, strawberries, lime mint, and ginger) and Mango Lemonade (made with Bacardi Mango). Beer lovers will also go gaga over the local brews available, such as the Pizza Port Chronic Amber Ale. Happy hour is also offered 6 days a week! Visit www.andazsandiego.com for more info.
Where to Take Your Clients to Dinner: STK San Diego Steakhouse
Sometimes business trips call for meetings with high profile clientele or potential customers. Impress them by treating them to a classy business dinner at STK San Diego, which is also located in the Andaz San Diego hotel. Featuring a sophisticated atmosphere, STK offers a vast array of succulent steaks, delectable appetizers, and cocktails that will keep your clients in high spirits (pun intended). Must-try eats include the Lil’ Brgs (wagyu beef on a sesame bun), 18oz Bone-In NY Strip, and Herb Crusted Ahi Tuna.
The restaurant also offers three private/semi-private dining rooms that are perfect for corporate dinners, receptions, networking meetings, and more. The Tempest Storm and/or The Candy Barr accommodates up to 18 guests per side (combined for complete privacy, the room accommodates 35 guests seated or 50 guests reception style). Located on the second floor and overlooking the restaurant, the Misty Ayres – Mezzanine Balcony allows you to observe the movement in the entire space, while remaining discreet and intimate within your own party. The Blaze Starr – Open Air Courtyard also holds up to 75 guests.
Other Exciting Establishments to Check out with Your Team
If you have an afternoon to explore San Diego, there are so many fun places to check out! Ocean lovers will go gaga over the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, located less than 20 minutes outside of San Diego in La Jolla. It features a Giant Kelp Forest, an exciting Shark Shores exhibit, a must-see Seadragons & Seahorses exhibit that is focused on seadragon conservation, and much more. Another fantastic establishment is the San Diego Museum of Art, which features outstanding art exhibitions of all kinds.
For more information about distinguished places in America’s Finest City, check out SanDiego.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more trip ideas and help with your itinerary.
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