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Review: The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy

Review: The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy

Note8.6/10

Hotel
The Guild Hotel San Diego
Country
United States
City
San Diego
Room Type
Bay View Corner Suite
Loyalty Program Status
Titanium
Points Per Night
45,000 points
Hotel brand
Tribute Portfolio
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I was looking for a destination with a direct flight from Montreal to spend the Victoria Day long weekend and use my Air Canada buddy pass. The Guild San Diego is a Marriott Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio hotel. An emblematic historic building of the armed services, it harmoniously combines historic charm and modernity.

The Guild Hotel – Booking

For this reservation, we booked a Cozy King room which we paid for in cash. The cost in points is 45,000 points per night, compared with 247 USD.

Please note that this hotel charges a resort fee of 35 USD per night.

These fees include :

  • A $35 daily food and beverage credit. However, the credit is not cumulative, and if you don’t use it every day of your stay, it will be lost.
  • Free admission to the San Diego Museum of Art for each person staying in the same room upon presentation of the room card.
  • Coffee and tea available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the lobby
  • Access to hundreds of online magazines and newspapers via pressreader.com
  • Rental bikes – On a first-come, first-served basis
  • Access to the gym
  • 2 bottles of water

Resort fees are often not really taken advantage of, and can be seen as a forced way of increasing the price of a night’s stay. I have to say that for this hotel, we didn’t feel that way, given that the amount of the credit corresponds to about 2 cocktails at the hotel bar (16 USD to 18 USD depending on the cocktails). So we took the opportunity to try different cocktails every evening after a good day’s sightseeing. We also visited the San Diego Museum of Art, located in the heart of Balboa Park (value: 20 USD per entry).

Avis : The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - The Guild Hotel San Diego Boutique Hotel

Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to be a Marriott BonvoyMD American ExpressMD* Cardholder (and/or Marriott BonvoyMD Business American ExpressMD* Cardholder).

In addition to the great welcome bonus on both cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all purchases and 5 points per dollar at Marriott locations. And each year, you’ll earn a certificate for one free hotel night (35,000 point value) as well as 15 Elite nights toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

Review: The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Chicago IL1
Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

The Guild Hotel – At a glance

Here is some information about the hotel:

Date of opening (or renovation)2019 Number of rooms162
RestaurantsYesUSB sockets in the roomYes
Accepts animalsYes (USD 75 per stay)Smart TVYes
Mobile cardNoShower/BathShower
BalconyNoAccessible for people with reduced mobilityCommon areas,
some rooms
Parking35 USD/dayLounge No
GymYes, 24/7Breakfast includedNo
Pools and SpasNoRoom with kitchenetteNo
Review: The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Chicago IL1

The Guild Hotel – Location

The hotel is located at 500 W Broadway, close to the Marina where you’ll find many tourist attractions such as the famous aircraft carrier USS Midway, as well as the pier for crossing the bay to Coronado Island. The Gaslamp restaurant district and Little Italy are just a 5-minute walk away.

You can easily reach the hotel from the airport in just 15 minutes by bus (line 992 – Broadway & Kettner Blvd stop) for USD 2.5. At the foot of the hotel, you can also take the streetcar to visit Old San Diego.

Review: The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Chicago IL1
Review: The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Chicago IL1

The Guild Hotel – Checking in

Reception is directly on the left as you enter the hotel. It’s not very big, but there are 2 desks available. It can sometimes get crowded at departure time (11 a.m.).

Teh process was quick, as we had already checked in in the app. We were given our coupons for the free breakfast we chose as a welcome gift thanks to our Titanium status.

If you’re like me and appreciate it when room service does your room every day, it’s important to make this clear when you check in. The hotel didn’t mention it, but we’d encountered this problem at the JW Marriott New Orleans a few months earlier, as we specified this time (unfortunately, the note was not added to our booking and we had the unpleasant surprise when we arrived in our room on the first day).

Review: The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Chicago IL1
Review: The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - Chicago IL1

The Guild Hotel – Room

When we booked, we reserved a Cozy room with a double bed and were upgraded to a Corner Suite overlooking the bay.

The decor is contemporary and minimalist.

Avis : The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - The Guild Hotel San Diego Boutique Hotel

The suite is not very large but comfortable. There’s a small office overlooking the street and the pier.

Avis : The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - The Guild Hotel San Diego Boutique Hotel

The difference between suites and standard rooms is mainly the addition of a lounge area.

The bathroom has a sliding door for added privacy. We liked the Le Labo Santal 33 toiletries.

Please note that all rooms have showers only.

The Guild Hotel – Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the hotel bar/restaurant from 6:30am to 10:30am. You must place your order directly at the bar and pay, or put it on your room (a good way to use your food and beverage credit). A waiter will then bring your breakfast to the table.

Avis : The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - The Guild Hotel San Diego Boutique Hotel

The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, pastries, smoothies and açai bowls.

It’s advisable to arrive before 10 a.m., as unfortunately on our last day several options were missing from the menu.

The Guild Hotel – Other services

The Guild Hotel – Restaurant

The restaurant is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner.

We were able to dine there when we arrived. The food was good but the menu was rather limited. Instead, I recommend dining in Little Italy.

Avis : The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - The Guild Hotel San Diego Boutique Hotel
Avis : The Guild Hotel | Marriott Bonvoy - The Guild Hotel San Diego Boutique Hotel

The Guild Hotel – Gym

The fitness room is located in the basement. It is very well equipped with relatively new Life Fitness equipment. It’s open 24/7.

The Guild Hotel – My overall impression

We had a good stay at this hotel, which is close to San Diego ‘s various points of interest and to public transport for sightseeing. Its location is a real bonus.

The Guild, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel offers a very nice recognition for elite members of the Marriott Bonvoy program by offering a generous breakfast. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in San Diego.

Go further with Marriott Bonvoy

To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.

Our featured card

Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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