Built for $1.9 million, an unimaginable fortune when the hotel opened in 1910, the 437 room US Grant Hotel was the opulent vision of the late president’s son, Ulysses S. Grant, Jr., who believed that this Southern California city needed a fine hotel. The hotel debuted with an all day ceremony that drew the cream of California society, who marveled at the Italian marble lobby, balustrades of alabaster, and sweeping views out to Coronado Island from the hotel’s Palm Court
But over the decades, the US Grant went through tough times. Thankfully, a major restoration by a Native American tribe, which bought the hotel in 2003, removed decades of modifications and renovations to show off the hotel’s original finery. In room details include original drip painting headboards by artist Yves Clement as well as authentic Native American art. For a craft cocktail and a little something to nibble-perhaps a toasted cheese sandwich (aged fontina, rosemary bread, speck ham, and balsamic tomatoes)-relax in the Art Deco sleekness of the Grant Grill Lounge.
