The Westgate Hotel: A Year in Review

As we reflect on 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for the unforgettable moments, meaningful partnerships, and incredible recognition that made this year truly special. From celebrating major milestones to launching exciting new experiences, here are the highlights that defined our year at The Westgate Hotel.

On March 6th, The Westgate Hotel took home the Good Earthkeeping Award at the 45th annual Gold Key Awards, presented by the San Diego County Lodging Association. This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility within the hospitality industry and broader San Diego business community. We earned this distinction through comprehensive sustainability efforts, including transitioning to 95% LED lighting, implementing a state-of-the-art heat exchange program, installing energy-efficient laundry systems, and diverting over 75% of our on-site waste from landfills. Our newly introduced employee water fountain helped eliminate over 5,500 plastic bottles in 2024 alone. “At The Westgate, sustainability is more than a commitment—it’s part of our culture,” said Annie Fitzgerald, General Manager. “This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to creating a greener future for our guests, employees, and community.”

On April 1st, The Westgate Hotel’s General Manager, Annie Fitzgerald, had the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the San Diego Padres game at Petco Park. As Vice Chair of the San Diego Tourism Authority’s Board of Directors, representing the city’s hospitality industry, Annie took the mound for a moment that seamlessly connected San Diego’s baseball past with its present. Her first pitch was a symbolic nod to The Westgate Hotel’s deep-rooted connection to Padres history—before the Padres were a Major League team, they played at Westgate Park (1958-1967), a state-of-the-art stadium built under the ownership of C. Arnholt Smith, who originally opened The Westgate Hotel in 1970. To honor this legacy, we introduced the Westgate Park Package, offering baseball fans 20% off room rates, a souvenir 18″ mini baseball bat, a collectible Westgate Park baseball card, and Cracker Jacks—perfect for guests visiting from out of town to catch a game at Petco Park, just a 15-minute walk from our doors.

Throughout the year, we invited guests to discover San Diego’s baseball evolution through a curated walking tour connecting three historic landmarks. The tour begins at Lane Field Park by the water, featuring the original home plate location and historical markers from San Diego’s earliest professional baseball era, continues to The Westgate Hotel on Broadway and 2nd Avenue (which opened in 1970 under the same ownership as the Padres), and concludes at Petco Park, home of today’s Padres. This story starts with the Westgate-California Tuna Packing Corporation, one of San Diego’s largest employers during the city’s tuna industry heyday, whose ownership first developed The Westgate Hotel and invested $1 million to build Westgate Park. At its opening in 1958, local media declared, “Not even Yankee Stadium or Boston’s Fenway Park can surpass the comforts and conveniences of the Padres’ new home.” The Padres won Pacific Coast League Championships in 1962, 1964, and 1967 at Westgate Park, paving the way for their rise into the Major Leagues in 1969. Though Westgate Park’s days were brief, its legacy is intrinsically linked to both San Diego’s history as a developing city and the history of The Westgate Hotel.

In May, the AquaVie Rooftop was reimagined and ready for the best summer ever in the heart of San Diego. With the largest rooftop lap pool downtown as the centerpiece, we added several new fire pits surrounding the pool deck—perfect for warming up after a refreshing dip during cooler evenings and watching the sunset paint the San Diego skyline. The fan-favorite Bar at AquaVie became a permanent poolside fixture, open daily from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM, serving custom-crafted cocktails, draft beers, fine wines, and exceptional dining directly from The Westgate’s kitchen. Sports fans can even catch Padres baseball games on the bar’s TVs. We also introduced brand-new day beds perfect for extended relaxation, new umbrellas providing welcome shade, and new loungers and couches strategically positioned to maintain our signature unobstructed skyline views. The reimagined AquaVie Rooftop perfectly balances exciting new amenities with the beloved features that have made it a downtown San Diego destination.

The Fitness Club at AquaVie underwent a complete transformation, marking our most significant amenity enhancement to date. We installed all-new state-of-the-art Technogym equipment from its Skill, Excite, and Pure Strength lines. Renowned as the official equipment provider for the Olympic Games, Technogym embodies excellence in the fitness realm with thoughtfully designed, high-quality products. Based in Italy, Technogym’s wellness experts are dedicated to making exercise more accessible and engaging, with a single goal in mind: to help people live better. As a wellness oasis in the heart of downtown, AquaVie is our guests’ go-to place for all their fitness needs. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just beginning your path to wellness, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This revitalization enriches the wellness experience at The Westgate, fostering a healthier and happier community.

In September, we marked 55 years since The Westgate Hotel first opened its doors. When the hotel debuted in 1970, it commanded the attention of foreign dignitaries, Hollywood celebrities, and big-name politicians. There was nothing else like it in San Diego, or anywhere else—a hotel in its own class, carefully created as both a forward-thinking investment in the future of San Diego and a decadent nod to a historic tradition of high luxury. From senators and university presidents to the “Beefeaters Club” and actors like Bruce Dern and Don Knotts, The Westgate was the first choice for fashionable meetings and events. Our staff became famous for their attentiveness—one 1970s print ad even publicized how our “resourceful housekeeping” located “oversized ashtrays” large enough for visiting President Gerald Ford’s favorite pipe. More than five decades later, The Westgate has grown and changed in many ways, but we’re proud to say the most important things have always stayed the same: the Baccarat crystal chandeliers, Flemish wall tapestries, the elegant curve of our grand staircase, and our commitment to creating personal experiences for each guest.

For a full week, The Westgate Hotel transformed into a Hollywood film set for “One Battle After Another,” the new film by Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro, and Sean Penn. If you’ve seen the trailer, you’ve caught a glimpse of Sean Penn descending our iconic grand staircase—a moment that perfectly captures The Westgate’s cinematic elegance. Warner Bros. booked the majority of our rooms for cast and crew, and filming took place throughout the property—from the grand staircase and Governor’s Suite to the lower-level lobby, garage, and behind-the-scenes employee areas. In a detail that showcases the technical precision of filmmaking, our engineering team spent weeks swapping out bulbs in more than 300 chandeliers because LED lights flicker on camera. “It really did feel like a second layer of life was happening inside the hotel,” said Annie Fitzgerald, VP of Operations and General Manager. “For our team, it was fun to watch the hotel transform into a film set while still remaining the same beautiful hotel that we visit every day.” The film is now in theaters, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share our home with audiences worldwide.

On November 19th, The Westgate Hotel introduced Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar, a refined yet approachable all-day dining destination where French culinary tradition meets the bright flavors and effortless spirit of coastal California. “Bonne Vie embodies our passion for culinary craft, vibrant energy, and thoughtful design,” said Annie Fitzgerald. “We’re thrilled to share a space where guests can enjoy beautifully prepared dishes, meaningful conversations, and moments that feel joyful and genuinely inviting.” Conceived by acclaimed San Diego designer Jacoi Mann, Bonne Vie pairs subtle European influences with contemporary ease. Deep blue and gold tones, velvet seating, and glowing chandeliers create a polished yet relaxed atmosphere, while custom Sapele tables feature marble tops and brass accents. At the helm is Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel, whose 30+ year international career spans Michelin-starred kitchens across France, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A native of Bayeux, France, Chef Hardel has led The Westgate Hotel’s culinary team since 2001. The menu presents modern American interpretations of classic French dishes, featuring signature offerings like Burgundy Escargot and French Onion Soup, alongside American-inspired dishes like the banh mi-style Fried Chicken Sandwich and seafood specialties like Icelandic Cod Meunière. More than a restaurant, Bonne Vie is a gathering place where everyday moments are enriched by good food and genuine connection—downtown San Diego’s newest social landmark.

Our catering and events team had an exceptional year, hosting 58 social events in 2025, including nine weddings, four engagements, and six photo shoots. An invitation to a Westgate wedding is an invitation to elegance, where sophistication and stunning style bring a sense of occasion, and our signature warmth and friendliness make for truly cherished memories. From our regally refined Regency to our gorgeously grand Versailles Ballroom, our intimate Riviera Room to our Fountain Terrace, our breathtaking ceremony spaces are flooded with beautiful natural light by day and warmed by sparkling crystal chandeliers by night. Whether it’s cocktails on the terrace at sunset or a sit-down dinner and dancing in our celebrated chic ballroom, our stunning downtown views, opulent décor, lavish interiors, and friendly award-winning service all lend the right amount of regal French grandeur to any special day. Our catering team, helmed by Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel, offers unparalleled attention to detail, ready to tailor the best of Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar’s fine dining experience to suit your celebratory day.

As we look back on 2025, we’re grateful for the opportunity to create memorable moments for our guests while honoring our 55-year legacy of timeless elegance and exceptional hospitality. From historic milestones to exciting new beginnings, thank you for being part of our story this year. We look forward to welcoming you in the year ahead.