This week many members of the GT staff are in San Diego attending the GBTA Convention 2013. I was lucky to have the opportunity to stay at the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina, located right next to the San Diego Convention Center.  

Facing the harbor, the 1,360-room property does an excellent job of catering to both business and leisure needs. It has two large outdoor pools and a Jacuzzi lined with lounge chairs, private cabanas and fire pits.  Two tropical-feeling restaurants, Roy’s and Tequila’s Bar & Grill, offer open-air bars and seating with a view of the pools.

Arriving Sunday and finding myself with some rare extra time, I took advantage of the amazing 70-degree weather and ran along the harbor-front path. I came across numerous small shops and harbor-front dining within a five-minute walk of the hotel.  Away from the water, the hotel is also located within easy walking distance to the Gas Lamp District and Petco Park, where the San Diego Padres play. 

It has been fantastic to attend all of the GBTA events without worrying about shuttles or taxis. But as always, I am a bit jealous of those lounging by the pool or casually exploring the shops along the water. I hope to return to the Marquis again soon to do just that.  

— Danielle Hudena, executive vice president