The Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, located at 1 Market Pl, is in the middle of a major renovation, described as the hotel’s most ambitious yet.
The project began earlier this year and will continue through the end of 2026, with extensive upgrades across the property, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. One of the first completed renovations is the hotel’s signature restaurant, Sally’s. After being closed for nearly four months, the restaurant has reopened with a fresh new look.
Large sliding doors now open the space to the waterfront, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. The design changes also include removing a wall behind the bar, lighting up the space, and adding a mural by local artists. In addition, the menu will be enhanced, offering more entree-style items alongside the existing small bites.
The hotel’s popular Top of the Hyatt bar will also undergo renovations. Seating will be rearranged to ensure unobstructed city views, and updates will include new lighting, carpeting, and furniture. The bar is expected to close for renovations at the end of this year and reopen by early 2026, with a revamped menu offering more substantial dishes.
In addition to the food and beverage areas, the hotel is undergoing extensive renovations in other areas. All 1,628 rooms and over 320,000 square feet of meeting spaces will be updated. The renovation will also transform one of the hotel’s two swimming pools into an adults-only area with a bar and reception space. This pool has been closed for several years and is slated to be completed by the end of 2025.
The second pool will be renovated next, with work expected to finish by next winter. Guestrooms will also see significant changes, including updated carpets, curtains, furniture, and mattresses. Bathrooms will be gutted, with many bathtubs replaced by larger showers.
The hotel, now owned by Host Hotels & Resorts, was purchased from Doug Manchester. Host has committed nearly $600 million to renovating six properties, including the Manchester Grand Hyatt, although the exact investment in this hotel has not been disclosed. The extensive renovation is part of a larger effort to enhance the hotel’s competitiveness and long-term performance.
Initially built in 1992 as a 40-story tower, the Manchester Grand Hyatt expanded in 2003 with the addition of a 33-story tower. It remains the largest hotel in San Diego and Southern California. Once the renovation is complete, the hotel aims to attract leisure and group customers, maintaining its position as a top destination in the region.
