“Working In The City” is The San Diego Sun’s feature Q&A series with downtown San Diego business operators. It’s a way to get to know the city by meeting the people who work here. This is the 28th in an ongoing series.
Company Name: Margaritaville Hotel San Diego (435 Sixth Avenue, Gaslamp). A full-service hotel with three unique food-and-beverage outlets. It’s owned by an East Coast based business called Pebblebrook Hotel Trust.
Mission: Provide a sense of escapism from the hustle and bustle of the downtown setting.
I am: General Manager Miguel Lopez. A San Diego native who recently returned to the city (East County) in 2021 and am staying put.
My commute: Ranges from 25-45 minutes in my car depending on traffic and how much coffee I’ve had before the ride.
The hotel: The building opened in 2005 as Hotel Solamar and reopened as Margaritaville in 2023. It’s a brand that was co-owned and inspired by the laid-back lifestyle of the late musical icon Jimmy Buffett.
Favorite Buffett song: “A Pirate Looks At Forty.” I am most definitely a pirate born 200 years too late and just happened to turn 40 this year.
Best aspect of working downtown: Without a doubt, the variety of clientele and activations that are unique to downtown. The energy and buzz are palpable when different groups take over the Gaslamp Quarter.
Worst aspects of working downtown: The congestion of getting in and out of the downtown area, as well as safety concerns in the later hours of the evening.
Finding staff: The hotel currently employs a staff of roughly 160. It can be difficult based on the traffic and parking limitations but we are very lucky to have a great and loyal team.
Company pet/mascot: Parrots, of course! [Jimmy Buffett fans are often called Parrot Heads.] We have two lovely parrots, one orange and one green. These are painted on our building. They are named Kiwi and Mango from a social media contest we ran when we first opened the hotel.
Company motto: When life gives you limes, make margaritas.
Big event bumps: Yes, the larger events held at Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center make a significant impact on both the hotel occupancy and rate, as well as total food-and-beverage sales.
Parking: Our guests have multiple parking options including our 24-hour valet onsite, as well as multiple self-parking lots in the immediate area.
Funniest downtown work memory: The Cinco De Mayo block party earlier this year. I made a surprise appearance as a luchador and body slammed a wrestler who was talking trash about our hotel.
Business friendliness of the city, on a scale of 1 (easiest) to 10 (hardest): 9. It is a long process that requires votes and approvals from multiple levels. How can the city be more business friendly? Go beyond just hearing our concerns and implement policy that effects positive change.
Homelessness: Unfortunately, it does have a large negative impact on guest experience and staff safety concerns.
Favorite downtown businesses that aren’t yours: I love to eat. Favorite spots include Lucky’s Lunch Counter, Taco Centro and a new hidden gem called Noddle & Bun.
If your business starred in a movie, what would it be called: Fins Up! The late Leslie Nielsen would have been a great lead actor.
Best insider tip for running a downtown SD business: Don’t underestimate guerilla marketing to get as much visibility and revenue for your business. Pounding the pavement is still very effective in a world of digital distraction. SDSun
