What to pack for a stay at InterContinental San Diego
Pack sun-ready clothes, a swimsuit and sunscreen plus basics for working and sightseeing (chargers, toiletries, a light jacket). Bring any family- or pet-specific items you need — the hotel welcomes children and dogs but charges a pet fee and refundable deposit.
In this guide
Essentials to bring
Bring standard travel documents and items you’ll need for check-in: photo ID, your reservation confirmation, and any credit card used to guarantee the booking. The hotel’s official check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM.
Pack chargers, an international adapter if you’re coming from abroad, any prescription medications, and a small first-aid kit. The property provides 24-hour front desk service and luggage storage if you need flexible arrival or departure options.
- Photo ID and reservation confirmation
- Phone and laptop chargers + adapter
- Prescription meds and basic first-aid
- Credit card used to book
| What it’s for | Why bring it |
|---|---|
| Printed or digital reservation | Needed at check-in (check-in starts 4:00 PM) |
| Credit card | May be required for incidental hold at check-in |
| Medication | Pharmacies are nearby but better to pack what you need |
What to pack for the rooftop pool and Layover bar
The outdoor heated rooftop pool sits on the 4th floor next to the Layover poolside bar and has lounge chairs, reservable cabanas and fire pits. Pool hours are listed at 8:00 AM–8:00 PM on some official pages; other listings show slightly different hours, so check with the front desk when you arrive.
Pool rules on some day-pass listings prohibit outside food, coolers, large speakers and pets. Bring sun protection and a cover-up for walking to restaurants or terraces after swimming.
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- High-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses
- Flip-flops or water shoes
- Light towel if you prefer your own (hotel provides towels)
| Pool feature | What to bring |
|---|---|
| Cabanas and lounge seating | Light blanket or cover-up for evening |
| Poolside Layover bar | ID if ordering alcoholic drinks |
| Fire pits and evening seating | Light jacket for bay breezes |
Room basics — what the hotel provides
Guest rooms at InterContinental San Diego include floor-to-ceiling windows with bay or city views, a 49-inch TV, a custom coffee machine, a stocked mini-bar, and plush bathrobes and slippers. If you have a specific room preference, room types include Classic Room, Premium Room and multiple suite options.
If you’ll be working, wired internet access is complimentary in rooms; Wi‑Fi is available as well. For longer stays or special needs, the hotel offers dry cleaning and laundry service.
- 49-inch TV, mini-bar, custom coffee machine
- Plush bathrobes and slippers provided
- Complimentary wired internet in rooms
- 24-hour front desk, dry cleaning and luggage storage
| Room example | Notes |
|---|---|
| Classic Room | Standard guestroom; comes in water- and city-view variants |
| Premium Room, 1 King Bed, City View | Larger footprint and city views |
| Suite, Corner (Waterfront) | Suite with extra living space and waterfront views |
Dining and dress / reservation tips
On-site dining options include Vistal Bar + Restaurant (breakfast, lunch, dinner), Seneca Trattoria on Level 19, rooftop Garibaldi, Layover pool bar, Mastro's Ocean Club, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, and an on-site Starbucks. Hours vary by venue; reservations are recommended for Garibaldi and Seneca Trattoria, especially for dinner or weekend brunch.
Some restaurants note a smart-casual dress code (Seneca Trattoria is described as smart casual). If you plan a celebratory dinner, pack one smart outfit (collared shirt/dress or similar).
- Casual daytime clothes for Vistal and Starbucks
- Smart-casual outfit for Seneca Trattoria or steakhouses
- Comfortable shoes for walking the Embarcadero afterward
- Photo ID if ordering alcohol
| Venue | Typical service |
|---|---|
| Vistal Bar + Restaurant | Breakfast, lunch & dinner |
| Garibaldi (rooftop) | Dinner & weekend brunch; reservations advised |
| Layover (pool bar) | Light bites and cocktails during pool hours |
Fitness, work and business travel
The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center with bay views and an outdoor yoga terrace. If you plan to work, bring your laptop, headset and any presentation adapters you need; wired internet in rooms is complimentary and the property lists business and meeting spaces.
For meetings or events, the property offers extensive event space and meeting rooms. If you need printing or meeting support, contact the 24-hour front desk or the hotel concierge in advance.
- Workout clothes and trainers
- Laptop, charging cables and dongles
- Portable battery pack for long conference days
- Printed materials or flash drive if presenting
| Need | Hotel resource |
|---|---|
| 24-hour workouts | On-site fitness center and outdoor yoga terrace |
| Meeting rooms | Multiple meeting rooms and large ballrooms available |
| Reliable wired connection | Complimentary wired internet in rooms |
Packing for families and pets
InterContinental San Diego is family-friendly and provides cribs on request; restaurants and the rooftop pool welcome families. The hotel’s minimum check-in age is 18, and guests under 18 must check in with a parent or legal guardian.
The hotel accepts dogs (cats are not permitted). IHG lists a $150 pet fee and a refundable $250 pet deposit per stay; service animals are exempt. If traveling with a dog, bring your own food, leash and bedding as needed; the property provides food/water bowls and a dog exercise area.
- Children: favorite snacks, small travel games, nightlight
- Crib requests: call ahead to confirm availability
- Pets: vaccination records, leash, food, and crate
- Note: cats are not permitted
| Family / Pet need | Action |
|---|---|
| Crib or rollaway | Request in advance through reservations or concierge |
| Dog travel | Bring leash, food, and proof of vaccinations |
| Under-18 check-in | Must be accompanied by parent/guardian |
Clothing and weather guidance
San Diego weather is mild year-round. Warm season runs roughly July–early October; shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are often the nicest for fewer crowds and mild temperatures. Coastal mornings can have 'June Gloom' — cool, overcast conditions before midday sun.
Pack layered clothing: light shirts and shorts for daytime, a light jacket or sweater for evenings and breezy bay conditions. If you plan beach or boat outings, include swimwear, a windbreaker and water-friendly shoes.
- Daywear: T-shirts, shorts, breathable fabrics
- Evening: light jacket or sweater
- Beach: swimsuit, SPF, water shoes
- Active: running shoes for waterfront trails
| Season | Packing note |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Pack sun protection and a light jacket for evenings |
| Spring/Fall | Layers recommended; mild daytime temps |
| Winter | Mild but bring a warmer layer for cooler evenings |
