San Diego Sofia Hotel - Haute Spot During Winter Chill

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The holidays have come and gone, and winter is in full-swing in San Diego. No, really!

So winter in San Diego is not accompanied by stinging arctic conditions or the mandatory donning of thermal insulation when strolling about town. But, lazy sandals and breezy tees have given way to boots and hoodies, and the cooling trend that has set upon the region has brought with it a longing to be indoors - enjoying a cozy, pampered environment out of the wintry air.

Although seasonal snow resorts and winter lodges are virtually non-existent in San Diego County (albeit a handful that exist atop Mount Laguna and the outskirts of Julian), the Sofia Hotel downtown offers a warm, retreat-like setting amidst a backdrop of urban, chic sophistication - offering San Diego's fair-weather birds and winter warriors alike a lavish nest to chill out for the season in style.

Built in 1926, the Sofia Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America's prestigious National Preservation Trust. Radiating in brilliant, gothic-esque architecture, the Sofia offers guests an array of activities and accommodations that epitomize the ideals of relaxation and luxury. The lobby of the Sofia sets a reposeful ambiance with an inviting fireside lounge - welcoming guests with cascading golden warmth and offering a select menu of cocktails and delectable appetizers to enjoy while relaxing with colleagues on plush armchairs or watching one of Sofia's lobby plasma televisions. To encourage a winter hunting-lodge theme, the Sofia houses a collection of fossils throughout the hotel, including an archaic alligator skull in the lobby.

In 2005, Sofia's owners, Pickwick Partners, Ltd., began a $16 million renovation - sparing no expense to upgrade each living quarter to the height of sophistication. Each of Sofia's stylish 212 guest rooms are awash in natural, clean tones and come equipped with lush pillow-top queen or king mattresses, fine linens and silky down comforters, 20-inch flat-screen televisions, high-speed Internet access and IPOD docking stations, Gilchrist & Soames spa products and toiletries, refreshment centers with coffeemaker, microwave and mini-fridges, electronic laptop safes, and exquisite aerial views of downtown. VIP suites provide soaking spa tubs with jets and showcase a mirage of fine art and accessories. The Sofia also offers pet-friendly and handicap-accessible rooms and provides complimentary bottled water in every suite, as well as 24-hour bell and concierge service.

Weary travelers and vacationistas alike will take refuge in the wide selection of Sofia's rejuvenating in-suite or on-site spa services. The renowned Harkishan Yoga Studio located inside the hotel is available to guests 24-hours a day, as well as an on-call yoga instructor. The Sofia has produced its own Sofia Yoga DVD - offering a variety of Yoga instruction both outside of the hotel and some exercises patrons can perform in the comfort of their own guestroom. An on-call personal trainer is also available, as well as a 24-hour health center featuring Star Trac cardio equipment, free weights and Hoist strength training equipment.

The Sofia is also every business traveler's confidant by providing a 24-hour business center with state-of-the-art technology available throughout every small or large conference room - including T-1 Internet accessibility, digital printers and global video conferencing.

Located in the lobby of the Sofia, Currant American Brasserie provides for intimate indoor or outdoor seating set amidst French-inspired décor and modernist design. A diverse and luscious culinary cabaret is offered by Currant's Executive Chef, Jonathan Pflueger, including menu highlights such as Asian-influenced Hibachi Style Salmon and earthy Roasted Jidori Chicken. For before or after dining pleasure, the Currant lounge serves up an enticing medley of unique beverages including the infamous spirit Absinthe, a controversial liqueur outlawed until recently.

Although guests of the San Diego Sofia Hotel are welcome, and encouraged, to spend the night in enjoying all the luxurious splendor the hotel has to offer, the Sofia provides complimentary guided "walkabout" tours of the Gaslamp every Saturday and Sunday for hotel guests who want to check out the magnificence of their downtown surroundings and brave the outside elements. The Sofia Hotel is located at 150 Front Street, minutes away from Horton Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Seaport Village, Sea World and Old Town.