Inspection records show a confusing and fast-moving sequence of events at the U.S. Grant Hotel beginning on January 28. During a routine inspection that day, inspectors initially ordered the hotel’s food facilities closed after identifying multiple violations, including a major vermin issue, along with problems related to handwashing facilities, warewashing maintenance, plumbing, and improper thawing methods. No grade was issued during that initial closure.
Later the same day, the property underwent another routine inspection and was allowed to reopen after receiving a score of 95 and an “A” grade, despite several minor and out-of-compliance violations, including improper holding temperatures, non-compliant produce washing procedures, and issues with floors, walls, ceilings, and warewashing facilities. An additional environmental inspection conducted on January 28 found no violations.
However, the reprieve was short-lived. On January 29, inspectors returned for a re-inspection and again ordered the hotel’s food operations closed, citing major vermin violations. That closure remains the most recent action listed in county records.
The U.S. Grant Hotel, located at 326 Broadway, is one of San Diego’s most storied properties. Originally opened in 1910 by hotelier and developer Ulysses S. Grant Jr., son of President Ulysses S. Grant, the landmark hotel has hosted presidents, dignitaries, celebrities, and countless visitors over more than a century. The Beaux-Arts building has undergone multiple renovations over the decades and currently operates as a luxury hotel under the Marriott Autograph Collection.
Onsite food and beverage venues at the U.S. Grant include Grant Grill, Lounge at the Grant Grill, and in-room dining services, all of which fall under county health oversight. County inspection reports do not always specify which individual kitchen or food service area triggered violations, and closures typically apply to affected food operations rather than hotel lodging itself. Temporary closures for vermin are not uncommon in older, high-traffic historic buildings, particularly in dense urban environments, but repeated closures within a 48-hour period are unusual and raise questions about the effectiveness of corrective actions taken between inspections.
SanDiegoVille has reached out through social media to the U.S. Grant Hotel for comment and clarification regarding the closures, the scope of the vermin issue, and when food service is expected to resume. As of publication time, no response has been received.
Health department records indicate that food facilities may reopen once violations are fully corrected and verified through a follow-up inspection. Until then, the status of the hotel’s dining operations remains subject to county approval.
Originally published on January 30, 2026.
Onsite food and beverage venues at the U.S. Grant include Grant Grill, Lounge at the Grant Grill, and in-room dining services, all of which fall under county health oversight. County inspection reports do not always specify which individual kitchen or food service area triggered violations, and closures typically apply to affected food operations rather than hotel lodging itself. Temporary closures for vermin are not uncommon in older, high-traffic historic buildings, particularly in dense urban environments, but repeated closures within a 48-hour period are unusual and raise questions about the effectiveness of corrective actions taken between inspections.
SanDiegoVille has reached out through social media to the U.S. Grant Hotel for comment and clarification regarding the closures, the scope of the vermin issue, and when food service is expected to resume. As of publication time, no response has been received.
Health department records indicate that food facilities may reopen once violations are fully corrected and verified through a follow-up inspection. Until then, the status of the hotel’s dining operations remains subject to county approval.
Originally published on January 30, 2026.
