History is hot

San Diego has become a hot spot for renovation of historic hotels. Here’s a sampling:

THE KEATING

After an extensive renovation, the two-story hotel boasts 35 luxury rooms done in the sleek, signature style of Italian firm Pininfarina. Rates from $329.

Details: 432 F St.; (619) 814-5700 or (877) 753-2816, www.thekeating.com.

HOTEL OCCIDENTAL

This downtown 1920s landmark reopened in mid-2006 as a 54-room modern hotel. Each of four floor plans includes a kitchenette, but not all rooms include a bathroom. Rates from $69.

Details: 410 Elm St.; (800) 205-9897, www.hoteloccidental-sandiego.com.

THE SOFIA HOTEL

The 212-room hotel, built in 1926, retains its Gothic Revival architecture after a $16-million renovation that also added modern amenities such as 24-hour concierge service and yoga studio. Rooms from $149.

Details: 150 W. Broadway; (800) 826-0009, www.thesofiahotel.com.

500 WEST

The $9-million renovation turned this former YMCA for the U.S. armed forces into a hip and affordable option for downtown sightseers. The 208 guestrooms, all with shared bathrooms cleaned every 20 minutes, feature Michael Graves-designed furnishings. Rates from $49.

Details: 500 W. Broadway, (619) 234-5252; www.500westhotel.com.

THE IVY

This 159-room luxury hotel, slated to open in mid-May, is squarely in the Gaslamp Quarter. Its $85-million renovation will create 16 suites, two presidential suites and a two-level suite. Rates will begin at $450.

Details: 600 F St.; (619) 814-1000, www.ivyhotel.com.

-- VALLI HERMAN