Rooftop Cinema Club is giving its downtown San Diego movie nights a change of scenery, shifting from the Manchester Grand Hyatt in the Gaslamp Quarter to a new sky-high home in Little Italy. The open-air theater plans to reopen on Feb. 26 with a grand opening screening and a run of crowd-pleasing films and themed nights.
Move Confirmed By The Company
As reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune, the operator confirmed it would leave the Manchester Grand Hyatt rooftop and relocate to Little Italy. The outlet quoted company founder Gerry Cottle Jr. saying he was excited to become part of Little Italy and bring film escapism to the neighborhood, and noted the company said ticket prices would remain the same after the move.
New Home At Porto Vista Hotel
According to the venue page on Rooftop Cinema Club, the new Little Italy setup will sit atop the Porto Vista Hotel at 1835 Columbia St and is slated to open with a Feb. 26 screening of La La Land as the grand opening event. The page also lays out the early spring schedule into March, including a "Gossip Girl" mini marathon on March 3.
Why The Change And What It Means Downtown
Local coverage notes that Rooftop Cinema Club wrapped up its run at the Manchester Grand Hyatt on Dec. 31, 2025, and that the hotel plans to convert the former cinema rooftop into an outdoor meeting space. The San Diego Sun reports the Porto Vista location will be more intimate, with roughly 130 seats, but will still offer a lounge, bar, and the themed screenings regulars are used to.
Tickets, Seating, And How To Go
Rooftop Cinema Club's venue listing describes a mix of single Adirondack chairs and two-person loveseats, along with a "Fireside Films" option that includes personal heaters. The site lists ticket prices at roughly $11 to $40 and notes that doors open early for first-come seating. Tickets and venue policies, including recommendations to use ride share or the nearby County Center/Little Italy trolley stop, are available from Rooftop Cinema Club.
