Tom Ham's Lighthouse is located on Harbor Island in San Diego.  It is built right across the bay from the famous Admiral Kidd Club on the Point Loma Navy Base, with unique pylons extending the buildings architecture over the bay.  The dance floor is located on this part of the building, which gives it an almost cruise ship feel when you are in the main banquet room.  I think one of the more beneficial amenities, would be that the Harbor Island Hilton and several other hotels are all located near Tom Hams.  If you are having an out of town meeting or Wedding, then you can easily coordinate shuttles, taxi's or other transportation from Lindbergh Field.

Tom Ham's Lighthouse not only has one of the most prime locations in all of San Diego, but it offers elegance and a touch of smoothness that can only be obtained from lots of experience.  With the amount of weddings and banquets held at Tom Ham's, the staff are very seasoned.  Although I am usually too busy DJ'ing or coordinating events to enjoy my dinner at Wedding Receptions, I can say that the food is the sort of food you would come to expect from such a classy restaurant on the water.  Great seafood and great service all around.

The balcony that extends out like a ship deck around the building is beautiful for a romantic break from the dance floor and music.  Cocktail hour usually takes place on the patio and is relatively medium sized area.  This isn't a bad mark for Tom Ham's but merely a hurdle for a DJ or entertainer to overcome when working at this location.  It is hardly a big sacrifice when you experience the patio.  The backdrop is the breath taking city skyline of downtown San Diego.

I'd say that with their location, excellent food, staff and the unique feeling that you are actually on the water, Tom Ham's certainly has charm.  Not many locations with an ocean or harbor view in San Diego can boast having such top-notch hotels and easy access to the airport.  Harbor Island being in the opposite direction of the Gaslamp in San Diego offers a safe-haven from traffic or any other factor that might lead to a stressful event.  I'd say that if Tom Ham's is within your budget, there is little competition to it's overall greatness.

~Matt Phipps