Picture this: a sunny city with beaches and one of the most agreeable climates in the the world, bursting with culture, a dynamic restaurant scene, and a plethora of luxurious and unique hotels. Though the official name for this incredible vacation destination is San Diego, I prefer to call it Paradise.
During my latest trip, I stayed at three of San Diego's most interesting hotels, all in different areas of the county. In the ritzy beach community of Coronado, I stayed at the crown jewel of San Diego: The Hotel del Coronado. Then, I enjoyed a night smack-dab in the centre of downtown at The Keating Hotel, a boutique hotel that is simultaneously historic and ultra-modern. My last day was spent in Pacific Beach, an eclectic beach town, where I stayed (and played) at Tower 23 Hotel, a condo-chic hotel with stunning ocean views.
HGTV.ca has your all-access pass to these remarkable properties. Take a look!
Hotel del Coronado, Coronado
It’s been a few weeks since I returned from the Hotel del Coronado and I’ve almost managed to stop sighing every time I think about it. Originally built in 1888, The Del has hosted generations of celebrities, American presidents, and dignitaries from around the world. The Victorian-era resort is also a perfect example of resilience: it has survived several economic slumps, and has come to be knows as one of the top 10 hotels in the world.
Steeped in romance, The Del is perfect for an intimate getaway. From the grand chandelier in the lobby, to the gazebo in the courtyard, to the perfectly manicured beach, the property seems always camera-ready. Hand-holding is virtually mandatory, as everywhere you look couples are sharing honeymoon smiles.
The Victorian rooms further reflect the classic elegance. In these rooms, you can enjoy the rich history of The Del and muse on which silver screen legend may have stayed in your suite, while the suites in Beach Village feature amenities like gourmet kitchens, cozy fireplaces, spa-style baths, and soaker tubs on the outdoor terraces.
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The Keating Hotel, Downtown San Diego
With its historic bones and Italian/California/SoHo design, when you check into
The Keating Hotel, you should get three stamps on your passport. This luxury boutique hotel in downtown San Diego is a study in contrasts: old and modern, European and Californian, and avant garde and comfortable, all at the same time.
The Keating was built in the late 1800s and was originally an office building. In 2001 it was redesigned by Pininfarina (an Italian design firm that also designed for Ferrari and Maserati). Some elements like the steam-powered elevator are original, while others are very modern. The sparse-yet-striking lobby is a pulsing, vibrant red and the rooms redefine what a hotel can (and should) be, such as a room plans which direct seating at the windows, not the TV. With a daring design that puts the walk-in shower in plain view of the bed in most rooms (and Jacuzzi tubs front-and-centre in others) a night at the Keating inspires (and requires) intimacy.
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Tower 23, Pacific Beach
In Pacific Beach, Tower 23 is the perfect spot to become a local for the day. Located steps from the ocean, this contemporary urban beach resort offers top-notch ocean-view patios and interior courtyard with fire pit and splash pad, where if you wanted to, you can entertain yourself for an entire weekend without leaving the property.
Tower 23's clean, cool, neo-modern aesthetic is distinctly Californian. Design is modern and minimalist, but still playful and creative. My “Surf Pad” had a surf-themed mural and an incredible view of the ocean and Crystal Pier. Next door was the “Sweet Suite”, with a floating King-size bed facing the ocean and "chromatherapy" -- colour-changing! -- Jacuzzi tub. Both the Surf Pad and the Sweet Suite had balconies, which are ideal for people-watching on the boardwalk and taking in a magnificent west-coast sunset. Aside from the stunning ocean views, the best feature of Tower 23 are the beds: luxurious memory foam mattresses topped with feather pads. The sheets feel like they’re about a million threads per inch and the duvet is so light and fluffy, you will feel like you are sleeping under a cloud.
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Have you stayed in any of these places before? Have your own recommendations for lodging in San Diego?
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