Years ago when I was commissioned to write and photograph a San Diego Travel Guide for the city’s Tourism Board, I discovered that San Diego is often overlooked as a travel destination by many California creatives. It only took a few days south of Los Angeles to realize that I had been missing out on gorgeous weekend getaways by never considering this city less than 2 hours away from home. Every time I am in San Diego the weather is gorgeous, there is a new vibrant restaurant to explore, and the city’s options for coffee and natural wines are astonishing.

In 2017 when Montage launched a line of design-focused hotels geared toward millennial travelers, they choose the city of San Diego to make their debut. With an emphasis on understated cool, they brought modernity to a corner in the Gaslamp Quarter which has been most often associated with unsavory kitsch and late-night partying. The boutique property is 12 stories tall, with 317 rooms (including 36 suites) and a rooftop pool. I particularly enjoyed the Pendry’s Moët & Chandon Champagne vending machine on the ground floor.

Why Book?

This is an ideal hotel for those looking to be in close proximity to San Diego landmarks. If you enjoy traveling by foot this also puts you in a walkable area with close access to the metro and about a 20-minute jaunt to the Santa Fe Depot Amtrak Depot. Located in heart of the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, the Pendry is blocks away from Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center. Balboa Park, one of my favorite public areas in the city, is a mere 2.4 miles away. The San Diego International Airport is 2.5 miles away, making it the perfect location for those flying in. Interested in exploring the city’s best restaurants? The Pendry is nearby.

The hotel design is modern-meets-traditional with an ocean-inspired color scape reflecting the moody blue Pacific Ocean but a short distance away. Although I didn’t love the plaid accents and overabundance of dark wood found throughout the property, I did appreciate the hotel’s attention to cleanliness and order. Room service is available.

What the Rooms Are Like

Although I am still in search of my favorite hotel in San Diego, I can vouch for the service and sleep that I enjoyed at the Pendry. Our hotel room was equipped with a large bed covered in superb crisp linens and heavenly pillows that possessed the power to melt away the most stressful of troubles. There were floor-to-ceiling windows, great air conditioning, and a playful choice of wallpaper. The room’s shower is made entirely of glass similar to much loved and never forgotten The Standard Downtown L.A., so make note, whoever’s in the room will see you covered in suds.

Where to Eat Near the Hotel

One of the first reservations to make when visiting San Diego should be for dinner at Callie. We celebrated my husband’s birthday there in the fall and experienced what would become one of our most memorable meals of 2022. Dishes like Beef Tartare with black harissa, labneh, Tokyo turnips, seeded cracker, and Japanese Kanpachi with green “hot sauce”, black lime, and avocado blew me to pieces. For brunch, I love the vibrant Morning Glory, an electric pink paradise serving up scrumptious Japanese soufleé pancakes and an unexpected breakfast pasta.

Price

Average $357 a night

Location

The Pendry Hotel
550 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
+1 619-738-7000

Dining at The Pendry Hotel: Provisional

The stunning natural light that fills Provisional Kitchen at the Pendry makes for a splendid atmosphere to start your day. Wake up with a proper cappuccino provided by the Vittoria Coffee espresso bar and soak up the morning glow in this bright and airy space, with sky-high ceilings that elevate the effortless casual-chic dining experience. We cozied up in a scrumptious dark blue booth and ordered classics like pancakes and bacon and eggs. Nothing showstopping on the menu but I appreciated the ease of rolling out of my bed into a beautiful space with good coffee. During the warmer months, a seat on the sidewalk patio sounds lovely to enjoy a meal al fresco. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

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