By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Travel Editor
The first thing to know about the Pearl Hotel, a boutique gem of a place to stay in San Diego, is that the beds are so soft and cozy that you had better not have to wake up early the next morning. Because it isn’t going to happen.
I discovered this first hand when I was stirred at about 8 one morning by a phone call, only to drift back into a dreamy sleep, completely content to stay there until I forced myself to get up and beat the checkout time of 11 a.m. Had I known this beforehand, I probably would have stayed another day.
But still, it was a nice sunny San Diego Day and the huge Point Loma Marina was just out the door, the Pearl has a pool and, well, it was time to enjoy the day.
I sure did enjoy my stay. The Pearl is intimate, which is a nice change from the busy high-rise hotels in not just San Diego but other cities. Its dozen-plus rooms – all the way from a queen to a four-person suite – are simple but nicely appointed in a classics throwback kind of way. The artwork in the rooms pays homage to the female Japanese pearl divers, called Ama, known to hold their breath underwater for extended periods of time while harvesting oysters.
The neighborhood is quiet, tho if you want to get a bit lively, the Bali Hai, a San Diego landmark Polynesian bar and restaurant, is about 1 15-minute walk away; it has a two-Mai-Tai-only policy and that should tell you all you need to know about that place. There is also Club Marina, a locals’ landmark dive bar and Harbor Pub, along with restaurants along the Point Loma Marina; Point Loma Seafood was featured on the TV Show Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.
Originally designed by local architect Robert Platt in 1959 and operated as a Sportsman’s Lodge throughout the 1960s, the Pearl is what was once known as a motel, a place where you can drive up to and rooms are around a courtyard or a pool. At the Pearl, it’s a small oyster-shaped pool.
The Ponyboy restaurant and bar spills out into the pool area, which shows classic movies at night. The bar serves unique cocktails with twists on classic like daiquiri and creative ones only found there ($16) and there is also San Diego craft beer on tap as well as wines.
Room rates are around $250 a night and there are often specials available on its website.
Parking At The Pearl & In Point Loma
The parking lot is small so you may have to park on the street. Fortunately this is not too big of a problem and overnight is free. If you’re having trouble finding a spot, simply go behind the hotel another block or two. You can also purchase parking spot from the Pearl.
Address: 1410 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA
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