It's the type of big city space where you will be just as happy to sip coffee at the espresso bar in the morning as tucking into Aperitivo Hour in the early evening.

The contemporary hotel's design is also something to admire with its brick and plaster façade and cinematic common spaces like a black and white lobby with a chesterfield sofa and a modern fireplace. The proper downtown hotel has multiple bars and restaurants including a beer hall and the sustainable seafood restaurant Lionfish, as well as an art gallery and a rooftop pool. San Diego's touristy Gaslamp Quarter hadn't done much to draw locals and more sophisticated travelers downtown with its kitschy boutiques and oversized bars and clubs, so the Pendry San Diego was a welcome addition when it opened in 2017. What Not To Miss: The champagne vending machine in Provisional king salmon sashimi at Lionfish relaxing on the large white daybed by the pool Who Will Love It: Travelers who believe luxury is more of an experience than a thingĪll-Star Amenities: Rooftop pool art gallery a light-filled gym a dog menu in Nason's Beer Hall The hotel's VAGA restaurant is helmed by one of San Diego's best chefs, Claudette Zepeda, whose Mexican and Asian-influenced menu perfectly complements the warm breezes and rosy sunsets that can be seen from the dining room and patio each evening. The resort's 130 rooms and suites invite guests to soak in the coastal scene through easy outdoor access-most have balconies or patios with fire pits and views of the Batiquitos Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. An environmentally conscious property, natural materials like stone and driftwood have been used wherever possible and linens are crafted from sustainable beechwood fibers. The hotel perfectly bridges the gap between coastal cool (a permanent collection of artwork by famed surf photographer Aaron Chang and surf-inspired lounge) and chic design hotel. The hotel sits on a cliff in the laid-back surf town of Encinitas and has direct access to Ponto Beach.

The new Alila Marea is one of the delightful exceptions. While San Diego is known for its coastline, not many of the city's best hotels enjoy direct beach access. What Not To Miss: The daily wellness activity like a beach run or lagoon hike surf lessons a day relaxing at Ponto Beach Who Will Love It: Surfers and scenesters who appreciate laid-back luxuryĪll-Star Amenities: An ocean view pool and infinity edge whirlpool a coastal California-inspired spa a hotel guest-only cocktail bar called The Pocket Electra Go! Bikes beach concierge

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