On the shores of Pacific Beach sits a modern beach retreat perfect for that long-awaited romantic getaway. Located just a few miles north of downtown San Diego, Tower 23 Hotel is the ideal place to escape when you want to ditch the kids and reconnect with your honey. Sporting world class views, luxurious rooms, and just steps away from the beach and vibrant night spots, Tower 23 is the definition of Beach Chic.
Seeped in sophistication, Tower 23 Hotel in Pacific Beach sits perched above an exquisite span of sandy California beachfront, ocean waves and the pretty Crystal Pier. It’s no wonder their hashtag is #beachsidebliss.
Tower 23 is one of San Diego’s only luxury boutique hotels located right on the beach. It derives its name from the lifeguard tower positioned nearby. The three-story, 45,000 square foot glass hotel features 44 rooms and suites, all with ocean views. Guests can enjoy in-room spa services or dine at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, JRDN.
Unique Hotel Rooms
The hotel offers three distinctive room types: Surf, Sky and Spirit, as well as two suite options: Sanctuary and Sweet. A two-bedroom suite with living room is available by combining a Sweet Suite with a connecting Surf Pad.
Tower 23 offers first-class accommodations complete with all the latest technologies – including free Wi-Fi and flat-screen HDTVs – luxurious bedding and outdoor spaces. Guestrooms feature “Serenity” beds and step-in rain showers. Suites include a separate chromatherapy Jacuzzi tub perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach.
We stayed in a Sanctuary Suite and while the room was very spacious and comfortable, the patio was neither private (the space was shared with the room caddy-cornered to ours and only had a half wall) nor boasted much of a view. Although it faced the ocean, its location at the back of the sun deck provided only partial views at best, and for those you had to exit the room and look over the expansive deck and anyone sitting on it. Rooms on upper floors or located more towards the front of the hotel had much more enticing and unobscured views.
Fun little side note about the Jacuzzi tub: when you turn the faucet, the water drops from the ceiling to fill the tub. I just love quirky details like this! It’s one of the little things that really set this hotel apart.
Things To Do
Beyond the obvious beach activities, guests at Tower 23 are surrounded by a variety of recreational opportunities. Surfing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, golf and whale watching are only minutes from the hotel. San Diego’s many famous attractions, including Sea World, Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are also nearby.
Tower 23 does not have a pool, but does have a fabulous sun deck on the second floor offering panoramic views of Crystal Pier and the beach, comfortable lounge chairs, a fire pit, and a friendly server who pops up regularly from the restaurant below to take food and drink orders. If you are one of those people who like to lounge poolside simply to enjoy the sun, a good read and maybe a cocktail or two, you won’t even miss having an actual pool!
To experience the California beach lifestyle at its prime, ask about surfing lessons or borrow a bike and take a cruise down the boardwalk. Bikes are free to hotel guests – a great perk considering they rent at shops nearby for upwards of $20. We took the bikes for a spin first thing in the morning while it was still cool and foggy, which was great because the only other people out were also there to get their exercise and the boardwalk was not yet crowded.
Dining Options at Tower 23
JRDN is the hotel’s contemporary oceanfront steak and seafood restaurant, featuring casually sophisticated cuisine. Situated right on the boardwalk overlooking the ocean, JRDN Restaurant is San Diego’s newest hotspot for dining and lounging, offering a unique experience in a modern and elegant atmosphere. A fresh raw bar is available in the JRDN lounge.
Each evening, the dramatic setting sun, for which Pacific Beach is famous, is celebrated by an ambient reflection on a 70-foot long “wave wall” at the back of the restaurant. Color-changing lighting continues throughout the evening.
JRDN features indoor and heated patio dining. Dinner is pricey, although you are partly paying for the grand sunset and upscale ambience. Breakfast is a way better deal, and you can sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.
If You Just Can’t Live Without Bringing the Kids
Children are welcome at Tower 23, and while the hotel truly does have more of an adult vibe, we did see a few on property during our stay and they looked like they were having a pretty good time.
Extra beds are available for $20 a night, and cribs are free. Children’s menus and highchairs are available at JRDN, and babysitting can be arranged through the concierge. The hotel also provides beach gear and umbrellas you can carry down to the sand.
Healthy Tip for This Destination
Ask the front desk about Tower 23’s beachfront yoga class.
Tower 23 Hotel is located at 723 Felspar Street, San Diego, CA. For more information or to make a reservation, call 858.270.2323 or visit them online at www.t23hotel.com
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