The Pearl in San Diego

JILL WEINLEIN

After graduating from UCLA, JIll traveled the world looking for unique destinations. She’s been writing about her travels for almost 30 years in various publications.

She writes a weekly restaurant review for the Beverly Press and Park LaBrea News. It’s inserted into the Los Angeles Times every Thursday and delivered to subscribers from Hancock Park to Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills to the Wilshire Corridor.

The Pearl in San Diego

BY JILL WEINLEIN

The Casetta Group opened The Pearl Hotel in the Point Loma area of San Diego, one week before the pandemic shut down the world. All the 23 newly renovated guest rooms  were designed by Human Kind Design Company, (formerly Pow Wow Design Studio) and the lobby and Charles + Dinorah restaurant designed by Electric Bowery, didn’t receive a proper grand opening for over one year.

The Pearl, named after the women pearl divers who hold their breath underwater while harvesting oysters, is now open as a new urban retreat and social hub. I recently stayed at the mid-century modern boutique hotel offering a contemporary San Diego coastal vibe.

The centerpiece of the hotel is the iconic sparkling oyster-shaped swimming pool. Marble topped tables and modern chairs surround the pool deck, inviting guests to relax, swim and enjoy poolside dining.

Each guest room is decorated in soothing sand, ivory and taupe colors. The open-concept closet offers an artistic touch to the room with shelves and wood hangars, tissue box, hooks with custom-designed Finery bathrobes, and a framed photo of a pearl diver. The low and comfortable platform bed is fitted with Parachute Home bedding, and floating Acacia wood nightstands with charging outlets hidden inside. Inside the completely renovated bathroom is a deep soaking tub and shower combo, plus large bottles of certified organic bath amenities by MoonCloth Designs.

Essential items are in a sanitized Lucite box including TV remote, hair dryer, steamer, The Pearl Hotel post card and two ceramic beverage cups.

Upon check-in, a list of Mini Bar food and beverage items is texted to your smartphone and can be delivered to your room upon request.

The social hub is Charles + Dinorah, and the chef curated menu offers fresh raw and grilled oysters; farm fresh roasted heirloom carrots with labneh and pistachio pistou with a sprinkling of fennel pollen; and shrimp tacos as some of the small plates. Larger plates include miso glazed black cod with forbidden rice; pork schnitzel; and a Pearl Burger on a Sadie Rose pretzel bun.

Jason Hammons, Casetta Group’s director of food & beverage created the Happiest Hour on Wednesdays through Saturdays beginning at 4 p.m., Discounted small plates and a selection of cocktails or mocktails from local San Diego proprietors can be enjoyed at the bar or next to the pool. Also on Wednesdays, dine next to the pool and watch a full-length movie on a large hanging screen secured high above.

Start your day with complimentary coffee in the bar area and order breakfast ready for pick up in the lobby. Menu items include a quiche, chia pudding, mixed fresh fruit, cold brew and orange juice. They also offer a Nomadic Sparkling Wine to make a morning mimosa.

During the day guests sit by the pool or check out one of the complementary bicycles for a spin around the harbor or Shelter Island.

The Casetta Group elevates boutique hotels and motels into thoughtful lodging driven by design and friendly service. Their Pearl Hotel offers a relaxed boutique hotel vibe and a trip down memory lane while exploring San Diego. 1410 Rosecrans Ave., (619) 226-6100  www.thepearlsd.com.

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