Day Trip to Carlsbad: The Village by the Sea
With seven miles of sweeping coastline, family-friendly attractions, hiking, and shopping, Carlsbad, California is an obvious destination for tourists and locals alike.
Staycation: Date Night at the Pendry Hotel in Gaslamp
When my husband and I realized that the 8th anniversary of our first date was coming up, we decided a date night was in order. Midweek dinner and drinks are great, but dinner, drinks, and an overnight staycation at the Pendry San Diego in Gaslamp Quarter sounded even better.
Located on the edge of the East Village, the Pendry is in the center of it all—an easy walk to Petco Park or the Marina District and dead center in the hustle of the city’s most lively neighborhood, whose bustling streets were on full display as I arrived curbside to valet my car.
Entering the lobby from J Street, I was struck by the sophisticated styling of modern-traditional design: Warm black, white, and gray tones softened by lush greenery, bold scallop-patterned floors and marble and brass finishes, high ceilings and dramatic lighting.
The reception area featured curved wood-paneled ceilings and walls, a sleek wrap around front desk, and plush emerald banquette seating that felt both luxurious and welcoming. After snapping a few pictures, I grabbed my key and headed to the 11th floor, a complimentary glass of fresh punch in hand, to explore our romantic hideaway.
The Room
The Pendry features 300 guest rooms and suites spread over 12 stories overlooking the epicenter of San Diego. Rooms are decked out in an ocean-inspired palette of blue and white for a chic coastal aesthetic.Thoughtful details abound, from the marble-topped vanity and plush robes to the portable Bluetooth speaker. The highlight was the walk-in glass and steel shower, which offered a seamless view of the bathroom and bedroom areas for an open and airy layout. Our king room also included a chaise lounge where I sat and enjoyed the dramatic view.
Photo 1: courtesy of Pendry San Diego
Photo 2: courtesy of Pendry San Diego
The Amenities
After relaxing in the room, I made my way to the third floor rooftop to relax at the pool overlooking historic Fifth Avenue. The airy oasis doubles down on Southern California style with cream-colored lounge chairs, bright turquoise-striped umbrellas, and a full-service bar and dining area decked out in marble, wood, and brass finishes.
I ordered a pitcher of one of The Pool House’s signature cocktails and debated between snacks like the smashed avocado toast with marinated cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
After soaking up some sun, I popped in to the adjacent Spa Pendry. Here you can reenergize with customized treatments inspired by the earth, ocean, and local flora. I contemplated booking a couples’ massage in their tranquil Duo Suite for a side-by-side experience of shared renewal. After a quick visit to the fitness center, which features a steam room and sauna, it was time to get ready for the evening ahead.
An Aperitif
With six dining and drink options on the property there’s plenty to choose from. We began our night at the Fifth & Rose bar. The playful cocktail menu had a laundry list of enticing options, but it was too hard to resist ordering a Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. The tipple featured vodka, floral chartreuse, citrusy Suze, lemon, and tart rhubarb bitters.
We bypassed the outdoor seating where groups sat watching the city come alive, and made our way to an intimate table where we could enjoy the rich stone, black leather, and crimson accents of the cozy space.
Dinner at Provisional
After lingering over our drinks, it was time to head to Provisional for dinner. Like the rest of the Pendry property this restaurant, cafe and mercantile is very design-focused. Here a neutral palate of gray and white is accented with wood and herringbone-patterned floors against which teal banquettes pop. The space felt impressive with exceptionally high ceilings, chandeliers, an open wrap-around kitchen, and an indoor glass greenhouse. We opted for a cozy booth.
The menu features seasonal produce and local ingredients. We began with a charcuterie board featuring Angel’s Salumi, sweet and spicy mostarda, crispy lavash bread, and briny pickles and olives.
For the after-work crowd, the chef’s selection of cheese with honey, jam, and sliced baguette seemed the popular choice, paired with Champagne splits from the novelty Moët vending machine.
I went with a craft cocktails, the Summer Peach Julep made with bourbon, sweet peach, and refreshing mint and lime.
The salad starters rotate with the seasons, and our summer meal included a wonderful salad of heirloom tomatoes with burrata, balsamic, and aromatic basil flowers.
The short but varied menu is packed with specialty, high-quality ingredients like juicy Jidori chicken breast, which was quite possibly one of the best chicken entrees I have ever eaten, and the grass-fed New York steak that was served with asparagus and black truffle-laced potato puree under a balsamic demi-glace.
After our feast we didn't have room for coffee and dessert, so we headed out to the lively streets of the Gaslamp Quarter for a stroll.
Night Life
We walked two blocks south on Fifth Avenue to the arching Gaslamp Quarter landmark sign which identifies the 150-year old area as San Diego’s historic heart. We took in the sights and energy of the evening as we cruised the streets, ending up at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Market, where the only real working gas lamps of the city can be found.
It was time to get back to Pendry for a nightcap at the Oxford Social Club. Hotel guests can bypass the lines and head straight downstairs to the chic lounge styled with posh furnishings and art installations. It was reminiscent of the exclusive speakeasy parlors of a bygone era. We sampled some drinks from the craft cocktail menu before headed past the dancing couples. We were ready to wind down for the night, just as the club was beginning to fill with groups of revelers.
Little Touches
We arrived back in our room to find the complimentary turndown service had included dimmed lights, soothing music, and a box of macaroons on our pillow. Another pleasant surprise was the leisurely noon checkout time, which gave us ample opportunity to enjoy breakfast in bed and a last dip in the pool. It was an indulgent end to a memorable date night.
Plan Your Staycation Date Night
550 J Street, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
Located on 5th, 6th, and J, Pendry San Diego resides in the epicenter of San Diego’s vibrant Gaslamp Quarter. Elegant modern and traditional design meets Southern California lifestyle complete with modern luxury programming and amenities. The rooftop pool, extensive dining options, spa, and fitness center provide a complete resort-like experience in an urban coastal setting.
Photo 1: courtesy of Pendry San Diego
Photo 2: courtesy of Pendry San Diego
Dine & Drink
Open Daily: Breakfast: 6:30am – 11:00am | Lunch: 11:00am – 2:00pm | Dinner: 5:00pm – 10:00pm | Coffee Bar: 6:30am – 2:00pm
Located within Pendry San Diego, this restaurant-marketplace hybrid focuses on Southern California-driven seasonal fare, boutique shopping, and gourmet coffee at its Vittoria Coffee espresso bar.
Open Daily: 12:00pm – 1:00am
The Pendry San Diego hotel bar, Fifth & Rose, is a classic cocktail bar in an elegant, chic, and comfortable setting. Sit for a drink and conversation and enjoy light bar fare among rich stone and luxe details.
Open Daily: Sunday – Monday, 3:00pm – 10:00pm | Tuesday – Saturday, 3:00pm – 12:00am | Happy Hour: Sunday – Thursday, 3pm-6pm, 9pm–close
Onsite casual beer hall featuring local and international craft beers, globally inspired comfort food classics, and vintage bar games. Catch local live music acts Thursday and Friday nights. Its name honors the Nason & Co. Farmer’s Market, which originally occupied the space in the early 1900s.
Open Nightly for Dinner: Sun – Thurs: 5:00pm – 10:00pm | Fri – Sat: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Pendry San Diego’s fine dining restaurant serving a modern take on coastal cuisine featuring seasonal, local ingredients. Enjoy exceptionally fresh sushi and seafood in the industrial-wood and nautical-accented two-tiered dining room.
Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 10:00pm-2:00am
Inspired by the exclusive social gathering places of bygone eras, Oxford Social Club welcomes guests with a lively scene, expertly curated music, exceptional service, and an extensive craft cocktail program.
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The 150+ years old downtown neighborhood serving as the historic heart of San Diego and featuring Victorian architecture, extensive dining, and nightlife destinations.
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