The Pearl is as rare a gem as its namesake.
Located in Point Loma, the San Diego hotel is tiny but packs a punch in terms of a first impression. The two-story property is intimate and laid-back, characterized by its mid-century modern feel and vibey playlist that pumps through the lobby at a pleasant volume throughout the day.
The space is home to just 23 rooms.
Inside guest rooms, whitewashed walls, luxurious, low-set beds, and understated vintage decor make for comfortable quarters. Many of the guest rooms also feature aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces—ideal for a glass of wine before dinner or to unwind after a long day.
The Casetta hotel was built in 1959 by Robert Platt, an architect who once worked in Point Loma.
At first concept, The Pearl was not meant to serve as a place for travelers to rest and relax. Initially a sportsman’s lodge, the space has undergone a renovation meant to uphold original features while also weaving a thread of contemporary aesthetic into the building’s fabric. And the results are adorable. From the front lobby’s plush bench-style seating to the chic bar area in subtle tones of green and teal to the darling rooms—every detail seems to have been considered.
Another highlight is the oyster-shaped pool located off the lobby at the center of the building’s structure. Surrounded by charming lounge chairs and tables, the pool deck is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon before stepping out for dinner in the neighborhood.
Recently opened, 1960s-inspired Ponyboy, which started taking reservations in August, takes the property to another level with inventive and delicious dinner options and an intriguing cocktail menu.
Ponyboy comes from Service Animals, a relatively new hospitality group, and its name nods to the leading figure in “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton.
The restaurant is located off the lobby, in the hotel’s bar area, and on its pool deck, which is complete with outdoor heaters and a screen for black-and-white movie screenings. This setting is perfect for a unique and adorable date night or group dinner.
Ponyboy is led by Ian Ward and Danny Romero. Standout dishes we tried included the Grilled Oysters a la Rockefeller, which were creamy, light, and played well with a glass of wine, and the Fisherman’s Catch Ceviche, which was delicious, too, and came with fennel tortilla chips. But the dish that really captured our attention was the Juicy Lucy, a burger that is destined, in our humble opinion, to make a top ten list at some point. This wagyu burger, juicy, practically bursting with American cheese, and topped with okie onions, deserves to go viral.
The restaurant is also available to host weddings, brand activations, parties, and more.
The Pearl isn’t far from many of San Diego’s popular sites. Balboa Park, home to the San Diego Natural History Museum, The San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Air & Space Museum, and plenty of other attractions, is a short drive away. Liberty Station, a retail, hospitality, business, art, and dining destination in a former naval training base, is just down the road, too. The hotel provides guests with a list of recommendations, including places to visit, such as La Playa, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve, and restaurants, including nearby Mitch’s Seafood, Cesarina, and Harbour Town Pub.
One factor to note is that the hotel is located off a fairly busy Rosecrans Street. While that’s no bother in general, traffic can be heard on and off from guest rooms. This is no fault of The Pearl’s and isn’t a major concern, but it is something to keep in mind.
On the whole, The Pearl is an excellent place to stay. We’d certainly return to this elevated casual spot that’s sure to become a San Diego hotspot—for both lodging and dining.
Top Takeaways
Location: San Diego, California
Star-Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: Laid back mid-century modern hotel in a reformed sports lodge that gives a chill, vibey, and hip feel.
Our Favorite Thing About The Hotel? Ponyboy—the onsite restaurant at The Pearl – is phenomenal. We loved the energy at this sure-to-become hotspot that opened in August. This restaurant is ideal for a unique and hip date night. Ponyboy is open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 to 5 p.m. for Golden Hour and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner.
Food + Drink: The hotel offers a complimentary “European-style” breakfast, including bites such as bagels, fruit, yogurt, and more. The Pearl is also home to the aforementioned Ponyboy, which opened in August of this year. Each room is equipped with a minibar.
Any Neighborhood Recs?: Go down the street to Liberty Station, a former military base that’s now a hub for culture, gastronomy, and independent galleries. Equipped with historic architecture on each block, we recommend going to food hall extraordinaire, Liberty Public Market. Right across the street is one of San Diego’s coolest coffee shops, Moniker.
Amenities: Air conditioning, private outdoor space, pool, walk-in showers, outdoor shower, complimentary breakfast, hair dryer, partnership with Alo Moves for in-room wellness options, discounted classes at nearby Pier to Point Wellness & Spa.
What’s Nearby?: Balboa Park, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, La Jolla Shores, Coronado Beach, La Playa.
Rooms: 23
Pricing: Rooms start at $199.
Closest Airport: San Diego International Airport
