TOWER23 – BLISS ON THE BEACH

Sitting like a chiseled diamond, the 44-room hotel, TOWER23, initially appears an anomaly in California’s laid-back, surfing town, Pacific Beach (PB to locals). While driving to the resort along Mission Boulevard one might assume the hospitality offerings in the town lean toward a level below luxury. The road parallels the town’s three-mile-long boardwalk lined with surf shops, kitschy trinket stores, and casual cafes. But don’t let that dissuade you. TOWER23 serves up luxury amenities quite unexpected in an eclectic beach community. So, follow along for a visit to this San Diego locale property.

First Impressions Matter

If it were a date, the first impression would be a good one. This ultra-modern, three-story, mirror-like cube lights up at night like a beacon on the beach. Its most dramatic feature, the Pacific Ocean, sits in the distance. A warm welcome from Michelle and Ely at reception clues me in to the family-style hospitality. And, they seem to have a thorough knowledge of the area. A tiny fireplace in the lobby invites repose with two cream-colored leather chairs. My room, #205 (designated “Surf Pad” on the door), is furnished in a fresh, clean, blue-and-white color scheme that reflects its nearness to the sea. Overall, the décor exudes an unpretentious seaside simplicity. Additional “pads” (aka the hotel’s premium rooms) are named Spirit, Sky, and Serenity.

The hotel takes its name from its location which faces a portion of the beach where lifeguard tower 23 stood (now relocated a short distance south) – in addition to its proximity to Crystal Pier – an iconic setting in Pacific Beach. The hotel’s entrance exisits steps away from a wooden staircase leading down to the sand.

Touted as “San Diego’s only luxury lifestyle hotel on the beach,” accommodations are deluxe. Luxe examples include Tempur-Pedic memory foam mattresses with down pillow tops, Egyptian cotton towels, comfy robes, and decorative accents in shades of ocean blues. The mini-bar’s contents echo its boutique-style fun: gummy bears, candy bars, and TOWER23 logo hats. For me, the cherry atop this sundae is the private balcony, with seating for two and a view from my corner room that overlooks the pier, the ocean, and the boardwalk. Perfectly perched upon a bluff, my best-night’s-sleep suggestion is to leave the patio door open for the soothing sound of the surf throughout the night.

The Place for Relaxation at TOWER23

Scattered with umbrellas and patio loungers, the Tower Deck is located on the second floor. An open-air spot for relaxation its highlights include a lap pool-like water feature and a fire pit, making it the unofficial sunset setting. This is where guests go for sunbathing and camaraderie with other guests.

Beyond the hotel’s walls, TOWER23 enhances the guest experience by providing beach amenities such as umbrellas, chairs, and towels, along with shovels and buckets for the little ones. Additional perks free-of-charge include the use of beach cruisers, skateboards, and surfboard lockers – all provided to those wanting to cruise the boardwalk and sample the waves, PB-style. The staff will assist with the arrangement of surf and boogie board rentals.

Finding parking remains an eternal challenge in California. But here, on-site hotel parking sweetens the deal. And with many restaurants within walking distance, it might not be necessary to move your car at all during your stay.

Getting Hungry?

TOWER23’s eatery JRDN (pronounced “Jordan”), established a reputation as one of the region’s top restaurants in the fresh and seasonal California food arena at its opening. Executive Chef Stephen Gage heads up the open kitchen with a focus on seafood and steaks – complemented by a raw bar. The only problems the place creates for its guests are decisions. Do you opt for a from-the-sea route — selections being oysters, sushi, and lobster risotto. Or what about the meat-and-potatoes one featuring prime rib, smoked potato puree, and smoked cheddar biscuits?

JRDN’s dramatic “wave wall” proffers a standout dramatic design folly running the restaurant’s length. This 70-foot-long, color-lit ripple changes hues providing a theatrical effect each evening. I recommend grabbing a patio seat during the daytime and on summer nights and don’t miss the restaurant’s Sip into Summer Wine Series. Offered every Wednesday through October, it serves up the chance to sample a selection of small bites and notable wines – all while toasting the sunset.

Within walking distance are an assortment of casual eateries – many with million-dollar views. Among them are Kono’s Café where locals line up daily for breakfast; World Famous, which is “famous” for fish and chips; the Grass Skirt (a PB-based homage to Polynesia) and PB Alehouse, a two-story beachfront bar with craft beers and pub fare.

Pacific Beach is bordered by tony La Jolla to the north. Informal Mission Beach sits to the south. Downtown San Diego is a few miles beyond. In other words, at the intersection of the city’s urban flair and its beach communities’ nonchalant nature. But while this setting may initially seem a juxtaposition, in the end, I rate it a perfect pairing.