Welcome to Tower 23, what I like to think of as the solution to the San Diego dilemma. Trust me, like most “Zonies” (which is what San Diego surfers began derisively referring to the hordes of people from Arizona who crowded their beaches back in the ‘70’s, and we adopted as our own self description)  I love the place. It is that little slice of So Cal that has the most laid back nature with just enough urbanity and California chic. It also has coolness of the climactic sort which is why so many flee the Phoenix area’s scorching summer to chill on the beach there. This is what leads to the dilemma. There are great lux hotels in the area, but only one is on a great beach (The Del Coronado). The Del sits on the soft sand of Coronado Island which is a charming little upscale community that is a bit isolated from the happening scenes of the Gas lamp District and the hip beach towns south of La Jolla. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are the see and be seen urban places to be, but until recently they lacked an uber cool place to stay. Tower 23 has come to the rescue to scratch that itch and do it in a way that will satisfy the discriminating Generation X and Y consumer.

This is a boutique design hotel. Ultra modern design elements start with the structure itself which is white concrete, glass and polished metal. I stumbled upon this gem doing research for some younger clients who were looking for a beach stay in the area. I was struck by the overall look of the place, and decided to pop in for a site inspection on my next trip to the area. It was far more impressive in person! I was surprised by the artistry the designers applied throughout the property. When I visited there was only one suite vacant for me to see and it was a patio suite on the deck. When I saw the view of the PB scene from the deck I knew if I were to stay I would be paying up for beach front.

When it came time to do a family va-cay I let the 20-somethings pick the lodging in San Diego. I picked in LA and have already posted my review of Raffles L’Ermitage. We went from refined elegance on a quiet street in Bev Hills, to urban chic in the middle of the PB beach scene. I like the irony of doing crazy LA in a very subdued location and laid back SD at what has become THE happening place on the beach. None of us were disappointed in the choice despite having a 4 month baby in tow. She slept through all the hubbub coming from the packed bar below the balcony. All of us enjoyed being in the middle of the excitement.

The well stocked, and hipply appointed, bar at Tower 23’s excellent restaurant JRDN (I’d like to buy a vowel) is worth a visit even for those not staying at T23. Primp the hair and makeup girls and find yourself a stool, sofa, or table here, the place is packed with the best guys on the beach. Guys, this is where the hotties get dressed up to party and do so until late into the night. On weekends JRDN is the PB scene. It is the upscale alternative to the fun but down market “crab shack” hang outs. If you want a quiet sedate stay DO NOT go to Tower 23. If you want a room on top of the hottest bar in PB T23 is paradise!

The spacious bar faces the busy boardwalk in the heart of Pacific Beach with the beach, the blue Pacific Ocean, and the PB pier just outside the floor to ceiling windows. Sitting at the bar or in the lounge is a comfy seat on the boardwalk where you can watch the people walk, bike, board or blade by. Location, location, location!

My favorite place to dine was at the front outdoor tables where the scene just flows right by on the boardwalk. The food is widely acclaimed by critics. I liked the diverse selections with nouvelle leanings. Some old favorites are re-invented with creative flair. The quesadillas are packed with vegies and come with a really great guacamole. My second fav dining was via the 24/7 room service for breakfast. Generous portions, artful presentation and always well prepared no matter the hour. The coffee was outstanding! They serve it in a glass press and I must say it was strong but not overbearing and very aromatic.

The Deck is the place to kick back and relax. Although the pool is more of a fountain where one is invited to dip ones tootsies, there is ample room to find a chaise and lay back in the sun with a view of the Pacific. There is a great sofa conversation pit where a gas fire is lit when the air gets chilly. The amazing service extends “poolside.” Management here has done a great job staffing and training. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, helpful and hip. Service is attentive without being smothering, and all of the staff reflects T23’s cool vibe. For any “cougars” looking for girl friend getaway let me mention that all of the waiters are as tempting as the desserts.

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Do not even ask for a dessert menu unless you are ready to indulge (or are far better than me and my crew at resisting temptations). This pair of lovely selections disappeared in a flurry of spoons attacking from all directions. It was a good thing I had accomplices or I would have devoured the chocolate caramel cake by myself. It was even better than it looks!

No swimming, but you are welcome to cool off your tootsies in the “pool” or just sit nearby and listen to the soothing sound of the waterfall.

What a great place to sit and watch the boardwalk scene! Listen to the waves and watch the surfers hunt for the perfect crest to ride in a comfy chaise lounge. The sunsets are to die for and chair side service is always there for your every need.

You will pay a premium for a room with a view like this one from our deck. Was it worth it? I think so! Sadly there are not many full ocean front suites at Tower 23, and they fill fast during the summer. There are a good number of partial ocean views as well, but most rooms open to the deck or offer city views. The resort is intimate so the ocean view deck, and the boardwalk facing JRDN are steps away from every room.

Rooms are “pads” at Tower 23. This was our surf pad. Our room was directly above JRDN so even noisier than most pads would be, but I found it acceptable with the door closed the muted voices and music lulled me to sleep. This pad is also on the corner of the building facing La Jolla hence the great views in many of the photos to follow and the one above of the coastline.

Does size really matter? If it does to you than the rooms are the weakest link at T23. This is not a Virtuoso property, and those who expect the type of rooms found in that caliber of hotel would not be satisfied here. I found them very well appointed with high quality linens, duvets and a really comfy bed. There is not a great deal of space to move around in. Coming from the wide open spaces of our room at L’Ermitage the lack of square footage was quite a contrast.

Snacks and premium beverages were for sale in the snack shop and mini bar. I was tempted to buy one of the very cool caps or visors as well. Furnishings are simple, chic and modern. Wireless Internet access is FREE and available throughout the property. I was Tweeting from the deck overlooking the Ocean while I was there. Some of you more expensive luxury hotels please take note! For most of us Internet access is seen as a right or necessity not a privilege we should pay extra for! Bravo for that cool inclusion T23!

Bathrooms are small but very well decorated. All is sleek lines and modern fixtures throughout. Premium bath amenities are provided of course.

This optic light wall is not done justice by day. I kept forgetting to take my camera downstairs to catch it in all it’s glory! This backs the bar at JRDN and pulses with changing colors making the scene come alive at night.

There is no lack of space downstairs! The ample dining, drinking and lounging space is the attraction at Tower 23. If you are a stay in my room type it may not be for you. If you are a make the scene type welcome to your new favorite beach digs! Notice the wine wall in the background? Premium bottles are opened daily.

Tower 23 is particularly appealing to those in their 20’s and 30’s who want to splurge on a high end beach boutique that is all about design. Hip vibe, great service, Pacific views, and access to SD’s coolest beach scene is included in every stay. Great for Bachelor or Bachelorette trips, girlfriend or guys getaways and romantic trips for those couples who like night life.

Click on the first image below to enjoy a slide show of T23. Mouse over the pop up window and click the arrow to the right to advance the slides. Call Alliance Travel Partners to plan your escape to Tower 23 today.