The Pearl Hotel

Style

Boutique blockbuster

Setting

Pearl next door

They say good things come in small packages, and the Pearl Hotel is here to prove it. Though this made-over 1960s motel may be compact, there’s no shortage of mid-century mojo and streamlined, SoCal style. Communal spaces are a pick-n-mix of original features (think sumptuous stone accent walls) and artisan re-imaginings (like the poolside salmon tiles by Clè), and rooms offer guests a masterclass in coastal cool, with vintage vibes supplemented by up-to-the-minute comforts and sleek, minimalist design. But the beating heart of this petite pearl is to be found in the courtyard, where the ghosts of old Hollywood join guests at the oyster-shaped pool for an all-American ‘dive-in’ picture show.

Facilities

Rooms

23, including one suite.

Checkout

11am, but flexible, subject to availability. Earliest check-in, 3pm.

More Details

Rates exclude breakfast, but there are on-the-move options close by.

Also

All public areas of the hotel are accessible. Guests with mobility needs should enquire about the Queen Pearl ADA room with a roll-in shower and other ADA features.

Free Internet Access

Pool

On-Site Restaurant

Room Service

At the Hotel

Beach cruiser bikes to borrow, salt-water pool, courtyard, loose leaf tea and coffee, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: digital newspapers, minibar, Smart TV, Bluetooth stereo, Mooncloth bath amenities.

Our Favourite Rooms

All rooms are alike with sandy beach tones, organic fabrics, woven rugs, acacia wood nightstands, sleek terrazzo bathrooms and a selection of local ceramics and vintage artworks. While the Classic rooms make a fine choice for weekend romps, movie buffs are best served by the Pearl Junior Suite whose private balcony is perfectly placed in front of the courtyard cinema screen.

Poolside

Fittingly, the centrepiece of the Pearl takes the shape of an oyster. Illuminating the inner-courtyard, this heated, salt-water pool is the social hub of the hotel; around it you’ll find a splay of tables and hanging cocoon seats, as well as a crowning silver screen for splash-happy ‘dive-in’ movies.

Packing Tips

Few have captured the Californian imagination quite like Joan Didion. Bring a copy of Slouching Toward Bethlehem (and a Didion-esque pair of oversized sunnies) for a poolside deep-dive into the mythic splendour and shadow-side chaos of the storied Golden State.

Also

The original hotel – The Sportsman’s Lodge – was built in 1959 by local architect Robert Platt, and while interiors have been lovingly re-imagined by Electric Bowery and Pow Wow Design Studio, his mid-century facade remains largely intact.

Children

Welcome, though not particularly catered for. There’s no capacity for extra beds so families should opt for the Queen Pearl Plus, which features a sofa bed for little ones.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

Grab one of the cosy sheltered booths out on the poolside deck for front-row seats to your favourite flicks.

Dress Code

In the spirit of cult cinema classics, go True Romance in super-saturated palettes, Hawaiian prints and a staple pair of colour-popping shades.

Hotel Restaurant

Named after the original owners, Charles and Dinorah pays homage to the hotel’s past while dishing out a distinctly forward-facing take on coastal Californian fare. The poolside restaurant is dinner only during the weekdays with a seafood-centric menu of sharing plates and mains. Start with the salt and pepper calamari with fried Szechuan peppercorn, caramelised ginger, buttermilk, red chillies and scallion, lead with the daily catch brought in fresh from local fishermen and round it off with a creamy affogato.

Hotel Bar

In the poolside restaurant, you’ll find the elegantly tiled hotel bar enveloped by a procession of salmon-hued velvet bar stools. Prop up with a local craft beer as the bartenders shake and stir their way through the evening or head out to the terrace for silver screen sundowners. Happy hour runs daily from 4pm to 6pm; opt for the signature Pearl Passion (don fulano blanco tequila, mezcal, giffard passion fruit and carpano bianco) or the fruity Helter Shelter (light rum, dom benedictine, pineapple, lime, mint, orgeat and absinthe mist).

Last Orders

Dinner is served from 4pm to 10pm Tuesday to Saturday and the bar follows suit. Come Saturday and Sunday they'll be slinging drinks from 4pm to 10pm.

Room Service

Order anything from the menu straight to your door during the restaurant's operational hours.

Planes

San Diego International Airport is a 10-minute car ride away with flights arriving from the US, UK and Europe. The hotel can arrange transfers for an additional charge, subject to availability.

Automobiles

Parking is available (though limited) and spots are available on a first come, first serve basis for $20 a night. There’s a Blink EV charging station for electric vehicles, too.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Borrow a bike from the hotel and get cruising – you’re perfectly placed for all manner of trails. Beginners should take the smooth path that curves all the way from Shelter Island past the marinas and restaurants over to America’s Cup Harbour, while more seasoned cyclists can pedal it out from Catalina Boulevard up to Cabrillo National Monument – either way, you’ll be rewarded with postcard worthy views. While you’re in the neighbourhood, fulfil your cultural quota with a mooch around Liberty Station’s Art District or catch a show at Humphreys Half Moon Inn. A little further north, La Jolla is a quaint seaside village brimming with Mediterranean charm. Among its residents, you’ll find friendly groups of seals and sea lions who like to gather by the cove and plenty of arty types, too, including the surreal illustrator Dr Suess, whose cats in hats can be seen adorning the walls on Legend’s Gallery. Those looking to splash a little cash can do so in the village’s indie boutiques, while more serious spenders should look south to Fashion Valley’s designer promenade. For a taste of local life, don’t miss Little Italy’s Mercato Farmers’ Market where live music and straight-out-the-ocean seafood makes for a fine lunchtime pitstop.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .