The Pearl Hotel, San Diego: What to Know Before You Book

First opened around 60 years ago, The Pearl Hotel in San Diego has humble beginnings as a sportsman’s lodge in the early 1960s. But this classic accommodation has been reimagined into an eco-friendly, modern, minimalistic luxury hotel with a vintage feel and affordable rates.

The hotel sees many young-at-heart, energetic travelers pass through its doors both for business and leisure. The atmosphere fits this type of guest with its mid-century decor and welcoming staff. And, the hotel offers a fun time as well as budget-friendly indulgence.

The Pearl Hotel Rooms and Suites

There are 23 guest rooms and suites in total at The Pearl Hotel in San Diego. All have all been recently renovated and are furnished with a mid-century modern, minimalistic style. There’s lots of wood, handmade decor and art, and soft, warm desert hues. And the eco-friendly theme is carried throughout. 

The rooms are on the smaller side, and quite close together. But the clean, comfortable styles make for private and relaxed sleeping spaces.

In each room you will find:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• 50-inch, wall-mounted LCD television with HBO
• Natural wood platform bed (size varies depending on room choice)
• Writing desk
• Locally made ceramics
• Original and vintage art
• Built-in wardrobe

You will also be spoiled with only the finest bedding and toiletries, including:

• Parachute bedding
• Certified organic Mooncloth x Casetta bath products
• Custom-designed Finery x Casetta bathrobes

Mini Pearl

The smallest of the rooms, these are cozy and intimate. Offering a queen-size bed and walk-in shower, they’re perfect for solo travelers or couples who don’t need an abundance of space. (Size: 112 square feet)

Classic Pearl

Classic Pearls offer attention-to-detail decor and an easy-going comfort ambiance. They feature a king-size bed and both a shower and bath. Great for a luxurious touch to a business trip, or a weekend away that calls for a bubble bath. (Size: 250 square feet)

Queen Pearl Plus

These rooms are ideal for families traveling with small children since they offer a pull out bed in addition to a queen-size bed. The en-suite bathroom includes a shower and bath combo, and there’s a dressing space. (Size: 250 square feet)

Grand Pearl

Although the Grand Pearl rooms are the same size as the Classics, these rooms come with a private balcony or terrace for guests to enjoy. Each room also has a king-size bed, and a walk-in rain shower seals the deal. (Size: 250 square feet)

Pearl Suite

The hotel’s Pearl Suite is a winner for anyone wanting a little extra space and luxury. The suite has its own private balcony, a large walk-in shower, and a lounge area. The king-size bed provides ultimate comfort, and the sofa converts into a pull-out bed if needed. (Size: 300 square feet)

Pearl Junior Suite

Slightly smaller than the Pearl Suite, the Junior is no less luxurious. Boasting a comfy king-size bed and walk-in rain shower, this is a great spot for couples. Plus, the balcony provides a clear view of the pool’s projector screen, so you get private access to Wednesday movie nights. (Size: 250 square feet)

Queen Pearl ADA

The Pearl’s ADA accessible guest room offers a walk-in shower and queen-size bed, along with all other typical room amenities. Sleep soundly in your stylish room and enjoy all the amenities of the hotel outside. (Size: 250 square feet)

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The Pearl Hotel Dining

The hotel restaurant, Charles + Dinorah, is named after the hotel’s former owners. The restaurant has been renovated and upgraded, but still holds onto the energy of the husband and wife duo who started the hotel. 

The menu combines classic foods like a signature burger and prime steak with typical Point Loma seafood options like grilled octopus and oysters. There are also a few adventurous meals on offer, proving that there is something for every taste. 

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Charles + Dinorah also serves a list of delightful cocktails, as well as local craft beers and a selection of wines. You can enjoy your meal and drinks in the restaurant lounge, at the bar, or at the poolside. 

Check the website for hours, but currently the restaurant is open Monday to Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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Outdoor Swimming Pool

The pool is a central feature of the hotel. Its original oyster shape (it is The Pearl Hotel, after all) and modern deck chairs create a fun social space.

The restaurant and bar are adjacent, so cocktails at the pool are a welcome and easy option during sunny San Diego days. 

The hotel staff strives to create a warm, vibey atmosphere for all their guests no matter where you choose to chill in this boutique hotel.

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The Pearl, San Diego Amenities

The hotel is situated close to fabulous neighborhood happenings, which we’ll dive into below. But, The Pearl in Point Loma also offers its own list of fun activities and amenities. As always, you’ll need to check the hotel schedule to see what is on offer during your stay.

Happy Hour

Happy Hour at Charles + Dinorah actually lasts two hours, but no one is complaining. Grab pre-drinks before a planned night out or sip craft cocktails before spending a cozy night in. 

During this festive time (currently Monday to Saturday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and all night on Tuesdays), you can order select small plates, cocktails, beer, and wine at a reduced price.

Mondays With Oysters + Bubbles

Between now and December 31, 2020, join The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma for Mondays with $2 oysters and $2 off glasses bubbles until they run out!

Movies By the Pool

The Pearl Hotel is known for its dive-in movie series which is temporarily on pause. Instead, through November, guests can enjoy Dinner and a Movie on Wednesday nights. A three-course menu and themed cocktails complement the evening’s film. You’ll need to make reservations. The cost is $50 per person and you’ll stay dry for the experience — no jumping in the pool.

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Health and Safety Measures

Rest assured that The Pearl Hotel has stringent health and safety protocols in place that include:

• Masks and social distancing are required at check-in.
• Sanitized key cards will be handed to guests on a clean tray.
• Housekeeping is only available by guest request.
• Essential items including TV remote, hairdryer, steamer, and more placed in a sanitized box with a health and safety protocol sheet for guests. Hand sanitizer is also available in the rooms and suites.
• Guests may pre-order minibar items.
• Special air purifiers with UV lights help purify the rooms in 2-3 hours after guests check-out.
• Seating around the pool is properly spaced, the pool area is monitored and cleaned every half-hour, and guests are expected to adhere to proper spacing around the pool area (and other public spaces)

The Pearl Hotel San Diego’s Location

The Pearl Hotel is located in San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood.

If you haven’t heard of Point Loma or are wondering why you should stay here, let me tell you a few things about it. I have spent A LOT of time in Point Loma because my in-laws lived in this San Diego neighborhood for decades.

It’s close to Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma (12-minute drive). The closest San Diego beach is Ocean Beach (10-minute drive) where you can sunbathe, swim, learn how to surf, and walk out on the pier. You can also have one of my favorite San Diego fish tacos at South Beach and shop the antique stores on Ocean Avenue.

Guests of The Pearl Hotel, San Diego are within walking distance of the harbor, where many fishing boats dock. As a result, I’d recommend you eat at Mitch’s Seafood and Point Loma Seafoods — many residents drive out of their way to eat at these spots. You can also walk to Liberty Station Public Market to eat and shop. Get some exercise by taking a kayak or stand-up paddleboard out into the water from OEX or a scenic walk on to Shelter Island. A variety of San Diego Bay tours also depart nearby.

It’s about a 5-minute drive to San Diego Airport, 10 minutes to Old Town San Diego, as well as 15 minutes to San Diego Zoo (don’t forget that I have discounted tickets) and Balboa Park. Most things to do in downtown San Diego are about 10-15 minutes away by car.