Designed by local architect Robert Platt and built in 1959, The Pearl has enjoyed numerous incarnations over the years, formerly being known as the Hotel for Frank Naso and then The Sportsman’s Lodge. After a vintage-inspired makeover took the space back to Platt’s original mid-century architectural vision, it became The Pearl in 2007 – with Trip Advisor naming it one of the Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the U.S. in 2012.
Acquired by emerging California-based brand and hospitality management firm Casetta Group late last year, the boutique two-story property recently reopened, revealing an extensive refresh. Redesigned to celebrate the hotel’s famed 1960s aesthetic and Casetta’s smart yet sustainable design philosophy, refurbished guest rooms, lobby, and public spaces, alongside an updated dining experience at restaurant, Charles + Dinorah, await guests.
“For more than 60 years, The Pearl Hotel has been an integral part of San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood,” said Carolyn Schneider, president and partner of Casetta Group. “The Casetta team is dedicated to celebrating properties with rich architectural histories, and we’re extremely grateful for the opportunity to share The Pearl through its reimagined spaces and one-of-a-kind experiences.”
The approach feels rediscovered, the results stellar. Each of the 23 gorgeous guest rooms has been reconfigured and curated to combine “Point Loma’s understated cool” with a contemporary take on mid-century style, courtesy of San Diego’s Pow Wow Design Studio. The vibe? Deluxe residential but warmly welcoming. Tones are neutral, textures organic. Read: linen drapery, cane back chairs, acacia wood nightstands, ceramic lamps, and flat-woven rugs. There’s a thoughtful nod to the hotel’s name, too, with in-room artwork paying homage to the freediving Ama (meaning ‘sea women’) of Japan, famous for collecting pearls.
Committed to eco-friendly travel, Casetta partnered with a handful of California brands to outfit rooms, where you’ll find dreamy-soft Parachute bedding and bath linens, organic MoonCloth Designs bath amenities, and custom-designed Finery bathrobes. Reusable Ocean Bottle water bottles (partially made from ocean-bound recycled materials) and limited edition Roen candles also feature. Should you fall in love with any of the above items during your stay, several are available from The Casetta Shop.
Known for balancing clean-lined modernist sensibilities with lush materials, Casetta tapped Venice Beach-based architecture and interiors firm Electric Bowery to work their magic, maintaining The Pearl’s much-loved mid-century California feel throughout the public spaces. Fans of the iconic oyster-shaped pool will be happy to know that it remains at the center of the property alongside updated cabanas, landscaping, and outdoor furnishings, all reconfigured to maintain safe social distancing.
Named after the hotel’s former husband-wife owners, signature restaurant Charles + Dinorah has enjoyed a mini-renovation too, including the addition of a swanky crystal green quartzite bar top. Well-known for its popular weekend brunch and Dive-In movie nights (an iteration of the latter is back July 9), the poolside eatery’s menu pulls from global cuisines, a highlight of which is the grilled octopus with orange and fennel. From the cocktail list, try the Mother of Pearl – bright and zesty, it’s composed with Pearl Vodka, Greenbar Fruitlab Hibiscus, Giffard Pamplemousse, lemon, and egg white.
Whether you’re coming from out of town or live locally and want a fun overnight getaway, The Pearl is easily one of San Diego’s most original boutique hotels, now back better – and more stylish – than ever.
New Health & Safety Protocols
The Pearl requires guests to wear masks at check-in when sanitized key cards will be handed over on a clean tray. Housekeeping service is available upon request, and minibar items can be pre-ordered. You will find essential items, like the TV remote and hairdryer, in a sanitized box with a COVID protocol sheet. Finally, all rooms are taken out of service for at least 24 hours to allow for deep cleaning between guest check out and new arrivals.
Visit thepearlsd.com for more information and to make a booking. Dining reservations can be made at charlesanddinorah.com.
