Classic San Diego motel where mid-century nostalgia meets contemporary design
The Pearl / San Diego / CA / USA
I am so happy to see how the motel movement is continuing in the US. How old (sometimes run down) motels are being revamped and brought back to their former glory, combining nostalgic Americana and modern design.
This one is called the Pearl and is located in Point Loma, between downtown San Diego and the beach, just a short drive from the airport. This means that the location couldn’t be better as a starting point to explore South California from.
When this classic motel went through its refresh the plan was to add some contemporary elements to contrast the mid-century architecture and I must say I think the result is on point.
All in all there are 23 rooms and ours had a kind of Palm Springs vibe that would fit perfectly in an old Slim Aarons’ photo. And since we are just around the corner from the Pacific the design has a beachy element which makes total sense. The rooms are built around the pool which is almost mandatory at a classic motel like this one. This pool has an oyster shape and is a perfect place to relax by after exploring the many different beaches and beach towns along the coast. And come evening there are movies shown outside under the open sky on a massive screen next to the pool. And that isn’t all. There is a really great restaurant on site so you can enjoy some super delicious food while watching the movie. A great way to end the day.
It doesn’t get more classic motel than this. A tiled pool, some sun loungers and the building wrapped around the court yard.
Our room had a perfect combo of mid-century Palm Springs and contemporary beach. Those design schemes work so well together.
The lounge and games area next to the reception was a perfect hang out when we felt the need to escape the South California sun.
This retro looking chairs fit so well into the look and feel of the motel.
This is what I call a burger!
When the sun sets it is time for movie night, outside on a giant screen by the pool.
I found the perfect mug to describe me in the morning.
If you, like us, are serious about your coffee, make sure to stop by Bird Rock Coffee Roasters up the coast (close to La Jolla). Their coffee is almost too good.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…like me love motels. And if you are into surfing and relaxed beach life, this is totally your place.
My favorite thing about this place…
…were the movie nights. So great to be able to sit outside in the dark Californian night watching a classic movie while having a burger and a beer.
What not to miss when staying here is…
…to explore the coast. Go north along the coast and there are plenty of places to stop for a swim, a coffee, a stroll our just to enjoy the view of the Pacific.
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