See why TOWER23 Hotel is one of the Best Hotels in Pacific Beach
If you’re looking to spend a vacation where your toes rarely leave the sand and the crowds barely outnumber surfers, then you must check out TOWER23 Hotel in San Diego. See why it’s one of the best hotels in Pacific Beach and get all the amenities details and more in the extensive review below.
*EatDrinkLA was a guest of TOWER23 Hotel, but this post is not sponsored.
Where is TOWER23 Hotel Located?
TOWER23 Hotel is located on the boardwalk of Pacific Beach in San Diego, on the corner of Felspar Street and Ocean Boulevard. It’s named after lifeguard tower 23, and the hotel embodies that viewpoint of the entire beach.
The Pacific Beach area maintains a small-town feel while still having a nice amount of restaurants and shops. TOWER23 Hotel is steps from the iconic Crystal Pier and 10 minutes from Mission Beach, home to The Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster from 1925.
You’re also within a short driving distance of Downtown San Diego, Petco Park Baseball Stadium, Seaworld, and the San Diego Zoo.
What Amenities can I expect at TOWER23 Hotel?
A trip to this luxury boutique hotel begins with Complimentary Underground Valet Parking, including free EV Charging upon request. The lobby is accessible directly from the valet, where you’ll be greeted by a friendly staff ready to make your day with all the fun freebies that come with your reservation even before you hit the room.
It begins with a Welcome Drink for Two, available at the on-site JRDN restaurant, which can be used anytime during your stay. The complimentary beverage is good for Coffee, Soft Drinks, Juice, House Wine, Well Cocktails, and Beer. I recommend picking up your drink at the bar and enjoying them on the Tower Deck as the sun kisses the Pacific Ocean.
Next, take advantage of Beach Rentals, like sand toys for the kids, beach chairs, and even surfboards, which can all be arranged at the front desk when you need them.
There are also Bike Rentals for adults and children alike, and no one will judge you on the boardwalk if you haven’t done it in 20 years.
Your reservation also includes two gym passes to 24-Hour Fitness within walking distance of the property.
What are the Rooms like at TOWER23 Hotel?
This three-story hotel is home to only 44 rooms in 5 different categories, ranging from Surf Pad to Sweet Suite.
Due to the intimate nature of the hotel, each floor has a Mini Lobby where you can sit and relax until 4 p.m. check-in. Guests are also known to hang out past check-out as well. The third floor includes free access to a computer.
Many of the rooms include an Ocean View, which is a major perk for staying this close to the water. All the rooms include Serenity Beds with memory-foam mattresses that you can’t help but sink into on arrival. Rooms come with either one King Bed or two Queens. The Suite Suite has an additional Sofa.
Each room includes a Flat Screen TV on the wall and a Keurig Coffee Maker with free coffee, as well as a Mini Bar Marketplace if you’d like anything additional in the food and beverage department. There’s also a stocked Mini Bar Fridge under the desk with room for your own items as well.
You’ll find Plush Robes in the bathroom, along with H20 Soap and Moisturizer. There’s also a generous amount of towels. Depending on your room category, you can expect a step-in Rain Shower or a Chromatherapy Jacuzzi Tub.
Most importantly, these rooms are deliciously Soundproof, so if your downstairs neighbor decides to break into song on their outdoor patio, you can choose whether or not you’d like to be part of the fun.
The vibe at TOWER23 Hotel does lean toward adults, but Pack-n-Play Cribs are available for free if you have younger guests along with you too.
What are the dining options at TOWER23 Hotel?
All the hotel’s dining, including Room Service, is provided by the JRDN Restaurant, located right on the boardwalk. The menu changes twice a year and features seasonal ingredients with a focus on local production. The food is crafted by Executive Chef Stephen Gage and Executive Pastry Chef Justin Sazon, while the Wine Program is led by Sommelier Chris Delaney. The restaurant is known for its Wine Wednesday program, which focuses on local vintners. The Summer Wine Series takes place from June to October and includes Wine Tasting and Small Bites. Tickets are required.
If you’re visiting during summer, you can expect a brand new menu with great Sushi, various Surf or Turf options, and of course, some killer Cocktails.
Breakfast
Breakfast is available beginning at 9 a.m. at the restaurant or as early as 8:30 a.m. via room service. The menu is the same at both, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out if you stay in your room, cozied up in your Boca Terry bathrobe.
Highlights include Avocado Toast with smashed avocado, dukkah, and garlic chili oil and Breakfast Rolled Tacos with rancheros sauce, short rib, and mashed potato rolled tacos. Both also come with two eggs, any style, and your choice of potatoes or fruit.
On weekends, breakfast becomes Brunch from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lunch
Lunch begins daily at 11 a.m. and features Summer Salads, delicious Lobster BLT sandwiches, Ahi Tuna Nachos, and an array of Sushi like the Roulette Roll made with shishito peppers, where you spin the wheel and never know if you’re going to get the “hot one.”
Dinner
Dinner begins at 5 p.m., and it’s where light bites tend to get a little meatier since, most likely, you’ve spent the day at the beach and have worked up an appetite.
The Raw Menu still remains, with Oysters and Sushi, but larger dishes like Lamb Lollipops and Oxtail Bucatini replace the Sandwich section. You also cannot go wrong with the Steamed Mussels, which have been on the menu since the restaurant opened over a decade ago. Since it’s such a popular dish, it doesn’t change with the seasons. It’s made with chorizo, herb butter, tomato-fennel cream and served with grilled bread.
Larger plates include a 12-oz NY Strip Steak, a Wagyu Burger, or your choice from the sea, like Fresh Northern Halibut with cornbread or Local Swordfish with chipotle romesco, summer squash, and kohlrabi – which is a truly special combination of ingredients.
For kids, you’ll find dishes like Chicken Quesadilla and Mac n’ Cheese, with portions large enough for adults to enjoy as well.
Desserts
Desserts come with suggested beverage pairings; the only section on the menu to do that. So, when by the ocean, you better go swimming. The Protégé is a pistachio mousseline bombe with pomegranate mousse and mint pomegranate sorbet. A Petite Pairing of Grand Marnier and Cognac can be added on.
Cocktails
When the drinks menu has more pages than the food menu, you know who the star of the show is meant to be. The Chili Mango Margarita is a fan favorite thanks to the spicy mix that’s made in-house.
The JRDN Old Fashioned is made with both bourbon and rye and served with a specially etched ice cube to remind you where you’re having this special beverage.
Meanwhile, the Anonymous Lover might make you forget everything you know about cocktails at all. It’s made with a tricky combination of Jameson and mezcal – as well as watermelon, sugar, and soy sauce!
There are 6 different Beers on Tap and a nice Mocktail section using Lyre’s brand of non-alcoholic spirits in a variety of drinks.
Is there a Pool at TOWER23 Hotel?
While there isn’t a pool, the Tower Deck, which is accessible to everyone, features chaise lounges that make you feel like you’re lying out right on the sand, even if you don’t want to go to the beach. There is a reflecting pool, but I wouldn’t recommend taking a swim unless you’re ready to explain yourself.
How can I book my stay at TOWER23 Hotel?
When you book directly on the website, you get access to a Perks Program called EDS Insider. There you can choose between 5% Back on your purchase price, given via gift cards or Paypal; Cash for a Cause, which donates your rewards to a charitable organization; or Cash Forward, which gives you 15% back toward your next stay.
The nightly room rate ranges from $249 per night during the low season to $559 during the high season.
There’s also access to Special Packages, which include Champagne or Surf Lessons.
Overall Thoughts
TOWER23 Hotel checks almost all the boxes when it comes to a hyper-local stay. You can’t get any closer to Pacific Beach if you tried, but you’re still within walking distance of major shops and restaurants.
The restaurant and bar scene is buzzing, but you can also take advantage of the quiet and privacy of your room oasis.
The staff is very friendly and makes you feel like you’re part of their family from the moment you arrive. Also, despite not being a large property, there was never a wait for any requests.
Lastly, the room rate is very fair for a hotel of this caliber, and there isn’t a minimum night stay which is required at some of the other nearby establishments during the high season.
Check out the view from TOWER23, and you won’t be disappointed.
TOWER23 Hotel is located at 723 Felspar Street Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 91209.
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