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Tower23 Hotel
Category: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Hotels [Edit]
723 Felspar St(at Ocean Blvd)
San Diego, CA 92109
Neighbourhood: Pacific Beach
(858) 270-2323
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
36 reviews for Tower23 Hotel
Review Highlights
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"100% Egyptian cotton linens, and fine down comforters and..." In 3 reviews -
"Had supper at JRDN (t-23 amazing restaurant." In 6 reviews -
"...here, JRDN offers relaxed oceanfront dining for a great..." In 3 reviews
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36 reviews in English
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Review from Natalie A.
El Monte, CA
This hotel is beautiful.
When we arrived our room wasn't ready but luckily they have JRDN restaurant with top of the line food and drinks! we were able to catch the Laker game since they have several t.v's surrounding the bar. Staff was very attentive and nice. I also liked the fact that they played lounge music the entire time. To drink I had the pomegranated champagne and mango margarita, both were very strong and deelish!
Rooms were very comfy and contemporary. Outside our balcony was the view of the beach and the beautiful bond fires from the hotel.
I enjoyed my stay very much! -
Review from Sarah G.
Modern, spectacular views, pricey.
Stayed here for two nights in the Surf Pad on the third floor. The room was immaculate. We had a large balcony looking right out to the ocean. IMO our room (307) was basically the best you could get. We slept with our balcony door open and listened to the waves crash each night. In the mornings, we watched the surfers.
The location is ideal - we walked to everyything!
Superior customer service.
Couple of nit picks- no HD TV in the room, no pool and no gym/fitness center. The hotel has a beautiful sun deck and sits on a running/walking route along the beach so, like I said, I'm just being picky.
Absolutely recommend if you are looking for a hotel in PB. -
Review from Victoria J.
Corona, CA
We scheduled a 2-day sales meeting here in Pacific Beach. Our team was treated to the BEST service, hotel accommodations - it was a complete treat! A top 5 venue for a meeting or event at the beach in SoCA! The food is delicious and the view is amazing. Our rooms were cozy, I wish I could call this home! :)
A special THANK YOU to Stacy, Steve & Jenny at the JRDN restaurant, we completely appreciate your hospitality and all that you do! It was flawless.
Thank you again! We look forward to our next visit - can't wait!
Victoria Jonsson
Monster Energy Co. -
Review from Lindsey O.
Chicago, IL
Over priced! Unbelievably over priced! Do not stay at the hotel bc it has a cool, posh bar scene. You will get price raped. This hotel looks like a holiday inn express or some other cheap hotel chain that got a major face lift. The rooms try really hard to have a new age look, and the sex kit did make me laugh .. But the room was small and the bathroom sink had difficulty draining. For $300 a night, I expected more.
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Review from Chantelle K.
New York, NY
Tower23 exceeded my expectations. Situated literally right on the Pacific Ocean (with only the boardwalk separating it from the sandy shores!), it has incomparable views. We were there for a special occasion and the staff was so kind and helpful in situating the rooms, accommodating early and late check outs and answering lots of questions (as well as me exploding seltzer water in the car and holding up about 5 cars trying to valet but that's a story for another review)
We got two of the balcony suites facing the ocean. The extra money is well worth it as the view is in a word: extraordinary. The rooms were also new, very clean and bright -- and the bed could give The Westin's "Heavenly" mattress a run for its money!
We got room service and ate on the deck overlooking the ocean a few times. They also have a hoppin bar and restaurant downstairs. The food was awesome Definitely get the fresh mango margarita with chili salt. It's served in a goblet. Swoon! I also loved the LBLT -- lobster, bacon and lettuce. We also thought it was super affordable for a hotel -- I believe room service was only $10/dish (but maybe that's just the NYer in me being shocked a martini is under $20...).
Finally, upon checking out the receptionist let me know that future visits are always 20% off for returning guests -- forever and no blackouts! -
Review from Dan S.
Portland, OR
Great hotel with an ideal location, helpful staff and a unique and comfortable outside lounging area. They helped make a great weekend for my wife's birthday.
Would give 5 stars except their restaurant (JRDN) was the exact opposite of the hotel. I posted a review on the restaurant's page with the details. -
Review from Katherine B.
Cincinnati, OH
I came into town to visit a friend who recently moved to California, specifically Pacific Beach. We both enjoy a good restaurant, maybe we could be called "foodies", so he took a recommendation from a friend and we went for dinner.
After managing casual fine dining restaurants for the past few years, I get to be very critical, it comes naturally, I wish it didn't happen. So, obviously the ambiance is awesome.. on the beach, cute furniture, clean, heaters on the patio, all you could ask for. Our server, I think Julianne?, was spectacular. She knew the menu, had amazing recommendations, very friendly, not overbearing. She honestly made the experience. We ordered the mussels and pork belly for apps, per her rec, and they were absolutely delicious. We then shared a filet, JRDN rub and peppercorn, again per her rec, and the bass. Superb dishes. The bass could have used a pinch of salt, but I'm not a food critic.
This place delivered. I may have been more critical of the food had our server not been so awesome. It's amazing how service makes the dining experience. I told the hostess to let the manager know how great the server and food was, I hope she did.
I think the first thing I said to my friend was, "if and when I open a restaurant, she would be the first person I hire". I hope I can find her if that ever happens. I'll go back there when I am back visiting. I may even go again before I leave... -
Review from Will H.
Englewood, CO
Very nice... enjoyed our 3 night stay, great location, great layout, hip and cool [without the pretentiousness usually attached to such places] great rooms or pods as they are called, bar was fun and the staff was friendly, only reason for not giving it 5 stars was a blonde bartender who managed to lose my room charge card between my bar seat and the cash register [20 feet] .. not really look for it... and then casually said... 'well you can always get another one tomorrow.... Great honey... but I was more concerned it might end up in someone else's hands and i'd get stuck paying for someone's all nighter.... [ had to cancel myself at concierge].
It lacks in facilities, Pool, Gym ,Spa...but it's location on the beach and it's proximity to La Jolla, the boradwalk and Mission bay can't be beat...
Wasn't enticed to try the restaurant, no lure or incentive....i.e... free drink... free app/tapa.. as a guest.... so we never ate there... but in a few of the surrounding higher end ones... that being said, I'll probably be back... -
Review from Markus N.
My head hurts. I can't work. I should just go home.
My wallet is a lot lighter today than it was Saturday morning. All the clams, happily spent, at Tower 23 and its environs.
Saturday:
Warm up cocktail, two hours of pints, three Moscow Mules. Got lost. Had supper at JRDN (t-23 amazing restaurant). Oysters. Cod on a bed of whipped wonderfulness. Seared scallops. Both melted like butter in my hot mouth. More pints. Across the boardwalk and down to the beach. Midnight. Climbed the Crystal Pier. Fell in the sand. Kelp fight.
Sunday:
A full ten seconds to figure out where I was. Tempurpedic foam, a thousand pillows, sand everywhere, slider wide open. Dizzy. Bloody Mary (best ever) and french toast (best ever) at JRDN.
Mayhem ensues.
There is absolutely no reason to stay or eat anywhere else in San Diego. Tower 23 is beautifully appointed; the rooms are fluffy and stocked with all manner accoutrements for your temptation. Million dollar view, attentive staff, beautiful people.
I'll be back. -
Review from Denise K.
Disclaimer: This review is strictly for HH at JRDN (The restaurant at Tower 23).
$6 drafts (Racer 5 IPA, Stone IPA, Coronado Pale Ale, Franziskaner Hefeweisen, etc) and $7 gourmet appetizers. SCORE!
Tower 23 is right on the beach with glass protectors so it's never windy when you're sitting outside. There are also heat lamps if it's chilly. It's the perfect place to watch the sunset during HH (bring sunglasses). It's absolutely gorgeous! Or if you'd prefer to people watch, there are dog-walkers, (hot) runners without shirts, mamas with babies in tow, and lovebirds strolling around hand in hand. It's quite a busy boardwalk.
What we ate:
Ceviche - Could have used a bit more kick. I like my ceviche a little spicy. They put their ceviche on 3 delicately fried baby tortillas topped with shredded lettuce, cheese and tapatio. Pretty good.
Mussels - Generous portion for $7! They give you a whole big bowl of mussels sitting in a tomato-base, soupy sauce filled with onions, stewed tomatoes and andouille sausage. Two slices of perfectly crispy garlic bread on top. Delicious.
Empanadas - 3 pastries generously filled and covered in an amazing semi-sweet sauce. This, by far, is the winner.
Love this place, dislike PB. But I can't wait to go back. You must check this place out! -
Review from Michelle S.
Roseville, CA
We could not have been happier with our stay at Tower 23! We had two rooms...mine was the spirit pad which had easy access to the super nice patio with a view of the ocean!
We started our stay with the complementary welcome cocktail, which was a delicious rum drink (and I don't even care for rum)!
Beds were temperpedic and oh so comfy!!
All of the staff members were friendly and helpful, and didn't seem to mind our requests for fresh glasses, bandaids, etc :-)
When we ordered some snacks on the patio, they were delish! Truffle fries and the creamiest mac and cheese ever!!! -
Review from Nina W.
San Diego, CA
the waitress was not happy to be working last night. :-/
we sat for a quick cocktail and it was delish. the irish coffee. get it with the whipped cream -
Review from Richard T.
Carlsbad, CA
~Stay-cation
All I ever wanted
~Stay-cation
Had to get away
~Stay-cation
Meant to be spent close to home~
I love you Hotel Del but I'm a travel player and I'm always trading up for cheaper and better Ho's! Therefore, Tower 23 is the newest Hooker of my dreams and I'm glad I got to spend some awesome nights with this beautiful, luscious, and gracious Ho-tel this month!
Even though I live 20 minutes north, I never spend extended time, aside from surfing Tourmaline, exploring this mystical place named Pacific Beach. While Coronado and the Ho-tel Del are awesome, well, PB is "hipper" and its first class Call Girl is Tower 23! PB is filled with TON'S of affordable and way excellent places to eat, drink, and be merry. Tower 23 is right in the center of all the fun and has a stunningly modern exterior, comfy rooms, brilliant staff, and a location beyond par that makes this lodging whore worth every penny. Definitely less expensive than the Ho-tel Del and still gives you as much bang for your buck and goes a mile longer! But if you want cheap, deep, less attractive Ho-tels, there's also a couple of adequate ones a few blocks in either direction!
When we pulled up we got a street space parking in front. In PB? HO-LLA!!!
The front desk rep was super friendly and told us that we scored some awesome parking and, if we wanted to leave our car outside we wouldn't have to move it until street cleaning on Monday. She checked us in in a flash and was flawlessly efficient while still being welcoming and cordial. When she saw that I had surfboards she informed me that they have locking surfboard racks in their parking garage. NO HO WAY!?!?
So the interior of this place in sort of like SoCal modern art museum! It's filled with cool paintings, fun sculptures, and contemporary lighting. It almost feels like you're living in a huge beachfront estate in Malibu! Functional, elegant, and private, what's not to love?
I like my Ho's quiet so I asked for a location that was away from the street, not on top of the bar/restaurant, close to the ocean, and still had a view (yes loves, I'm the travel pimp who's hella demanding of his of Ho's). The room was immaculate and so am I, well, kinda. Flawlessly clean carpet, lots of closet space, and filled with bright modern furnishings! The bathroom was perfectly designed to be comfortable and pristine without feeling stuffy and sterile. The bed was ginaormous and super duper comfy, enough for several people if you're into that kinda thing. Our balcony had a brilliant view of the ocean and we could also look eastward as well. The only thing I would have changed about our particular room was the "killer desk chair". Other rooms had more ergonomic ones but the one in our had thin legs that flared outwards for we were always tripping over it wherever we walked past the desk.
The staff at Tower 23 were all outstandingly friendly, professionally, and faultlessly efficient. Whether it was the reservation staff, the front desk reps, room service staff, the parking valets, or the housekeepers, everyone here ROCKED! Where else could I wake up, go 10 steps out my door, surf the PB Pier 3+ times a day, walk back dripping in my wetsuit and have a doorman help me with my board and hand me a hot cup of coffee?! Even the poor maintenance guy who kept following me around the hotel after surfing to mop up the sand was incredibly gracious!!!
Thanks Tower 23 for an outstanding 3 night stand! Beyond a doubt, you're now my number 1 "Ho" of a "tel" in SD! See ya again in a few months! -
Review from Stella A.
Happy hour here is fun and it has a great view of the ocean. Its a lot classier than most places in PB so if youre looking to dress up a bit then its a good place to go. I enjoyed the truffle fries. they go great with beer....
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Review from gareth m.
Federal Way, WA
Strolling along the busy and bustling Pacific Beach Park boardwalk, you can gaze out upon the magnificent Pacific Ocean while dodging surfers, skateboarders, rollerbladers and tourists on bikes. It's a San Diego experience every traveler should enjoy. But when you're ready to leave the crowds behind and enjoy an unencumbered view of the ocean, Tower 23 offers a spectacular sight lifting you above the suntanned masses. No, not the lifeguard tower of the same number. Tower 23 is a bright gem of luxury in an already vibrant setting. While establishments along the coast know there's no competing with the majestic ocean to attract its guests, Tower 23 incorporates the best of its surroundings in its architecture, views and decor, leaving guests feeling like they never left the beach when they step into the hotel.
Bright and airy, highlighted with the hues of ocean blue, Tower 23 is sleek and posh at the same time. Accomodated in the Surf Pad, the king-sized Tempur-Pedic Serenity bed, made up with 100% Egyptian cotton linens, was heavenly to sink into. When it got too dark to gaze at the ocean from the balcony, there was a flat screen high-def LCD TV to entertain us. What work we allowed ourselves to do during our stay was aided by the free wi-fi (which is accessible even at the beach). To make your stay even more relaxing, Tower 23 also provides, upon request, in-room massage and spa services.
Walking distance from a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars featuring anything from sushi, curry to burgers, Tower 23 itself houses one of the most popular lounge and restaurants on the beach. No kitschy nautical themes here, JRDN offers relaxed oceanfront dining for a great view of San Diego's beautiful sunset. A contemporary steak & seafood restaurant, JRDN offers an oyster bar as well as a private wine room. If you don't feel like traipsing the few steps to their main dining room, Sunset Patio or the Tower Deck for some casual Californian cuisine, 24 hour room service is available.
Smack dab in the center of all things San Diego, Tower 23 puts you smack dab in the center of all things San Diego, whether you want to surf, golf, fish off the pier or just cruise the beach. Baseball caps and visors are availabe in-room for purchase in case you forgot yours (or you just want a memento). When you're done with all that fun, Tower 23 is there to provide a welcome respite. The roomy step-in rain shower is stocked with H2O products and luxurious bathrobes invite guests to lounge and relax.
From friendly and helpful valet and front desk staff, to the fully stocked mini-bar that includes personal essentials, drinks as well as snacks, Tower 23 makes sure their guests want for nothing. While there are many inns and hotels to pick from in the area, if you're looking for the complete, luxurious and relaxing San Diego beach hotel experience, Tower 23 is head and shoulders above the rest. -
Review from S S.
Long Island City, NY
Amazing place to stay. The suite I was in had the coolest jacuzzi ever.
The staff was amazing, the hotel was super clean. The patio overlooked the ocean but was separate from the sidewalk.
The young man who checked me in, whose name I forget (tall, skinny, spiky hair) was a delight and delicious! I would have loved for him to come join me in my jacuzzi. -
Review from Jacqueline H.
Scottsdale, AZ
Graham Downes, the contemporary architect who brought this hotel to life, is the heart and soul of this boutique sanctuary. His fusion of Pacific Beach's sun, sand, and water concept merges with the architecture of the building, its rooms, and the restaurant.
During the day the hotel dances with light, with its floor to ceiling windows that capture the sun's rays, white hallways, and minimalist white and azure blue decor. There are three types of rooms that capture the vibe of the space: The Spirit, Sky, and Surf Pad. The Surf Pad has the ultimate ocean views. Leave the balcony doors open to hear the surf from your Tempur Pedic Serenity bed. The beds are certainly one of the highlights of the room. 100% Egyptian cotton linens, and fine down comforters and pillows. And so many large and squishy pillows I felt like I was falling into clouds.
Step-in rain showers with H2O bath products, and plush terry robes refreshed us when coming in from a day at the beach. A personalized mini bar with all manner of refreshments was provided, with other assorted items such as an intimacy kit and snacks.
The beach, the ocean, stretches out below the hotel. The deck is the perfect place to enjoy the spectacular views. Lay on a lounge chair, sip cocktails, order noshes from "Jrdn's" excellent menu, and watch the sun go down. All in comfort and privacy. The downside is that this refuge does not have a pool. There was a beautifully worked water feature on the deck, but nothing to dip one's feet into.
At night, JRDN is one of THE restaurants and lounges to visit in Pacific Beach. Oceanfront dining on the patio, or intimate seating in its spacious accomodations inside - creating a romantic mood with Down's creative use of light that mimics the patterns of ocean waves or the setting sun's ripples on the tides.
Chef David Warner uses all natural meats, seafood from sustainable sources, and locally grown produce to create his modern Californian menu. Over the course of our short stay, we feasted on the Beet salad (with goat milk ricotta, candied pecans, and mint), the incredible dungeness crab cake (with a unique curry aioli with fennel and citrus), the incredible Tower23 burger (ground flavourful meyer and kobe chuck on a brioche bun with all the fixins, and a gorgeous aioli) with a side of fries and a chunky bleu cheese dip, lamb meatballs...and we never even got the very good looking entrees such as the pacific seabass or poached maine lobster.
This is the kind of place for people who enjoy being close to the ocean, relaxing on the deck and reading a good novel, enjoying ocean views, and appreciating a good cocktail such as the Chili Mango Margarita at the lounge downstairs. Beautiful! -
Review from tabitha w.
La Mesa, CA
Went today , thought it was tower 22 ahha . Ive been a few times but I have to Say I like the service here . Im always seated promptly.Today we had a great server Beji he was very accomodating and my drinks were not neglected .lol IT was a beautiful view of the beach , my food was pretty good , fresh fruit and I have to reccomend the blue berry mint mojito . On top of that I must say they have a bloody mary to die for . The bloody mary is spicy and refreshing in the morning .
I love how they garnish it with a green olive pepper jack cheese and salami Realy great combo, delicious -
Review from Jess C.
Boston, MA
Tower 23 is not really a tower, but it sure is a nice boutique hotel. While staying here I felt right like I was not in the kind of scuzzy skater-frat-boy scene that seems to be Pacific Beach while I was at this hotel. Basically, if you are looking for somewhere that is going to separate you from all that, look no further.
This place is South Beach-esque, and I really liked how modern and calming the decor was. Also, they have these awesome really cool fire pits.. but not normal fire pits. These are sand pits that you can draw in, and then there are gas grates under that make the shapes light up while you enjoy some vino or cocktails at night! Not sure if those have a proper name so just go with it. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
I stayed here with my family, but I would definitely return with friends. All around, this place is delightful. -
Review from Genevieve M.
Maricopa, AZ
Strolling along the busy and bustling Pacific Beach Park boardwalk, you can gaze out upon the magnificent Pacific Ocean while dodging surfers, skateboarders, rollerbladers and tourists on bikes. It's a San Diego experience every traveler should enjoy. But when you're ready to leave the crowds behind and enjoy an unencumbered view of the ocean, Tower 23 offers a spectacular sight lifting you above the suntanned masses. No, not the lifeguard tower of the same number. Tower 23 is a bright gem of luxury in an already vibrant setting. While establishments along the coast know there's no competing with the majestic ocean to attract its guests, Tower 23 incorporates the best of its surroundings in its architecture, views and decor, leaving guests feeling like they never left the beach when they step into the hotel.
Bright and airy, highlighted with the hues of ocean blue, Tower 23 is sleek and posh at the same time. Accomodated in the Surf Pad, the king-sized Tempur-Pedic Serenity bed, made up with 100% Egyptian cotton linens, was heavenly to sink into. When it got too dark to gaze at the ocean from the balcony, there was a flat screen high-def LCD TV to entertain us. What work we allowed ourselves to do during our stay was aided by the free wi-fi (which is accessible even at the beach). To make your stay even more relaxing, Tower 23 also provides, upon request, in-room massage and spa services.
Walking distance from a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars featuring anything from sushi, curry to burgers, Tower 23 itself houses one of the most popular lounge and restaurants on the beach. No kitschy nautical themes here, JRDN offers relaxed oceanfront dining for a great view of San Diego's beautiful sunset. A contemporary steak & seafood restaurant, JRDN offers an oyster bar as well as a private wine room. If you don't feel like traipsing the few steps to their main dining room, Sunset Patio or the Tower Deck for some casual Californian cuisine, 24 hour room service is available.
Smack dab in the center of all things San Diego, Tower 23 puts you smack dab in the center of all things San Diego, whether you want to surf, golf, fish off the pier or just cruise the beach. Baseball caps and visors are availabe in-room for purchase in case you forgot yours (or you just want a memento). When you're done with all that fun, Tower 23 is there to provide a welcome respite. The roomy step-in rain shower is stocked with H2O products and luxurious bathrobes invite guests to lounge and relax.
From friendly and helpful valet and front desk staff, to the fully stocked mini-bar that includes personal essentials, drinks as well as snacks, Tower 23 makes sure their guests want for nothing. While there are many inns and hotels to pick from in the area, if you're looking for the complete, luxurious and relaxing San Diego beach hotel experience, Tower 23 is head and shoulders above the rest. -
Review from angie j.
Visalia, CA
Tower 23, nicely located in Pacific Beach- right off the beach. The staff was great. The setting was perfect.
The rooms were amazing. I would have been content staying in those beds all day. It was a very nice getaway. -
Review from Joe T.
Escondido, CA
I brought my girlfriend here for dinner last week letting her think that we were just going to see an old college buddy who i haven't seen in 5 years. I was in the biggest rush to get there for the sunset which would have been amazing if it wasn't so cloudy. We missed the sunset, but my old buddy Ryan Mathien set us up with the best table on the patio right next to the fire. His reccomendations on food and drinks were perfect. The Mussels we had for an appetizer were amazing and we had a nice romantic dinner. The service couldn't have been better, Ryan really knows what he is doing. After dinner we went upstairs to finish our drinks by the fire. Cara didnt know I had an engagement ring in my pocket. It couldn't have been better. She said yes. Thanks Ryan.
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Review from Rod C.
San Francisco, CA
This is a recent find for me. A couple of friends were raving about this place and they arranged for me to stay here. I usually stay at La V in La Jolla, The W in downtown, or up at Aviara. I'll have to add this Ho my rotation, or this might be my La V replacement. Totally cool spot on the ocean so if you can stay here while on a business trip, you'll feel like you're on a working vacation.
Ate dinner here because it was a raining and didn't want to drive. I had the jumbo prawns, bacon and egg salad and the short rib. I topped it all off with a peanut butter and jelly cheesecake (with an Oreo crust). This was one of my better meals in SD. Eating all this food saved me from too many drinking too much at the super cool bar.
You'll definitely find me here again. When the weather is good, I'll be up on the deck enjoying a Cohiba! -
Review from Kimberly G.
Carlsbad, CA
This hotel is hands-down the best! From the rooms and views to the staff that cater to your stay being the best ever! We have stayed there twice and both times have been more than impressive! You can't find a more beautiful location. We even had our wedding there! The modern look of the hotel provided the most perfect canvas for our special day. We can't wait to return again and again!
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Review from Nichol S.
Chino Hills, CA
I love Tower 23! I spent a weekend here with some girlfriends for my bachelorette party (a close friend had stayed there before and recommended it) and I cannot wait to go back. Our room was clean, sleek, and calming. Our patio opened up to the "tower deck" which was so cozy and inviting and provided a beautiful view of the beach. The tower deck had ample seating and space for all the hotel's guests to enjoy it comfortably, and heaters for people like me who get cold easily at night.
Every single person I was there with agreed that the breakfast we had downstairs in the hotel restaurant was one of the best we've had. The chilaquiles were amazing!
The staff at Tower 23 was very accommodating. They happily brought up the excessive amount of luggage we all brought, promptly provided a corkscrew when we needed it, and went above and beyond when we were leaving and had some technical difficulties with my friend's fancy Lexus.
I will be returning to Tower 23 for another lovely trip! -
Review from Jerry N.
San Diego, CA
I won't write a book, it's a beatiful place, great restaraunt, close to the beach and nice pool area.
Many things to do nearby
Younger crowd than older crowd of Coronado. -
Review from Fred L.
Chapel Hill, NC
The hotel was nice, but the staff wasn't terribly helpful. We coined the term 'non-cierge' to refer to their bungled attempts to provide us any kind of local guidance.
- We were in San Diego for a wedding and have spent a lot of time there. We know the area and were looking to stay on Pacific Beach ("PB") to relive past visits. Tower 23 appeared to be one of the better options and the rooms looked nice.
- Our room was nice, but a bit cramped. The bathroom was pretty tiny. It was listed as an 'Ocean View' room, but would have required a set of mirrors to do so effectively.
- Tower 23 is a bit more expensive than others in the area, and given that premium I would expect a pretty good concierge (ala similar hotels at that price point in SoCal, South Beach, etc.). The concierge's desk was HORRIBLE. Every question we asked, they didn't know. Every time they recommended a place, the valet would quickly tell us, "don't go there, go here."
- We took to calling the front desk the 'non-cierge'. The best story was that we were looking to go out for a nice dinner and had passed a restaurant down the beach. We inquired about it - they called and told us that the restaurant, "was completely booked and you should look to go elsewhere." So much for hooking us up and getting us in! We then asked the valet, who said that was ludicrous, pulled out his cell phone and made a call. After that we walked straight in, sat down and had the best seat in the house...
- Most of the people at the front desk just seemed like they had never done any exploring of the local area or had any concept of what a guest might want on a night out.
- The hotel common areas are great. The second floor outdoor lounge area is very nice and the bar service was good.
- I've seen several comments knocking the restaurant - we thought it was actually pretty good. -
Review from Katie T.
Went here for a friends' 23rd birthday which due to the Tower 23 name the hotel blew up for us. We had a large group eating and drinking. The food was mediocre, but the atmosphere and the drinks were good.
I'd go back here again. -
Review from Inga I.
San Diego, CA
This is a gorgeous lounge/restaurant. Very euro-inspired, very South Beach, Miami. I had Sunday brunch here with my tall, gorgeous Brazilian friend and she seemed like your ideal patron here. The hostess was very friendly and pleasant and seated us at a nice table outside with a great view of the boardwalk.
I ordered the quiche and it didn't taste like an authentic quiche, tasted like it was probably frozen and not made from scratch, tasted rubbery. The side organic salad was good. My friend had your typical eggs, sausage and toast, shouldv'e stuck with that, my usual. Looked way better than my quiche.
I would like to come back on a weekend night to their lounge, I'm sure it brings a very gorgeous, sophisticated type crowd. -
Review from Kelly K.
San Diego, CA
My mom, sister and a few friends came to SD to visit so I got to benefit from their stay at Tower 23.
The staff was beyond friendly and very accommodating. Sanan (sp?) brought us everything we requested from straws to cut up lemons to 2 big buckets of ice! Yes, we were there to party and they were there to make sure we had a blast.
The rooms were immaculate, fresh towels abundant and the beds...oh my, those beds are comfortable! Be sure to stay on the 2nd floor! Our room opened onto the tower deck. Bloody Mary's in the deck chairs while looking out at the boardwalk and Pacific Ocean in the morning....that's the life! Our dining experience was equally amazing. The food was great and the service attentive and fun.
Mom will be back to SD...and Tower 23 is on the top of her list! I can't wait to "move in" to this wonderful hotel again.
P.S. this hotel is NOT for kids, but for adults who like high-class (without the attitude) service and style. -
Review from Neda R.
San Diego, CA
Great place to stay for younger ones looking for a fun and trendy, yet classy/upscale hotel. Right on the water, all rooms have amazing ocean views, with a pool and jacuzzi overlooking the beach! Also located in the heart of Pacific Beach, walking distance to all the restaurants, shops and bars.
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Review from Alena S.
San Diego, CA
3 words...BEST RESTAURANT EVER!
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Review from Mona K.
New York, NY
Friendly service, professional staff....restaurant isnt so great but by far best hotel in area.
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Review from Annie N.
San Diego, CA
This is a comment for the hotel restaurant. Four of us came to have brunch before going to a 1pm show downtown on a Sunday. I can't tell you how the food is because we ended up walking out. Everything took forever - took forever to get a table (despite the fact that we came pretty early and they were'nt packed yet), took forever to take our order, and took forever for our food to come out.
We ordered a round of drinks and waited and waited and waited for our food. We thought we were lucky because as soon as we sat down the place started filling up. Three (that's right three!) groups of people who sat down AFTER we ordered got their food before we did. We didn't order anything fancy - standard stuff off the menu.
We even told the waitress that other people were getting their food before us and that we needed to get going to catch our show. Did us no good. When we saw the third table get their food before us, we all got up, paid for our drinks and walked out.
We talked to the manager who did nothing but give us the excuse that they were busy. Whatever, they got those other people their food. They just couldn't admit that they messed up. She didn't even offer to comp our drinks, that's the least they could do after the crap we went through.
We ended up going to Jack in the Box down the street to get food before our show. At JITB never disappoints.
This place is completely overrated. Terrible, terrible service. I will never go back again and believe me, I've told all my friends about this horrible place. -
Review from brian m.
Surprise, AZ
Hotel was awsome, nice having a place to dine down stairs. The view from the room was okay. Patio area was great and lots of people watching. Would for sure stay here again.
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Review from Mira T.
San Rafael, CA
We just spend two nights at Tower 23 Hotel. It's a gorgeous hotel across from the beach. Drove down from San Rafael - 11 hour trip on Thanksgiving Wednesday. Met our kids for dinner at the hotel restaurant JRDN. Drinks for 4 at the bar prior to dinner. GREAT! Dinner at the restaurant: Appertizer: seafood platter, cheese plate, fresh toasted bread - all excellent. Main courses: Rib-eye (2 orders) filet (1 order) scallop rissoto (1 order). After much fork passing decided all were fabulous. Service was steady, friendly and non-obtrusive. Caveat: pretty expensive but after some soul-searching decided definately well worth it. Now for the hotel room, we had the partial-beach view room with balcony. Minimalist decor. Had that cool San Diego look to it. TV had issues. Hotel staff professional. Will definately stay there again.
