# The Pearl Hotel - San Diego's Hip Retro Motel And Bar *By James Hills, mantripping.com — Updated July 2025* San Diego has more diversity in hotels than nearly any other city of its size. There are ultra-luxury hotels as well as small boutique hotels and then there's The Pearl Hotel. I've driven by this location dozens of times and didn't realize it was even there since it's one of those places that is literally hidden in plain site. However, after staying there a few weeks ago as part of our Beercation with Travelocity I can't believe I've missed this hidden gem. Like most of you, I've used sites like Travelocity to look for hotel deals and normally I've just considered them a source for looking at the various "chain hotels" available. However, there's actually a surprising number of boutique hotels like [The Pearl Hotel](https://www.travelocity.com/San-Diego-Hotels-The-Pearl-Hotel.h1690289.Hotel-Information) that you might have otherwise passed by.  One of the first things you notice though is that the "star rating" and the "user rating" are divergent. It is listed as a 3.4 out of 5 ... but 100% of guests recommend it according to the Travelocity Guest Rating. The simple reason for this is that yes - this is a "three star" hotel based on amenities. For instance, there is no elevator or spa, and doors face inward to a classic California courtyard with pool. However, you'll quickly notice that the property feels almost new, the staff is fantastic, has a nice pool area, and generally the property is in great shape. They also have bicycles to rent on site and it's a short ride to Shelter Island, Liberty Station as well as bike paths along San Diego harbor. 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Inside the room, despite the floor plan feeling like a mid-century motel, the decor is chic and modern with a great TV, comfortable bed, and a modern bathroom with good amenities. While [The Pearl](https://www.travelocity.com/San-Diego-Hotels-The-Pearl-Hotel.h1690289.Hotel-Information) is sadly not dog friendly, those of you forced to leave your dog at home can at least enjoy watching the fish bowl found in each room. Visiting The Pearl Hotel is a one of a kind opportunity to step back in time and enjoy some mid-century modern style mixed with the best of today's hip trends. Even for locals not looking for a room, this is a place to absolutely check out since the pool area turns into a bar with a "Dive In" movie theater at night where you can watch a range of classic films as well as blockbusters, foreign, and independent features. The swimming pool is open to hotel guests for free, but others must purchase a drink to enjoy the movies. This place is also perfect for a romantic getaway since there's something indescribably cool about this hotel that is sure to bring a smile to your face when you step through the front door. Details Written by: James Hills Published: 01 December 2016 Last Updated: 03 July 2025 #### Jowissa LeWy 9 Review: Swiss Chronograph Elegance That Earns Its Place on Your Wrist Mar 31, 2026 [Jowissa LeWy 9 Review: Swiss Chronograph Elegance That Earns Its Place on Your Wrist](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/jowissa-lewy-9-swiss-chronograph-review.html) #### This Step2 Raised Planter Box Is My Herb Growing Secret for Grilling Season Mar 28, 2026 [This Step2 Raised Planter Box Is My Herb Growing Secret for Grilling Season](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/step2-raised-planter-box-review.html) #### Kenmore AquaLite Wet Dry Vac Review: I've Been Using It Weekly and It's Replaced My Mop Mar 26, 2026 [Kenmore AquaLite Wet Dry Vac Review: I've Been Using It Weekly and It's Replaced My Mop](https://www.mantripping.com/stuff/kenmore-aqualite-wet-dry-vac-review-ive-been-using-it-weekly-and-its-replaced-my-mop.html) ### Related Articles #### Kadún Boutique Hotel Puts You in the Middle of the Cabo San Lucas You've Been Missing [Kadún Boutique Hotel Puts You in the Middle of the Cabo San Lucas You've Been Missing](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/kadun-boutique-hotel-cabo-san-lucas.html) #### What First-Timers Get Wrong About Booking a Boutique Hotel in Tel Aviv [What First-Timers Get Wrong About Booking a Boutique Hotel in Tel Aviv](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/tel-aviv-first-time-booking-boutique-hotel.html) #### Tel Aviv Is a Serious Guys Trip - Choose Your Hotel Like One [Tel Aviv Is a Serious Guys Trip - Choose Your Hotel Like One](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/tel-aviv-boutique-hotel.html) #### How To Plan a Romantic Getaway She'll Actually Love [How To Plan a Romantic Getaway She'll Actually Love](https://www.mantripping.com/romantic-getaways/how-to-plan-a-romantic-getaway-shell-actually-love.html) #### Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa: The All-Inclusive Base Camp for Los Cabos Fishing Guys Trips [Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa: The All-Inclusive Base Camp for Los Cabos Fishing Guys Trips](https://www.mantripping.com/travel/marina-fiesta-resort-all-inclusive-base-camp-for-los-cabos-fishing.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/search.html) - [**](https://www.mantripping.com/sitemap.html?view=html&id=1) - [** Polls](https://www.mantripping.com/polls.html) - [Community Login](https://www.mantripping.com/registration/login.html) - [Brand Engagement Newsletter](https://www.mantripping.com/pr-ops-newsletter.html) - [Links](https://www.mantripping.com/links.html) - [Pitch Portal](https://www.mantripping.com/pitch.html) - [Men's Travel Survey](https://www.mantripping.com/the-mantripping-guys-trip-report-spring-2026.html) --- ### Need help planning? **Heather** is a cruise and travel specialist at mantripping.com with over 15 years of experience in personalized trip planning. 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