The Pearl Hotel Youtube Video
Check out our video about our stay at The Pearl Hotel!
Table of Contents
A timeless gem where vintage mid-century modern meets contemporary charm.
The Pearl Hotel at a Glance
Rooms
23
Location
Point Loma, San Diego California
Check-In
3:00 PM
Check-Out
11:00 AM
Airport
San Diego International Airport (SAN), ~2.4 miles or 4-10 minute drive
Parking
Limited parking is available at $20/night per vehicle. Electric vehicle parking is complimentary.
Onsite Restaurant
Ponyboy featuring an elevated yet retro menu
Happy Hour
Golden Hour, Wednesday – Saturday between 4PM – 5PM
Complimentary Breakfast
Complimentary Breakfast, Everyday from 7AM – 10AM
The History of The Pearl Hotel
The Pearl Hotel has been a staple in San Diego since 1959, when renowned architect Robert J. Platt first designed it as The Motel for Frank Naso. Over the years, it evolved into The Sportsman’s lounge, run by the husband-and-wife duo, Charles and Dinorah. In 2020, the Casetta Group stepped in for a thoughtful redesign- breathing new life into the property while preserving its signature mid-century modern charm.
The Casetta Group
The Casetta Group is all about bringing new life into boutique hotels. They specialize in restoring architecturally and historically significant properties, with every redesign inspired by the building’s past and local community. If the name rings a bell, you may have come across some of their other projects like Casa Cody in Palm Springs, Surfrider in Malibu, or Hotel Willa in New Mexico.
I actually discovered The Pearl Hotel after stumbling upon Casa Cody during a trip to Palm Springs a few years ago. Since then, it’s been on my list of must-visit stays—so finally getting to experience it felt like checking off a long-awaited travel goal!
The Pearl Hotel Restaurant: Ponyboy
Opened in summer 2024, Ponyboy is where mid-century meets modern artistry. Led by two Michelin-starred chefs, the restaurant brings 1960s classics back to life but with an elevated culinary experience. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and nostalgic, yet delicious bites around the poolside while vintage TV and film projections set the mood.
Ponyboy Happy Hour
We made it just in time for their Golden Hour (4-5 PM, Wednesday through Sunday). When we visited the specials included draft beer, glass of house wine, and classic cocktails (Gimlet, Rob Roy, Margarita, and Dark n Stormy).
The food menu is just as fun with Oysters and Deviled Eggs each for $1! Other items on the happy hour menu included chili hot dogs, Ponyboy Fries, and Pickle Dip.
Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back happy hour or a full-on retro-inspired dining experience, Ponyboy delivers.
Please note that menu items and prices are subject to change.
Complimentary Breakfast at The Pearl Hotel
Mornings at The Pearl Hotel come with a little extra surprise- a complimentary breakfast, everyday from 7-10AM ! But don’t expect the usual bland hotel buffet. Here, breakfast includes delicious chia pudding which you can top with fresh berries and granola, loose-leaf herbal teas, and refreshing fruit juice.
Why We Loved The Pearl Hotel
The Pearl Hotel is one of those hidden gems in San Diego that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon something special. Everything revolves around the hotel’s signature oyster-shaped pool, and the vintage-meets-modern design adds to the charm. The lobby itself is a fun little hangout spot, with cozy green velvet couches, mixed-materal lounge chairs, and even a small outdoor patio for some fresh air. If you stay on Wednesdays or are a local, you can enjoy a fun Dive-In movie night at the pool.
Why We Loved Our Room
We stayed in the Mini Pearl room, which was the perfect size for our quick staycation. If we were staying longer than one night, I’d probably consider a larger room to spread out more. The bed was tucked into a cozy nook, perfect for winding down with a little TV before bed. (We were rewatching the first season of Severance!)
But what made the room feel special were the little details- flipping through the OB in the ‘60s book on the writing desk, sipping from beautiful handmade ceramic cups, and a retro-style radio that added a fun nostalgic touch. The framed photographs of Japanese Ama (free-diving women) gave the room an extra layer of history, which I absolutely loved.
Why We Loved Ponyboy
During our stay, Ponyboy was closed, so we made a point to come back a couple of weeks later for a little date night- and we’re so glad we did! The whole hotel felt even more alive, especially during their Golden Hour. It’s honestly a fantastic deal- $1 oysters and deviled eggs? I just wish we had ordered MORE! They were also projecting old-school classics like Batman TV across the bar and restaurant, which added an unexpected, nostalgic vibe.
We tried more of the dinner menu and were very impressed. The Fisherman’s Catch Cerviche was light and refreshing, and Tyler couldn’t resist trying the beet and hibiscus-cured deviled eggs- which did not disappoint. I tried their Chai-Groni which had chai-infused gin, campari, and a sour cherry vermouth from one of our local favorites- Oddish Wine!
The real standout? Dessert. Their pears and mascarpone cream with poached pears, almond streusel, and bourbon caramel was the perfect balance of sweet and salty. A day hasn’t gone by where I haven’t thought about it.
Last but not least, a huge shoutout to the staff- everyone was warm, welcoming, and genuinely attentive! If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in San Diego with personality, great design, and a fantastic on-site restaurant, The Pearl Hotel is absolutely worth a visit!
Some Things To Think About
When we visited, Ponyboy was only open Wednesday through Sunday, which meant that during our Monday night stay, we didn’t get to experience the restaurant. While we loved the hotel’s peaceful atmosphere, we quickly realized how vibrant everything felt when the restaurant was open. Dining at Ponyboy is a big part of the overall experience, so I can imagine it would be a bit of a letdown for guests who miss out.
Since we visited in mid-January, taking a dip in the pool wasn’t even on our radar. But after testing the water with our toes, we were surprised to find it was warmer than expected- even with a recent rain storm a couple of days ago. If you’re someone who makes hotel pools a priority (like we usually do), you might be pleasantly surprised by a swim here, even in the winter!