The Ivy Hotel In San Diego in Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

Click the photo to book
The Ivy Hotel in San Diego

The Ivy Hotel is in the heart
of San Diego's Gaslamp District.

Turning 30 . . . quite the milestone in someone’s life right? Well, I just had the pleasure of experiencing putting my 20’s behind me and looking into this new world of the “30s”. I was gearing up to attend yet another 30th birthday party. The festivities were being held in San Diego and since I live in Las Vegas, I needed a place to stay. Somewhere sophisticated, somewhere swanky, somewhere new . . . hmmm. “What does San Diego have in it’s repertoire to fit the bill of new, swanky and sophisticated", I thought?

The Ivy Hotel's inviting lobby.

I know there are many different reasons that people from all over the world are attracted to come to San Diego: Sea World, the Wild Animal Park, Mission Beach, and the shores of La Jolla to name a few. I think San Diego may be attempting to entice a new kind of traveler, someone that is a little different than the typical white shorts, polo shirt, and tennis shoe-wearing kind of tourist. Perhaps, someone that still wants to see all of the attractions that San Diego has to offer, but isn’t afraid of sore feet after strutting around in their new Michael Kors platforms all day. Someone that likes fashion in a chic and yet unpretentious way. That is why I just had to stay at one of San Diego’s newest and hottest boutique hotels, the Ivy Hotel.

Eden is found on the rooftop.

The Ivy Hotel is located right in the heart of downtown San Diego. It is a block over from the infamous 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp Area. It is located on F St between 6th and 7th. The Ivy Hotel literally is brand new, opening in the spring of 2007. It is a very chic boutique-style hotel that is comprised of a variety of room types. Be prepared to spend money, but also remember the old saying “you get what you pay for”.

You are not only paying for the wonderful temporary residence, but you are also paying prime dollar for the fabulous service. At the Ivy, you will not be disappointed. There are four types of deluxe room accommodations, one bedroom suites and also three different luxury suites.

Choose from the 3 suite options.

The luxury suites are the Star Suite, the Sweet Suite, and the Cabana Suite, which would be a fabulous way to spend a few summer nights. The Cabana Suite is located on the top floor and has (as you would have guessed) a cabana connected to it from which you have direct access to the rooftop pool.

Rooms at the Ivy go from around $300 per night up to $3500 per night for a luxury accommodation package which has a ton of goodies to keep you occupied.

I was picked up at the San Diego airport by my travel companion and went the quick 10 minute jaunt to the hotel to check-in. We left the car with the very attentive valet parkers. As they helped unload our small supply of luggage, we were escorted inside. My flight was delayed earlier in the day, and I knew I was not going to be able to get to the hotel until late in the evening so I called just to make sure everything would be okay. Without hesitation, they said "yes, of course".

Sunlight and Skylines!

The attendants opened the double doors and my stilettos and I entered the lobby. I heard a, “Ms. Schoser?” I responded "yes" and was surprised, how we were quickly whisked away to our room by a well put together hostess of sorts. Although there is a reception desk in the lobby, the Ivy Hotel likes to check in their guests in their actual room.

Once we had the logistics settled in our one bedroom suite, it was time for me to explore. Right away, I was completely comfortable in our accommodations. The décor could be described as a blend of modern elegance with the dark woods, plush linens, and aesthetically pleasing color combinations. It reminded me of places I have stayed in New York City. Our suite had two separate rooms. When we walked in, the living area was located straight ahead. A mid century-esque dark colored couch, coffee table, and chair looked like a good place to catch up on some reading. Against the wall was a rich, dark armoire to store all of our belongings.

The not so mini Mini Bar.

To separate the bedroom from the living area, there was a deep-colored wood wall with a flat screen TV mounted in the middle.

I always love a good mini bar for the convenience of a late night snack or a quick drink. One of my favorite accents of the well-appointed room was the not so mini, mini bar. Instead of the regular “minis” organized like little soldiers inside the easily recognized refrigerator, what made this unique was there was actual full size bottles of popular liquors, mixers, etc. They consider this to be bottle service in your room, just like any nightclub in Las Vegas. It looked like so much fun, I almost thought about hosting a party right then and there. “Maybe I could have another 30th birthday party,” I thought.

The chocolate-colored wooden wall allowed for entry to the bedroom on either side of it which was a nice design touch. There was another flat screen TV hung flush on this side of the wall as well. The king size bed looked as if it was going to help me fall fast asleep when I returned later in the evening with its mounds of cloud like pillows. There was also a bench at the end of the bed to lounge, sit and watch TV, or stack the pillows (as we did!). The floor to ceiling windows across both rooms gave it that urban, loft feel.

The bathroom was very minimalist and almost had the feeling of a health spa. The shower was in a separate room from the bath, which is of great benefit when you are traveling with two. One person can be in the shower, the other can be using the mirror in a fog free fashion. It is always so nice to stay somewhere that everything is new — it just always seems cleaner. Sure enough, the Ivy was remarkably clean.

Other than going out with friends and attending my girlfriend, Lisa’s 30th birthday party we spent a good amount of time just enjoying the hotel. Why would you want to leave was my thought. I had an iPOD docking station, comfortable accommodations, not one, but two TV’s, and a butler at my service.

Heavenly cocktails are mixed in Eden;
then private cabana time at the pool.

We went upstairs to have a few drinks at the rooftop, called Eden. This is definitely one of the highlights of the hotel. There is a long rectangular pool, cabanas, lounge area, and a bar. Eden is indeed a fitting name. I pictured myself basking in the sun and sipping champagne the next day. The drinks were quickly poured and we found a seat and were able to enjoy each other’s company. The rooftop has a great view of the city and you can even see Petco Park, the home of Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres.

Envy nightclub at the Ivy is the happening place to be if you are one of the downtown go-er outers types and is available for your pleasure on the weekends. Although we didn’t have a chance to go, I can tell you that many of my friends frequent it and love it. Cool cocktails and hanging out on the rooftop was fun and in my book, the summer nights are often best spent outdoors.

Home-style cuisine at the Ivy Hotel.

I know everyone always wants to know about the food and surprisingly, I only ate breakfast one morning during our stay — it was an good ‘old American-style breakfast. I had a simple egg and bacon plate with Orange Juice. I have had several friends sample the dinner entrées that are served in the restaurant and for the most part they had good things to say about it.

Service is clearly on the Ivy’s list of priorities and the attentiveness of the staff was phenomenal. Every staff member that I came in contact with was exceptionally helpful, pleasant, and all were good looking. Although looks are not everything, when you can see people that take pride in their appearance, it enhances the package. I almost wondered what the staff-to-guest ratio was because there was always someone (or two) ready to meet our needs.

Speaking of service, the Ivy has butler service for every room so whether or not you want a bath drawn for you or a cocktail to be concocted, a butler will be at your service. If you need a ride to any of the Gaslamp Quarter’s restaurants, bars, or boutiques you can request a ride in one of the Cadillac Escalades to make your entrance like a celebrity — sans the paparazzi of course.

I slept extremely well during my two night stay. Was it the company or the bed linens? It must have been the combination of the two. Being a frequent traveler, a comfortable bed is key. This one was so exquisite. I slept so well in fact that I considered purchasing the bedding; it was available to order.

Party time in Eden.

Checking out on Saturday morning, I was thinking, if only there was a kitchen and a balcony, I would have asked one of the lovely staff if I could sign a lease. Driving off into the city streets, I was already planning my next trip back to the Ivy Hotel — maybe the Cabana Suite for my 31st birthday!

Tip when booking: Get a room with an exterior city view! (Editor's Note: The Ivy is also a Preferred Hotel member.)

Ivy Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter
600 F St
San Diego, CA 92101
619-814-1000
www.IvyHotel.com

— Feature story by Michelle Schoser, Las Vegas Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent.

			Hi Cal So Cal Heli Adventures Hike Bike Kayak San Diego San Diego's Blooming Balboa Park Southern California's Golf Jewel Ditch The Rental - Take The Beach Limo I've Got Those San Diego Blues Festival Blues Making The San Diego Street Scene Samba ! Salsa ! San Diego ! Mission In Life - Sail Sunset Sailing San Diego Tanked For Thrils - San Diego Shark Diving Surf Diva Rippers