"How did it strike you on arrival?When Montage decided to open a line of trendy, design-centric hotels geared toward the millennial traveler, the company looked to San Diego to be its first outpost. This bright, 12-story hotel opened in early 2017 and brought some much-needed modernity to the Gaslamp Quarter, a downtown neighborhood that veers on the kitschy, touristy side. The lobby is spacious and sophisticated with hip twists, like staffers in plaid outfits—a nod to the hotel brand's signature print. What’s the crowd like?The hotel caters to a young, hip crowd. See: the Moët & Chandon Champagne Vending Machine in Provisional Kitchen, Café & Mercantile, their casual restaurant. Importantly: Tell us about the rooms.There are 317 rooms, including 36 suites. The decor features lots of wood, whites, and metallic gold touches—like a West Elm catalog come to life. Take a look at the Magic Eye-style wallpaper, a blue swirl pattern made up of surfers, rabbits, and palm trees. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows; book one of the top floors for the best views. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Get ready for some of the best sleep of your life. Their huge beds are beyond comfortable. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?The mini-fridge is stocked with booze, snacks, and kombucha. Note that if you want to move items in the fridge to make room for your own, they charge $25 (!). Instead, you can request an empty mini-fridge from housekeeping. The macarons on your bed for nightly turndown are a classy touch. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The highlight of the room is the epic glass-doored, walk-in shower lined with subway tile. Robes are so plush and comfy you'll want to take them home (and you can, for $115 each). Room service: What can we get?Provisional Café cooks up room service menu from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Entrees like chilaquiles, banana French toast, and a Cubano sandwich are $15 each, on average. Larger meat and seafood plates will run you about $25. How did you find the staff?The positive vibes weren't reserved just for the Pendry's opening—every single staffer is friendly, attentive, and professional. Anything other details we should know?This is as much a dining and nightlife venue as it is a hotel. There's casual all-day fare at Provisional; high-end seafood at Lionfish; a casual beer bar with the best soft pretzel around at Nason's Beer Hall; Vegas-style partying at the subterranean Oxford Social Club; the lively rooftop Pool House; and classy cocktails at Fifth & Rose. The restaurant-marketplace includes a coffee bar and mini-boutique with luxe home decor, jewelry, and leather goods. Bottom line: What are we getting here?There's a lot to love, from the clean design and bright rooms with beautiful showers, to the central location and ample dining options." - Archana Ram
