Tower23 Hotel

Sleek and chic oceanfront hotel with groovy bar and restaurant, perfect for hipster surfers and romantics alike, 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego

California's third city, ever-sunny San Diego with its glorious Pacific Ocean setting, has spawned a generation of laid-back surfer types and a famously mellow and contented attitude. Visitors came for its climate and water-based activities, yet few found style and sophistication, which is why this former car park (rebuilt in 2005 as a neo-Modernist 'lifestyle hotel'), was such a delightful addition to the scene.

Designed to maximise its oceanfront location in rapidly gentrifying Pacific Beach (and named for a lifeguard tower), Tower23 sparkles with verve and reassures with cool composure. The colourfully lit upscale JRDN restaurant and bar with indoor/outdoor dining attracts a party vibe at weekends and gourmands anytime. Recline in comfort in the 44 minimalist rooms and suites (most with private balconies and ocean views) whose X-boxes and flat-screen HDTVs invite serious play. Imbibe today's Martini special on the Zen garden Tower Deck with its deep loungers, water feature and crackling fire pit. And you're just steps from the beach - perfect.

Highs

• Oceanfront setting overlooking 1940s landmark Crystal Pier; just around the headland from La Jolla
• Inventive SoCal (southern Californian) cuisine and fun vibe in JRDN restaurant and bar
• Hip and happening hotel, yet friendly professional staff are blessedly without designer attitude and provide impeccable personal service
• Top notch fixtures and fittings in the spacious rooms and classy bathrooms
• Soothing white with aqua colour schemes in rooms; funky lighting in common areas

Lows

• No pool and the adjacent beach is primarily for surfing; there are swimming beaches to the north and south
• Breakfast isn't included in the room rate
• Can be noisy in the evenings if guests are partying on the Tower Deck late at night
• Summer weekends are popular, book in advance
• On the expensive side