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Pacific Beach, a coastal San Diego neighborhood, is an unlikely place for a hideaway crafted from translucent glass with lines that are contemporary and clean. But that is what you will find at Tower23 Hotel, a chic retreat surrounded by serious surfers and sun-worshippers. Sporting a cool and unconventional façade, its name is derived from lifeguard tower 23, which is positioned near the hotel and serves as a beacon for beach goers. Select from an assortment of room and suite types - Spirit Pad, Sky Pad, Surf Pad, Sanctuary Suite and Sweet Suite - that bask in modernistic features with sleek furnishings and minimalist appointments, coupled with private balconies or patios. The amenities are also a bit out-of-the-box, with chromatherapy baths, step-in rain showers, mini-bars personalized to your liking, and Xbox entertainment centers.
Tower23 Hotel
4551 Ocean Blvd.
San Diego, California
92109
Nearest Airport: SAN
It’s so hard for me to write this review after the most positive one I wrote last year. I am all about high praise in this world of Keyboard Karens but our experience this summer couldn’t have been any more different, and in the worst way. Last summer we stayed for a week and had the most incredible time, so much so that we booked a year in advance and counted down the days till we returned! I can say that after this past week at the property I can say I won’t be returning. Sadly, the past week left much to be desired. Between the carpet lifting in the room, the ripped comforters, to the smell of sewage coming up from the sink drain, to the WiFi not working for days to something being stolen out of our room, I am so disappointed in our overall experience. Luis last summer was the reason we booked a year in advance! His hospitality and the service was top notch last year. There wasn’t a “job” that man didn’t do. There was even a response to my last year’s review “We couldn't agree more, Luis is a rock star and we are so lucky to have him on our team. Thank for taking the time to show your appreciation. We look forward to welcoming you again next summer.” Not only was Luis no longer a part of the team but we felt far from welcome. Besides the housekeeping, who remembered us and were so kind, we also appreciated the maintenance this year (because of the amount of time they had to be in our room trying to fix the TV). Other than that, the front desk was dismal. No one lifted their heads to extend a warm welcome or even a quick hello and it seems as if issues fell on deaf ears. Besides the location of this hotel, I would not recommend it to anyone let alone choose to spend another summer here. It was a real disappointment when we got there to know Luis was no longer there but we still went in to the week with high hopes, after all, we were so excited for another amazing summer vacation at Tower 23! The customer service has done a complete 180 since last year under the new management. Not only did we not have internet and WiFi for 5 of 7 days, with terrible WiFi the other 2 days, it felt like such a violation to have something taken from your room without it being followed back up on. It’s as if that kind of thing is just ok, which it is not. This trip was NOT the kind of experience we were hoping for! It’s such a bummer because last year I couldn’t wait to sing my praises about Luis and Tower 23 but after this year’s stay I can say I wont be returning to this property unless something drastically changes!
Samantha J
We loved this hotel!!! The property is very well maintained considering its over 20 years old. Apart from the great location the staff was very attentive. Natalia at the front desk was very sweet and helpful. We can wait to book again!
Michael P
If I can rate this hotel zero I would. I am not one to write reviews. I would only write a review if it was positive. My experience at this hotel was unacceptable. Very rude customer service, very rundown hotel. And staff that could care less. I remember being here a couple years ago and it seemed so much better! I remember meeting a gentleman by the name of Luis and he just was so joyful and cheerful. I asked if he was available and they said he no longer works for the company. What a shame his customer service was extraordinary!!
Susan D
I was looking for a place in front of the water. I picked this place and no regrets. The service was great.
S7471EAelvirac - Santa Monica, California
This is my second year staying at Tower23 and there is no better hotel in the area. The location, the service, the food and drinks, and the amenities are all top-notch! The staff is incredibly friendly and the place is just overall very well run.
william o - Las Vegas, Nevada
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Excellent hotel and service... will not consider another hotel in San Diego. Staff is professional and top shelf.
-E. Hastings
Outstanding location facing the ocean in an old beach suburb of San Diego. Beautiful setting and clean contemporary design to establish a new standard for the city. Impeccable rooms atop a fine restaurant and service is hip, attentive and aware. I lose myself every time I stay. A highlight of my travels.
-G. Gustafson
Excellent customer service from start to finish... I will return soon!
-A. Herro