Looking for Tower 23 hotel reviews to help plan your San Diego beach getaway?
Located on the coast just a few miles north of downtown San Diego, Tower 23 Hotel is a modern, boutique hotel on the beach. Sporting world class ocean views and luxurious rooms, Tower 23 is a stylish beach hotel in San Diego.
Here is an honest review of Tower 23 Hotel based on our recent stay, including details on the hotel’s rooms, activities, and dining.
Tower 23 Hotel At-A-Glance
- Great location on San Diego’s beachfront
- Modern, comfortable rooms and suites
- Friendly staff at the front desk and throughout the property
- All rooms feature private balconies or patios with views of the Pacific Ocean
- Just a short drive to San Diego’s world-famous attractions
- Signature oceanfront hotel restaurant open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails
- No fitness center or pool onsite
- Complimentary beach chairs for hotel guests
Beach Hotel in San Diego
Tower 23 Hotel is one of San Diego’s only luxury boutique hotels located right on the beach. It derives its name from the lifeguard tower positioned nearby.
We had the opportunity to stay at Tower 23 and had a wonderful, relaxing time. Although the hotel welcomes families, there is definitely a more sophisticated vibe to this San Diego beach hotel.
► Travel Insight
Tower 23’s rooftop deck is the perfect place to catch an amazing sunset.
The three-story, 45,000 square foot glass hotel features 44 rooms and suites, all with ocean views. The entire hotel has a sleek and modern beach vibe, with minimalist design and a cool blue color palette that reflects the nearby ocean.
Unique Hotel Rooms
The hotel offers a number of distinctive room types: sky pad, spirit pad, surf pad, sanctuary suite, serenity suite or sweet suite. A two-bedroom suite with living room is available by combining a Sweet Suite with a connecting Surf Pad.
The rooms and suites at Tower 23 offer pristine ocean views, clean and modern design, high-end amenities, and distinguished furnishings creating the perfect balance between luxury and relaxation.
Tower 23 offers first-class accommodations complete with all the latest technologies – including free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs – luxurious bedding and outdoor spaces. Guestrooms feature “Serenity” beds and step-in rain showers. Suites include a separate chromatherapy Jacuzzi tub perfect for relaxing after a day at the beach.
We stayed in a Sanctuary Suite. It had a comfortable king bed, and while the room was very spacious, the patio was neither private (the balcony area was shared with the room caddy-cornered to ours and only had a half wall) nor boasted much of a view.
Although it faced the ocean, its location at the back of the sun deck provided only partial ocean views, and for those you had to exit the room and look over the expansive deck and anyone sitting on it. Rooms on upper floors or located more towards the front of the hotel had much more enticing and unobscured views.
Fun little side note about the Jacuzzi tub: when you turn the faucet, the water drops from the ceiling to fill the tub. I just love quirky details like this! It’s one of the little things that really set this hotel apart.
Things To Do at Tower 23 Hotel
Beyond the obvious beach activities, a stay at Tower 23 will put you close to all the fun things to do in San Diego. Surfing, hiking, kayaking, golf, and whale watching tours are only minutes from the hotel.
San Diego’s many famous attractions, including SeaWorld San Diego, Balboa Park, Mission Beach, and the San Diego Zoo are also nearby.
To experience the California beach lifestyle, ask Tower 23 about surfing lessons or borrow a bike and take a cruise down the boardwalk. Bikes are free to hotel guests – a great perk considering they rent at shops nearby for $20 or more.
We took the bikes for a spin first thing in the morning while it was still cool and foggy, which was great because the only other people out were also there to get their exercise and the boardwalk was not yet crowded.
Tower 23 does not have a pool, but does have a fabulous rooftop terrace. The sun deck features panoramic views of Crystal Pier and the beach, comfortable lounge chairs, a fire pit, and a friendly server who pops up regularly from the restaurant below to take food and drink orders.
If you are one of those people who like to lounge poolside simply to enjoy the sun, a good read and maybe a cocktail or two, you won’t even miss having an actual pool!
Dining Options at Tower 23
A contemporary steak and seafood restaurant, JRDN at Tower 23 features casually sophisticated California cuisine.
Situated right on the boardwalk overlooking the ocean, JRDN offers a unique experience in a modern and elegant atmosphere. Each evening, the dramatic setting sun is celebrated by an ambient reflection on a 70-foot long “wave wall” at the back of the restaurant. Color-changing lighting continues throughout the evening.
JRDN features indoor and heated patio dining. Dinner is pricey, although you are also paying for the perfect location on the beach, stunning sunset views, and upscale ambience. Breakfast is a way better deal, which is what we did, and you can sit outside and enjoy the sunshine.
It is also worth noting that there are lots of family-friendly restaurants within steps of the hotel. This is important if you are traveling with kids or just want to have less swanky (and less expensive) dining options.
Is Tower 23 Family Friendly?
Yes! Children are welcome at Tower 23 Hotel in San Diego, and while the hotel truly does have more of an adult vibe, we saw plenty of kids having a great time at the hotel during our stay.
Extra beds are available for a fee, and cribs are free. Children’s menus and highchairs are available at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, and babysitting can be arranged through the concierge. The hotel also provides beach gear and umbrellas you can carry down to the sand. This is honestly the best perk if you are bringing the kids to Tower 23. It is all about having fun at the beach!
Hotel Information & Reservations
- 4723 Felspar Street, San Diego
- (858) 270-2323
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