The Setai San Diego

Update 12/25/08: Wow, after being open for only a few weeks, the hotel formerly known as Setai San Diego has changed its name to Sè San Diego. Apparently there was an issue with Setai Miami which is owned by Lehman Brothers. Of course the Setai...I mean Sè owners have a different spin:

"The developers believe the meaning of the Chinese word Sè – colour, look, quality; expression, sensuality and physical attraction - better represents the level of design, art and experience that will be unique to the San Diego property and long-term vision of the company."

via travel.fivestaralliance.com


A new hotel opened up last week at San Diego's Gaslamp district. The Setai San Diego is a 184-room luxury hotel that features a world-class spa, gourmet restaurant, exclusive Grand Penthouse, rooftop pool and deck, recording studio, private screening room, and 20,000 square feet of event space. Check out this description of their interior from the hotel's press release:

"In a powerful unity of art and function, Setai San Diego's lobby displays objects and textures that will excite the senses. After entering through one of the massive bronze and exotic wood pivot doors, guests are greeted by black ebony columns adorned with turquoise patina beads, teardrop crystals, Nepali carpets, silver leaf covered walls and shagreen upholstery. Four-dimensional art decorates the lobby in addition to a multi-tier silk chandelier that shimmers in columns of light. When guests ascend a floating staircase to the restaurant they will see artist Ken Gangbar's ceramic "Finn Wave" wall installation. The artwork encompasses hundreds of ceramic "fins" and takes up the entire wall in a fluid, uplifting wave-like motion."

For the true jet-setter, you'll need to book their Grand Penthouse which the hotel claims is one of the most exclusive and largest on the West Coast. It features 8,000 square feet of space, three bedrooms, three full baths, an Italian kitchen, dining room, full bar, six (6!!!) flat screen TV's, and a private rooftop patio with its own sundeck, Jacuzzi, chaise-lounge beds, and 360 degree views.

The hotel's Suite & Tender Bar, Lounge and Restaurant features cuisine by Chef Christopher Lee who is a James Beard Award Winner and will offer its guests a "more sophisticated take on the typical steakhouse".

Of course, no swanky hotel is complete without a proper pool area. The Setai features a 7,000 square foot pool deck with a large central bar, overflowing-edge pool, eight private cabanas, oversized beds and chaise lounges.

Travel & Leisure found this great introductory offer where you'll get: a CitySide guest room, daily breakfast, a $100 daily spa credit, and complimentary valet parking. This offer is valid through February 28, 2009 with a blackout period around Valentine's Day. Nightly rates start at $279. Book your room at setaisandiego.com.