KIN Lounge Proves Innovation in Rooftop Nightlife

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Towering high above the harbor KIN, the newly remodeled lounge at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, is set like a stage with lofty columns redolent of a modern Roman theater, only the audience is a sea of glimmering lights lining the San Diego Marina.

Encircled by Seaport Village, the Marina and the Coronado Bridge, the vista KIN affords, perched upon the third floor, is unlike any other rooftop bar in the downtown area by far. Given the inconspicuous nature of the neighborhood, one would not suspect to find this happening hotspot on the distant south end of downtown.

Upon venturing through the Hyatt's lobby, weaving your way up floors and through doors, cruising to KIN Lounge is somewhat of a Vegas treasure hunt, and the bustling of activity in the entrance of the hotel is nothing like the subtle halls of Solamar or W. Nor is KIN reminiscent of the claustrophobic spaces which are expected at Gaslamp clubs.

Compact breathing room, whether inside the club or out, is not an issue at KIN. Valet or not to valet - it's not a problem at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, as a parking garage is conveniently connected to the hotel, a plus for the frugal and frazzled, or those of us who try desperately to squeeze our car along 4th Street (or opt for the red zone). There is, of course, still the hotel valet option for the spenders.

KIN's spacious layout is also a breath of fresh air, literally, for the rest of us who are tired of being pressed up against the wall at Beach in the W or dangling along the railing at Altitude. Guests certainly will not forget where they are either, disparate of most hotel rooftop clubs in the Gaslamp, because the panorama of the Coronado Bridge is almost overpowering, as the scene of San Diego is actually prevalent and it certainly isn't a stretch to get a glimpse of the ocean, even if it is over a sea of people.

KIN's refreshing design also lends itself to those of us who just want to get out and slink around on the dance floor without being crushed, stomped or stampeded by that flow of people trying to make their way back to the bar. Everything is essentially placed along the pool, and not scattered about, creating expediency for those of us who might become a little confused later on in the evening.

If going a la carte on the cocktails, KIN's cocktail menu can accommodate any mood. Looking to get light headed? The Red Baron might just be willing to lend a hand, with Stoli Elit, "and enough red bull to make you hover above the ground," as if the view wasn't enough. Or get "sexy" with the Sexy Alligator, made from "real alligator…and sex," discover for yourself. And for the hopeless romantics, stay tuned for the Riviera Summer Spark, Belvedere and "grand ma, together at last," sure to develop into a fiery relationship.

Pair that with KIN's Friday through Saturday line up, with Bo Saunders opening up the evenings from 7 to 10pm, Sensual High Fridays, and 3D and Encore hyping up Saturdays, and you won't be disappointed. But note that those yearning for "The Thong Song" will not find a straight run of "Now That's What I Call Music" volume 10 - not to say that KIN has thrown out the guilty pleasures, but instead, has provided a tasty blend of house and vibe tunes for the palate to satisfy the musically refined.

KIN is also mixing up the amusement by adding a new mélange of colorful flavor by adding Cirque-style entertainment. KIN's vibrant performers, complementary to the décor itself, with glowing hues of radiant reds, electric greens and effervescent blues, soaring from the lights that adorn the KIN lounge, enact different forms of Cirque-style entertainment and vary from night to night.

From the Sphere girls, a seductive group of bikini-clad girls that float about the pool in a transparent bubble, to the Acrobatic Twins, contortionists and acrobats that enact jaw-dropping twists and turns with their bodies that would make any strong stomached person queasy, KIN proves with its innovative group of performers that go-go dancing is so last year.

With the arrayed nightlife options pulling at our fine-tailored sleeves it's hard for San Diegans to decide where to celebrate weekends. The Gaslamp's opulent hotels, like Hard Rock San Diego and Ivy have been heating up club competition over the last several years, vying for our attention with offers of grandiose bottle service packages and superfluous lines to remind the rest of us who do not subscribe to the throw away as much money as possible policy, where we, no pun intended, stand.

Yet, the good people at the Manchester Grand Hyatt believe that it is truly possible to enjoy the luxury of a hotel lounge and the cutting edge of San Diego nightlife without having to empty your pocket on a seat in a secluded corner for two that costs more than a month's rent.

Affordable in price, but opulent in style, KIN Lounge welcomes San Diego's young, stylish, trendy, hip, professional, local and/or touring by adopting the family philosophy, hence the name. KIN caters to San Diego's young professional demographic with drink prices that are reasonable and bottle service packages that are generally determined by the size of one's party.

With three South Beach inspired cabanas adjoined along KIN's picturesque pool and two VIP sections to choose from, having the comfort and care of KIN's gracious personnel to assist one's every need gives guests a good reason to go, or at least feel, KIN.

Courtesy of SanDiegoClubs.com, get on the KIN guest list for Sensual High Friday night here. And, check out San Diego nightlife photos from KIN Lounge here.

Insider Tip: Note that KIN is closing down for winter months, beginning in November and will not re-open until spring '09, so get in on the action while you still can.