The hustle and bustle of downtown always brings excitement and amp... but it can be a bit taxing. Traffic. One-second stop lights. Tourists. Parking. Coifed grandmothers who look better in skinny jeans than I do.
When we live and breathe in a city that is constantly on, it becomes increasingly desirable to find that getaway spot. That certain place where you can shut hectic out and let harmony in – while basking in ultimate style and unsurpassed sophistication.
Discover the Sè San Diego Hotel: the hot spot to unwind the senses and recharge your metropolitan soul.
Located on 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp, the Sè is a 23-story steel and glass structure that stands apart from any other property in the area. The five-star boutique hotel offers 161 luxury rooms and one-bedroom suites, in addition to 24 penthouses ranging from 900 to 2,700 square-feet at purchase prices up to $3.8 million.
The Sè, formerly the Setai San Diego (opting for a name change to avoid affiliation with the Setai Miami in South Beach), was created by the Rockwell Group and headed by two of the top architects and designers in the industry: David Rockwell, who envisioned the hotel design and Dodd Mitchell, who orchestrated the Sè’s Suite & Tender restaurant and lounge.
Upon entering through a double-wide, one-ton pivoting bronze door, guests are personally welcomed by staff bearing custom itineraries, full-service concierge service, and a welcoming cocktail (and a personal tour of the hotel, if requested).
Texture abounds at the Sè. Ceramic art, wood blocks, glass tiles, wrapped leather, even crushed paper adorn the walls and columns to complement the hotel’s omnipresent Asian theme. The lobby is filled with abundant space and natural light amid dark floors, delicate orchids, and earthy-tones contrasted against bold red and blue structures.
A see-through fireplace frames the middle of the lobby with the bar and lounge just over the shoulder, and a floating staircase leads to the Suite & Tender restaurant on the second floor, where Executive Chef Christopher Lee serves up exquisite cuisine and takes the idea of a downtown steakhouse to a whole new level.
The unisex bathroom adjacent to the S&T is an event in itself. Costing over a half-million dollars to construct, this cool chamber has hidden stalls with sound-proof perks, a centrally located stainless-steel basin, and mirrors on every side.
The signature Sé Spa stretches over 5,000 square-feet with nine specialty rooms, including a couple’s suite with an infinity-edge soaking tub. Spa treatments are inspired by Asian, African, and Middle Eastern influences, and include mud cleansing rituals, private herbal steam showers, and stone massages designed to restore vitality and balance.
On the 4th floor, Kama - Sirén is the 7,000 square-foot pool deck with pool bar, lounge and private cabanas offers relaxation by day and a Sèxy scene that heats up when the sun goes down. Enjoy specialty cocktails and fun fare by the infinity-edged pool overlooking the House of Blues. Or reserve a poolside cabana or book the private event room for a more personalized affair.
Each suite at the Sè houses Brazilian walnut floors, contemporary furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows, 400-thread count linens, pillow-top mattresses, limestone baths with rainforest shower heads, iPod/MP3 plug-ins with exceptional sound systems, flat-screen plasma TVs, mini-bars, and, most rooms are pet friendly. A complimentary European-style breakfast is prepared in the morning, as well as door-to-door SUV chauffeur transportation (within a five-mile radius).
In addition, the hotel provides a state-of-the-art fitness center, multifunctional ballroom, seven meeting rooms, a 30-seat private screening room, and a professional-quality recording studio.
The Sè’s exclusive Grand Penthouse is three floors and 5,000 square-feet of unbelievability. This masterpiece comes complete with a chef’s kitchen, pool table, landscaped wrap-around deck with private soaking tub and sweeping views from Mexico to Coronado. A personal chef and captain service round this out at $25,000 a night.
Luxe at the Sè features a collection of condos and penthouse residences that sit high atop the hotel and are causing real estate enthusiasts with puffy wallets to take notice. Lavished with picturesque views and custom interior design, owner perks also include 24-hour concierge service, valet parking, VIP privileges at the private poolside lounge and cabanas, and priority seating at Suite and Tender.
Insider Hook Up: From the normal rate of $299 a night, the Sè invites you to enjoy rates starting at $169 if booked by April 21st. Through April 30th, unveiling rates start at $229 and a “Preview Package,” including breakfast and $100 spa credit, starts at $279.
With extraordinary ambiance, service, and amenities, the Sè San Diego Hotel accomplishes what every 5-star hotel and spa should invariably strive to achieve: restore your breathing while taking your breath away.
Follow Sé on DSD: Sé Spa was featured in Top Ten Spa Happy Hours; check out the Sirén Lounge grand opening party photos here; Suite & Tender is an Insider pick for Top Ten Upscale Happy Hours, and was also spotlighted in a new restaurant review here.
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