The Sé San Diego Hotel is the last of the lodging visits during our 10-day San Diego Tour.

We left the Sé San Diego Hotel with mixed feelings. In the spirit of keeping it real we feel obligated to share all of our feelings.

But before we get into a few perturbations, let me first share with you the many great things found in this ultra-chic, modern hotel.

First of all, generally speaking, ultra-chic modern décor is not my preference.  However, the designer of this hotel must have been descended from Rembrandt as the rich golden browns, golds, and other complimenting hues really warmed up the hard lines typically found in this style.

Frankly, I found the décor throughout the whole hotel to be absolutely stunning.

We had an absolutely fantastic meal in their fine dining restaurant Suite & Tender (which I will tell you about in a separate post).  Also, the décor in the Sé Spa was out of this world, and Carol greatly enjoyed the private spa rooms which each featured individual private steam baths.

I, on the other hand, was bemoaning the fact that I had no steam bath available after my workout.  Shall we all have a pity party for me?

Another great plus for Sé San Diego is its location in the quiet financial district, but only two blocks from San Diego’s Gaslamp District.  Plus, as Carol mentioned in the video, you are only a short 10-minute walk to San Diego’s downtown Horton Plaza for shopping.

The other thing we immediately noticed, from the very moment the valet opened our car door, is that the service found at this hotel really is exemplary.  It was crystal clear that this was a hotel team that was dedicated to world-class service.

These things we greatly enjoyed.  Really, we did!

But.

Oh no!  There is that dreaded word.  ACK!

There are two things we feel compelled to make you aware of.

Thing #1 – This is a hotel which prides itself to be a part of San Diego’s hotel pool party scene.

Here’s the scoop from Discover San Diego:

“Once upon a time, we locals would head to Del Mar or Mission Beach to set up camp for a day of seaside drinking and partying under the sun. However, in early 2008 San Diego officially passed a Beach Alcohol Ban which now prohibits any drinking on the beach or bay. Pissed off we were, but we sassy San Diegans would never let such a legality interrupt our day-time party plans. Immediately following the Beach Alcohol Ban came the rise of San Diego Pool Parties.”

We happened to check into the hotel on a Sunday when one of these parties was scheduled.  At 2:00, the hotel guests were booted out of the pool area, and a massive swarm of 30-somethings flooded into the hotel, and the pool was body to body people all partying to the thump, thump, thump of the currently popular techno music.

Now, this might be your deal.  If so, great!

Unfortunately, we were not as joyous as some to have all this racket outside our balcony.  I pity the folks who happen to come unaware, and happen upon one of the parties that goes until 2:00 a.m.!  Even the supplied ear plugs in the room had no effect on the thump, thump, thumping.

Thing #2 – Boy, are the standard rooms ever small!

If I had to guess, the standard rooms felt less than 200 sq. ft.  There was absolutely no place to put our ten days worth of luggage, and for some crazy reason, the hotel doesn’t provide the typical luggage racks.  I called to complain, and they brought me a broken footstool from another room to put my suitcase on.  You couldn’t open the closet doors completely as the door would hit the nightstand.  And further, sitting at the desk was nearly impossible as they had the desk tucked into a niche that allowed no room to sit in the chair at the desk.  Sheez, that room was small!

If you can pony up the extra coin, make certain to upgrade from their standard rooms.  Also, you might ask to be put on the opposite side of the hotel, away from the noisy pool party.

I have struggled for days how to communicate these things to you.  The trust of our readers is of paramount importance to this enterprise.

On the other hand, I didn’t want to be offensive to our hosts.

I guess, at the end of the day, the management of this hotel has decided where to align themselves, and unfortunately we just don’t happen to be in their target audience.

If a hip, ultra-chic hotel that possesses a trendy uber-pool is your thing, then Sé San Diego is a most excellent place for you to consider.

For me, I guess I am not quite the uber-person I thought I was.

Would someone please point me to the nearest AAA Five-Diamond hotel?

Disclosure:  one night’s stay was provided by the Sé San Diego Hotel.