Our Review By

A R C H A N A R A M Contributing Writer

How did it strike you on arrival? When Montage decided to open a line of trendy, design-centric hotels geared toward the millennial traveler, the company looked to San Diego for its inaugural outpost. This bright, 12-story hotel opened in early 2017 and brought some much-needed modernity to the Gaslamp Quarter, a downtown neighborhood that veers on the kitschy, touristy side. The lobby is spacious and sophisticated with hip twists, like staffers in plaid outfits—a nod to the hotel brand's signature print.

Nice. What’s the crowd like? The hotel caters to a young, hip crowd. See: the Moët & Chandon Champagne Vending Machine in Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile, their casual restaurant.

The good stuff: Tell us about your room. There are 317 rooms, including 36 suites. The decor is filled with wood, whites, and metallic gold touches—like a West Elm catalog come to life. Take a look at the Magic Eye-style wallpaper, a blue swirl pattern made up of surfers, rabbits, and palm trees.

Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows; book one of the top floors for the best views.

We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us? Get ready for some of the best sleep of your life. Their huge beds are beyond comfortable.

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase? The mini-fridge is stocked with booze, snacks, and kombucha. Note that if you want to move items in the fridge to make room for your own, they charge $25 (!). Instead, you can request an empty mini-fridge from housekeeping. The macarons on your bed for nightly turndown are a classy touch.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down. The highlight of the room is the epic glass-door, walk-in shower lined with subway tile. Robes are so plush and comfy you'll want to take them home (and you can, for $110 each).

Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word? It's included in the room rate.

Room service: Worth it? Provisional Cafe cooks up the 24-hour room service menu. Entrees like chilaquiles, banana French toast, and a pork Cubano sandwich are $15 each, on average. Larger meat and seafood plates will run you about $25. There's an abbreviated overnight menu, served from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. with breakfast and dinner items.

Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why? Maybe it's because they just opened and are earning that positive reputation, but every single staffer will be friendly, attentive, and professional.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. This is as much a dining and nightlife venue as it is a hotel. There's casual all-day fare at Provisional; high-end seafood at Lionfish; a casual beer bar with the best soft pretzel around at Nason's Beer Hall; Vegas-style partying at the subterranean Oxford Social Club; the lively rooftop Pool House; and classy cocktails at Fifth & Rose. Provisional, co-designed by LA-based Alchemy Works founders Raan and Lindsay Parton, is the most photogenic of the bunch. The restaurant-marketplace includes a coffee bar and mini-boutique with luxe home decor, jewelry, and leather goods.

What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay? There's a lot to love, from the clean design and bright rooms with beautiful showers, to the central location and ample dining options.

Bottom line: worth it, and why? This hotel promises style, service, and a central location.