San Diego Solamar: Paradise in Paradise
November 15, 2016
NPS has been to San Diego so many times that the count is lost in the ashes of oblivion. See, that was back before the blog, and that means memory is hazy. This blog is the best prosthetic travel memory ever. Back in the day, we stayed up in La Jolla at the Estancia (highly recommended). Since then, Kimpton has invaded San Diego. And you know how we feel about Kimpton at NPS! So here we are right in the gaslamp quarter.
It took a bit of doing to get here due to San Francisco fog. But Virgin America did its hip thing. Their cross country jaunt in main cabin select is the best in the business.
This is our first visit to the Solamar, and it surely will not be the last. We were greeted by Q at the front desk who was courteous, helpful, and most of all fun. And then we found this in 1003 (a nicely appointed suite):
Cheese! Flowers! Sparkling water! Notes! Kimpton Karma.
This is a very nice way to re-up our Inner Circle status! At least we think that is what is happening??! Who knows, the system is too complicated for NPS.
Anyway, 1003 is very nice.
1103 living area
1003 bedroom
Of course, the bathroom is the coup de grace. Excellent design. Glass showers. Big giant tub. Windows. Yup.
1103 shower cube (approved by NPS)
Just cool
The event we’re in town for is at the Coronado (an old school resort with more flowery wall paper and old carpet than style). That’s why we’re staying here. Later, we’ll figure out the water taxi situation.
Dinner at Kettner Exchange was very good. Their bar is good but not excellent. Go for the food.
Kettner Exchange
Richard Walker’s pancakes (even though it is utterly full of convention goers with little lanyard tags) is quite fabulous.
Swedish deliciousness @richardwalkers pic.twitter.com/mlVpCeQ85J
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 15, 2016
Watch a San Diego sunset.
Take the ferry from 5th avenue pier to Coronado island.
Have a great old school steak at Lou and Mickey’s.
https://t.co/lXeHGdVi7F pic.twitter.com/nSqpAWfNgT
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 16, 2016
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 16, 2016
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 16, 2016
Drink at Noble Experiment. NPS was seated at the bar and served by Tony Roehr, a very talented bartender indeed. We had some classics and some experiments, including what we will call the Dump Trump
1 oz cocchi americano
1 oz cynar
1 oz gin (sipsmith)
sea salt
dash of chocolate bitters
Stir down. Serve up with a twist of orange peel.
Outragous fun last night @NExperiment. Fancy new menu and same great service. Thanks tony roehr and @lukefordyounce. @WoodfordReserve pic.twitter.com/0mlkyOJonn
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 17, 2016
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) November 17, 2016
Also in the house was Woodford Reserve brand ambassador Luke Ford who go everyone destroyed as an accidental side effect. Much fun was had by all, even the frat boy fascists who invaded.
Five showerheads for the Solamar. Tops. Max.
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