Blue Sea Beach Hotel

The Blue Sea Beach Hotel is a ‘60s-era motel that’s been polished to best effect. The three-level, U-shaped building surrounds a pleasant pool area with a small hot tub and fire pit -- the heart of the property and the scene of (occasionally noisy) gatherings. Rooms at the top of the U have balconies over the beach, while those along the sides and back overlook the parking lot or side streets. The bright lobby has style and a relaxed vibe, with light-wood floors and cushy chairs in a variety of patterns. Cubbies on white room dividers hold books to borrow and bright knickknacks, giving the space the feel of a hip living room. Lemon-infused water and fresh fruit are available all the time, and signature Blue Sea Beach Hotel gear is for sale. A long, dark-wood table has video screens and joy sticks built in, and cheerful, brightly colored ceramic saucers cover one light gray wall. 

The Blue Sea Beach Hotel’s main attraction is its beachfront location, just across Pacific Beach’s boardwalk from the ocean. The beach here is classic Southern California, and it’s popular with local surfers and sunbathers as well as visitors. The three-mile boardwalk is lined with restaurants, shops, and bars; Pacific Beach is one of San Diego’s nightlife hot spots as well. Other attractions are within a short drive, such as SeaWorld San Diego (13 minutes) and Belmont Park (six minutes), San Diego’s historic amusement park. The hotel is about a 20-minute drive from downtown attractions such as the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, and the USS Midway Museum, as well as the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park. The San Diego International Airport is also 20 minutes away by car. There’s a bus stop just behind the hotel; downtown is about an hour away by bus.

The Blue Sea Beach Hotel’s 126 rooms and suites were refurbished in 2016, with striped carpet, light-wood furnishings, and smart details. Sunny yellow lamps and accent walls pop against the softer sandy hues and give a beachy look. Cool, large-format photos and paintings featuring surfers and waves suit the location as well. Each room is well laid out with two nightstands, a good-size table with two leatherette chairs, and an all-purpose cabinet that holds drawers, microwaves, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffeemakers. Technology includes 32-inch flat-screen TVs, programmable safes, digital radios with docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. Stylish bathrooms have light-wood floors, subtle patterned wallpaper, and large mirrors over attractive laminate countertops. All have shower/tub combos and come outfitted with hairdryers and Molton Brown toiletries. Every room has a triangular balcony with a small table and patio chairs. The biggest difference among rooms is whether they have a view of the ocean or not, and the price difference is steep. Ocean-view kings have an additional loveseat, and suites have a separate room with a loveseat and TV. It’s worth noting that first-floor rooms have sliding doors almost directly onto the boardwalk or street, which may make some guests uncomfortable. 

When it comes to amenities, the Blue Sea Beach Hotel is more motel than hotel. Overlooking the boardwalk, the outdoor heated pool is a boon, though it tends to attract more partiers than frolicking families. The pool area also has a small hot tub, and a fire pit was installed in 2016. On-site parking is available but pricey (many choose to find street parking instead). Bike rentals are a nice touch, given the hotel’s boardwalk location. Airport transfers can be arranged, and coin laundry is available. In the afternoon, free lemon-infused water and fresh cookies are served in the lobby. This space also has vintage video games tastefully imbedded in a wood table. Computer stations for guest use offer two large-screen Apple computers and a printer, and there's free Wi-Fi throughout.