Pendry San Diego

Overall, I had an excellent experience at the Pendry Hotel from check-in to check-out. The front desk staff was welcoming, professional, and attentive, making me feel valued throughout my stay and readily assisting with any questions I had. I appreciated the quality of the accommodations and the amenities offered by the hotel.

The dining experiences were largely positive. The staff at Provisional provided exceptional service during breakfast, and the bartenders at Lionfish contributed to an enjoyable atmosphere. While I found the food at Lionfish somewhat underwhelming for the price, the service remained a highlight.

The primary area for improvement was the poolside experience. Service felt rushed, and interactions with some staff members lacked the warmth and attentiveness I experienced elsewhere on the property. Despite this, my stay was comfortable and enjoyable, and I would recommend the hotel based on the overall quality of service, accommodations, and guest experience.

My wife and I travel often and recently had the opportunity to join friends who were staying at the Pendry Hotel in downtown San Diego. During our time there, we joined them on several occasions, enjoying breakfast at Provisional, dinner at Lionfish, and drinks along with great conversation at both the Pool Bar and Fifth & Rose.

While the food, drinks, and service were all excellent, what stood out most to us was something far more meaningful. On three separate occasions, we witnessed exceptional professionalism and leadership in action from someone we later learned was the Director of Safety, Damon. Although we didn’t get the chance to personally thank him, this review is written primarily for him to be highlighted.

During dinner one evening, we observed what appeared to be a domestic abuse situation unfolding on the sidewalk outside the restaurant. A man was aggressively mistreating an intoxicated woman. While many people passed by and others looked on, Damon stepped in without hesitation. He positioned himself between the aggressor and the woman, remaining calm, composed, and authoritative despite being yelled at, threatened, and physically challenged. His ability to maintain control of the situation with such professionalism was remarkable - something few individuals could manage so effectively. When his team arrived, it was clear they took their cue from his steady leadership.

The following morning near the entrance of Provisional, we encountered another incident involving an irate individual loudly confronting staff and guests. Once again, Damon responded. He took control of the situation with confidence, de-escalating the individual quickly while speaking to him with respect and dignity. His ability to balance authority with empathy was truly impressive.

Later, while at Fifth & Rose, we witnessed a third situation where two individuals were on the verge of a physical altercation. Damon calmly intervened, and it was immediately clear that his presence alone was enough to defuse the situation. The tension dissipated quickly under his watch. What stood out even more was what came next - just moments after handling that high-pressure situation, Damon seamlessly transitioned into assisting a family nearby, offering restaurant recommendations and directions with warmth and kindness. That ability to pivot so naturally speaks volumes about his character and professionalism.

Please understand that Damon is an exceptional frontline representative for your property. He demonstrates the perfect balance of authority, composure, compassion, and genuine care for people. He not only ensures safety but elevates the guest experience in a way that is rare and deeply appreciated.

We will absolutely return to the Pendry and without question, Damon is a major reason why.

Overall, we had a pleasant stay, but there were a few disappointments. Given the standard of the hotel, I would have expected a better level of service, as some members of staff appeared somewhat inattentive and lacking attention to detail.
The room was comfortable, but unfortunately quite noisy. At times it sounded as though there was a bowling alley directly above us, which affected the overall experience.
The parking was more expensive than the car rental cost !
That said, the hotel has many positive qualities, and with a little more attention to service and guest comfort, it could be excellent.

Wife and I stayed here three nights for our wedding anniversary. Cannot speak highly enough about the staff, who were friendly and helpful in all aspects. Couples' massages at the spa were great. The fitness center was clean and bright with an above par selection of equipment for a morning workout. Pool setting was beautiful. Restaurant and room service options all exceeded expectations. You MUST ask about the hotel's partnership with Cadillac! Depending on availability they'll let you use a new car from their fleet of Cadillacs for up to four hours . . . no questions asked, just need to show proof of insurance. We got a brand new CT5 and took it up the coast to La Jolla one day, liked it so much that we got it again to go over to Coronado. The location was perfect for a catching a Padres game one night too! If this is what all Pendry properties are like we'll be staying at them more!

Convenient location in the center close to conference center.

I checked in early in the morning (around 8AM) and they told me the room isn’t ready. I come back at 4PM (the official check in time) and they told me there’s no record of me checking in and the room isn’t ready. I asked when it will be ready and they can’t even give me a time frame, just that it’ll be rushed.

For a luxury hotel, this is irresponsible and I am tired. They offered nothing - not even some place to relax. Disappointing.

Edit: Thank you Esme for helping me and giving a fuller explanation. The previous person, which I shall not specifically name, he didn’t even contact me at all about the time frame despite him saying he would contact housekeeping. I see everyone else being able to get into the rooms. Translation - if you book through Chase Reserve you’re second class citizen. The initial staff probably knows this and that’s why he dismissed me so quickly. So annoying.

Location was perfect for baseball game but 4 blocks and you were with the homeless of San Diego

This was a great hotel in a perfect location to experience San Diego. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and the accommodations were very nice.

I stayed at Pendry San Diego after a bachelor weekend for a rest and recovery day and used my Chase Sapphire Reserve Edit Collection credits.

The hotel itself is beautiful, clean, and well-designed. Early check-in was appreciated, the gym was solid, and the overall atmosphere felt upscale and polished. I typically stay at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas monthly (I do play at the tables), Hyatt hotels and at JW Mariott/Ritz Carlton facilities when I travel as a comparision.

My experience was generally positive, though there were a few areas where the guest experience could be better. The biggest challenge was using some of the included benefits. For example, I attempted to use my property credit on a wellness item that was referenced in the in-room guide, but it wasn't available when I tried to order it, although in the book it conveys that it could be. A little more clarity around availability and guest benefits would have gone a long way.

I also stayed in room 1036 near the emergency exit, where a draft caused the door to rattle throughout the night. During the day it sounds similar as if someone was trying to push the door open. In addition the HVAC is noisy and I had trouble sleeping because of it.

Overall, While the service experience didn't exceed my expectations in comparision with other hotels I stay at, I thought the property delivered well on presentation, cleanliness, and amenities.

Tacky “five star” hotel. Pendry is the most disappointing five star hotel. When you enter the room the entire cabinet is filled with items that are for sale which you will be charged for should you touch it due to pressure sensors- don’t open the fridge in the room either because it has pressure sensors. If you want a minifridge to use you must request it. We stayed due to the Amex FHR benefit and were disappointed in our dinner at Lionfish and breakfast at Mercantile. The prices in Del Mar at restaurants were more affordable and the food actually tasted good. Whereas most hotels allow you to have the soap that is already in your room- if you want to take home the Pendry shampoo it will cost you $55. It’s insane that this is considered a five star hotel. You end up concerned that you’ll be charged for something because everything in the room seemed to have a price on it. The only thing preventing me from giving it one star is that the bed was comfortable and the room was clean.

We had a wonderful stay at the Pendry San Diego celebrating my wife’s birthday. The hotel is beautiful, but what truly made this experience unforgettable was the honesty and care of the staff.

After returning home, we realized my wife had accidentally left behind her late mother’s wedding ring—an item of immense sentimental value. We were heartbroken. When we contacted the hotel, the team acted immediately and soon called to let us know a housekeeping staff member had found the ring and turned it in.

The relief and gratitude we felt cannot be overstated. That single act of integrity meant everything to us during a very emotional moment. This experience speaks volumes about the values and people at the Pendry San Diego. We will absolutely return and always remember the kindness shown to our family.

Average stay for what was sold to be a luxury hotel experience.
Visible damage in the room and bathroom was dirty.
The bellman was very nice and the spa was the hotel's saving grace.

Perfect location

Rooms

Pendry San Diego is part of the Chase Sapphire Reserve luxury hotel program, and although it certainly comes with a luxury price, the experience does not match it at all. The price for my two night stay was an eye watering $944. I decided to book anyway because of the generous credits chase offers, which made the price much more reasonable.

First the positives, the location is great, and the hotel staff were mostly pleasant. The pool area was lovely and some of the amenities in the room were a nice touch.

In addition to the credits on the stay cost, with the edit program I was also given a $100 credit for food and beverage, plus complimentary breakfast both mornings of my stay. Unfortunately, the food program at this property is far from luxurious.

Our first night we decided to try the in hotel sports bar, which had loud music blaring and a small collection of arcade games. The service we received was inattentive and the food, despite being around $25 for a main course, tasted like it came from a Bennigans. We quickly used up our $100 credit on two drinks, and a few main courses.

The final morning we tried to have breakfast in provisional kitchen, and were told it would be a ten minute wait for a table. After 30 minutes we gave up, and tried to get our included breakfast via room service. Using the room phone the room service staff never answered. Finally I was able to reach the front desk who relayed my order to the f/b staff. I shared my frustration with the staff, who transferred me to someone else.

I repeated my story to the second person, who told me the f/b manager would contact me to follow up. Having to repeat the same story twice was annoying, and after I hung up the phone I had serious doubts about my complaints being taken seriously. My doubts were well placed, I never heard from anyone, and the only compensation I received was that my breakfast order would be comped at check out. This wasn't really much service recovery though, since my breakfast was already covered by the chase credit.

Overall, what we received was far from a luxurious experience and I hope chase reconsiders their partnership with this hotel.

Location is fine and clean enough. However, I was traveling with 2 young children and tried to check in at 5pm for the 2 queen bed room that I booked but was told that room is not ready/available. Was instead given a king bed - Elle, the person at the front desk was very matter of fact about this - no apology no acknowledgment of the whole situation.

Great location - mostly exceptional aspects of our sta. But no way this is a five star place (yet). Most staff are amazing and again, exactly where you want to be if you are going to be downtown. But rooms are tiny. And sort of a nickel-dime show. No room in refrigerator because it’s stocked with stuff they try to sell you. No ice available on your floor - have to call room service - be prepared to wait 15 minutes. Honestly, Margaritaville is a better room and 1 block away