The Keating Hotel

Most hotels - especially boutiques - promise some sor tof unique experience, but The Keating in downtown San Diego really delivers. For proof, look no further than the in-room snack bar. Amidst the usual candies and mixed nuts, there's a small silver tin labeled "Play with me". It includes, among other things, condoms and lube. Just try finding similar "Intimacy Kit" at Hilton.

Located in a historic former bank building in San Diego's bustling Gaslamp Quarter, The Keating is a new 35-room boutique hotel designed by Pininfarina, an Italian company best known for designing Ferraris and Maseratis. With its low lighting , rich red color palette and sleeky appointed rooms, the company's first hotel project is every bit as sexy as its legendary sport cars.

The Vibe
A stay at The Keating feels like a discreet rendezvous. Enter the small, uncluttered red lobby and a staffer will whisk you to your stanza (Italian for guestroom) for personalized in-room check-in using a laptop. Thick red carpeting and black walls heighten the seductive feel of common areas like hallways and staircases. A semi-private subterranean lounge (still under construction at press time) will feature down-tempo music and table-side service in a cozy space with mid-century inspired decor, exposed brick and stone, and aluminium-steel bar, and a wine bar featuring limited-edition Italian bottles.

The Rooms
Past meets present in The Keating's guestrooms. Historic charm like exposed brick walls and raw concrete floors peek through a modern skin including a Bang & Olufsen entertainment system (featuring a 37-inch wall mounted plasma TV), sleek bathroom fixtures by Dornbracht, and Pininfarina designed mahagony furniture and a Lavazzo espresso machine. Remote-controlled lighting allows guests to dial up the perfect mood, while thick window shades can entirely shut out the sights and sounds of the city below. For added intimacy, Pininfarina has done away with most interior walls, placing the large rain shower behind a few pieces of translucent blue Plexiglas a few feet from the bed, which is outfitted with a goose down duvet and pillows, and soft Italian linens.

The Fare
For a sinfully delicious dining experience, check out the Stingaree (454 Sixth Ave., 619-544-9500), located in a historic three-story warehouse building and named after San Diego's once-infamous red light district. Executive Chief Antonio Friscia uses produces and meats from local vendors when creating his seasonal Italian-insired entrees like lobster linguine with sweet corn and organic pepper ragout; and the mildly tangy pollo al diavolo featuring Valencia-orange-marinated chicken served with roasted fingerling potatoes and tomato fennel relish. On weekend nights, dining gives way to dancing as Stingaree is transformed into one of San Diego's hottest nightclubs, with a pulsing ground-level dance floor; the more exclusive Mezzanine Lounge; and the Rooftop Oasis with is cozy cabanas, fire pit and stunning city views.

The Action
Step out the door of The Keating and into the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, a true testament to the urban renewal. The historic 16-square block neighbourhood is packed with shopping, dining and entertainment options. To really get your heart racing, The Keating offers a unique auto-inspired getaway. The "Live Fast... Drive Faster! Road Rally" ($8,722 for a two-night weekend stay) includes roundtrip limousine service to and from the airport; accomodations for six in a two-bedroom suite with outdoor patio and Jacuzzi; and a three-hour road trip in six different exotic sport cars, including a Pininfarina-designed F430.

Keating Hotel

Main menu

Contact information for media

Press Articles

Bringing sexy back