Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, California

One of a crop of new hotels in downtown San Diego, the IVY is designed for people who don't like to sleep much—or at least those that prefer to stay up late. Decidedly trendy, the 159-room hotel was designed with young urbanites who like to party in mind. Every night, and especially on weekends, the hotel's nightclub and its rooftop bar both heave with pretty young things grooving to DJ music. The vibe is fun, lively, sexy and loud, so don't even think about bringing the kids! Couples might like the guestrooms' see-through showers, as well as their butler-service, iPod docks, all-natural Korres bath products from Greece, contemporary furnishings and Thai bed linens—not to mention the fact that guests automatically gain VIP status beyond the velvet ropes of club Envy, an especially valuable amenity on Friday and Saturday nights.

"The IVY is a true innovator in San Diego's growing lifestyle hotel industry, bringing a Vegas/South Beach feel to the heart of the bustling Gaslamp Quarter," says Gibràn Huerta, founder of theONE, a new private concierge service based in the city. "It's a much needed addition to the local nightlife scene, and has raised the bar pretty high for area hotels, nightlife, and restaurants, as well as for boutique lifestyle hotels elsewhere that are looking to take the guest experience to another level," he says. So, if you're in San Diego for a good time—perhaps a weekend getaway with the just the girls or guys—and you don't mind a bit of noise possibly trickling into your room late at night, then the IVY is a fun and stylish pick with an impressive level of friendly service for a trendy hotel. Be sure to dine at Quarter Kitchen, one of the city's hottest new restaurants. "Quarter Kitchen is inspired by Chef Damon Gordon’s modern vision of American Cuisine, such as Kobe beef hot dogs and caviar tacos, and is infused with energy from the open kitchen that takes center stage," says Gibràn. "After dinner, be sure to head over to one of Ivy’s seductive nightclubs—Ultra Lounge or Envy—or get bottle service and lounge beside one of the firepits at the rooftop bar, where DJs play by poolside cabanas, and San Diego’s most elite crowd mingles." As a nod to its Vegas-inspired style, the IVY has several VIP party suites, most notably its cheeky "Star Suite," which I don't recommend unless you're looking for the ultimate venue for a crazy bachelor or bachelorette party. Why? The 1,275-square-foot suite has a louche "Boogie Nights" vibe, with plush king-sized bunk beds, white leather couches, a fully stocked wet bar, an open shower that turns opaque—or not—on demand, and, the piece de resistance in the center of the room: a stripper pole! (Hey, pole dancing is a hot fitness craze, after all …)

The IVY
600 F St
(between 6th Ave & 7th Ave)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 814-1000