Tower 23

Poor overlooked San Diego — not even California’s second city, it’s long been overshadowed by Los Angeles, San Francisco, maybe even Orange County. Of late, however, overlooking San Diego means overlooking some ever more stylish hotels — Tower 23, for example, would turn heads even in the fashion-forward L.A. scene.

Don’t go imagining some kind of Tokyo-style skyscraper hotel. Despite the name, Tower 23 is no high-rise — this 44-room compound is named after a lifeguard tower on Pacific Beach. Inside it’s more fashionista than beach bum, however, with the sort of pared-down minimalist décor we’re more accustomed to seeing in Hollywood or Miami.

Rooms come with all the modern conveniences they could pack in, including LCD televisions, Bose stereos and Xbox game systems. The better ones look out over the ocean from private balconies, and suites have whirlpool tubs with chromatherapy lighting.

Jordan, the restaurant, serves steak and seafood in a beachfront space by the architect Graham Downes, and the open-air Tower Deck upstairs serves drinks and lighter fare to hotel guests only. One small caveat: while the Pacific Beach location is obviously perfect for seafaring types, those hungry for nightlife will have to either learn to love the Tower Bar (certainly no chore) or spring for a cab ride to the Gaslamp quarter, San Diego’s dining and entertainment district.