Kimpton Alma San Diego

San Diego deserves far more love than it gets — it suffers, perhaps, from living in the shadow of Los Angeles. The well-rounded Kimpton Alma San Diego, though, is a fine introduction to the city’s particular charms. Start at the gorgeous rooftop pool, as fine a place as any to soak in the sun and sea breeze that locals take for granted. The hotel’s right downtown, so the commute to the office is a short one, but the thriving Gaslamp District — with its low-rise Victorian-era architecture and all the dining, drinking and shopping you could ever want — is just as near. And in typical San Diego style, the atmosphere is stylish but laid-back, the service is friendly, and there’s an unpretentious emphasis on comfort and livability.

The rooms are spacious and sunny, with large windows and Brazilian walnut floors. Big HD plasma TVs and iHome sound systems come standard, as do bathrooms finished with floor-to-ceiling Jerusalem bone limestone, plush bathrobes, and sumptuous, downy bedding. For an even loftier experience, try the recently renovated Skyline rooms, 50 in all, which intermingle subtly surfy design elements with clean-lined urban minimalism. The view takes precedence, naturally, as many come with private balconies and/or floor-to-ceiling windows.