Palihotel San Diego

The original Hotel St. James sign still stands atop this 1912 Victorian-style hotel building in San Diego’s nightlife-focused Gaslamp Quarter. Today, though, the old St. James is now Palihotel San Diego, a 122-room boutique hotel by the Los Angeles–born Palisociety group. Like all of their hotels, Palihotel San Diego aims to preserve the character of its setting, from the marble staircase and the vintage elevators to the Victorian architectural details in the rooms. Equally, though, it’s distinctive for its signature Palihotels look — rich colors, eclectic, vintage-inspired décor, and a pronounced French accent.

In fact the rooms are uncharacteristically light and bright, making the most of the light from their Victorian-sized windows. Inside are substantial comforts, including plush queen or king beds alongside boutique-hotel favorites like Nespresso machines and SMEG mini-fridges. Saint James French Diner is the hotel’s versatile restaurant and bar, inspired in its aesthetics by the food halls of the south of France. Its menu, similarly, adds a French bistro influence to upscale American diner fare. And the roof deck, open Thursday through Sunday, is the perfect place for a late-afternoon drink before a night out in the always-lively Gaslamp Quarter.