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Palihotel San Diego

The DNA

Palihotel San Diego
Nautical Nostalgia with a Playful Edge


From Seafarers to Style Seekers

Housed in the historic St. James Hotel, a 1912 building once home to sailors and travelers, Palihotel San Diego brings the city’s maritime history into the present with Palisociety’s signature playful-meets-sophisticated design. Located downtown near the Gaslamp Quarter, the property embodies a seafaring spirit reframed through modern hospitality.


Design That Tips Its Cap to the Sea

Interiors channel retro-nautical vibes with brass fixtures, deep navy and forest-green tones, leather banquettes, and vintage-inspired furnishings. Playful details—like maritime artwork, patterned carpets, and tongue-in-cheek nods to seafarers—give the hotel a personality that’s equal parts nostalgic and contemporary. It feels curated yet approachable, in true Palihotel fashion.


Rooms That Balance Charm and Comfort

Guestrooms continue the narrative with rich wood accents, bold colors, and maritime-inspired décor. Compact but thoughtfully designed, the rooms combine vintage aesthetics with modern amenities, offering cozy sanctuaries that feel both stylish and practical.


Dining & Social Spaces

At the heart of the hotel is the Lola 55 Cantina + Cocktail Lounge, where Baja flavors and craft cocktails meet the eclectic design spirit of the Palisociety brand. The lobby doubles as a social hub, encouraging guests to gather, mingle, and soak up the downtown energy.


DNA Hotels Verdict

Palihotel San Diego is a heritage revival with a playful twist—a boutique stay that salutes the city’s maritime past while embracing Palihotel’s cheeky, design-driven ethos. For travelers looking for a base that’s stylish, fun, and infused with character, it’s downtown San Diego’s most spirited port of call.

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Hospitality Design

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