Our newest hotel find in San Diego is the brand new
But this is a new type of hotel
think a mix between
aa Airbnb and a conventional hotel.
It's a newly emerging category in
the hospitality market
called
are in 11 cities in the US
The company
is an AirBnB backed startup.
They feature'Creative Suites ... for the Creative traveller'
with almost 3 times the space of a conventional hotel room.
Jeff and I have never even stayed at an AirBnB
because I don't like the idea of staying
other peoples personal spaces ...
But this cross over sounded intriguing
since it is definitely just
short term apartment renting
not someone's home.
Even with booking we knew we would be in for a different
for us
type of experience.
Communications start online.
Once our application was accepted
there was a number to call with our questions.
There is no front lobby or reception at
the San Diego Lyric.
The day before our stay we were
emailed the code to get into the building.
The building had no outside signage
so it began to feel a bit like a scavenger hunt
looking for the appropriate place to check in.
Fortunately a flip board sign
pointed the way
to the kiosk
to enter our code.
I was definitely feeling out of my
travel comfort zone
wondering
if indeed
we would be able to successfully navigate
what was beginning to feel like a
milennial maze.
Our code worked.
The door opened
and we were greeted by a lovely woman
manning a stand up desk.
She gave us what at the time began to feel
like a mind numbing amount of directions
into the parking garage, elevators
keyless entry to the room
what to do once we got into the room
to turn everything on ...
So we headed into phase two
of finding our way to our
'Apart-Hotel'
And yes,
that is what this new type of
Stay's
are called.
in San Diego
is located
in brand new apartment towers.
Ours was the shorter 6 floor building in the lower right
of this picture.
Parking was three stories under ground.
I was already missing the sweet and helpful valets
we usually meet.
We found our parking spot
and
what we hoped was the correct elevator.
Our room was on the top floor of this building
which looked out into the courtyard.
On our way up to our room
I was missing more that the valet.
I was really missing a bellman.
As a notoriously 'heavy packer'
I was beginning to realize
it would take Jeff and I
more that one trip to bring up our belongings.
Especially since there wasn't even a roll cart.
We found our room number.
Jeff used the key pad with our code.
The door opened ....
I was already preparing to be
highly disappointed ....
But I wasn't disappointed.
Quite the contrary.
The room was large
Beautifully decorated.
Complete with
a kitchen
bedroom and large bath
and
even a washer and dryer.
Our scavenger hunt
to find our room
had payed off nicely.
Our Apart-Hotel
was graciously appointed
and fully furnished.
Right down to pour over coffee
complete with chic and stylish mugs
for our morning coffee ritual.
The Lyric branding
was complete with instructions
and
a guide to the best local spots in the neighborhood.
I know the neighborhood guide was a great one
because our darling daughter lives in the neighborhood
and
truly knows all the cool places to go!
Once we did get up all our luggage
we settled in for a cocktail.
How lovely is their beautifully appointed bar!
Lucky for us
I knew enough to BYOB!
As there is no hotel bar or room service.
By bringing our own BYOB
we were able to take advantage of our chic and spacious surroundings.
One of the things that intrigued me about the
Lyric brand
is their desire to bring the flavor of the city
they are located into their rooms
From local coffee
photographic artwork of the city
books about the city culture
to curated vinyl records
for the record players.
I had music going
anytime we were in the room!
A complete experience enhancer
to be sure!
Our living room at night
with the original photographic artwork.
Love their choice of leisure reading materials!
has plenty of shared spaces
like a lovely, if small
pool area.
Indoor rooms perfect for large gatherings.
Our room even came with
branded coffee cups
perfect for taking out for our walk.
Love the Lyric branding!
is literally across the street from
San Diego's
is just one block away!
Walking there is always a favorite of ours!
The Lyric at Park 12
is located in
San Diego's newly emerging
which has been in the process of even adding
the most marvelous murals!
Knowing we had such a lovely
Apart-Hotel
to come back to at night
after a day of exploring
felt like such a travel luxury!
The Casper beds, with their Frette linens
truly made for
one of the most comfortable sleeps I have had!
Look at the size of this kitchen.
Not that we used it for more than
morning coffee.
But we would have if our stay was longer.
I should have gotten a picture of their
gorgeous dishes.
So all in all
I was pretty pleased with our
first time stay at an
Apart Hotel.
It was a good value for the price.
I really enjoyed the chic and hip styling
extra space
extremely comfortable bed.
The location was ideal.
We will definitely keep the
Apart Hotel
options on our travel radar.
I hear there is a new one in
East Village to open soon.
I think we might need to check it out!
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy
as you style your life
