The coastal California community of Point Loma has ushered in its first new hotel in more than a decade with the debut of the Monsaraz San Diego, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.
The property was crafted by JWDA Architects and Los Angeles-based studio KNA Design to evoke a strong sense of place, and features an abundance of tiling and rich blue hues to infuse a seaside ambiance. The boutique hotel is animated by midcentury furniture and striking artwork that creates a narrative of two lovers meeting for a weekend in Portugal.
“Our design inspiration for the Monsaraz began with looking at the provenance of Point Loma. The early Portuguese founders provided that perfect connection to draw upon the beauty of Portugal,” says Amy Saenger Dehnert, senior designer at KNA Design. “Consisting of hand-hewn materials and custom handcrafted tiles complemented by a relaxed user-friendly interior palette, our approach was to keep the finishes simple and fluid throughout the edifice.”
A 4,000-square-foot courtyard at the heart of the hotel functions as the nucleus of the Monsaraz. Oriented around a live tree, the open-air space is accented with an entrancing mural and living plant wall that create a backdrop for a variety of programming or leisure time. As for the F&B lineup, the 60-seat Westerly Public House showcases coastal cuisine that channels local influences along with Australian references.
Accommodations effortlessly balance work and play with mobile desks apt for customized work. Elegant but approachable, all 92 guestrooms are detailed with soft and vibrant notes of blue as well as gray tones and wood elements. Bathrooms are lined with blue ceramic tiles in homage to classic Portuguese styles as well.
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