The Keating Hotel
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 241-7585
06/20/2007 Posted by simplybp
This is a hotel whose whole message is about design.... and it does have a unique, semi-industrial look to it. I am half way through a week-long stay, and can tell you that I would trade some of this style for a little more creature comfort.Tucked between Croce's restaurant and a way-too-loud Patrick's II Blues Bar, The Keating definitely outdid itself on Pininfarina styling.... my room has gray painted concrete floors, stainless steel & glass double sink, a Lavazza Blue espresso machine, B&O stereo and flat screen HDTV. The mini-bar and snack bar are stocked with goodies, but read the menu first! Only the espresso is included in the price... offerings range from $3 for a small chocolate bar, to $120 for a 375ml bottle of Belvedere Vodka. Also available is a $15 Disposable Digital Camera, an $18 Kama Sutra Kit, a $7 Intimacy Kit, and a $5 First Aid Kit. The sequence of using these "Essentials" (as they are called) is up to you, preferably after consuming the Belvedere! The staff is very friendly, and spends a lot of time explaining the design of the room - which is good sized, but the sleeping chamber also contains the sink and shower (a cool blue glass affair with two shower heads, an overhead rain head, and a hand-held wall mounted head) - only the toilet is isolated in a small chamber, complete with sliding door and phone, but inadequate ventilation, if you get my drift. After a short lesson on light controls (both wall mounted and remote control), TV operations, and of course the espresso machine, I was left alone to explore. Oh, but I don't drink coffee, I drink tea! One call to the 24/7 help line rewarded me with a tea set-up consisting of three bags, a large cup, and spoon. Excellent! But I'm now three days into the stay, and no-one can explain how to get hot water out of the espresso machine! These folks are trying, but the have some room to go. Bottom line: too noisy - curtains & carpet would help; trade some cool for comfort!
Pros: Cool industrial styling; location in Gaslamp; employees who are TRYING; good bed
Cons: Employee training shortcomings; street and room noise; no restaurant
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