Not all math is fun.  But cocktails + outdoors + beautiful décor + a rooftop pool = slick, sexy, cool any day of the week.  Add a cabana and it is advanced math I think anyone can follow.  The Siren Pool and Uber Lounge at Hotel Se in San Diego provides all that with polished customer service that includes such a smooth, understated handoff of the visitor from staff member to staff member, that it is hard not to walk away feeling like the staff was waiting for your arrival and that you are a true, glamorous, VIP.  What’s more, it has the vibe of a place where rap stars, CEOs, and those in Louboutins can mingle and enjoy the great weather and horizontal surfaces.

The Siren Pool and Uber Lounge is on the 4^th floor of the Hotel Se.  The hotel is split level, which puts the outdoor pool and lounge on a rooftop outdoors, while the rest of the hotel rises up several more stories.  This provides a nestled in feeling when at the rooftop lounge and give a very urban Southern California feel – outdoors and surrounded by high rises.  The pool is edged by chaises lounges each pair with their own side table.  To the east of the pool, is a bar, which is edged by cabanas, with generous horizontal surfaces, curtains, and pillows.  The bar top is a beautiful surface, with colors that are reminiscent of sand, with flecks of glass throughout.  And, extra points for the portable heaters that are generously available and bar staff willing to roll them right up to patrons in need. 

Visiting hot spots in any downtown area can be a challenge because of the headache with parking.  So, disappointment can especially sting because you have the added investment of where you stabled your vehicle and the price you paid in cash and anxiety (valets, vandals, tow trucks, tickets).  The Siren Pool and Uber Lounge has great ROI and you won’t regret the choice.  In addition to the lovely environment, the cocktail menu is a treat and unique experience with traditional offerings and uncommon molecular mixology choices.

Molecular mixology is a riff on molecular gastronomy, which is a blend of science and culinary arts.  It often involves changing the format of food, and in this case drink.  So, rather than drink my pina colada by the pool, I was able to eat rum soaked pineapple slices with whipped cream and toasted coconut.  I enjoyed my espresso martini, made with tiny pearls of Godiva chocolate liquor, a shot of espresso mixed with cream and vodka, and chased with slices of strawberries.  It is a fun, interactive, and interesting way to taste the elements of your cocktail.  And, with the combination of atmosphere and unique offerings, it is a go-to for first dates or outings with longtime companions and everything in-between.  Conversation will not be stalled with the interesting cocktails and the vibe is both relaxing and electric with potential.  Read: shadowy corners and plenty of horizontal surfaces.

The bar offers traditional drinks of your choice, as well as a nice selection of champagne, wine, and beer.  The bar menu is short, but the staff is very friendly about pulling out the room service menu for extra options.  Cabanas can be used without reservation with the bar is not crowded – generally in the afternoon or early evening.  At night, there is a minimum purchase requirement of $300 to use a cabana.  Depending on the size of your party, that can be reasonable or a splurge, but a cabana is certainly not a requirement for a good time at the Siren Pool and Uber Lounge.  No matter where you settle in for the moment, the customer service throughout the Hotel Se is so well executed, I wouldn’t mind just walking around the lobby.  From the moment you hit the sidewalk, you are met by staff who ask where you want to go, guide you in the right direction, and hand you off to the next staff member who continues the baton pass.  Overall, the package experience is slick and a memorable start to any evening.

Expectations:  Wallet – wines at $9 glass and up, nibbles starting at $12.  Closet – post work attire, pre-club attire, pulled together and snazzy.  Some elasticity for casual, especially for an afternoon visit. 

Hotel Se San Diego

Siren Pool and Uber Lounge

1047 5^th Avenue

San Diego, CA 92101

Relevance:  San Diego, cocktails, molecular mixology, rooftop bars, hip, urban