Beach, W San Diego
W San Diego
421 West B Street
San Diego, CA
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It's always high tide at Beach in San Diego. This sandy retreat sits atop the edgy W Hotel in the middle of California's second largest city. Take an elevator up to floor two, cross the hotel's Catwalk (its circular cutouts peak over the hip hotel's Living Room below), dart left into the area named Wet with its pool, and head up the stairs to the roof, better known as Beach. And yes, there's sand there, so you'll want to ditch your shoes and relax at this airy arena. It's the place in San Diego to strut your stuff, whether under the guise of sunbathing or just because you want to show off. Patrons who frequent the W's Beach aren't all typical California plastic types, but the bar is (it's literally clad in plastic), as are the Kartell side tables and the Custom W Design chandeliers. Fun faux foliage mixes with the real thing to create a jungle-meets-desert effect. Sculptural foam furniture suggests sand dunes and, at the focal point of this mixed-terrain scene, there's a giant fire pit. In individual cabanas swathed in gauze, privacy-seeking patrons enjoy unobtrusive bottle service. For eats, try the ahi tartare with green onion, cucumber and mashed avocado dipped in ponzu or the house fries sporting a healthy sprinkling of extra-fresh sea salt. The latter is served with a secret sauce the house chef dubs "sexy," just like plenty of other aspects you're bound to discover during your very memorable day (and night) at the Beach.

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Photos: Courtesy of Beach, W San Diego