San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)

Monsaraz hotel is right at home in Point Loma

- BY ROXANA BECERRIL

Just a three-minute drive from San Diego Internatio­nal Airport, The Monsaraz San Diego in Point Loma is a blend of two worlds.

Inspired by Portuguese influences and a West Coast aesthetic, the petfriendl­y hotel has a modern-yet-oldworld vibe in a central location on Rosecrans Street, within walking distance to the harbor. The hotel celebrated its first anniversar­y in June.

In designing the property, L.a.based KNA Design Firm went for a modern mid-century look that would pay homage to the area’s rich Portuguese heritage. For decades, Point Loma was known for its tight-knit Portuguese community. Each year

hilton.com; (619) 790-5700

since 1910, it has hosted a vibrant Portuguese festival drawing people from all over Southern California.

Relaxation and refreshmen­t are prioritize­d at the three-story hotel, which has a courtyard, private dining room, terrace, guest rooms with balconies, a restaurant and bar, a fitness space and gift shop.

“The idea behind the design (is that it) all centers around escapism. The courtyard is a perfect example of a hidden oasis,” General Manager Scott Wall said. “When you step through the doors, you’re automatica­lly transporte­d to this engaging environmen­t where you don’t feel like you’re in the thick of Point Loma.”

At Westerly, the first-floor restaurant, executive chef Ramses Walker has added his personal touches to the seasonal menus. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner – and coffee from local roaster Dark Horse – the restaurant’s menu options include salads, fish tacos, burgers and weekend brunch.

For entertainm­ent, there are trivia nights on Wednesdays and live music on Fridays.

The Monsaraz, at 1451 Rosecrans St., is one of Hilton’s Tapestry properties. Rooms start at $229, with military discounts available.

Here we are, past the halfway point of August. Time does fly when you’re having fun, yes?

Well, September can wait a little longer because we are not done with this month yet. This week’s offers will get you working out a sweat, gaming old-school style and enjoying a bite at one of the hippest Japanese restaurant­s in town.

All day free play at Coin-op

Sometimes, analog is the way to go. Sprinkle it with a little nostalgia and you’re bound to have a good time. That’s what Coin-op Game Room is all about – and good food as well.

Impress your friends with your pinball skills or show them you’re the king of Pacman. Whatever your preference, you and your buddies can enjoy all games, all day for free, on the last Sunday of the month at Coin-op’s North Park location or the first Sunday of the month at their downtown game room.

Visit coinopsd.com (North Park) or coinopgasl­amp.com (downtown).

$10 rolls at Cloak and Petal

Who says you need to fly to Japan for good sushi? A taste of Tokyo may be just off your nearest freeway exit and it doesn’t have to come at sky-high price.

The moment you clock out at work, drive down to Cloak and Petal in Little Italy and indulge yourself with their $10 Happy Hour rolls, available Monday through Friday.

There are four roll options with something for everyone: spicy tuna with charred jalapeno ponzu, panko shrimp with seared spicy aioli and more. You can savor each one while taking in the restaurant’s amazing interiors, transporti­ng all your senses across the ocean as you sip draft beers at $1 off.take a peek at the menu at cloakandpe­tal.com.

A buy one, get one at Pilates Room

After that satisfying meal, it’s time to burn off those extra calories. After all, the best time to start a workout routine is now.

If you’re a beginner to pilates, don’t be scared. Pilates Room Studios is opening its doors to new clients with a special buy-one, get-one deal that’s perfect for newbies.

With several locations in the region, from Carlsbad to Little Italy, you won’t have to travel far to find a studio near you. Whether you are looking to build strength, be more flexible or just jump back into the habit of exercising, the instructor­s at Pilates Room Studios are ready to help you on your fitness journey.

Visit pilatesroo­mstudios.com.

Wednesday wine deals at Meze

Wednesdays are for wine night and Meze Greek Fusion is pulling out all the stops to show you how it’s done.

It starts off at $4 off glasses of wine from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., just in time for you to relax and take a load off after a hard day’s work.

The deals don’t stop there. From 6 p.m. through closing, Meze is taking 50% off select bottles of wine. They really mean it when they call it “Wine Wednesdays”

Want to try some variety? Ask the staff about their $17 and $20 wine flights.

Visit gaslampmez­e.com or call (619) 550-1600.

 ?? THE MONSARAZ SAN DIEGO ?? The courtyard, with its geometric tile floor, welcomes guests at The Monsaraz San Diego in Point Loma.
THE MONSARAZ SAN DIEGO The courtyard, with its geometric tile floor, welcomes guests at The Monsaraz San Diego in Point Loma.

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