TWO CRITICAL POINTS:

THE KEATING HOTEL

(1) IS NOT for everyone!

(2) IS PERECT for those who know what they want!

This was a BLEISURE add-on event, comprised of three unbelievable evenings at The Keating…thanks to a great LL auction. 

Several on-line reviews (a couple came up on tripadvisor.com), created a cautious approach…after all when “seasoned travelers” complain about “no shower doors” & “water on the floor,” not enjoying “quiet evenings,” shocked at “stark black and red minimalist design”….. sounded more and more like a destination worth exploring.

Stay out of Gaslamp Quarter, if you are in search of “quiet”…. try an assisted care living center for senior citizens…”lights out at 9:00 PM and no talking.”  If night time quiet is a huge concern, then make certain you request and confirm the third or fourth floor for your accommodations….”higher” is “quieter”  and “lower” is “louder” at The Keating…something to do with being a designated historic building and retaining original window glass (bureaucratic details).

If you get a bit of water on the floor…call your personal concierge…maybe it will be Christy or Anji

…..they will have extra towels deliver to your door and designate someone to wipe up the wet spots……we know, we did!

It's that overhead rainforest shower fixture that complicates floor water control.....and the blue side glass gives you the impression of florating underwater or in outer space..... 

Don’t waste your money on a Stanza "Vista" (yes, everything is a "stanza" not a room....just than Pinnfarina Italian design concept carrying through)….split with the extra bucks and go for at least a “Chic” or “Imperiale”….or blow the whole enchilada and take the “Fresca” (similar to a Presidential Suite in English) more space and more interesting things to do both inside and outside the space.

The in-room coffee maker is top of the line…get extra canisters (just ask…no extra charge)…you will covet the espresso!

Pay attention during the in-room check-in process and ask questions if you don’t understand how the remotes work…everything is Bang & Olufsen has a NASA designed remote!

Spend at least some late night time in the Minus-1 Lounge…great bar staff (check out the Vault)….the atmosphere and crowd start morphing around mid-night.  They also make it simple to figure out the difference between the Women’s Room and the Men’s Room.

Love that special Keating “Naughty or Nice Package”….black silk pajamas, etc., etc…..wait ‘till you see what the “turn down” crew does to your room to make your evening memorable….all kinds of little boxes of stuff ….and with all of the candles burning, it’s more or less of Santeria meets Victoria’s Secret.

We soaked up every nuance of the experience.

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btw…when the street noise starts getting a little loud after 1:30 AM….just toss your ear plugs (which are provided when you check in…..get dressed (optional) and go join the fun on 5^th Ave….be part of the noise problem…let others worry about the solution.

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Also, if you have a car available and don’t mind the drive up to Del Mar…consider a late lunch or early dinner at Sbicca American Bistro http://www.sbiccabistro.com Susan Sbicca is a fabulous chef and co-owns the bisto with her wine fanatic husband, Dan. 

The location is perfect….private tables, lively bar and a staff who makes you feel welcome and appreciated.  There is also an elevated deck with tables, just in case you want a sunset dinner.

Dan feels strongly about enjoying wine........on Tuesdays and Thursdays all bottles of wine on his extensive wine list are offered at half priced and on Sundays and Mondays there is "no corkage" so you can bring your own selection, if you like (maybe there's a special bottle or box of your favorite wine on sale at Trader Joe's http://www.traderjoes.com)!