The Keating Hotel - San Diego, California - Luxury Hotel Lofts in the Gaslamp Quarter

The Keating is a luxurious, five-story boutique hotel in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp District. Instead of guest rooms, it has "stanzas'' - 35 of them in all - which is the Italian term for loft-style accommodations. Each stanza has been designed by Pininfarina, Italy's world-renowned creator of interior spaces.

Some unique aspects of the room designs are open-air windows, vaulted ceilings, curvilinear window seats, and exposed brick walls trimmed with wood. Furnishings include stainless steel vanities, deep blue-colored sinks with chrome fixtures, and crimson-hued plush bedding. There are walk-in rain showers, luxurious Frette linens, and state-of-the-art electronics, such as digital telephones, high-definition televisions, and audio systems by Bang & Olufsen.

Most of the stanzas come with a California king bed or two extra-large twins. They range in size from 300 to 1,200 square feet. Also available are corner junior suites called "Chic Suites,'' as well as one-bedroom Imperiale Suites and two-bedroom Fresca Suites, which have wet bars, separate living rooms, and upgraded amenities. The largest unit features its own garden terrace and private outdoor whirlpool Jacuzzi tub.

All accommodations come with full-length mirrors and plenty of storage space. Sleeping quarters are provided with goose down duvets, feather beds, feather pillows, and faux fur blankets. Bathrooms have telephones, double sinks, shaving mirrors, a hairdryer, a weight scale, designer bathrobes, and slippers. The in-room mini-bars are stocked with Torn Ranch specialties, Lauretana imported Italian water, and premium beverages, complemented by LaVazza espresso machines.

Complimentary services offered by The Keating Hotel include high-speed Internet access, overnight shoe shines, in-room safes, and free daily newspapers in the lobby. Other services available for a fee are dry cleaning and in-room spa treatments, such as massages and aromatherapy for couples as well as individuals.

The MerK Bistro Italiano is the hotel's signature restaurant. Its menu provides rustic Italian favorites with a California twist. Dishes are prepared daily from scratch using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Linguini romano, swordfish alla verde, pesto crusted salmon, and pancetta wrapped filet are just a few of the specialties. The Merk's wines range from boutique Californian vintages to imported Italian favorites.

The Sway Lounge is The Keating Hotel's place to relax and unwind, dine, drink and play. It offers an eclectic menu of Italian tapas, such as Chicken Parmigiana Sliders, Italian Sausage Rolls, Fritte Calamari & Zucchini, and much more, with service till 2am.

Its proximity to the San Diego Convention Center makes The Keating Hotel a winner with business travelers. The hotel also has its own meeting facilities that can handle as many as 275 guests. The Gran Turismo is an 850-square-foot function space for hosting cocktail parties for 100, intimate dinner meetings for 40, or boardroom meeting of up to 60 attendees. The 400-square-foot Maranello meeting room can hold up to 44 guests, while the Modena supports groups of up to 16. Also available is the open-space Foyer for meet-and-greet cocktail receptions and other stand-up events.

The Keating is located at 432 F Street, San Diego, California 92101. By car from Interstate 5 South, take the Front Street exit and continue to Broadway. Turn left on Broadway and follow it to Eighth Avenue. Turn right onto Eighth and then make another right on F Street. The hotel is between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. Valet parking is available at the front entrance.