Walk into the lobby of San Diego’s Se Hotel and the sedate tone appears as soothing as the earth-toned décor—that is, until you realize that just steps away is the entrance to the bar, filled on any given night with a riotous mixture of savvy guests and beautiful locals dressed in downtown chic. Se takes full advantage of its prime location—the spacious rooms boast balconies with stellar views of the city’s Gaslamp Quarter (1047 5th Avenue, San Diego; 619-515-3000).