Carté Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton opened its doors in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood. The 246-room property is located steps away from restaurants, the Embarcadero waterfront and the downtown business district.
“Little Italy’s rich history is both energetic and captivating and our property is designed to be a landing pad that offers our guests an authentic experience of this neighborhood and its character,” said Henri Birmele, general manager at Carté Hotel.
“Carté Hotel will play an integral part in bringing together both guests and locals alike to celebrate Little Italy’s heritage,” he added.
The property is LEED Silver Certified and celebrates the community’s nautical heritage and architecture through its design elements and materials. Designed by The Manchette Studio, a full-service interior design firm specializing in hospitality design led the project.
In the lobby, abstract metal screens resembling fishing nets are woven throughout the first level, paying homage to Little Italy’s heritage as a fishing village.
The tribute to the neighborhood’s history is continued throughout the hotel, with blue tones and natural wood elements serving as a nod to San Diego’s various historic piers, including Pacific Beach’s Crystal Pier and La Jolla’s Scripps Pier.
Above Ash Social Rooftop Lounge and Bar, Carté Hotel
The guest rooms reflect the connection to the historic nautical roots of Little Italy’s residents with upscale and subtle nautical themes, including abstract blue watercolor headwall vinyl, custom woods and metals.
“Every detail we’ve selected on the property has a unique story and a specific intention, and has been custom-made for Carté,” said Jessica Fichtner, interior designer at The Manchette Studio. “At every turn, you’ll discover something new that’s inspired by the vibrant character of the Little Italy neighborhood.
The design elements we chose speak to the history our city was built on, while giving a modern nod to the local San Diego experience.”
Reflective of San Diego’s sunsets, copper is a featured accent throughout the property, most notably on the exterior of the hotel, where it contrasts with the ocean-inspired blue and green glass panels.
The distinct material is also incorporated on the rooftop of Carté, which is home to Above Ash Social lounge and bar. This rooftop venue overlooks the city and bay, showcasing curated cocktails, numerous fire pits and a large LED TV wall ideal for outdoor movies.
The hotel’s full-service restaurant, Watercolors, offers sustainable, local seafood and serves a sea-to-table menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The full-service wine bar and specialty spirit tasting room, Fonte di Vino, showcases a spirit-driven tour of the region, with a menu featuring local wineries and distilleries from Southern California and Mexico.
The bar also gives a nod to its neighborhood with a variety of wines hailing from Italy.
Carté Hotel offers over 8,500 square feet of event space, with seven onsite private event options. The meeting spaces come with 80-inch flat screen TVs, fiber internet and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Additional amenities include a heated saltwater pool, with cabana seating and views, along with exclusive access to Fit Athletic Club, located within the hotel. The 28,000-square-foot Fit Athletic Club Little Italy will offer exclusive gym access to its members and hotel guests, including access to classes, full-service locker rooms and specialty equipment.
Information is based off a press release from Carté Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton.
