The recently opened Pearl Hotel in Point Loma has launched an innovative new concept to appeal to patrons each Wednesday: the dive-in movie.
Full-length feature movies are offered poolside on a 10-foot-by- 13-foot screen as part of a new look and feel not only to entice out-of-towners but locals, according to hotel officials.
Dive-in movies are screened every Wednesday from 8 p.m. until midnight and include hits like “The Shining” and “Beetlejuice.”
The former Sportsman’s Lodge, located on Rosecrans Street, has been transformed into a chic, retro boutique hotel by the L.P.W. Group, Inc., a local award-winning residential and commercial real estate developer.
Gregory Strangman, L.P.W. founder and managing principal, grew up in Del Mar and now lives in Ocean Beach. He’s responsible for the Pearl’s philosophy of neighborly hospitality “” including the free weekly “cinema social” and special room rates for locals.
Residents of 92106 and 92107 ZIP codes can obtain 20 percent off regular rates for visiting family or friends, or just a special retreat away from home.
“We’re really striving to foster and grow that local business,” says Strangman.
In addition, the hotel offers a special “play and stay” rate of just $79 per night for movie attendees who are just too tired to go home or who might have had enough to drink that they aren’t comfortable driving. The rate kicks in after midnight, said Strangman.
“This is how we’re promoting revelry and responsibility,” Strangman said.
Guided by the mantra “Down to Earth, Up with Style,” The Pearl offers guests a little different experience.
The Pearl’s general manager, Arron Reynolds, describes the ambience as “a warm place where people want to come, relax, and listen to music.”
Reynolds previously worked in executive positions at Loews Coronado Resort and at Courtyard Marriott in Downtown.
“The owners wanted a place where hotel guests could mingle with local guests,” Reynolds adds.
Movie Wednesdays fits the bill, he said.
“Locals absolutely love it,” said Reynolds, adding it’s not just locals who live in the Point Loma/Ocean Beach area. “We get people from downtown, La Jolla, and other parts of San Diego, too.”
The number of patrons continues to climb for movie nights, he said, citing a crowd of 80-100 people last week. Considering the relatively small space around the pool where the films are shown on a large outdoor screen, the Pearl may be approaching capacity.
But this helps keep it exclusive, said Strangman.
“Those who enjoy the movie will just come early for a seat,” Strangman said.
Most seats are first come, first seated. Only hotel guests are allowed to watch while taking a dip in the heated, saltwater pool, because there’s no locker room for showering or changing clothes, he said. But the outdoor seating area includes chaises, hammocks and standard table service.
Two semi-private poolside cabanas are available for reservation with a six-person minimum, eight maximum. While enjoying the film, projected onto a huge screen overlooking the pool, movie watchers may order drinks and food from the full menu of The Pearl’s restaurant, where chef Eva Wren presides over the cuisine.
Those who don’t want a full meal might enjoy signature appetizers, such as the Cuban Cigars “” a rolled sandwich featuring roast pork and mojito mustard “” or rock shrimp nachos, along with a drink from the bar or wine from the restaurant’s venturesome wine list.
Upcoming movies include a Halloween double feature, “The Shining” and “Beetlejuice” on Wednesday, Oct. 31. November Wednesdays will bring “Catch Me if You Can” on Nov. 7, “Sabrina” on Nov. 14, “Ocean’s Eleven” on Nov. 21 and “James Bond: You Only Live Twice” on Nov. 28.
Other events include happy hours and wine tastings. A goal of The Pearl’s management is to help make San Diego more on par with cities like San Francisco or New York “” a place where residents don’t have to leave their neighborhood to be part of what’s happening. For more information, call (619) 226-6100.