Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown, a Curio Collection by Hilton and Independent Collection® Hotels & Resorts property located in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy is proud to welcome in the newest chapter for the hotel with an all-new rebranding that celebrates San Diego’s creative culture, a complete renovation of its lobby, lounge, and reception areas, and the introduction of Canvas Café + Lounge, a vibrant, locally inspired restaurant and lounge concept operated by San Diego food & beverage titans RMD Group. Now open to hotel guests and the local San Diego community, the transformative project kicks off a dynamic new era for Little Italy’s most exciting hotel, offering an even more elevated experience that seamlessly blends refreshed design and décor with an inspired culinary and beverage program.
The comprehensive lobby level transformation designed by global architecture, design, and planning firm Gensler reimagines the arrival experience as the neighborhood’s living room, a welcoming space for connection and community for locals and visitors alike in the heart of Little Italy. Blending comfort with contemporary design, the new reception area evokes a home away from home, featuring the eclectic warmth of a San Diego sunset and the kaleidoscopic blues of the Pacific. This inviting space flows seamlessly into the all-new lounge, where plush, relaxed seating invites guests to settle in for post-work drinks or casual meetings. Taking center stage is the striking new bar, featuring handcrafted tilework, ambient backlighting, and a curated selection of artisanal spirits, local brews, and an expressive wine list. Just beyond the bar, the atmosphere transitions into a vibrant dining room, where guests can enjoy a more relaxed experience during breakfast and lunch, and full-service seating during dinner and lounge hours.
Thoughtfully designed to evolve with the rhythm of the day, Canvas offers a menu rooted in seasonal, wellness-forward ingredients, from satisfying breakfasts and light midday fare to creative , shareable plates in the evening. Guests can start their morning with dishes like Sun Dried Tomato Labneh Turkish Eggs, recharge at midday with smoothies featuring spirulina, turmeric, and cacao, especially after taking advantage of Carté’s in-house wellness destination FIT Athletic Club, directly connected to the hotel which offers hotel guests complimentary access to its 28,000-square-foot facility and robust class schedule, perfect for working up an appetite before winding down with Hamachi Crudo and a handcrafted cocktail at Canvas. The beverage menu, curated by RMD Group’s Mixologist Nick Hirsch, includes inventive libations such as the Heaven on Earth, sure to please the palates of Espresso Martini fans, and the spirit-free Flightless, made with Seedlip Grove, rhubarb and pink grapefruit soda. Showcasing something for every taste, the cocktail menu pulls inspiration from several San Diego landmarks and cultural references. For those who prefer to enjoy the restaurant’s wellness-forward offerings in the comfort of their room, an indulgent in-room dining menu is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Alongside the first-floor transformation, the hotel’s beloved rooftop will be completely reimagined as a standout destination for unforgettable events. Operated by RMD Group, the space will primarily serve as a premier venue for weddings, distinctive meetings, and private celebrations, while also welcoming hotel guests and the public for curated programming on select days and hours. With sweeping city views, intentionally designed layouts, and a sophisticated ambiance, the elevated space will offer a refined event experience.
The completion of the renovation comes on the heels of a thoughtful rebranding for Carté Hotel San Diego Downtown led by creative agency Love & War. Unveiling a refreshed identity that celebrates the spirit of “Made in San Diego.”, while leaning into the hotel’s prime location in the heart of Little Italy, the new positioning embraces the local maker culture, its art, design, invention, adventure, and food. Through curated local partnerships, elevated design, and a seamless blend of contemporary style and laid-back luxury, the reimagined hotel serves as a gateway to the city’s cultural pulse, offering a stylish, wellness-driven retreat that’s distinctly San Diego.
Canvas Café + Lounge is now open with breakfast served until 11 a.m., lunch until 4 p.m., and the lounge and dinner menu will be available from 4 – 10 p.m.
Hotel website
Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton
401 W Ash St
San Diego, CA 92101
United States
+1 619-546-9600
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