August 24, 2020 — The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has given staff the go ahead to begin environmental review for a proposed shared accommodations hotel featuring PODS and private/family rooms. This action is a significant step forward for the Port in providing lower-cost overnight accommodations near San Diego Bay.

The developer, STAY OPEN, was selected by the Board in May 2019 after a public, competitive process. The STAY OPEN team is an experienced, international hospitality team that proposes to develop and operate a shared accommodations experience located on Pacific Highway between the Port’s Administration Building and Palm Street with:

  • Shared rooms with eight to 12 POD beds per room (for a total of up to 226 PODS);
  • Up to 17 private and family rooms with and without private bathrooms;
  • Shared bathrooms;
  • Lobby bar and café; and a
  • Rooftop restaurant and bar.

The PODs will be designed for shared accommodation rooms, but each individual POD can be completely closed for privacy. Each POD will contain a large single bed, light, mirror, temperature control, charging station, free Wi-Fi and secure luggage storage. The private/family rooms will consist of a mix of twin and/or queen beds with some having private bathrooms. The hotel would also include a well-appointed shared bathroom space, comparable to a bathroom facility in a high-end fitness center.

“When I envision the Port of the future, I envision the kind of opportunities STAY OPEN’S innovative shared hospitality concept will provide. With overnight accommodations in a prime location that won’t break the bank, visitors from various backgrounds and income levels will be able to experience and enjoy our beautiful San Diego Bay waterfront and all it has to offer,” said Chair Ann Moore, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners.

“We are pleased to take this important step forward, in partnership with the Port, to bring lower cost overnight accommodations to San Diego,” said Steve Shpilsky, CEO and Co-Founder of STAY OPEN. “We look forward to providing visitors to San Diego a curated experience during their stay with us and welcome the local community to be a part of our engaging social experiences.”

Port staff will begin engaging with the appropriate consultants and expect to return to the Board in August 2021 for consideration of the environmental document and direction to submit a Port Master Plan Amendment (PMPA) to the California Coastal Commission. Staff expects to return to the Board to consider adoption of the PMPA in late 2022, and to present a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) and lease for consideration to the Board in early 2023.