Sneak Peek: New Mission Pacific Hotel And The Seabird Resort

OCEANSIDE, CA — As the construction of the new Oceanside beachfront hotels approaches completion, the Patch took an exclusive hard hat tour with Area Director of Sales & Marketing, Brandon Hendricks. The two hotels first broke ground in February 2019 and are the largest oceanfront hotel development in San Diego County in more than 50 years. The new Mission Pacific Hotel at 201 North Myers Street and The Seabird Resort at 101 Mission Avenue are slated to open on May 19th and May 25.

When asked why they decided to open the two hotels less than a week apart, Brandon replied, "We wanted to open them close because it's easier to train your staff all at once versus training separately. And we've really been focused on hiring Oceanside residents and keeping it local. We've picked up some just amazing dynamic, interesting folks."

We started the tour with the three model rooms that were built across the street from the soon-to-be-opening hotels. The hallways and rooms in the models look exactly like the actual finished rooms that are starting to come to life next door.

The renderings of the lobbies, restaurants, and pool areas illustrate that even though The Seabird Resort and Mission Pacific are sister hotels, they are strikingly different and will cater to distinct audiences.

The Seabird Resort Lobby

Mission Pacific Hotel Lobby

"The Seabird Resort is the Grand Coastal Estate by the ocean. Geared towards families with a celebratory nature. Traditional and timeless are the kind of words that go with it." says Brandon, "The lobby was designed to resemble a big family room where you would hang out while your checking in with big glass doors overlooking the ocean just steps away."

All the artwork in the resort is being curated by the Oceanside Museum of Art and will also feature a permanent art collection that will be maintained by the museum. These sophisticated touches will give The Seabird Resort more of an upscale and elegant feel that will make it a perfect venue for weddings and formal events in the "ocean with a ballroom view" as Brandon calls it.

"The Mission Pacific will be a little more contemporary, natural bohemian chic. It's California dreamin" and more couples oriented. You've got a rooftop bar and pool deck. The only one along the coast at this point. So this is a showstopper. Just the place you'd want to go for a gorgeous sunset view. And then it flows into this beautiful indoor bar space. Very different and contemporary."

Looking down from the pool deck you can see the historic Graves House that has been transformed into a decadent dessert spot called Charlie's, after the Kelly McGillis character in the Top Gun movie. Behind the house is an outdoor wedding venue, making it both a beautiful and memorable backdrop for any event.

"Not only is it a unique space but it adds a story to it that most people wouldn't get from just another beach resort. Where else can you get married in front of the Top Gun house? I don't think there's anything like that, pretty special." said Brandon, "Also timely with another Top Gun movie coming out later this year. We will likely plan a Top Gun celebration when that comes out."

While the Mission Pacific pool deck is divided into various split-level sections, The Seabird Resort pool area is designed to resemble an expansive cruise ship deck even down to the view. It feels as if you are right on the water and you don't see the sandy beach unless you walk right up to the glass railing. Befitting of the more family-oriented style, the entrance to the pool area opens into a living room area where people can get lunch and either sit at the metal bar or use the pickup windows. There is also a topiary planned featuring the Seabird namesake.

Overlooking both hotel's pool areas on the beach will be their own beach operations kiosk where guests can get umbrellas, beach chairs, and games included with the resort. "There will be food, drinks and anything you could want that is beach-related on our own installation down there on the beach." said Brandon.

The differences between the two hotels also extend to the lobbies. The stunning front desk of the Mission Pacific is made of all-natural stone and wood as are the furnishings giving the lobby a cozy, meeting area feel. By contrast, The Seabird Resort has a large family room feel with a big fireplace in the middle and floor-to-ceiling windows.

A focal point in the lobby is the immense kitchen table. According to Brandon, "We thought this is where people hang out in their home, at the kitchen table. So why not create a space where people can come in and try cocktails and do a little mixology class or juicing or we'll throw treats out there in the morning."

Off of the main lobby is the absolutely beautiful large ballroom that can accommodate up to 350 guests. Not to be outdone, the smaller ballroom seats up to 100 guests and has gorgeous ocean views on three sides. It will also have one of the most special pieces of art that is going on the ceiling from a local Oceanside resident.

There are also smaller, but equally elegant meeting rooms on the south-facing side of the resort, leading to the planned art gallery. "This is OMA West at The Seabird. In addition to the other artwork in the lobby, the museum will have its own annex here. Around 3 to 4 times a year the exhibit will change out." says Brandon.

One of the last stops on our tour was the Woods Library. Named after longtime Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood who was instrumental in getting the project approved. "I can see Bourbon tastings here. Maybe some civic meetings and events that we can really engage the guests with the locals, right? Like a book club where guests can connect with the locals."

As a new Oceanside resident, Brandon is committed to making the hotels a place that benefits locals as well as out-of-town visitors. The hotels are also using local partners like Brixton Apparel Company for uniforms, Suja Juice, Urbn Water, Bagby Beer and Pacific Coast Spirits is creating proprietary liquor for the hotel. The six restaurants at the hotels will be sourcing fresh local food and featuring California farm-to-table menus.

For a detailed overview of each restaurant visit: Mission Pacific Hotel & Seabird Resort Announce Restaurant Plans

The Patch will be covering the openings of the new Mission Pacific Hotel and The Seabird Resort in May and bringing you the latest on the new Oceanside beachfront destinations.

• Mission Pacific Renderings: (Credit: Courtesy of Mission Pacific Hotel, a JdV by Hyatt hotel)
• The Seabird Renderings: (Credit: Courtesy of The Seabird Resort, a Destination by Hyatt hotel)

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