San Clemente Council Approves Boutique Hotel with Rooftop Deck

UPDATE: The San Clemente City Council has just approved a controversial plan for a four-story boutique hotel featuring a rooftop deck, aiming for completion before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This decision comes as the council navigates significant resident concerns about noise and environmental impact.

The project, known as The Lodge at San Clemente, will be constructed on a vacant 2-acre parcel along Avenida Vista Hermosa, directly across from the Outlets at San Clemente. The hotel, initially greenlit in 2004, will now increase its height from 45 feet to 62 feet to accommodate the rooftop deck and elevator towers.

Despite pushback from local residents who worry about the implications of the taller structure, the council voted to move forward without further reviews from the Design Review Commission. Councilmember Mark Enmeier emphasized the need for expedited progress, stating, “Design Review might make a recommendation we don’t want to do and delay it more.”

Residents, led by Beverly Wiesen, expressed their frustrations over the lack of a new environmental study, particularly concerning noise and light pollution from the hotel. Wiesen’s group has threatened legal action against the city if mitigation measures are not established.

On November 3, 2023, Wiesen plans to host a community meeting with hotel architect Tim Fleming to address these concerns. “We really want a good hotel, but we have big concerns,” Wiesen stated, urging the developer to conduct an independent noise study.

City Manager Andy Hall remains optimistic about finding a compromise, suggesting potential acoustic solutions to contain noise from the rooftop bar and lounge. “If we can enclose three walls and have a disappearing wall, we can contain the sound, especially in the evening hours,” Hall noted.

Fleming acknowledged the community’s concerns and mentioned ongoing discussions about integrating sound-reducing features into the design. “We have discussed putting some of the bar inside and enclosing a portion of the roof deck that would acoustically benefit the community,” he explained.

The rooftop deck is seen as a vital component of the hotel, promising stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Fleming highlighted its potential as a public space, encouraging community engagement in the hotel experience. “If you live in San Clemente, you can come here,” he said.

Mayor Steve Knoblock, a former employee of Craig Realty Group, expressed confidence that the project would ultimately benefit the community, boosting tourism and generating tax revenue. “The goal is to have it for the 2028 Olympics; that’s why we want to get it built,” he stated.

As the project moves forward, residents are left waiting to see how their concerns will be addressed. The community remains divided as the potential for a new hotel looms on the horizon, promising both economic growth and significant changes to the local landscape.

The council’s decision has sparked a conversation about balancing development with community interests. As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on the upcoming meeting and whether a resolution can be reached that satisfies both the developer and the residents.