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It's difficult to get away when you live in San Diego. Yet, for a good majority of us, living in paradise is accompanied by a price tag, (i.e. ridiculous mortgage payments, gas prices, and parking tickets). Plus, we have to fight off "visitors" and their RVs clogging up the freeways. So to unwind, we merely must "pretend" we are on vacation - hence the revolution of the '08 Staycation.

We say go ahead, act like a tourist, because we're offering all you hard (and not so hard) working citizens of San Diego a guided tour of the best hotel bars, where you can let it all out, without feeling too terribly bad about it in the morning. From Ivy to Sofia and Pearl, discover the top ten hotel bars in San Diego.

Eden Rooftop
Located atop the luxurious Ivy Hotel, Eden is most certainly the mythical garden brought to life. Lounge by the pool and enjoy views of Downtown San Diego by day, get crazy during Eden's Sunday pool parties, or dance the night away as Eden's spacious rooftop bar turns nightclub, paying homage to the sinful sister club Envy. (pictured)

Sweetwater Saloon
Sweetwater Saloon has raised the bar on bottle service. With several different plush areas, (and price ranges) to choose from, this posh saloon at the Hard Rock caters to just about any party size; plus, if you're not into a bottle of Grey Goose, Sweetwater offers a variety of beers, in bottles and kegs, dedicated to satisfy any party's palate.

SWIM
If you're really looking to "swim," then the Mission Bay Hyatt has several options for you. Enjoy a hand-crafted Pomegranate Margarita in any one of the three pools connected by water slides, yes water slides. SWIM's lush lounge features a 360 degree, 800 gallon aquarium where one can enjoy underwater views without getting wet.

Currant Bar
The elegant Sofia Hotel, located just around the corner from Horton Plaza, boasts a bar just as refined in modern Victorian style, with high reaching pillars, a checkered marble floor and dark marble tables to match. Currant's atmosphere makes for a great accompaniment with any aperitif after a long day of work or a relaxing weekend buzz.

The Pearl Restaurant Bar
Like a modern version of 1960s Hollywood, The Restaurant at The Pearl might just inspire you to do the Twist. Whether ordering bottle service by the pool or kicking back in the retro lounge, no venue but The Pearl could ever make the sixties look so good.

Bleu Bar
With waterfalls, fire pits, cabanas, ocean views, and a stone pool and Jacuzzi, The Bleu Bar at L'Auberge Del Mar gives guests romance and opulent elegance day and night.

KIN Lounge
New to the sea of San Diego hotel bars, this poolside lounge at the Manchester Grant Hyatt overlooks the sparkling San Diego Marina and features circus-style entertainment splashed with a brand new menu of signature cocktails and epicurean bites.

Arterra Lounge
Cool off at Arterra's upbeat atmosphere with the sounds of local and important DJs, cabanas, and poolside bottle service. Or rejoice in the last of the summer solstice at the Del Mar Marriott with Entice on Sundays, with live tunes, BBQ, drink specials and RAW BAR.

JRDN
Cruise up the stairs to Tower 23's rooftop deck and soak up the San Diego sun with a dirty martini and the vast views of the Pacific Beach seascape, and stay for sunset and linger in JRDN's lounge for different drink and dinner specials offered each day of the week.

Clay's La Jolla
Experience Clay's La Jolla 4-7pm, Wednesday through Sunday for a hot hotel happy hour, which offers drink specials on wells, drafts and wines by the glass as well as 50% off on all appetizers. Clay's also offers the Sushi + CSL DJs Happy Hour on Thursdays and Fridays to heat things up.

More San Diego hotel bars, lounges, and clubs we love: Minus One Lounge at Keating Hotel, Envy Nightclub at Ivy Hotel, ALTITUDE Sky Lounge at Gaslamp Marriott, Redfield's at Manchester Grand Hyatt, J Bar at Hotel Solamar, Moonstone Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel, Beach Bar at the W Hotel, Setai Lobby Lounge and Poolside Bar and Lounge at San Diego Setai Hotel - coming soon.

Discover more of the best bars and clubs in our complete San Diego nightlife directory here.