The Best Hotels In San Diego
San Diego, California is known for its sunny weather, wide beaches, and lively nightlife. According to The San Diego Tourism Authority, visitors are able to explore the stunning coastline with fun activities such as parasailing, hiking, or various water sports. That said, those seeking a more relaxing excursion will also find plenty of great wine tasting rooms, spas, and cozy beach coves. Though it is less than three hours away from Los Angeles, San Diego offers a more mellow experience that still boasts a big city feel.
When it comes to accommodations, San Diego is home to a wide variety of boutique hotels and popular chains. From spa-oriented resorts with massive pools to more charming and low-key bed and breakfasts, there are plenty of possibilities to explore when planning a trip to sunny San Diego. That said, we've rounded up some of the best hotels in San Diego so that you can explore all of your options!
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is one of San Diego's most luxurious stays. The resort is comprised of 249 elegantly-decorated guest rooms and suites, featuring spacious marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, expansive balconies and terraces, and panoramic views of the resort gardens. For those looking for an even more lavish, spacious experience, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar also offers two incredible three-bedroom suites spanning over 4,500 square feet, each with private elevator access, indoor-outdoor access, and more.
All guests of this beautiful hotel enjoy access to the incredible services and amenities, including the ability to spend the day at The Grand Golf Club or relax in The Center For Wellbeing, which is one of only 60 Forbes Five-Star spas in the world. From being able to spend the day splashing in the pool with the whole family to enjoying an evening at the "dive-in movies," there's plenty to see and do.
Pendry San Diego
Located downtown in the heart of the vibrant historic Gaslamp Quarter, the Pendry San Diego is the ultimate boutique hotel for those seeking a more personal San Diego stay. The hotel offers 317 spacious rooms and suites, each effortlessly blending breezy coastal California-style decor and design with all the sophistication of a grand five-star hotel. The Pendry also hosts six on-site restaurants and bars. Enjoy a carefully curated fine-dining meal from renowned chefs at Provisional, or catch the game and explore San Diego's booming craft beer scene in Nason's Beer Hall, all within the grounds of the hotel.
The Pendry pays attention to the details and ensures that guests receive an optimal level of service during their stay. There are also plenty of activities to indulge in, such as lounging at the premier rooftop pool and lounge, which boasts amazing views, or ending the night in the classy and elusive Oxford Social Club, a local hotspot with some quality craft cocktails.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Looking for a room with a view? The Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has plenty of options. The double tower buildings make a statement along the waterfront San Diego skyline, providing serene ocean and city views. This impressive hotel offers a staggering 1,628 rooms featuring soothing decor and modern amenities to help you relax and recharge throughout your San Diego stay. Enjoy panoramic views expanding across the Pacific Ocean and the San Diego skyline in one of their incredible luxury suites, or find a more affordable yet just as modern, bright, and carefully-decorated option in one of the standard rooms.
The Manchester Grand Hyatt hosts eight on-site dining options, ranging from five-star fine dining to poolside bites and everything in between. Guests are also able to enjoy one of the two rooftop pools, both offering breathtaking cityscape views. You can also take an elevator up to the 40th floor Top of the Hyatt and grab a drink alongside some incredible small plates while enjoying the best view in the city.
La Valencia Hotel
Discover the luxury of La Valencia Hotel, a historic San Diego hotel that has been operating in the adorable neighborhood of La Jolla for over 90 years. The classic pink exterior and tall tower remain a landmark on La Jolla's distinctive Prospect Street, standing out on the village bluffs with panoramic views of the Pacific coastline. La Valencia is perfect for those looking for a more personalized bed and breakfast feel, yet it also offers modern accommodations and services. With only 114 options, each room at La Valencia Hotel provides a unique traveling experience for its guests.
The oceanside pool is a major highlight of the property, and guests are able to relax by the pool with unobstructed views of the Pacific ocean. Guests can also enjoy fresh meals of seafood and locally-harvested vegetables at the delicious Mediterranean Room, or finish off their day with a hand-crafted cocktail at the hotel's bar, La Sala.
Pacific Terrace Hotel
The Pacific Terrace Hotel makes it easy to enjoy your San Diego vacation right on the beach. Located at the far north end of the Pacific Beach boardwalk, the central hotel location provides easy access to exceptional surfing, sailing, fishing, and cycling. They are also just down the road from the city's world-renowned attractions, including SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Legoland, Torrey Pines State Beach, Gaslamp Quarter, and Convention Center, making any and all San Diego exploration a breeze!
Pacific Terrace Hotel offers 73 spacious guest rooms and suites boasting a tropical style decor, complete with hand-carved wooden furniture, lovely plantation shutters and hanging tapestries, ocean-view balconies and patios, and more. Guests are also encouraged to take full advantage of Pacific Terrace Hotel's incredible poolside lounge, where guests are able to swim, tan, and grab a drink with incredible oceanfront views and a sea breeze in their hair.
The Lodge Torrey Pines
Visitors get a front-row seat overlooking the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course with views of the Pacific Ocean at the incredible The Lodge Torrey Pines. Paying homage to the California Craftsman style popularized in the early 1900s, the design and architecture of this luxurious hotel are worth admiring. Guests are invited to stay in one of their 170 rooms and suites, all decorated in their signature California Craftsman lodge style.
Spend the day in the sun overlooking the golf course at the beautiful pool complete with underwater speakers, a picturesque hot tub beneath a gazebo, and lavish lounge chairs. The Lodge Torrey Pines also offers a wide range of complimentary activities for their guests, including 70-minute yoga classes, croquet, guided nature tours of the stunning surrounding La Jolla neighborhood, electric bikes, live music, a full-service spa, and more! Finish off your incredible resort day at one of The Lodge Torrey Pines's two incredible restaurants and a dip in the hot tub for the perfect end to your day.
Hotel The US Grant
The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego is an upscale hotel that has become a San Diego landmark in its over 100 years of business. Located near San Diego's vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, the hotel provides an ideal location from which to explore the city. Iconic attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Petco Park, and Balboa Park are situated nearby, providing ample opportunities for adventure and exploration. The impressive art deco style extends from its stunning exterior to its wide array of luxury room styles. Offering everything from standard queen rooms to a wildly luxurious penthouse suite, the US Grant San Diego provides a beautiful, carefully curated experience to all guests.
The US Grant also offers access to one of San Diego's most celebrated fine dining restaurants, The Grant Grill, and the accompanying craft cocktail bar The Grant Grill Lounge. It is also worth noting that the menu features California-sourced produce, pacific seafood, and sustainably sourced fine cuts of meat.
Pantai Inn
An intimate boutique hotel with eclectic Polynesian charm, Pantai Inn features spacious suites in a relaxed neighborhood setting in one of San Diego's most sought-after neighborhoods, La Jolla. Guests stay just steps from one of California's most stunning beaches, enjoying a variety of rooms with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Whether you choose to stay in a classic suite or a lavish ocean-view studio, guests of the Pantai Inn are welcomed by bright, airy, clean rooms that work to blend breezy California coastal style with a more tropical, earthy Polynesian flare.
The Pantai Inn's central La Jolla beach location allows guests a sense of peace and quiet, yet also allows for convenient exploration of this charming seaside neighborhood. There is also great dining and shopping just a few minutes' walk away. Guests also have the option to hop in the car for less than twenty minutes to experience the hustle and bustle of downtown San Diego.
Hotel del Coronado
Located on Coronado Island, Hotel Del Coronado is a timeless property that maintains its vintage beachy appeal while still catering to modern needs and luxuries. The unique architecture is iconic, and the white and red color combo can be spotted from a mile away. If you're traveling with children, you will appreciate just how kid-friendly this hotel is, and you'll find that there is plenty to keep them entertained. From catching some waves and hanging on the beach to poolside lounging, Hotel Del Coronado caters to a variety of needs and desires.
The hotel has various areas and sections, with The Victorian being the original part of the hotel that was first established in 1888. If you're craving something more low-key and private, consider renting a beach villa and enjoying a stay in a gated community with all of the best amenities. There is also a stunning spa where you can get a facial, massage, or body treatment.
Omni San Diego Hotel
Located in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter and across from the convention center, the Omni San Diego Hotel offers close proximity to all of San Diego's most popular tourist attractions. Guests are invited to stay in one of their 511 rooms and suites, all designed with a luxurious, contemporary aesthetic in mind. Many of their spacious rooms feature sweeping views of the San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, Petco Park, and other incredible sights along the San Diego skyline.
Omni San Diego Hotel offers a variety of dining options throughout all times of the day. Looking for breakfast or lunch and a cup of locally brewed coffee? Omni makes it easy to swing by Fres.co, their casual lobby side restaurant featuring local ingredients and specialties, for a quick bite in the morning. You can also grab a snack and eat next to their heated pool surrounded by plenty of lounge chairs, flat-screen televisions for watching the game, and a full-service bar.
The Westgate Hotel
The Westgate Hotel blends Parisian elegance and style with San Diego charm and usually-sunny weather to create a luxurious, European-style stay for their guests. Each of the sizable rooms offers floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the downtown San Diego skyline and beyond. Rooms are organized by tier, getting more spacious and luxurious with every floor. Guests who choose to stay in one of the Westgate Hotel's Suites are greeted with up to 1,500 square feet of living space, all decorated with absolute attention to detail to bring the sense of European palatial living to San Diego — imported French furniture, antique finishes, and complete privacy await those who stay in these suites.
In addition to a wide range of room offerings, all hotel guests are able to enjoy hotel-sponsored events including Sunday brunch, afternoon tea, live music in the plaza bar, complimentary yoga and mimosas, and more.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego
Guests looking for a more personal and less corporate experience are welcomed at Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego, one of San Diego's premier boutique hotels. Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, the Kimpton Hotel is within walking distance to all of San Diego's hot spots and offers a wide variety of modern spaces for guests to enjoy day and night. The design style of the Kimpton lean into the urban landscape of the San Diego skyline, offering 211 funky, modern rooms perfect for the young stylish traveler.
Each room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a minimalist style of decor, allowing the skyline to be the centerpiece of the experience. Guests are invited to spend the evening at the impressive rooftop pool surrounded by the sights of the city and grab a drink and a bite at one of their two highly-rated bars and restaurants.
Hotel Intercontinental San Diego
The Intercontinental San Diego Hotel takes pride in providing the perfect combination of luxury and convenience for every one of its guests. With 400 guest rooms and suites on-site, the Intercontinental offers a range of different stay options to meet a variety of guest wants and needs. Guests who stay in one of the higher-level club rooms enjoy access to the hotel's finest views and the highest level of service, as well as admission to daily Club InterContinental lounge access. The InterContinental lounge access includes complimentary breakfast and all-day beer, wine, and snacks. As the sun sets, guests are invited to make their way over to the fire pit on the private bay view terrace with hosted cocktails and hors d'oeuvres all included in the price of their stay.
Although the Intercontinental San Diego provides everything travelers may need throughout the entirety of their stay, the prime location in downtown San Diego also ensures guests are able to sightsee and explore the city with the utmost convenience and ease.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Looking to stay somewhere secluded and private? Loews Coronado Bay Resort on a 15-acre peninsula overlooking Coronado Bay. From the glimmering ocean views to the sparkling San Diego skyline, guests can appreciate the scenery while enjoying all of the first-class amenities this accommodation has to offer. There are more than 400 lux guest rooms along with 40 amazing suites, ensuring that a variety of travelers will appreciate the property.
There are also three heated pools on the property, meaning that guests can unwind and take a dip no matter what time of the year they visit. The on-site Sea Spa is ideal for relaxing, and guests can enjoy signature treatments and pampering. Whether you're looking to lounge in a cabana by the pool all day or hit the waves on a sailboat excursion, Loews Coronado Bay Resort caters to a variety of needs and allows guests to stay in style.