United States California The Best Hotels in San Diego You can't go wrong booking the Pendry Hotel By Ligaya Malones Ligaya Malones Freelance Writer / Editor / Blogger Twitter Ligaya Malones is an editor, blogger, and freelance writer specializing in food and travel. Ligaya's work has appeared in publications including Lonely Planet and BRIDES. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 06/07/22 Fact checked by Erin Medlicott Fact checked by Erin Medlicott LinkedIn Twitter New York University Rutgers University Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. She earned a TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. With 300 days of sunshine a year, San Diego begs to be enjoyed outside. Though when it’s time to settle in for the evening, its various hotels and resorts have something to offer for all travelers. From chicly designed boutique hotels in the heart of the city to expansive waterfront resorts with activities for the entire family, our list of the best hotels in San Diego spans the entire county and keeps your wallet in mind, whether you’re watching your dollars or are planning to splurge. Best Hotels in San Diego of 2023 Best Overall: Pendry Hotel Best Budget: Kona Kai Resort Best Family Option: Fairmont Grand Del Mar Best Hidden Gem: Rancho Bernardo Inn Best Waterfront: San Diego Mission Bay Resort Best Fitness Center: Carté Hotel Best Historic: THE US GRANT The Best Hotels in San Diego View All The Best Hotels in San Diego Our Top Picks Pendry Hotel Kona Kai Resort Fairmont Grand Del Mar Rancho Bernardo Inn San Diego Mission Bay Resort Carté Hotel THE US GRANT See More (4) Final Verdict Compare Hotels Methodology Best Overall : Pendry Hotel Courtesy of Pendry San Diego See Rates on Kayak.com Why We Chose It Pendry Hotel consistently receives praise for excellent service, notable dining and drinking experiences, and thoughtful touches since it opened in 2017. Pros Noteworthy service Multiple eateries and bars frequented by visitors and locals alike Accommodations for kids Cons Valet parking will run $47/night, or self-parking garages nearby begin at $20/night Rooms, which start at 350 sq.ft., may be too small Noise can be an issue for sensitive sleepers Guests with varying travel styles overwhelmingly comment on the top notch service, thoughtful amenities and excellent dining and drinking options. As part of Montage Hotels & Resorts, Pendry’s San Diego hotel features 317 rooms and suites with floor to ceiling windows in most rooms, a fully stocked mini-bar, and glass-wrapped shower. Unique suites bump up the hotel experience or are an option for travelers who prefer more space, like guests traveling with kids. For example, Pendry’s 1,000-plus square foot Pool Cabana Suite features direct access to the pool and a private cabana. And speaking of kids, Pendry’s Concierge provides complimentary stroller rentals and cribs. Located in Downtown San Diego, its six onsite restaurants include seasonal seafood restaurant Lionfish and the more relaxed Nason’s Beer Hall with kid-friendly games and an enclosed outdoor patio. A rooftop pool with city views and a full-service spa to boot, make the Pendry our pick for the best overall hotel in San Diego. Notable Amenities Full-service spaRooftop pool with cabanas and whirlpoolMöet and Chandon Champagne vending machine Best Budget : Kona Kai Resort Kona Kai Resort See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It A waterfront locale and broad range of activities included in its daily resort fee get our vote for the best budget hotel in San Diego. Pros Family-friendly and adults-only pools Pet friendly Private beach ideal for relaxing and nightly bonfires Cons Daily resort fee ($39) Daily parking fee ($39) Private beach is not accessible for swimming Modern, Mediterranean-style Kona Kai Resort is located on Shelter Island and surrounded by a privately owned beach, marina, and San Diego Bay views just a 10-minute drive from the airport. And compared to other San Diego hotels that charge a resort fee, Kona Kai’s covers a broader range of amenities including Wi-Fi access; two-hour bike rentals; more than 30 fitness classes per week from HIIT to Zumba; private beach and beach cabana access; and Tesla electric vehicle charging. Its on-site Vessel Restaurant, kid-friendly and adults-only pools with private cabana rentals, spa and fitness center, and privately owned beach deliver an affordable, all-in-one San Diego waterfront resort experience without sacrificing go-to comforts. Notable Amenities Kid-friendly and adults-only poolsBike rentals with easy access to waterfront bike pathTesla charging station Best Family Option : Fairmont Grand Del Mar Fairmont Grand Del Mar See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Fairmont Grand Del Mar makes good use of its sprawling grounds to offer families an impressive range of activities, from archery lessons to outdoor movie nights on the lawn. Pros Wealth of onsite activities for the whole family Kids club for children ages five to 12 Variety of casual and fine dining options Cons Not ideal for travelers who prefer smaller, boutique properties Daily resort fee ($55) Valet parking ($55) A stay at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, part of Accor group, hosts as many features and amenities for kids as it does for grown-ups. Its Kids Dining program offers free or half-off dining at the resort’s various restaurants, like breakfast pancakes at indoor/outdoor Amaya. Del Mar Social Club debuted in 2021 where guests dine on wood fired fare, lounge in cabanas or around fire pits, and play lawn games and table top foosball. During fall, the Recreation Pavilion hosts outdoor family movies accompanied by popcorn and treats. Archery lessons, horseback rides and golf lessons are also available. There is also an Explorers Club for kids ages five to 12 and a sand play area near one of the pools—including an adults-only pool. Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s amenities span a Tom Fazio designed 18 hole golf course, a spa, pickleball court, and indoor and outdoor fitness spaces. Its expansive grounds located in San Diego County’s northern parts are conveniently located near beaches, walking and hiking trails through Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve’s sycamore trees to the east, and downtown Del Mar Village’s boutique shops and restaurants. Notable Amenities Four heated poolsAmong its restaurants, Michelin-starred AddisonEquestrian center Best Hidden Gem : Rancho Bernardo Inn Rancho Bernardo Inn See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It For a true getaway in San Diego County’s hilly interior, we’re checking in to the elegant Rancho Bernardo Inn. Pros Relaxing setting offers a break from city life Easy access to San Diego County’s inland recreational trails Versatile property for leisure and business Cons Recent guests say parts of the property could use a refresh Valet parking unavailable as of 2021 Indoor steam room and Jacuzzi remain closed as of 2021 Yes, San Diego means beautiful beaches, but its interior is just as gorgeous, just less well-known. Find the 287-room Rancho Bernardo Inn situated in northern San Diego County’s inland hills. The 200-plus acre property boasts an award-winning spa, an 18-hole golf course in which the first hole is just steps from the lobby, several restaurants, and an outdoor fireside lounge featuring fresh ingredients sourced from its onsite Chef’s garden. Depending on the season, you might spot tomatoes and melons during summer, spring strawberries and radishes, winter citrus, and pears and figs come fall. Its spa provides massage, skincare, and nail services, with some services offered in their Spa Garden’s outdoor casitas and includes access to its saline waterfall whirlpool and outdoor terrace. Updates to guest rooms are planned for 2022. Notable Amenities Golf coursePoolNightly live music Best Waterfront : San Diego Mission Bay Resort San Diego Mission Bay Resort See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It There are a number of waterfront hotels in San Diego and San Diego Mission Bay Resort stands out for its activity-laden marina, multiple waterfront pools, and family-friendly environment. Pros Waterfront location along Mission Bay Family-friendly Expansive outdoor pool area Cons Daily resort fee ($36) Parking fee ($42/vehicle) Not in the middle of the city/downtown When checking into a waterfront location like San Diego Mission Bay Resort, taking advantage of its beachy amenities is practically obligatory. Lounge in the sand, initiate a game of beach volleyball, or book various watercraft activities from the marina. Its 4,000-square-foot waterfront, outdoor pool area offers poolside cabanas and WiFi, a wading pool, and a firepit. There’s also a spa and salon—featuring local skin care products from Skin Authority and Coola—and a fitness center with locker facilities and tennis courts on site. The Mediterranean-style resort completed a $32 million renovation in 2020, with upgrades to its guest rooms and meeting spaces, open-air lobby, and outdoor areas. The resort fee covers internet access, beach chair and umbrella rentals, weekly bonfire s’mores nights, and more. Notable Amenities Large waterfront, outdoor pool areaMarina offers watercraft rentalsSpa features a Himalayan Salt Table for various body treatments and meditation experiences Best Fitness Center : Carté Hotel Carté Hotel See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It Carté Hotel’s unparalleled indoor fitness center and outdoor training spaces are stocked with state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes, sauna and steam rooms, and more. Pros Impressive on-site fitness center Walkable to Little Italy restaurants, the waterfront, and Gaslamp Quarter entertainment Rooftop bar and terrace Cons Location near Little Italy and Downtown’s waterfront may be too noisy for light sleepers Self-parking can be confusing, according to recent guests Rooms are a bit smaller than other hotels While most hotel fitness centers are passable at best (oftentimes comprised of just a few treadmills and some free weights), Carté Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton property, sports a 28,000 square foot gym. The space is outfitted with a range of equipment, an outdoor cross training area, salt water pool with cabanas, and locker rooms with showers, sauna and steam rooms, and complimentary towel service. They also host daily group fitness classes including yoga, cycling, and pilates. Room sizes begin at 325 square feet, and an on-site restaurant and rooftop cocktail bar round out the hotel’s offerings. Recent guests have noted that navigating its parking garage can be confusing, though valet parking should be available in 2021. Notable Amenities 28,000-square-foot, full-service gymRooftop terrace with bar and seating areasRefillable water stations throughout Best Historic : THE US GRANT THE US GRANT See Rates on Tripadvisor.com Why We Chose It From hosting multiple U.S. Presidents to serving as a speakeasy and acting as a sit-in site for women’s rights, THE US GRANT's storied past makes it a unique place to bed down in San Diego. Pros Restored and refurbished historical building Located in Gaslamp Quarter, one of San Diego’s most famous and historic neighborhoods Top-tier service Cons Valet parking only ($52/day) Limited spa services No pool THE US GRANT opened in 1910 and was built by the son of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant; it has since undergone several multi-million dollar refurbishments and renovations. Much of its original French Colonial and Art Deco architecture remains intact or has been restored, such as its high molded ceilings, wide windows and narrow hallways. Décor remains period appropriate with a combination of marble, mahogany wood, and sparkling chandeliers reminiscent of the 1920s. Rooms are opulent yet on the snug side, which was common among floor plans of the time. The 11-story luxury hotel houses a fine art collection of murals, paintings, and sculptures by Native American, American and European artists; a Four Diamond rated restaurant; lounge; and vintage French cocktail bar. Its Grant Grill restaurant—a go-to spot for business lunches—was the site of a “sit in” in 1969 where a group of female attorneys protested and ultimately overturned its men-only policy. During its tenure, THE US GRANT has hosted 14 U.S. presidents, many Hollywood celebrities and was home to a speakeasy during Prohibition. Today, the Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians own the hotel and it’s also included on the National Register of Historic Places. Notable Amenities Fine art collectionPresidential SuitesElectric car charging stations Final Verdict San Diego’s hotels keep families, foodies, and wellness seekers alike in mind, whether you’re checking in downtown or elsewhere in the county. Expect to pay a daily resort and parking fee, though also prepare to be wowed with unique amenities, pet-friendly policies, and ample opportunities to lounge and dine outdoors. Compare the Best San Diego Hotels Property Rates Resort Fee Free Wi-Fi Pendry San Diego Best Overall $$$ Yes Yes Kona Kai Resort Best Budget $$ Yes Yes Fairmont Grand Del Mar Best Family Option $$$ Yes Yes Rancho Bernardo Inn Best Hidden Gem $$ Yes Yes Mission San Diego Bay Best Waterfront $$ Yes Yes Carté Hotel Best Fitness Center $$ Yes Yes THE US GRANT Best Historic $$$ No Yes Methodology We combed through dozens of hotels in San Diego and filtered for great service, amenities, proximity to major attractions and notable neighborhoods, and customer reviews. Bonus consideration was given to hotels with unique touches as well as offerings for guests traveling with children. We also assessed resort fees, parking fees, and dining options. David Robinson / Getty Images Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! 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