With its energetic downtown, sprawling ranch lands, sparkling beach fronts, and other amazing beautiful sights to behold, San Diego has just as much swagger as any of the other top-tier cities throughout California.
But unlike those other destinations, this city offers relaxing beach vibes and nearly perfect weather all year round.
And these attractions are just the tip of the iceberg.
There’s so much more that San Diego has to offer than just beautiful beaches.
Not only does this city have a strong family-friendly reputation, there are romantic Spanish colonial resorts, swanky downtown venues, historical landmarks, championship golf courses, and so much more to explore.
Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, there’s always something in San Diego for you to add that extra bit of flavor to your trip.
But first thing’s first, you gotta find a place to stay. To help you narrow down your options, check out our selection below of the best hotels in San Diego:
Best for Business: The Omni San Diego
Situated in the heart of downtown San Diego, this beautiful hotel is just minutes away from the historic Gaslamp District, Petco Park, and several other exciting venues.
So after a hectic day of meetings, you will easily find something to do to relieve your stress.
Conference room at the Omni San Diego Hotel | Photo courtesy of Omni San Diego Hotel
If staying in is your idea of relaxation, you’ll be happy to know this particular hotel has a cosmopolitan feel that perfectly complements the sunny San Diego weather.
Each room features natural materials and warm tones, ensuring comfort and style.
Omni San Diego Executive Suite | Photo courtesy of Omni San Diego Hotel
Relax in their upscale bathroom or do some mindless surfing with their fast wireless Internet.
Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, staying at this hotel will be one sure highlight of your trip.
Omni San Diego Hotel
675 L St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Avg. +$199 per night | See rates for Omni San Diego Hotel
Best Oceanfront: Tower23 Hotel
This hotel features a minimalist design complete with stark white walls and balconies with ocean views. Its rooms come with just about any amenity you can think of, even an Xbox console.
All this comes courtesy of architect Graham Downes, who is the genius behind some of the hottest clubs and restaurants throughout San Diego.
When you’ve had your fill of all the activities at the hotel, be sure to check out Jordans. It’s Tower23’s beachfront bar, where you can chow down on some of the best surf-and-turf in the area.
After you fill your tummy, a stroll down their boardwalk is sure to yield some interesting opportunities. You won’t regret it.
Tower23 Hotel
723 Felspar St, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
Avg. +$369 per night | See rates for Tower23 Hotel
Best for Families: The Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Located on the bay in downtown San Diego, this 30-story luxury hotel offers many amenities for parents and children alike.
Living room at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel | Photo courtesy of Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel
One of the best options, especially for parents who want some alone time, are the connected rooms. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
They also have high chairs and cribs available upon request, a children’s menu, and video rentals for kids, and a ton of family activities.
It’s also important to know that this hotel is close to the San Diego Convention Center and is within walking distance of Petco Park. When parents want to let loose, they can check out the nightlife at the Gaslamp Quarter.
The Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Avg. +$200 per night | See rates for Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Best for Romance: The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
This hotel sits just outside of San Diego on 21 acres of beautifully manicured grounds. In this way, it’s able to give its visitors the best of both worlds – easy access to the many amenities that the beautiful city has to offer while also providing a unique escape for those who want to stay away from the hustle and bustle.
Bed room at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe Hotel | Photo courtesy of Inn at Rancho Santa Fe Hotel
This boutique hotel also offers a luxurious setting filled with amenities that are perfect for couples looking to spark or rekindle some romance.
A few of these include horseback riding, a world-class pool, a bar and lounge, hot tubs, and much more.
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, United States
Avg. +$314 per night | See rates for Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
Best Luxury: Fairmont Grand Del Mar
When luxury is paramount, you can’t go wrong with the Spanish-colonial-style Fairmont Grand Del Mar. It’s the only 5-star hotel of its kind in the city and it’s easy to see why.
Magnificent Entrance of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar Hotel | Photo courtesy of Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Its guest rooms are palatial and come with silk curtains, marble bathrooms, and much more. Its amenities are world class as well.
They include a 20,000-square-foot spa, a championship golf course, and six dining options – including the five-star Addison.
It also features stables filled with friendly horses. They come in handy for those who want to experience the nearby Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve.
It’s a beautiful park filled with hundreds of trails for hikers and equestrians to explore. Perhaps the only downside is the lack of ocean views, but with the four pools on the property, chances are you won’t notice.
If you do, however, you don’t have to worry. The hotel offers guests access to a car service (where you can choose from Cadillac, Mercedes, and other luxury brands) to head to your favorite spot on the beach.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130, United States
Avg. +$399 per night | See rates for Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Best Downtown: The Kimpton Solamar Hotel
The modern and chic Solamar Hotel offers several amenities to keep their guests happy. Some of these include a nightly happy hour, Wi-Fi, and yoga classes on the pool deck.
Swimming pool at the Kimpton Solamar Hotel | Photo courtesy of Kimpton Solamar Hotel
Each room even comes equipped with cushy beds and modern bathrooms decorated with pops of delightful browns and blues. This color combination adds a special touch that adds to the ambience of the space.
The Solomar’s location in San Diego is a boon for sure. The nearby Gaslamp District has a ton of bars, restaurants, and even a baseball stadium for sports lovers.
It’s perfect for guests who love to hit the ground running. Just make sure you take the time to check out Solamar’s 4th-floor rooftop pool terrace to taste its unbelievable Californian Coastal Cuisine. It’ll be worth the trip alone.
The Kimpton Solamar Hotel
435 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Avg. +$213 per night | See rates for Kimpton Solamar Hotel
Best Boutique: The Pendry San Diego
Situated in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the Pendry San Diego is one of the more beautiful boutique hotels in the area.
Breakfast in bed at the Pendry San Diego Hotel | Photo courtesy of Pendry San Diego
It features over 300 smoke-free rooms, suites with either bay or downtown views, an on-site spa that offers a holistic wellness treatment for guests, and that’s just the beginning.
It’s also one of the more family-friendly hotels on the list and comes with cribs available upon request as well as childcare services so weary parents can get a chance to cut loose and relax.
The Pendry San Diego
550 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Avg. +$276 per night | See rates for Pendry San Diego
Best with a Pool: The Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
This premiere hacienda-style hotel sits on a rolling 10-acre estate filled with landscaped gardens and other aesthetically pleasing features.
The Spanish mission-style buildings with their courtyards and bright guest rooms are especially delightful.
Picture of the Pool in the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa Hotel | Photo courtesy of The Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Although it was built centuries ago, this hotel has a surprising number of modern creature comforts. Perhaps the best feature of this hotel is the heated saltwater pool where you can curl up with a book or cool off from the San Diego heat.
There’s also a spa that offers wraps and a variety of massages. No matter how you spend your time, don’t forget to take in a meal at Mustangs and Burros and drinks at the Library. It’s what we like to call “an unforgettable experience”.
The Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Avg. +$237 per night | See rates for Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Best for Nightlife: The Hard Rock San Diego Hotel Downtown
As you can tell by the name, the Hard Rock hotel in San Diego is perfect for those guests looking to party.
Nightlife Bar of the Hard Rock San Diego Hotel Downtown | Photo courtesy of The Hard Rock San Diego Hotel Downtown
It is where unparalleled service meets urban chic design aesthetics and world-class dining. But its amenities are great too. The beds are comfortable, the rooms lovingly decorated, and that’s just the beginning.
It also features a heated outdoor pool, sauna, a rooftop pool, hot tub, and more. To say that a visit here is an unforgettable experience is an understatement.
The Hard Rock San Diego Hotel Downtown
207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Avg. +$269 per night | See rates for Hard Rock San Diego Hotel Downtown
Best Overall: The Pantai Inn
This exceptional Boutique Hotel masterfully blends Bali’s old-world charm, innovative technologies, and creature comforts worthy of royalty.
Front view of the Pantai Inn Hotel | Photo courtesy of The Pantai Inn
Its suites feature several luxurious amenities and breathtaking ocean views that conjure images of a tranquil retreat in Indonesia. But perhaps what sets this hotel apart from the rest is that no two rooms are exactly alike.
Each one features custom furnishings, wood, art, and stone carvings, all hand-chosen and imported from Bali. In short, this hotel exudes luxury in its purest form.
The Pantai Inn
1003 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
Avg. +$352 per night | See rates for Pantai Inn
The Bottom Line
San Diego has a tons of hidden gems that many would not expect, but when you combine a visit to this exquisite city with one of the exceptional hotels on this list, you will have an unparalleled experience filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to plan your trip to San Diego today and live some of the best moments of your life.
Leave a Reply