40 Best Hotels in San Diego, California

Smaller but no less luxurious than the sprawling beach resorts of Coronado, this lodge—whose name alludes to the main building's former life as a boardinghouse built in 1906—welcomes couples for romantic retreats two blocks from the ocean. A major renovation in 2009 transformed the property beautifully and most suites now feature Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and porches; all rooms have flat-screen TVs and bathrobes. A full complimentary breakfast is served each morning while freshly baked cookies, wine, and hors d'oeuvres are served in the afternoons.

With tennis courts, two pools, jogging paths, fitness center, and complimentary bike rentals, this waterfront hotel is a natural fit for healthy travelers. Skylights, a waterfall, and a Thai theme expressed in gilt carvings and golden statues brighten the property's tiny but airy lobby. Harbor and marina-view rooms are decorated in simple whites and earth tones, and most of the suites are equipped with full kitchens. Despite the central location, the two heated pools and room service make it challenging to leave the hotel. Happy hour at Blue Wave Bar & Grill, the on-site restaurant, is popular for the seafood with SoCal flair.

It’s the view and location that will grab you at this new boutique hotel with plenty of perks including a rooftop restaurant, the 24-hour Prospect Market, and Tesla charging stations. Named after the black sea birds you’ll most likely see from your balcony, this La Jolla property stands out from the pack with room service, a business center, valet parking, and mid-century modern touches that are prominent in everything from the clean lines of the furniture to the patterned carpet. Even if you don’t stay here, the hotel's rooftop bar, Birdseye, is worth a visit for some of the best views in town (hotel guests receive 15% off).

A few blocks from the ocean and Girard Avenue's upscale shops, the five-story Empress Hotel in La Jolla blends Southern California beach style with a touch of European flair. Bright and airy rooms have plush beds, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, local artwork, microwaves, and small refrigerators. Thoughtful touches are in the soft and fluffy robes, slippers, towels, and pillows that adorn the contemporary turquoise and beige rooms. For more space and perks, upgrade to a suite with a separate living room, wet bar, and Jacuzzi tub. Guests can dine in at the hotel's Italian restaurant, Manhattan of La Jolla, or order room service.

With its rambling California mission–style architecture and brilliant gardens, this resort on what once was a famous equestrian ranch exudes rustic elegance. A bottle of wine, beach sandals, and unlimited bottled water welcome guests into rooms with marble baths, plush bedding, and robes; many rooms have private patios or balconies that face garden courtyards. Pet-friendly rooms have private lawns for four-legged friends and include pet-packages with grain-free munchies and plush beds. The resort offers a pool with cabanas and chaise longues, multiple spaces for outdoor dining, and a spa that features indulgent sessions. Slightly removed from downtown La Jolla, there are plenty of in-house dining options set around an antique hacienda with adobe brick. A favorite is the resort’s Mustangs & Burros serving Baja-California cuisine, followed by Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar with a Southwestern flair. Tucked within the nine acres are secret gardens where weekend yoga is held, and an outdoor games library where you can make your move under a starry sky. The Torrey Pines Golf Course is less than 1 mile from the hotel, but if walking isn't on the agenda, a free shuttle is available on demand.

One of San Diego's first "skyscrapers," this 11-story structure has a central location and a vintage feel. The public areas have old marble, brass, and mosaics. Most rooms are small, but they're decorated with similar old world–style furnishings. One-bedroom suites have varied layouts but all feature separate living room areas. You can enjoy the view and a complimentary continental breakfast on the casual rooftop terrace. Book ahead if you're visiting in summer.

The main building on this property is an Edwardian-style mansion built in 1908 for sugar baron John D. Spreckels, who once owned much of Downtown San Diego. Rooms in the mansion and in the newer motel-style buildings are quaintly furnished; some have patios or balconies. The inn is adjacent to the Coronado harbor and near many restaurants and shops, but it's much smaller and quieter than the Hotel Del, across the street. Complimentary coffee, tea, and fruit are served throughout the day, as are seasonal afternoon refreshments (hot chocolate during the winter and lemonade on hotter days).

This white-wedding-cake-style hotel in the heart of La Jolla Village has ocean views and charming European details that include chandeliers, mahogany railings, a wooden elevator, crystal doorknobs, and French doors. The hotel was built in 1913 and expanded and redesigned in the mid-1920s; newer additions feature larger suites, all with full kitchens and fireplaces and stocked with luxury bath products and snack baskets. Without compromising the integrity of the past, rooms have been modernized in a tasteful palette of royal blue and muted yellow; request a corner room with large windows framing the ocean. While most guests request the historic main building, all four areas of the property pay tribute to the swanky 1920s Beverly Hills vibe. Step back in time by cruising La Jolla in the hotel's courtesy London cab, or stroll the hallways lined with black-and-white portraits of La Jolla's past. The hotel's restaurant, Nine-Ten, run by chef Jason Knibb, is well liked by locals for its fresh, seasonal California cuisine. A small $20 resort fee includes hospitality extras like use of bicycles, a Chromebook, access to a neighboring fitness center, beach gear, local transportation, and complementary coffee-to-go.

Modern decor, spacious rooms, convenient location, and endless amenities make this 2019 property the best bet for travelers wanting a little bit of everything in one hotel. Within walking distance of Liberty Public Market, it’s adjacent to San Diego Airport. Hot breakfast, a swimming pool, fitness center, laundry facilities, on-site market, and coffee/hot cocoa bar are just a few of the bonuses to the reasonable room rates. While the hotel has plenty of amenities, the rooms are somewhat sparse but comfortable and spotless with aviation artwork adorning the wall. The proximity to Downtown—just 3 miles away—and the airport make this hotel a top choice for business travelers and early-or-late flight arrivals.

Self-billed as a hip playground for rock stars and people who want to party like them, the Hard Rock is near Petco Park overlooking glimmering San Diego Bay. The interior oozes laid-back sophistication, and guest rooms include branded Sleep Like a Rock beds and the option of renting a guitar. One of the hotel's 17 Rock Star suites was designed by the pop group, the Black-Eyed Peas. Restaurants on-site include Nobu, a sushi mecca, and Maryjane's, a diner with classic American style. Among locals, the hotel is most well known for its 207 nightclub and Float—a poolside bar where skimpy bikinis and board shorts rule.

Two brands from Hilton Hotels now share a building in Little Italy two blocks from the bay, giving guests more space to spread out and be relatively within budget. Hilton Garden Inn rooms occupy the right side of the floor, while the larger Homewood Suites are on the left side. Both brands offer free Wi-Fi and room service, as well as a shared 24/7 grab-and-go market, the Pacific Standard Coastal Kitchen restaurant (dinner only), and access to a heated outdoor rooftop pool. The 160 Homewood Suites have full kitchens and larger layouts, along with daily breakfast buffet and an evening reception Monday through Thursday, making it more ideal for longer stays. Some of the 204 Hilton Garden Inn rooms have bay views and sleeper sofas.

This contemporary 30-story hotel overlooking San Diego Bay strives for a boutique feel. Rooms are modern and spacious with views of either the bay or the port. All rooms have large work desks, perfect for industrious business travelers while families will enjoy the heated saltwater pool and kids-only splash pad. The hotel also has a full-service spa and fitness center. Trolley tours of the city stop at the hotel; joggers will like the waterfront 3-mile path that winds over to Seaport Village.

The moment you experience the cozy lounge spaces and wood accents of the Hilton's modern and sophisticated lobby, you realize this isn't your run-of-the-mill chain hotel—room perks include pillow-top mattresses, down comforters, and spacious work desks. The rooms located at the Lofts on 5th Avenue, a boutique hotel within the hotel, offer extra-high ceilings and upscale design; some have whirlpool tubs. An outdoor terrace off the New Leaf lounge is furnished like a comfy living room and has a firepit. You can't beat the location: the trolley whizzes by, the convention center is across the street, and nightlife and restaurants are just outside your door.

As much of a draw today as it was when it opened in 1888, the Victorian-style "Hotel Del" is always alive with activity, as guests—including U.S. presidents and celebrities—and tourists marvel at the fanciful architecture and ocean views. About half the accommodations are in the more charming, original Victorian building, where each room is unique in size and footprint; rooms in the California Cabana buildings and Ocean Towers have a Pottery Barn look and marble bathrooms. These rooms are closer to the pool and the beach, making them a good option for families. In the secluded Beach Village area, villas and cottages feature full kitchens, private terraces, and several bedroom configurations.

At this U-shape beachfront property, every room gets a glimpse of the ocean, meaning you can fall asleep to the sound of the crashing waves and wake up to the sight of surfers paddling at Pescadero break just in front of the hotel. Inspired by the owner's travels to Santorini, this blue-and-white two-story hotel has bright and cheerful rooms framing a pool and courtyard. Downstairs on the terrace, guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea, nearby cliffs, and the Ocean Beach Pier. Rooms have laminate wood flooring, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and double-headed showers with granite finish. You won't find a restaurant or room service, but the outdoor grill and teak patio furniture provide the basics for an ideal sunset barbecue.

Request a south-facing room on the second floor for the best ocean views at no extra charge.

A new addition to the waterfront skyline, InterContinental San Diego provides a more luxurious and stylish option for travelers in what's generally an area populated by more family-friendly lodging. All guestrooms feature bay-front views, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view of available attractions both on the water and on dry land. Those that choose to stick around the hotel a while can also enjoy its pool, fitness and spa services, as well as both indoor and outdoor dining at its signature fine-dining restaurant Vistal and "hidden" Italian restaurant, Garibaldi.

Centrally located in the heart of Little Italy, the 67-room hotel offers boutique lodging on a budget by forgoing the extravagance of some of the larger, nearby luxury brands; thankfully, it doesn't do so at the expense of aesthetics. Rooms are stylish and comfortable, many with city views, and its location is ideal for those seeking to take in Little Italy on foot. There's no in-room dining or complimentary breakfast, but there are two restaurants just outside its doors and numerous options just within a block or two.

You can park your boat at the 80-slip marina of this romantic retreat set on a secluded 15-acre peninsula on the Silver Strand. Rooms glow in sand and sea hues; most standard rooms and all suites have furnished balconies with water views. You can rent watercraft—including WaveRunners, sailboats, and motorboats—and get out on the water, or luxuriate by the tropical oasis that surrounds three pools. The 10,000-square-foot Sea Spa features a tranquil garden area with a hot tub and Watsu water massages. Exercise classes range from yoga to kickboxing, and the resort's surf instructors can teach you how to ride waves or stand-up paddle.

Primarily a draw for business travelers, this hotel between Seaport Village and the convention center also works well for leisure and family travelers. All rooms have water views, modern furnishings, and windows that open to the coastal breeze. Two pools, several sports courts for basketball, tennis, and volleyball, a Marilyn Monroe spa, a 24-hour market, and seven restaurants and bars mean you don't have to leave the hotel. But, if you do leave, the trolley station is one block away, and the Gaslamp's clubs and restaurants are within walking distance. Sally's Fish House & Bar offers locally sourced seafood and has a picture-perfect patio on the waterfront while Redfield's Sports Bar is a great spot to sip San Diego's craft beer.

Be sure to catch at least one sunset from the Top of the Hyatt bar on the 40th-floor.

Business travelers who also want to catch a baseball game flock to this modern masterpiece that occupies the first 21 floors of a 32-story high-rise overlooking Petco Park. A sky bridge that opens 90 minutes before game time connects the hotel and the stadium. Another perk—expertly trained Clefs d'Or concierges are available to guests at all hours of the day. All rooms have windows that open, and most have views of the ocean, the bay, the Downtown skyline, or the ballpark's outfield. A stone fireplace anchors the pool terrace, where you can dine alfresco or relax on padded chaise longues.

Since its unveiling in 2023, this historic estate-turned-boutique hotel has lured travelers from afar with its romantic courtyard, sophisticated lounge, and deco-modern suites just blocks from the beach. Designed by Irving Gill, the 1910 former residence took a turn for the better without jeopardizing its integrity; retained are the original archways and handrails for which the famed California architect is known. With seamless check-in and contactless services, everything is at your fingertips including an on-site concierge who is just a text message away. Between fresh pastries (Friday–Sunday), pet-friendly rooms, a library lounge, and cold brew on tap, it’s like staying at the home of a wealthy friend. Sunny and soft rooms have thoughtful touches including Nespresso machines, Smart TVs, Turkish robes, sateen linens, and mini-fridges that can be prestocked with fresh juice, face masks, and snacks. The location, across from the Museum of Contemporary Art, is about as central as you can get. Take advantage of the neighboring parking garage and let your feet do the exploring to the nearby beach, shops, and restaurants.

Travelers love this terrific beachfront hotel and the ocean views from most rooms; it's a perfect place for watching sunsets over the Pacific. Rooms are redecorated in the style of Tommy Bahama and have marble counters, plantation shutters, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Each room has either a private balcony or a patio, and eight of the suites have Jacuzzi tubs. Even the smallest room is fairly large.

Originally built in 1912, the former St. James Hotel showcases whimsical California design elements in a vibrant space in heart of the Gaslamp District. The nautically inspired guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi, Diptyque bath products, and a Nespresso coffee machine. The all-day eatery, Saint James French Diner, combines the feel of a classic American diner with the subtlety of a French bistro.

Located along La Jolla coastline with ocean views from almost every corner, this sophisticated, Bali-inspired inn offers a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom suites, and cottages. Diverging from the pastel, beachy-chic vibe that dominates neighboring properties, Pantai’s decor features dark mahogany canopy beds, South Asian artwork, fireplaces, and copper sinks that give the property a retreat-like experience that extends to the inn’s stellar service and refusal to nickel-and-dime guests; complimentary amenities include Wi-Fi, parking, a bottle of wine, and beverages in the lobby. Beyond the courtyard fountains are tropical-chic rooms with Tommy Bahama-esque furnishings, river-rock rain showers, and amenities like 60'' flat-screen TVs, fireplaces, and full kitchens. Although the spacious suites appeal to groups, Pantai’s serene atmosphere is not appropriate for small children. The Inn lacks a pool and gym, but guests are given free passes to nearby La Jolla Sports Club.

Minutes from SeaWorld but hidden in a quiet part of Mission Bay, the beautiful landscape of this 44-acre resort offers plenty of space for families to play and relax. The botanical gardens have ponds, waterfalls, footbridges, waterfowl, and more than 600 varieties of tropical plants—a pleasant backdrop for the island-inspired spa. Many opportunities for recreation are available—there are five pools, including one just for adults—and there's access to a marina. Ground-floor bungalow-style rooms are outfitted with flat-screen plasma TVs, mini-refrigerators, and a sleek navy and white palette.

Opened in early 2017, the Pendry San Diego is the Gaslamp's newest stunner. The 317 rooms and suites feature a modern luxury design—think toile wallpaper with subtle illustrations of surfers and chaise longues—and amenities include giant flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, fully stocked minibars, and Bluetooth speakers. Downstairs, there are no fewer than six restaurants and bars that include a beer hall and a basement social club. For more traditional dining, Provisional serves as an all-day café, restaurant, and gelato shop offering seasonal California fare, while Lionfish serves up fresh-caught fish, oysters, and sushi. A roof-deck pool, fitness center, and spa round out the on-site offerings.

The 22-story Marriott sits amid the Gaslamp's restaurants and boutiques, near a trolley station, the convention center, and Petco Park. The Marriott has sweeping views of Downtown and the waterfront as well as right into the ballpark. You can take in the entire panorama from Altitude, the swanky rooftop bar that's popular among travelers and locals. Rooms offer luxury linens, flat-screen TVs, laptop safes, and Starbucks coffee, and there's fast Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The restaurant, Soleil @k, emphasizes simply prepared fresh produce and meats.

You'd be wise to make reservations well in advance for this small, quiet inn tucked away on Coast Boulevard atop Whale Watch Point; its popularity with repeat visitors ensures that it's booked year-round. The inn is a short walk from La Jolla Cove’s snorkeling and tide pools, and it's common to wake up to the sound of the ocean waves. Rooms are done in a beige and blue beachy style with plantation shutters, ocean views, and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms have fireplaces and the room rate includes parking and Wi-Fi.

Choose this place for its great location—right on bustling Pacific Beach. Guest rooms are super simple, though they include pillow-top beds, upholstered headboards, and flat-screen TVs. Most have balconies, but can look out on an ugly rooftop; get a higher room for better ocean views. The slightly larger junior suites have leather sofas for lounging and wet bars with microwaves, refrigerators, and coffeemakers. Although the two-bedroom Sunset Suite has bare-bones decor, it includes a full kitchen and large sundeck that's perfect for warm-weather get-togethers.