Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
2051 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, California, 92106, United States, San Diego, California, USA
Why We Like It
When it comes to hotels, San Diego has something for everyone. This attractive resort from Best Western Plus offers an island-getaway vibe just 15 minutes from Downtown. With two pools, tennis courts, a private marina, and splendid views of the bay, guests might not even want to leave.
Located on the waterfront of Shelter Island, a thin sliver of land that curls like a finger into the curving west end of San Diego Bay, the Polynesian-style Island Palms Hotel & Marina has city and water views for miles. The resort features a private yacht marina, two bayside pools, tennis courts, jogging paths, an on-site restaurant, and waterfront patio seating. Hints of Polynesian style and lush tropical landscaping give the place an island vibe--indeed, Shelter Island is known as San Diego’s Hawaiian Isle.
YOU SHOULD KNOW Technically, Shelter Island isn’t an island, so you don’t need a bridge or a boat to get there.
room
Guestrooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable, with pale soothing hues, plush armchairs, wood furniture, and either a king-size bed or two doubles. Depending on which building you’re staying in, some rooms feature pitched plank ceilings and island-style design accents like rattan headboards and plantation shutters. Water-view rooms look out on the marina; some have private patios.
bathroom
Bathrooms vary by room, featuring granite or cobalt tile counters and a tub-shower combo.
lobby
The modern lobby features a pitched wood-plank ceiling with slatted skylights, natural stone flooring, and comfortable seating.
pool
The hotel features two bayside swimming pools and hot tubs. It’s also a 15-minute walk to the actual beach.
spa
Guests can book in-room massage therapy services.
gym
The hotel’s fitness center features cardio equipment and weight machines. There are also two tennis courts and guests can borrow bikes or book sailing excursions through the hotel.
dining
The on-site Blue Wave Bar & Grill overlooks the private marina and serves California coastal cuisine, breakfast through dinner.
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LOCATION
Getting Around
If you’re not pulling up by private boat, it’s probably best to have a car, as Shelter Island isn’t the most accessible place without one. The strip of land starts in San Diego’s Point Loma neighborhood, which has its own attractions, including the Cabrillo Monument, but you’ll have to drive north to get to Interstate 8, from which you can pick up Interstate 5. To get Downtown, simply follow the curved bay. The hotel does offer shuttle service to the airport and train station, but some guests say it’s not the most reliable.
Restaurants
Just down the road, also with great marina views, Humphrey’s Restaurant (8-minute walk) is a popular spot for food, particularly Sunday brunch. The restaurant, part of Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn, serves reliably good dishes with creative flavor profiles, like scallops with black truffle and ruby grapefruit, or a New York strip steak with bacon feta grits. At the Kona Kai Club, the Vessel Restaurant + Bar (8-minute walk) makes a striking impression, from the hexagonal bar with a backlit onyx counter to the bayside seating. The food is good, though nothing to write home about, but the setting is gorgeous and the service attentive.
