Fodor's Expert Review Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport

This Courtyard Marriott is close to the airport, but it’s not in the middle of nowhere. Nestled on the waterfront near a 46-acre park, the hotel is a pleasant 10-minute walk from Liberty Station, a mixed-use development with restaurants, art galleries, and a daily public market. From the hotel, it’s a 15 or 20-minute drive from the hotel to Downtown, Balboa Park/San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld. A pool and city skyline views are also pluses.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The “waterfront” is on an inlet, not the actual bay.

room

Rooms are standard Courtyard Marriott, with contemporary warm wood furniture, crisp white bedding, and seating in light gray with pops of pale and bright yellow. Some rooms look out on the water and twinkling San Diego skyline.

bathroom

Bathrooms are basic but serviceable, with a wide granite counter and a tiled shower-tub combo.

lobby

The hotel’s airy lobby has glossy white tile floors, gray walls, and clusters of contemporary seating in light gray, slate blue, and cobalt. There’s also an outdoor courtyard with comfy seating and a large fire pit.

Prone to the munchies? Check out the hotel’s Market snack shop in the lobby.

pool

Not far from the waterfront, with views of the San Diego skyline in the distance, the outdoor pool area features a clean-lined pool, a hot tub, a fire pit, and plenty of chaises and table seating.

gym

The hotel’s fitness center has cardio equipment (treadmills, elliptical cross-trainers, and stationary bikes) as well as free weights.

Golf lover? It’s a five-minute drive to The Loma golf course.

dining

The hotel’s recently renovated waterside Lounge Restaurant & Bar serves a breakfast buffet.

drinking

The hotel’s Lounge bar serves beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as light nibbles.