15 Best Resorts in San Diego

Written by Darren tcc
Updated on
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California is one of the best vacation spots in the United States. It’s warm, sunny, and has a long coastline of beaches to explore. When you’re getting ready to plan that next summer vacation, or looking for places to go for your upcoming spring break, or hey even taking a Christmas vacation, you’ll want to turn your head to California.

Today let’s talk San Diego. A major city in California, San Diego is located right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and near the border between the United States and Mexico. San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States, with means there is plenty to see and do during the time you have for your vacation.

The resorts and hotels are plentiful, and no matter what type of vacation you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find it. Couples will find a quiet beach retreat, while families will be able to seek out a family-friendly, all-inclusive resort that meets the needs of every family member. Sit back, relax, and get started planning your perfect vacation here.

Let’s have a look at the best resorts in San Diego:

1. Rancho Bernardo Inn

Rancho Bernardo InnSource: ranchobernardoinn
Rancho Bernardo Inn

The Rancho Bernardo Inn is surrounded by luxurious and lush gardens, nestled away on an expanse of green, manicured property. With 287 guest rooms and suites, guests will be able to find just the right suite for them. The accommodations at Rancho Bernardo Inn include either a private balcony or a private patio, so guests can enjoy the warm weather or step right out into the surrounding gardens.

Rancho Bernardo Inn has two restaurants onsite, as well as a bar and cafe. Guests will get a taste of fresh, delicious seafood or a casual meal and cocktails. On-site at the resort, guests can take part in a freshly renovated 18-hole golf course, or take a tour through the gardens. For families, Rancho Bernardo Inn has seasonal family-fun packages with all sorts of activities for kids.

Website: http://www.ranchobernardoinn.com/

2. Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Fairmont Grand Del MarSource: fairmont
Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Boasting the ambiance of the Mediterranean, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is located among the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The architecture captures all of the old-world, Mediterranean estate charm, while still giving guests luxury amenities. Fairmont Grand Del Mar has 249 guest rooms and suites, and is perfect for both romantic getaways and family vacations.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar has six different dining venues that will give guests an array of cuisines from all over, including Mediterranean dishes and international cuisine with a California flair. This resort is located perfectly for guests to enjoy a hike through California’s beautiful scenery, or spend some time on the golf range. Fairmont Grand Del Mar also offers seasonal resort events for summer fun.

Website: http://www.fairmont.com/san-diego/

3. Paradise Point Resort and Spa

Paradise Point Resort and SpaSource: paradisepoint
Paradise Point Resort and Spa

Get a private island experience without having to travel all the way to the Caribbean. Tucked away in a spot called Mission Bay, Paradise Point is surrounded by beautiful lagoons, pristine beaches, and tropical gardens on this 44-acre island. Paradise Point offers 462 bungalow-style rooms, as well as 73 hotel-style suites. Each room is ground floor with private patios, and guests can choose between a garden, lagoon, or bay view.

Guests can enjoy a diverse range of dining options at Paradise Point, including the beachside restaurant Tidal, as well as a waterfront bar and grill. For laid-back meals, you can also get poolside cuisine, or enjoy a pizza at the Caveman Pizza Company. On the island, there’s plenty for guests to do and fun to be had. Guests can enjoy the full-service marina, as well as summer activities and camp options for kids and teenagers.

Website: http://www.paradisepoint.com/

4. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Marriott Marquis San Diego MarinaSource: marriott
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, Marriott Marquis is waterfront to the marina, and is the perfect location for guests who want to be in the center of all of San Diego’s exciting attractions. Guests can stay in any number of guestrooms or luxury suites, with views overlooking the city of San Diego or the glistening waters of the nearby bay.

For breakfast, guests can take their choice of buffet, grab ’n’ go, or hot breakfast, and for lunch and dinner, the Marriott Marquis has an arrangement of on-site restaurants where American, Mexican, Asian-Fusion, and more can be found. The Hideaway is the resort’s on-site spa, perfect for guests who want to do just that. In addition to the nearby marina, the Marriott Marquis is located nearby Sea World and the San Diego Zoo.

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sandt-marriott-marquis-san-diego-marina/

5. Catamaran Resort and Spa

Catamaran Resort and SpaSource: catamaranresort
Catamaran Resort and Spa

Nestled along the beachfront waters of Mission Bay, Catamaran Resort is a unique, Polynesian-themed getaway, surrounded by tropical gardens, waterfalls, and exotic birds. No matter what room you choose from, guests will be getting a stunning view from any one of the guestrooms or suites. The Bay view suites overlook the waters of Mission Bay, while the garden view rooms surround guests with a tropical island ambiance.

Oceana, Catamaran Resort’s on-site restaurant, offers guests a casual dining experience, with year-round indoor and outdoor seating options as well as a menu that ranges from fresh seafood to classic American. Catamaran Resort offers seasonal activities that give guests the tropical islands experience, such as sunset luaus and Polynesian dance classes.

Website: https://www.catamaranresort.com/

6. Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock HotelSource: hardrockhotelsd
Hard Rock Hotel

Smack dab in the middle of downtown San Diego, Hard Rock Hotel puts you right in the midst of all the hustle, bustle, and excitement that this city has to offer. Hard Rock Hotel is perfect for couples’ getaways, family vacations, or a group of friends visiting the city for the best spring break ever. Accommodations include studio rooms and Hard Rock suites, with modern, custom-designed suites that will give you an exclusive vacation experience right from your hotel room.

Hard Rock Hotel offers guests an array of San Diego’s finest nightlife and dining experiences, with any number of the on-site bars, restaurants, and 18-and-over nightclubs. Guests can enjoy the Rock Spa located on-site, where you can recover from a night out or get yourself ready for a night on the town. Hard Rock Hotel also offers an eco-friendly option of renting bikes to explore the city, rather than taking a car.

Website: http://www.hardrockhotelsd.com/

7. Kimpton Hotel Palomar

Kimpton Hotel PalomarSource: hotelpalomar-sandiego.com
Kimpton Hotel Palomar

Boasting traditional modern SolCal chic ambiance, the Kimpton Hotel Palomar is an icon of downtown San Diego. Kimpton Hotel considers themselves to be an urban retreat, with 211 stylish rooms, with stunning views of the cityscape. Guests can take their pick of guestrooms, specialty suites, and rooms with a special skyline view. You can bring the whole family along, including the dog, with pets welcome free of charge.

The onsite restaurant, Curandero, boasts authentic, Mexican cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can dine in, or take their food to go with private dining options. For guests visiting the city on business, there’s a 24-hour business center. Or, for the guests taking a break from business, Kimpton Hotel has a 7,000-square foot pool deck and bar, where you can lounge by the water and get poolside cocktails.

Website: http://www.hotelpalomar-sandiego.com/

8. Bahia Resort Hotel

Bahia Resort HotelSource: bahiahotel
Bahia Resort Hotel

Settled along the bay, the Bahia Resort Hotel is located among the iconic beauty of San Diego’s Mission Bay. In addition to the beachfront property, Bahia Resort Hotel is also located within minutes of exciting San Diego attractions. Guestrooms and suites both come with an array of unforgettable views, from the bay to the garden, with sliding glass doors that open up onto the pristine sand of the beach.

Delicious meals are made right on-site at the Bahia Resort Hotel, from Mediterranean-inspired breakfast, lunch, and dinner to casual meals and cocktails with a dash of Moroccan. Bahia Resort Hotel has many seasonal and summer activities, including watersports such as surfing, snorkeling, and sailing.

Website: http://bahiahotel.com/

9. Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa

Hilton San Diego Resort and SpaSource: sandiegohilton
Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa

Located on Mission Bay, the Hilton San Diego Resort is perfect for the whole family to come and enjoy. Surrounded by tropical gardens and settled beachfront on the bay, this resort offers guestrooms, studios, and suites with an array of scenic views.  Guests can enjoy being surrounded by the lush gardens, or peering out over the waters of Mission bay. With luxury suites, families of any size and stay and enjoy their vacation together.

American cuisine, exotic cocktails, and martinis, or snacks by the poolside- whatever you’re looking for, the Hilton Resort will have it. Or, if you’re looking for a little privacy, room service is available daily from morning until evening. For an exciting time around the resort, guests can rent out jet skis, paddleboards, and aqua cycles. For kids, the Mermaid Experience awaits on Saturdays and Sundays for an hour of swimming with a monofin mermaid tail.

Website: http://www.sandiegohilton.com/

10. Omni San Diego Hotel

Omni San Diego HotelSource: omnihotels
Omni San Diego Hotel

Omni San Diego Hotel is located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, and is within close distance of San Diego’s exciting attractions. Guests can take their pick of any one of the Omni Hotel’s 511 guest rooms and suites, with perfect views of San Diego Bay and the iconic downtown skyline. Omni Hotel offers two on-site restaurants, with cuisine that ranges from fresh seafood to a poolside bar and grill.

For private dining options, the Omni Hotel also offers 24-hour room service. For families, the Omni Kids Crew program is perfect for kids, who receive a backpack of games and activities upon check-in. When it’s time to explore San Diego, the Omni Hotel is located in the Gaslamp Quarter with hundreds of unique boutique shops for all your vacation gift shopping.

Website: https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego

11. Homewood Suites

Homewood SuitesSource: hilton
Homewood Suites

Homewood Suites is located in Torrey Hills, which is only minutes away from the Del Mar beaches and other exciting San Diego attractions. Studios and one or two-bedroom suites are available for guests, with fully equipped kitchens and living areas for guests traveling in large groups, or families with children. Homewood Suites is surrounded by stunning manicured gardens and offers private and furnished patios.

Every day, guests at treated to a full and hot breakfast to start their days off right. For lunch and dinner, Homewood Suites offers two dining venues, with American bistro favorites and delicious New York deli sandwiches. Although Homewood Suites is not waterfront, there are beaches nearby for guests to spend the day in the water.

Website: http://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/homewood-suites-by-hilton-san-diego-del-mar-SANDEHW/index.html

12. Manchester Grand Hyatt

Manchester Grand HyattSource: hyatt.com
Manchester Grand Hyatt

Located on the waterfront near downtown San Diego, the Manchester Grand Hyatt boasts a resort-style ambiance while still being accessible to all the downtown excitements. The Manchester Grand Hyatt is huge, with 1628 guest rooms and suites and endless views of the cityscape and the San Diego Bay.

Manchester Grand Hyatt offers locally sourced foods, fresh seafood, and gourmet meals all at any one of their restaurants, bars, or lounges. From the very top of the 40th floor, guests can also enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime view while sipping on a luxury cocktail. Manchester Grand Hyatt is centrally located for guests to make the most of their San Diego visit, with quick and easy access to beaches, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and more.

Website: https://manchester.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

13. US Grant

US GrantSource: usgrant
US Grant

A historic and iconic hotel, the US Grant has been considered a national staple since 1910, and offers guests an old-time ambiance. Located in downtown San Diego in the Gaslamp Quarter, the US Grant offers guests a historic experience while also being nestled among the downtown excitement. Guests have their pick of studio guest rooms, landmark suites, or stunning presidential penthouses.

Renowned all-around San Diego, the Grant Grill is located onsite at the US Grant, offering gourmet lunches and dinners for all guests. There’s even weekend entertainment at the Grant Grill Lounge, Thursday through Saturday. The US Grant offers a fitness center, as well as an onsite spa, where guests can take a moment to relax during their exciting vacation.

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sanlc-the-us-grant

14. The Pendry

The PendrySource: pendryhotels
The Pendry

The Pendry is located right in the center of downtown San Diego’s historic downtown Gaslamp District. This hotel is a perfect mix of both the historic times in which it was built, and the modern day in which it exists now. Guests can stay in any one of the 317 guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of downtown San Diego.

Six unique restaurants and bars are located at the Pendry, with local California cuisine and fresh seafood dishes that will delight any craving. Spa Pendry is the onsite spa for guests who are ready to let the stress of their everyday lives fade away before hitting all of San Diego’s nearby attractions, including Gaslamp Quarter’s boutique shopping.

Website: https://www.pendryhotels.com/san-diego/

15. The Westgate Hotel

The Westgate HotelSource: westgatehotel
The Westgate Hotel

The Westgate Hotel is perfect for the discerning traveler who wants to stay in a hotel that is the very definition of luxury and elegance. Westgate offers spacious suites that are inspired by the decadence of European style, with floor-to-ceiling windows that show off the breathtaking view of downtown San Diego. Guests can take their pick of regular, deluxe, or premier suites.

Gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at the Westgate’s on-site restaurant, which boasts a new California-style twist to classic fine dining cuisine. Guests can also partake in afternoon tea, Sunday brunch, and private in-room dining. Westgate is perfectly located in the heart of downtown San Diego, so guests can enjoy all of the nearby attractions after they have lounges by the pool to take advantage of the onsite spa and fitness center.

Website: http://www.westgatehotel.com/



15 Best Resorts in San Diego:

  • Rancho Bernardo Inn
  • Fairmont Grand Del Mar
  • Paradise Point Resort and Spa
  • Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  • Catamaran Resort and Spa
  • Hard Rock Hotel
  • Kimpton Hotel Palomar
  • Bahia Resort Hotel
  • Hilton San Diego Resort and Spa
  • Omni San Diego Hotel
  • Homewood Suites
  • Manchester Grand Hyatt
  • US Grant
  • The Pendry
  • The Westgate Hotel