The Best Hotels With Pools to Book in San Diego, California

What better way to recharge than with a refreshing dip in the pool on a hot San Diego day | © InStock / Alamy Stock Photo

Katherine Gallagher

16 December 2021

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With its year-round sunshine, it’s only natural to expect your San Diego hotel to come with a pool attached – ideally a perfectly sparkling one encircled by swaying palm trees. Luckily, San Diego is full of exceptional hotel pools, so you can grab a frosty beverage and post up in a lounge chair between beach days or cool off after a day of connecting with the city’s local attractions. Here’s our pick of the best hotels with pools in San Diego, all bookable through Culture Trip.

The Pearl Hotel, for a touch of class

Exterior facade with a large sign reading The Pearl

Courtesy of The Pearl Hotel / Expedia

Beat the sizzling summer temperatures with help from the Pearl Hotel’s oyster-shaped pool and adjoining cocktail bar. This midcentury-style property in Point Loma has just 23 guest rooms and suites, each with its own contemporary coastal decor topped with natural wood furnishings and certified organic bedding. Even better, on select nights, the staff bust out a large poolside projection screen to showcase classic movies.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar, for float-in movies

Bathroom with panoramic windows, two sinks, and a luxurious tub at Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego, an IHG Hotel

Courtesy of Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego, an IHG Hotel / Booking.com

A boutique hotel in the heart of San Diego, Kimpton Hotel Palomar boasts one of the most convenient locations in the city. The trendy fourth-story rooftop pool deck really comes to life after the sun goes down, with festive twinkle lights and the flicker of surrounding highrise windows. During the summer months, the poolside bar opens up to serve small bites and drinks (but don’t worry, room service will gladly deliver if you’re there during the winter, fall or spring).

La Valencia Hotel, for Mediterranean vacation vibes

Pink exterior of La Valencia Hotel surrounded by palm trees

La Valencia Hotel | ©La Citta Vita/Flickr

A true San Diego landmark, the oceanfront La Valencia Hotel has been welcoming guests for over 95 years. The iconic pink Moorish-style exterior is recognizable enough, but it’s arguably little compared to the sheer majesty of the architectural mosaics inside – where walls and ceilings are adorned with colorful, Mediterranean-style tiles. As for the pool, there are ocean views from practically every point, as well as a cabana with food and drink service available. And sunscreen, because it’s sunny out here in SoCal.

Pendry San Diego, for glitz & glam

Aerial view of rooftop pool, lounge chairs and turquoise umbrellas at Pendry San Diego

Courtesy of Pendry San Diego / Booking.com

It comes as no surprise that the luxurious five-star Pendry San Diego would have a just-as-ritzy, open-air pool house with a craft cocktail bar, and no shortage of comfy lounge furniture. If you can drag yourself away from the exquisite pool views of downtown San Diego, venture out the doors to discover the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter with all its bars, restaurants, shopping, and beaches. Or, simply stay on the property to dine at one of Pendry’s six (yes, six) on-site restaurants and bars.

Pacific Terrace Hotel, for Caribbean-style chill

Beach-front outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers and palm trees at Pacific Terrace Hotel

Courtesy of Pacific Terrace Hotel / Expedia

Positioned directly in front of a long stretch of Law Street Beach and separated only by a sandy walkway perfect for a morning walk or afternoon bike ride, Pacific Terrace Hotel overlooks a coastal bluff known for spectacular sunset displays. Guests always rave about the welcoming staff and friendly customer service, but if that doesn’t convince you, the hotel also offers massages by the pool, a Caribbean poolside bar, and beach toys to keep the kids occupied.

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, for a wellness retreat

Aerial view of large outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers and palm trees at Marriott Marquis San Diego

Courtesy of Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina / Expedia

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina overlooks a private marina on San Diego Bay, near popular attractions like Petco Park and Seaport Village. A spacious and curvaceous Hawaii-esque pool area and splash pad connect to a magical palm-filled patio that doubles as a hidden oasis, while the peaceful spa – appropriately named The Hideaway – and expansive fitness center provide wellness opportunities for a truly relaxing vacation.

InterContinental San Diego, for a sleek stay

Outdoor pool surrounded by blue-toned sun loungers with panoramic views of the water at InterContinental San Diego

Courtesy of InterContinental San Diego / Expedia

The highrise InterContinental San Diego is found in the city’s downtown waterfront district. As a guest, enjoy sweeping views of San Diego Bay from the fourth-floor rooftop pool while sipping cocktails in a reserved poolside cabana. When you’re not at the pool, get your pasta fix in the city’s own Little Italy or visit a historical naval aircraft carrier at the USS Midway Museum; both are just a short walk away.

Andaz San Diego, for a swanky swim

Twilight view of outdoor pool at Andaz San Diego with panoramic city views

Courtesy of Andaz San Diego / Expedia

Renovated from a historic 1913 building originally opened for the World Fair, the Andaz San Diego has a bright, coastal charm in the center of the Gaslamp Quarter. The mood-lit pool overlooking the city is bordered by glass so that no view is spared, but if you really want an intimate experience, book the Cabana Suite for access to your own private poolside cabana.

The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows, for getting a gold medal

The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows is all about embracing the past while providing all the creature comforts of the present. Located near Balboa Park on the north side of San Diego, this retro hotel dates back to the 1940s with a funky vibe and eclectic decor you’ll love. As for the Olympic-sized pool, it was designed by five-time gold medal winner Johnny Weissmuller back in 1946, so you just know you’ll be able to get some good laps in.

Omni San Diego Hotel, for all seasons

Large outdoor pool surrounded by white sun loungers with the building of the Omni San Diego Hotel in the background

Courtesy of Omni San Diego Hotel / Expedia

Sandwiched between Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center, the Omni San Diego Hotel puts you right in the middle of the action. In fact, it’s connected directly to the famous baseball park by way of a pedestrian sky bridge, making coming to and from Padres games as simple as could be. Check out the heated pool, heated to 83(F) (28C) all year round – perfectly enjoyed while sitting on the lovely in-pool stairs. If you like it hotter, laze about in the hot tub. Both are situated on the 8,000sqft (743sqm) outdoor terrace, boasting an impressive stone fireplace for cooler nights.

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