Where to Book a Stay in San Diego

One of the best hotels in San Diego for more than 100 years, the US GRANT is gorgeous inside and out. Stroll past the glowing, columned water feature outside the front door and into a showstopper of a lobby with glistening chandeliers and stylish tub chairs. The elegance continues in the rooms with its evocative art and pillow-top beds featuring 350-thread-count sheets and designer duvets. For a nightcap, drop by the Grant Grill Lounge for artisanal cocktails, fine wines, and craft beers.

Yes, the lobby is as chic as it gets and several of the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows so you can enjoy lovely views of San Diego. But, chances are your favorite place to hang out at the Kimpton Hotel will be its level four pool deck and lounge. Splash around above the city and then join the al fresco party scene with a pro sound system, a steady stream of crafty cocktails, and locally-sourced small bites.

You know a hotel caters to the hip crowd when there’s a Moët & Chandon Champagne vending machine in its restaurant. Add a plaid theme throughout (both couches in the rooms and staff outfits), Nason’s Beer Hall with its craft beer on tap and vintage games, and the modern coastal cuisine of the Lionfish restaurant and you might want to consider putting your hair in a topknot as you enter the trendy Pendry San Diego.

Overlooking the sparkling ocean, the Pacific Terrace Hotel provides beachfront accommodation in San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood. Kick off your shoes, settle into your balcony chair, sip a relaxing beverage, and look out over the amazing Californian coast. Guests can treat themselves to a massage by the pool, a bike ride down the boardwalk, or just get comfortable with their portable beach chairs and sun umbrellas out on the warm sand. The Central San Diego hotel provides easy access to exceptional surfing, sailing, fishing, and cycling.

Discover the culture and beauty of San Diego right outside your door at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Guests can wake to the sun sparkling off San Diego Bay, indulge in a bountiful breakfast buffet overlooking the marina at Seaview, enjoy shopping at Seaport Village, or take a coastal cruise. Whatever you do during the day, as a guest at the Manchester Grand Hyatt you can look forward to retiring to a premium view room for a great night’s rest in a signature Hyatt Grand bed.

The simple, traditional rooms and suites at the Bahia Resort Hotel offer free wifi, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges – some rooms also have beach or garden views. Suites are available, and some come with additional kitchenettes, as well as sitting areas and bay views. Dining options include the Tangier restaurant, a pool bar and grill, and room service. There’s an outdoor pool, a jacuzzi, and tennis courts, plus a children’s games room and shuffleboard. Free cruises with entertainment are available, as well as a complimentary shuttle to the spa at the hotel’s sister property, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa.

This Polynesian-themed resort, only 6.5mi (10.5km) from San Diego International Airport, offers casual elegance with palm trees, luscious vegetation, tiki torches, koi ponds, waterfalls, and exotic birds. The whole family is catered for here – whether you enjoy sunbathing at the beach, relaxing by the pool, rejuvenating in the Catamaran spa’s hot tub, paddle boarding, or cruising up and down the boardwalk on a bike or Segway. Each of the 310 rooms and suites has a private balcony or patio with sublime views of Mission Bay, the Pacific Ocean, or the hotel’s tropical gardens.

Basking in San Diego’s endless sunshine, Fairmont Grand Del Mar welcomes guests to a warm Mediterranean estate, replete with their signature charm and Southern California style. Unrivaled five-star service delivers every indulgence, including a championship Tom Fazio golf course, a five-star spa, and exquisite dining. Set amid the incredible Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, this 249-room luxury San Diego resort captures the elegance and comfort of an old-world estate with an enviable Southern Californian locale. Freebies consist of guided hikes, parking, and transportation to nearby destinations.

Between La Jolla and Downtown San Diego, this modern, glass-paneled hotel overlooks the ocean and is adjacent to Pacific Beach Park. Chic rooms feature private balconies or patios, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free wifi. Suites add extra living spaces – and some even have whirlpool tubs. The on-site steak and seafood restaurant serves upscale Californian cuisine, and amenities include meeting facilities and a rooftop lounge with firepits.

Overlooking San Diego Bay, this 30-story convention hotel is across the street from the San Diego Convention Center and a short walk from Petco Park. Rooms offer bay and city skyline views, upscale decor, and custom-designed beds. Suites have additional living areas with pull-out sofas. Dining options include an on-site restaurant, a sports bar, a coffee shop, and a waterfront bar with a terrace. Other amenities include a spa, a fitness center, and an outdoor saltwater pool and hot tub.