The 6 Best Hotels in San Diego, California

San Diego’s fabulous hotels are in hot demand, and it’s not hard to see why. Most o them offer guests unparalleled seaside views and are smothered top to bottom with stellar amenities (think of full-service spas, marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs, waterfront dining, and outdoor swimming pools, to name a few).

Accommodation options in San Diego range from swanky oceanfront resorts to 5-star boutique hotels and are fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets.

With such an extensive choice of hotels, deciding where to stay might be challenging. That’s why we’ve listed the 6 best hotels in San Diego, considering aesthetics, service, location, and value for money.

Whether your focus is sightseeing as much as possible or indulging in some time to yourself, you’re sure to find the perfect fit, no matter your budget or style preferences.

Plus, you can find all these hotels at the best prices on CuddlyNest. Check out this guide and find the best San Diego hotels!

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The 6 Best Hotels in San Diego, California

THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Often regarded as one of the best luxury hotels in San Diego, THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is a wonderful place to base yourself in the city. The hotel is well located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, in Downtown San Diego, and provides guests with easy access to top tourist attractions like Balboa Park.

But the lavish THE US GRANT has more than just a prime location in San Diego. Here, guests will find 270 Guest Rooms, including 43 Suites, perfectly outfitted with luxury pillowtop beds, covered in 350-thread-count sheets and designer duvets. They also feature spacious marble bathrooms, air conditioning, and room service, 24-hour.

Fine dining is another strong feature of THE US GRANT. The highlight is definitely Grant Grill, a AAA/CAA Four Diamond restaurant serving seasonal dishes crafted from California produce, Pacific seafood, and sustainably-sourced meats.

Last but not least, the hotel also boasts a fully equipped fitness center with state-of-the-art machines and amenities.

Address: 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA

Distance From Downtown San Diego: The hotel is located in the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego.

Distance From The San Diego International Airport: 2.4 miles (6-minute drive)

Nearby Attractions: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village

Top Amenities: Valet parking, electric car charging station, pet-friendly rooms ($150 non-refundable pet fee required), meeting space, dry cleaning service, fitness center, room service

InterContinental San Diego

InterContinental San Diego welcomes guests with 400 spacious rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the glittering San Diego Bay. Designed to embrace the Southern California spirit, the hotel’s accommodations are pampered up with luxe amenities like free wi-fi, flat-screen TVs, on-demand movies, sumptuous bedding, and a Keurig coffee maker, to name a few.

You can also elevate your stay by adding access to the waterfront Club InterContinental lounge. This includes a daily hot breakfast, all-day beer, wine, assorted snacks, coffee and tea, a private waterfront terrace and fire pit, an exclusive check-in area, and a dedicated concierge.

And there’s more! This waterfront hotel has an inviting rooftop pool with showstopping views of the San Diego Bay, and a 3,300 square feet fitness center well equipped with the latest cardiovascular machines, resistance equipment, and free weights.

Stellar culinary experiences are also a strong feature of InterContinental San Diego. At Vistal Bar + Restaurant (located on the third floor), guests can feast on creative Southern California dishes, while at Layover, the rooftop bar, they can indulge in classic cocktails while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

There’s also a speakeasy-style alfresco restaurant, Garibaldi, serving Italian-inspired cocktails, and a Starbucks on the first floor.

Address: 901 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA

Distance From Downtown San Diego: 0.3 miles (10-minute walk)

Distance From The San Diego International Airport: 1.9 miles (5-min drive)

Nearby Attractions: San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, San Diego Bay, Petco Park

Top Amenities: On-site restaurant, fitness center, free wi-fi, concierge, room service, rooftop swimming pool, pet-friendly rooms, valet and self-parking, business center

Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection

Hotel Republic is a luxe boutique hotel perfectly located in downtown San Diego, near Little Italy. Here, 258 spacious rooms spoil guests with a slew of amenities, including flat-screen TVs, sleek workstations, and sweeping views of downtown San Diego.

Within the hotel, guests will also come across a breezy outdoor restaurant, Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar, famous for its Baja-inspired dishes and a hearty Sunday brunch. For a more casual, quick meal, head over to Trade Restaurant and Lounge, open for lunch, dinner, happy hour, and late-night bites.

During your downtime, don’t think twice: get your heart racing at the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center, which is equipped with a variety of cardio and weight equipment.

Traveling with your furry friend? Don’t worry! Pets are welcome at Hotel Republic for a $100 fee per room.

Address: 421 W B St, San Diego, CA

Distance From Downtown San Diego: The hotel is located in the Downtown San Diego area

Distance From The San Diego International Airport: 1.9 miles (6-minute drive)

Nearby Attractions: USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, San Diego Bay, Petco Park

Top Amenities: Pet-friendly rooms, on-site restaurants, meeting space, free wifi, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning service

Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Loews Coronado Bay Resort is the ultimate coastal California getaway. Beautifully situated on Coronado Island, this luxurious retreat harbors 440 luxury guestrooms, including 40 plush suites, with private balconies or patios that overlook the Pacific Ocean.

Tastefully decorated with refreshing hues that evoke the atmosphere of San Diego, all the rooms are equipped with modern amenities like free wi-fi, 55-inch flat-screen TVs and Keurig coffeemakers, Stearns & Foster pillowtop mattresses, and plush terrycloth robes.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort feels more like a private oasis than just a resort. Here, travelers can unwind and forget about the outside world while sipping in a freshly made mojito by the pool or enjoying a tropical sea-stone massage at the on-site luxury spa.

Those looking for excitement can rent jet skis, sailboats, kayaks, or SUP boards and head over to the Loews Private Marina for some fun in the water.

Other facilities at Loews Coronado Bay Resort include four restaurants and bars and meeting spaces for business travelers.

Address: 4000 Coronado Bay Rd, Coronado, CA

Distance From Downtown San Diego: 10.7 miles (17-minute drive)

Distance From The San Diego International Airport: 11.6 miles (16-minute drive)

Nearby Attractions: Silver Strand State Beach, Coronado Cays Park

Top Amenities: Three heated swimming pools & a poolside concierge, full-service spa, fitness center, shuttle to Silver Strand State Beach and Downtown Coronado Village, babysitting, dry cleaning & pressing, valet parking

The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Guild Hotel combines century-old charm with modern amenities. Set in the historic Armed Services Building, in downtown San Diego, this elegant hotel plays host to 162 contemporary-style rooms and suites, all of them decorated with bespoke furnishings, leather tufted headboards, and custom desks.

Aside from eye-popping decorating, the hotel’s comfortable rooms and suites feature high-end amenities like smart TV, ionic hair dryer, Bluetooth audio, in-room casting, and a walk-in shower or tub.

In the lobby bar, guests will come across the Guild Café, serving fresh breakfast treats like locally baked croissants and vanilla lattes every morning. At the elegant Guild Bar, carefully crafted cocktails inspired by the prohibition era are served.

Guests can also go for a pulse-pounding workout session at the hotel’s 1,000 square feet fitness center, or even book a personal trainer for a customized workout.

Address: 500 W Broadway, San Diego, CA

Distance From Downtown San Diego: The hotel is located in Downtown San Diego

Distance From The San Diego International Airport: 2 miles (5-minute drive)

Nearby Attractions: USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, San Diego Bay, Petco Park

Top Amenities: Full laundry & dry cleaning services, equipped 24-hour fitness room, free bottle of water, complimentary Intelligentsia Coffee in the lobby lounge, ADA rooms upon request, fitness center

Hotel La Jolla Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel La Jolla Curio Collection is a luxuriant retreat nestled among the palms of La Jolla Shores. Located within walking distance of the beach, this San Diego hotel boasts 110 guest rooms and suites featuring Serta Suite Dreams® bedding, and furnished balconies or patios overlooking the ocean or city.

Take your stay to the next level by booking the spacious King Bed High Floor Ocean View room, which boasts a breezy terrace from where you'll be able to watch a heartwarming sunset over the ocean.

Guests can choose to spend hours on end in the hotel’s outdoor pool, or simply head over to the La Jolla beach, beautifully framed by a rugged coastline. Maybe even feast on some jet-fresh seafood at Cusp Dining & Drinks, the hotel’s oceanfront restaurant (try the lobster risotto paired with a glass of Fel Chardonnay, you won’t regret it!).

Address: 7955 La Jolla Shores Dr, La Jolla, CA

Distance From Downtown San Diego: 11.7 miles (15-minute drive)

Distance From The San Diego International Airport: 12 miles (16-minute drive)

Nearby Attractions: La Jolla Shores Beach, La Jolla Village

Top Amenities: Fitness center, indoor & outdoor event venues, outdoor pool, digital key, on-site restaurant