LOCAL WALLY’S TOP HOTEL CHEAT SHEET: WHERE TO STAY IN SAN DIEGO
Choosing where to stay in San Diego depends a lot on your budget, the vibe you want, and what brought you here in the first place. From family friendly resorts to luxury boutiques with ocean views to upscale urban with the party right outside your door, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Let me break down each area and point you in the right direction so you can find the hotel that’s right for you.
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Coronado Island Hotels
If you have the money it’s hard to beat staying in Coronado, an “island” just off San Diego. The Hotel Del Coronado is the top pick, a historic luxury hotel right on the beach. Lowes Coronado is a top resort but check the location as it’s on the outskirts so you’ll be driving to get into town. Glorietta Bay Inn is a budget friendly hotel that feels like a splurge.
BEST FOR: Beach lovers and big spenders
Gaslamp District and Downtown, Convention Center
Conventioners in business casual mix with party people dressed to kill. For those who want to be in the center of the action check out Moxy San Diego, The Pendry, and Andaz. More business-like visitors will like The Hilton Bayfront or The Embassy Suites, families will love the resort feel of the Marriot Marquis. There’s something for everyone though like any large city the downtown area can be sketchy at night. It’s about the vibe and location if you’re staying downtown.
BEST FOR: Convention visitors and the young and hip crowd
Harbor Island, Shelter Island, Airport Close Hotels
Unlike a lot of cities that put their airport in less desirable areas, San Diego’s airport is right on the bay. Harbor and Shelter Islands are not really islands but man-made peninsulas with a tropical vibe. Humprey’s Half Moon Inn feels just like Hawaii, though be aware of their concert schedule as it’s home to a popular music venue. Kona Kai Resort and the Best Western Island Palms are affordable tropical options.
BEST FOR: Tropical Vacation Seekers on an affordable budget
Mission Bay & Pacific Beach Hotels
You’re definitely going to feel like you’re on vacation if you stay on either Mission Bay or in Pacific Beach. The Catamaran has that tropical Polynesian vibe with the bay on one side and the beach a block away. On the opposite side of the bay is the Mission Bay Hilton. The front is right on the freeway but the back is right on the sandy bay. And smack in the middle is Paradise Point, a sprawling resort with bungalows instead of hotel buildings.
In Pacific Beach the Pacific Terrace Hotel is a luxury boutique and The Beach Cottages are affordable throwback, no-frills bungalows, both right on the beach.
BEST FOR: Families and beach-centric vacationers
La Jolla Hotels
Elegant La Valencia Hotel and the Grande Colonial Hotel showcase the best of La Jolla, luxury boutiques steps away from the picturesque coast and find dining. For a more laid back beach vacation The La Jolla Shores Hotel is right on the beach as is the fancier La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. Away from the beach is Estancia La Jolla, an upscale resort with an Old California feel.
BEST FOR: Vacation splurge
North San Diego Coastal - Carlsbad and Nearby
Let your kids pick a hotel and you might end up at the Legoland hotel but choosy parents might opt for luxurious Alila Marea Resort in nearby Encinitas, right on the beach, The Four Seasons Residence Club or the more modest Cape Rey Carlsbad Hilton. Right in the Carlsbad Village is The Beach Terrace, also right on the beach and the bright and cherry Ocean Palms Beach Resort, just across the street.
BEST FOR: Tired parents who are tired of Legoland, vacationers looking for a coastal vacation in a beach town setting.