47 Best Hotels in San Diego, California

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In San Diego, you could plan a luxurious vacation at the beach, staying at a resort with panoramic ocean views, private balconies, and a full-service spa. Or you could stay Downtown, steps from the bustling Gaslamp Quarter, in a modern hotel featuring lively rooftop pools, complimentary wine receptions, and high-tech entertainment systems. But with some flexibility—maybe opting for a partial-view room a quick drive from the action—it's possible to experience San Diego at half the price.

Sharing the city’s postcard-perfect sunny skies are neighborhoods and coastal communities that offer great diversity; San Diego is no longer the sleepy beach town it once was. In action-packed Downtown, luxury hotels cater to solo business travelers and young couples with trendy restaurants and cabana-encircled pools. Budget-friendly options can be found in smaller neighborhoods just outside the Gaslamp Quarter such as Little Italy and Uptown.

You'll need a car if you stay outside Downtown, but the beach communities are rich with lodging options. Across the bridge, Coronado's hotels and resorts offer access to a stretch of glistening white sand that's often recognized as one of the best beaches in the country. La Jolla offers many romantic, upscale ocean-view hotels and some of the area's best restaurants and specialty shopping. But it's easy to find a water view in any price range: surfers make themselves at home at the casual inns and budget stays of Pacific Beach and Mission Bay. If you're planning to fish, check out hotels located near the marinas in Shelter Island, Point Loma, or Coronado.

For families, Uptown, Mission Valley, and Old Town are close to SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, offering good-value accommodations with extras like sleeper sofas and video games. Mission Valley is ideal for business travelers; there are plenty of well-known chain hotels with conference space, modern business centers, and kitchenettes for extended stays.

When your work (or sightseeing) is done, join the trendsetters flocking to Downtown's Gaslamp Quarter for its eateries, lounges, and multilevel clubs that rival L.A.'s stylish scenes.

Grande Colonial

$$$ | 910 Prospect St., San Diego, CA, 92037, USA Fodor's Choice

This white-wedding-cake-style hotel in the heart of La Jolla Village has ocean views and charming European details that include chandeliers, mahogany railings, a wooden elevator, crystal doorknobs, and French doors. The hotel was built in 1913 and expanded and redesigned in the mid-1920s; newer additions feature larger suites, all with full kitchens and fireplaces and stocked with luxury bath products and snack baskets. Without compromising the integrity of the past, rooms have been modernized in a tasteful palette of royal blue and muted yellow; request a corner room with large windows framing the ocean. Although most guests request the historic main building, all five areas of the property pay tribute to the swanky 1920s Beverly Hills vibe. Cruise La Jolla in the hotel's courtesy golf cart, or stroll the hallways lined with black-and-white portraits of La Jolla's past. The hotel's restaurant, Nine-Ten, run by chef Jason Knibb, is well-liked by locals for its fresh, seasonal California cuisine. A daily $45 resort fee includes hospitality extras like valet parking, in-room snacks, use of bicycles, a Chromebook, access to a neighboring fitness center, beach gear, local transportation, and complementary coffee-to-go.

Pros

  • The village's only four-diamond hotel
  • Superb restaurant
  • Hospitality extras included in rate

Cons

  • Small pool
  • No fitness center
  • Valet parking only
910 Prospect St., San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
888-828–5498
Hotel Details
97 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Granger Hotel

$$$$ | 964 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA Fodor's Choice

San Diego's first (and only) guest-only hotel means safety, security, and privacy, all wrapped up in a $30-million renovation of a historic 1904 building. No design detail has been overlooked in this comfortable, cosmopolitan addition to lively Gaslamp. Thoughtful touches like zebra-print rugs and peacock-shaped lamps in guest rooms act as an homage to the building's history as temporary housing for numerous animals on their way to the nearby San Diego Zoo. A 24/7 security guard keeps the public out, allowing guests to feel at home in one of the 96 rooms, all of which have soundproof windows to block out street noise. A hot breakfast is included with the rate, but Granger encourages guests to get out and experience San Diego's extensive options of nearby restaurants, returning to relax and perhaps enjoy a nightcap in The Parlor Room adjacent to the lobby lounge. A partnership with the parking garage off 5th Avenue and Broadway allows for overnight parking with in-and-out privileges for $40 a night—a bargain in pricey downtown. 

Pros

  • Pillowy-soft mattresses in every room
  • Incredible design in every nook and cranny
  • Convenient location to all of downtown

Cons

  • Only grab-and-go dining on-site for lunch and dinner
  • No pool or spa services
  • Complimentary minibar and coffee machines are shared per floor
964 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-485--5006
Hotel Details
96 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Homewood Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station

$$ | 2576 Laning Rd., San Diego, CA, 92106, USA Fodor's Choice

With amenities like kitchens and a business center, most guests stay at least four nights, turning this all-suites hotel into a home. The in-room kitchens have everything from measuring cups to dishware, and there's a small on-site market where guests can stock up on supplies. Located in Liberty Station, the hotel has a bit of a suburban feel, but the outdoor common area has a pool, barbecue grills, and half-court basketball. There's a full hot breakfast daily and an evening reception Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM.

Pros

  • Outstanding central location near attractions
  • Close to paths for joggers and bikers
  • Complimentary airport shuttle 4:30 am–9 pm

Cons

  • $21 parking fee and $75 pet fee
  • Breakfast area can get crowded
  • Far from nightlife
2576 Laning Rd., San Diego, CA, 92106, USA
619-222–0500
Hotel Details
150 suites
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Recommended Fodor's Video

InterContinental San Diego

$$ | 901 Bayfront Ct., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA Fodor's Choice

The InterContinental provides a more luxurious and stylish option for travelers in what's generally an area populated by more family-friendly lodging. All guest rooms feature bay-front views, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view of available attractions both on the water and on dry land. Guests can also enjoy the pool, fitness and spa services, and indoor and outdoor dining at its signature fine-dining restaurant Vistal and "hidden" Italian restaurant, Garibaldi.

Pros

  • Stunning waterfront views
  • Excellent dining options at Vistal and Garibaldi
  • Close to both airport and attractions

Cons

  • A bit on the pricier side
  • Pedestrian traffic can be hectic because of nearby shopping/boating areas
  • Entrances and elevators are a bit confusing
901 Bayfront Ct., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-501--9400
Hotel Details
400 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

$$ | 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92104, USA Fodor's Choice

Originally opened in the 1940s, the Lafayette was once frequented by stars like Ava Gardner and Bob Hope; it eventually became something of a budget hipster stay, but since its $31 million renovation by local restaurant group CH Projects, the Lafayette has been given a maximalist makeover for the 21st century. The renovation also includes the addition of several distinct dining options, including a 24-hour diner, a bowling alley and bar, and Quixote, a Oaxacan-inspired mezcaleria designed with irreverent (but impressive) Catholic imagery. Be sure to make time for some poolside relaxation before catching a jazz show on the restored 1940s-era clamshell stage at Lou Lou's.

Pros

  • Beautifully renovated
  • Multiple dining options available all day
  • Within walking distance to other restaurants and attractions

Cons

  • Party vibe not particularly conducive to relaxing stay
  • Not family-friendly
  • A little pretentious
2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92104, USA
619-296--2101
Hotel Details
139 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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The Pearl Hotel

$$ | 1410 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA, 92106, USA Fodor's Choice

This 1959 former Sportsman’s Lodge had it all, from shag carpet to beta fish tanks, and today it still does, despite a remodel that clung to its roots without compromising the original designs of architect Robert Platt. Retaining the mid-century modern motel vibe, this Point Loma property has been thoughtfully renovated with contemporary aesthetics and unique vintage décor. Guest rooms surround an oyster-shaped pool where cocktails flow while guests watch Wednesday-night cult classics at restaurant Ponyboy. In rooms, expect private patios, rain showerheads, rattan-and-wood furnishings, and retro-chic décor with photographs of pearl divers. Staffers have a friendly, enthusiastic vibe.

Pros

  • Breakfast included
  • Hip bar/restaurant on-site
  • In-room fitness program

Cons

  • $20 parking fee
  • One bed in rooms
  • Some steet noise
1410 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA, 92106, USA
619-226–6100
Hotel Details
23 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Pendry San Diego

$$$$ | 550 J St., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA Fodor's Choice

This Gaslamp stunner has 317 rooms and suites that feature a modern luxury design—think toile wallpaper with subtle illustrations of surfers and chaise lounges—and amenities include giant flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, fully stocked minibars, and Bluetooth speakers. Six on-site restaurants and bars include a beer hall with vintage bar games, a rooftop lounge, and a basement social club for a place for adults to drink and play. For more traditional dining, Provisional serves as an all-day café, restaurant, and gelato shop offering seasonal California fare, while Lionfish serves up fresh-caught fish, oysters, and sushi. A roof-deck pool, fitness center, and spa round out the on-site offerings.

Pros

  • Well situated in Gaslamp Quarter
  • Excellent dining options
  • Complimentary coffee in the mornings

Cons

  • Pricey room rates
  • Meals are expensive
  • Not very family-friendly
550 J St., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-738–7000
Hotel Details
317 rooms
No Meals

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TOWER23

$$$$ | 723 Felspar St., San Diego, CA, 92109, USA Fodor's Choice

Neo-modern with a beachy vibe, this boutique hotel is a favorite of the young and young-at-heart. The sleek rooms are white with teak furnishings; the suites feature Jacuzzi tubs and step-in rain showers. Catch the sunset over cocktails at the downstairs bar or on a private balcony of an oceanfront room. The hotel is steps from the sand and party-friendly Pacific Beach's bars and eateries, though with amenities like free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service from JRDN, the popular on-site restaurant, it can be hard to motivate yourself to leave. The outdoor decks can get lively, but the crashing waves often drown out the noise.

Pros

  • Perfect place to watch the sunset
  • Central location at the beachfront
  • Hip decor

Cons

  • No pool
  • Busy area, can be loud
  • On-site restaurant and bar often crowded
723 Felspar St., San Diego, CA, 92109, USA
858-270–2323
Hotel Details
44 rooms
No Meals

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Town and Country Resort

$$ | 500 Hotel Circle N, San Diego, CA, 92108, USA Fodor's Choice

Newly updated after a multimillion-dollar renovation, the Town and Country Resort—a staple of Hotel Circle since 1953—has been given a second life while returning to its stylish roots. Its more than 600 rooms have been spruced up with mid-century modern furniture and a splash of color, while its grounds, rife with a new waterslide pool and various outdoor activities, look brand new. The hotel features a fitness center, lawn games, and wellness classes. It also features five restaurants and bars, including modern Mexican cuisine at Lapper Kitchen and Bar and Mediterranean fine dining at Arlo.

Pros

  • Recently renovated with updated furnishings
  • Trendy on-site restaurant Arlo
  • Lots of activities for families

Cons

  • Not in a walkable neighborhood
  • Snacks at the in-hotel market are still pricey but without the convenience of a minibar
  • Freeway noise
500 Hotel Circle N, San Diego, CA, 92108, USA
619-291–7131
Hotel Details
671 rooms

Quick Facts

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The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel

$$ | 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA, 92101, USA Fodor's Choice

The US Grant may be more than 100 years old (it first opened in 1910), but thanks to a top-to-bottom interior renovation in 2017 and historic exterior restoration in 2024, this grand old dame is now one of the most glamorous hotels in Southern California. A white Carrera marble promenade gives way to a stylish lobby with mirrored walls and several sleek seating areas, and white-walled guest rooms feature oversize beds that overflow with soft pillows and modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and USB charging ports. The lobby offers a complimentary coffee bar in the morning and fresh juices in the afternoon. The Grant Grill, located just off the lobby and once a male-dominated power spot, has softened up its look and lightened its menu to serve seasonal produce alongside choice meats and fresh seafood. A comprehensive mixology program gives diners interesting pairing options for their meals.

Pros

  • Sophisticated rooms
  • Great location
  • Near shopping and restaurants

Cons

  • Street noise can be heard from the guest rooms
  • No in-room minibars or coffeemakers
  • Surrounded by many major construction projects Downtown
326 Broadway, San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-232–3121
Hotel Details
270 rooms
No Meals

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Alma San Diego

$$ | 1047 5th Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA

A few blocks from the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, this swanky AAA Four-Diamond hotel features luxurious guest rooms and a popular outdoor lounge open seasonally on the fourth floor rooftop next to the heated pool. Rooms have flat-screen TVs, Italian linens, oversize windows, rainforest showers, and standalone tubs, and the lobby restaurant and café offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus a full bar and espresso service. Cabanas and daybeds ring the pool at the Leave of Absence rooftop lounge, where a relaxed weekday vibe becomes rambunctious during summer pool parties. The $35/night destination fee includes a $35 food and beverage credit, plus two glasses of wine at the lobby bar.

Pros

  • Modern Mexican design throughout property
  • Centrally located
  • Free yoga for guests

Cons

  • Expensive parking
  • Noisy part of town
  • No spa and small fitness center
1047 5th Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-515–3000
Hotel Details
211 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town

$$ | 4041 Harney St., San Diego, CA, 92110, USA

Perched on a hill in the heart of Old Town, this hotel is known for its expansive courtyards, outdoor fountains, and maze of stairs that connects eight buildings of guest rooms. Rooms are decorated in a Southwestern style with colorful artwork and wood shutters; suites include two rooms and a kitchenette. The property is within walking distance of many eateries, and the on-site restaurant, the Old Town Tequila Factory, offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

Pros

  • Complimentary airport shuttle
  • Well-maintained outdoor areas
  • Excellent location for exploring Old Town

Cons

  • Some rooms need renovating
  • Complicated layout
  • Can be noisy in some areas
4041 Harney St., San Diego, CA, 92110, USA
619-298--4707
Hotel Details
200 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina

$$ | 2051 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, CA, 92106, USA

With tennis courts, two pools, jogging paths, fitness center, and complimentary bike rentals, this waterfront hotel is a natural fit for healthy travelers. Skylights, a waterfall, and a Thai theme expressed in gilt carvings and golden statues brighten the property's tiny but airy lobby. Harbor and marina-view rooms are decorated in simple whites and earth tones, and most of the suites are equipped with full kitchens. Despite the central location, the two heated pools and room service make it challenging to leave the hotel. Happy hour at Blue Wave Bar & Grill, the on-site restaurant, is popular for the seafood with SoCal flair.

Pros

  • Excellent value
  • Free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, and microwave in every room
  • Private marina and outdoor firepits

Cons

  • Confusing layout
  • Can be noisy
  • $25 daily parking fee
2051 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, CA, 92106, USA
619-222–0561
Hotel Details
227 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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The Bower Coronado

$$$ | 1417 Orange Ave., San Diego, CA, 92118, USA

A new boutique, luxury property that opened in 2025, The Bower is a short walk to Coronado Beach and downtown, bringing the island its first rooftop bar and restaurant
called Dive. Rooms at this adult-focused property feature plush bedding and towels and luxury in-room amenities. There are free pastries and coffee for guests on each floor, each morning.

Pros

  • Close to the beach
  • Newly built
  • Complimentary bike rentals

Cons

  • Expensive fees ($75 valet parking, $50 resort fee)
  • Rooms lack a dedicated closet
  • No pool
1417 Orange Ave., San Diego, CA, 92118, USA
619-605--6000
Hotel Details
39 rooms
No Meals

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The Bristol

$$ | 1055 1st Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA

Mod pop art inspired by artists such as Andy Warhol and Ed Ruscha sets the tone at this casual boutique hotel. The 1960s' feel continues in the guest rooms, which were renovated in early 2017, but with modern amenities such as HDTVs, single-cup coffeemakers, eco-friendly toiletries, complimentary Wi-Fi, and bathrobes. There's no restaurant on-site but the hotel bar and lounge is open for cocktails and happy hour specials in the evenings. The San Diego Trolley's Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines stop nearby at the Civic Center stop at Second and C Streets.

Pros

  • Modern rooms with bright, fun design
  • Centrally located
  • No resort fee

Cons

  • No restaurant or pool
  • Somewhat seedy area
  • Spotty Wi-Fi in some rooms
1055 1st Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-232–6141
Hotel Details
114 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Cormorant Boutique Hotel

$$ | 1110 Prospect St., San Diego, CA, USA

It’s the view and location that will grab you at this boutique hotel with plenty of perks including a rooftop restaurant, the 24-hour Prospect Market, and Tesla charging stations. Named after the black sea birds you’ll most likely see from your balcony, this La Jolla property stands out from the pack with room service, a business center, valet parking, and mid-century modern touches that are prominent in everything from the clean lines of the furniture to the patterned carpet. Rooms are on the small side, but you can't beat the location. Even if you don’t stay here, the hotel's rooftop bar, Birdseye, is worth a visit for some of the best views in town (hotel guests receive 15% off).

Pros

  • Outstanding location in center of town near the beach
  • Wide range of amenities
  • Guest discounts on kayak rentals and at the rooftop bar

Cons

  • No elevator in four-story hotel
  • Noise carries between rooms
  • $35 day parking fee
1110 Prospect St., San Diego, CA, USA
858-203--3565
Hotel Details
26 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Courtyard Marriott San Diego Airport Liberty Station

$$ | 2592 Laning Rd., San Diego, CA, 92106, USA

Close to the restaurants and shops of Liberty Station, this family-friendly hotel spares travelers the extra fees charged by most Downtown and coastal lodgings. Guest rooms have a contemporary style with HDTVs, iHome docking stations, Keurig coffeemakers, and mini-refrigerators; about a third of the rooms have balconies. Convenient amenities include a laundry room, Starbucks coffee, and a free airport shuttle. A casual on-site restaurant serves breakfast and dinner daily. Even if it's chilly, you can lounge by the pool, which has firepits and an indoor-outdoor area with comfortable seating. Customer service is top-notch, and the relaxing common areas around the hotel make you forget you're just five minutes from the airport.

Pros

  • Property remodeled in 2025
  • Free airport shuttle
  • No resort fees

Cons

  • Limited views
  • No pets allowed and $21 daily parking fee
  • Family-friendly might not appeal to you
2592 Laning Rd., San Diego, CA, 92106, USA
619-221–1900
Hotel Details
200 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Courtyard San Diego Downtown

$$ | 530 Broadway, San Diego, CA, 92101, USA

This is not your typical Courtyard by Marriott, as the building has a historic past—it was the home of San Diego Trust and Savings Bank in 1928. Today much of the original lobby layout remains—you can even see where the teller cages once stood—and the elaborately stenciled ceiling matches the one in the hotel's presidential suite, which once served as the office for the building's original architect, William Templeton Johnson. Downstairs, the old vaults (with safe deposit boxes intact) serve as meeting rooms. The guest rooms feature contemporary decor and convenient amenities such as free Wi-Fi, microwaves, and work stations; some even have sofa sleepers for extra guests. It takes around 15 minutes to walk to Petco Park from the lobby, with plenty of eateries and bars on the way to stop and grab a bite or drink beforehand. 

Pros

  • Historic charm
  • Comfortable beds in renovated rooms
  • Walkable area

Cons

  • No shuttle service to airport
  • Expensive off-site valet parking
  • Rooms are a bit small
530 Broadway, San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-446--3000
Hotel Details
245 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Crowne Plaza San Diego

$ | 2270 Hotel Circle N, San Diego, CA, 92108, USA

Clean and comfortable, the Crowne Plaza may not have the frills of downtown hotels and coastal resorts, but it's a reliable pick for budget-minded visitors. A popular conference location with more than 30,000-square-feet of meeting space, the hotel is best for business travelers and guests looking for an affordable and modest jumping-off point for exploring what San Diego has to offer.

Pros

  • Convenient location to beaches and downtown
  • Heated pool and nearby golf course
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Near freeway
  • No more complimentary shuttles
  • Nondescript decor
2270 Hotel Circle N, San Diego, CA, 92108, USA
619-297–1101
Hotel Details
419 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Crystal Pier Hotel & Cottages

$$$ | 4500 Ocean Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92109, USA

Rustic little oases with a charm all their own, the beachy cottages may lack some of the amenities of comparably priced hotels, but you're paying for character and proximity to the ocean—these lodgings are literally on the pier. Crystal Pier, a Pacific Beach landmark, had its grand opening in 1927; 10 years later, the first of the blue-and-white cottages were built. The well-maintained units sleep two to six people; most have kitchens and private decks. Call 11 months in advance for summer reservations. There's a minimum-stay requirement of three nights from mid-June through September, two nights the rest of the year.

Pros

  • Ocean views everywhere you look
  • Historic lodgings
  • Free parking

Cons

  • Few amenities
  • Reservations fill up fast
  • Busy foot traffic on pier
4500 Ocean Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92109, USA
800-748–5894
Hotel Details
30 rooms
No Meals

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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego – Mission Valley

$$ | 7450 Hazard Center Dr., San Diego, CA, 92108, USA

Near the Fashion Valley shopping mall and adjacent to the Hazard Center—which has a seven-screen movie theater, four major restaurants, and more than 20 shops—the DoubleTree is also convenient to Route 163 and I–8 and there's a San Diego Trolley station within walking distance. Guest rooms feature plush-top bedding, 37-inch TVs, and large desks with ergonomic chairs. Public areas are modern yet comfortable, well suited to this hotel's large business clientele. A small café in the lobby, which brews Starbucks coffee, is a convenient spot to pick up snacks or small meals. Other hotel amenities include heated indoor and outdoor pools and a fitness center.

Pros

  • Free cookie at check-in
  • Large rooms
  • Good for fitness buffs

Cons

  • Lots of extra fees
  • Unimpressive views
  • Can be noisy
7450 Hazard Center Dr., San Diego, CA, 92108, USA
619-297–5466
Hotel Details
300 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Empress Hotel

$ | 7766 Fay Ave., San Diego, CA, 92037, USA

A few blocks from the ocean and Girard Avenue's upscale shops, this five-story hotel blends Southern California beach style with a touch of European flair, making it one of the more affordable and convenient options in La Jolla. Bright and airy rooms have hypoallergenic beds, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, local artwork, microwaves, and small refrigerators. Thoughtful touches are in the soft and fluffy robes, slippers, towels, and pillows that adorn the contemporary turquoise and beige rooms. For more space and perks, upgrade to a suite with a separate living room, wet bar, and Jacuzzi tub. Guests can dine in at the hotel's Italian restaurant, Manhattan of La Jolla, or order room service.

Pros

  • Near shops, restaurants, and beach
  • Breakfast and lobby refreshments included
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Not exciting for kids
  • $35 pet fee
  • Small bathrooms
7766 Fay Ave., San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
858-454–3001
Hotel Details
73 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Gaslamp Plaza Suites

$$ | 520 E St., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA

One of San Diego's first "skyscrapers," this 11-story structure has a central location and a vintage feel, but all the contemporary features of a modern hotel. The public areas have old Corinthian marble, brass, and hand-cut tile mosaics that harken back to its early 20th-century origins. Most rooms are small, but they're decorated with similar old world–style furnishings and come equipped with mini-refrigerators, coffeemakers, microwaves, and dining utensils. Enjoy the view from the casual rooftop terrace, and be sure to book your room ahead if you're visiting during the busy summer season.

Pros

  • Historic building
  • Good location a block from Horton Plaza
  • Free Wi-Fi

Cons

  • Books up early
  • Small, dated rooms
  • No room service
520 E St., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-232–9500
Hotel Details
64 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Glorietta Bay Inn

$ | 1630 Glorietta Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92118, USA

The main building on this property is an Edwardian-style mansion built in 1908 for sugar baron John D. Spreckels, who once owned much of Downtown San Diego. Rooms in the mansion and in the newer motel-style buildings are quaintly furnished; some have patios or balconies. The inn is adjacent to the Coronado harbor and near many restaurants and shops, but it's much smaller and quieter than the Hotel Del, across the street. Complimentary breakfast is served each morning; coffee, tea, and fruit are available throughout the day; and seasonal afternoon refreshments make for a nice pick-me-up (hot chocolate during the winter and lemonade on hotter days).

Pros

  • Great views
  • Friendly staff
  • Close to beach

Cons

  • Mansion rooms are small
  • Lots of traffic nearby
  • Due for a renovation
1630 Glorietta Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92118, USA
619-435–3101
Hotel Details
100 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

$$$ | 500 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA, 92101, USA

After an $80 million renovation completed in 2019, the historic Italian Renaissance-style building—a former YMCA building used exclusively by military servicemen—updated all 162 rooms and suites, keeping plenty of nods to its military history like vintage photographs behind the lobby bar and original tile work. Once an underground pool now an event space, the subterranean floor also contains 10 especially quiet guest rooms and an old-fashioned barber shop. Thanks to the courthouse just a stone's throw away from the hotel and numerous reservable breakout areas, many travelers are here on business, where they can enjoy all meals from the lobby restaurant inside the plush indoor seating area or in one of the two adjoining courtyards. 

Pros

  • Excellent cocktails at lobby bar
  • High ceilings on ground floor and belowground "Society" rooms
  • Well-preserved historic touches

Cons

  • Gets fully booked during conventions
  • Expensive during high season
  • No room service
500 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-795--6000
Hotel Details
162 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station

$$ | 2211 Lee Ct., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA

Modern decor, spacious rooms, convenient location, and endless amenities make this property the best bet for travelers wanting a little bit of everything in one hotel. Within walking distance of Liberty Public Market, it’s adjacent to San Diego Airport. Hot breakfast, a swimming pool, fitness center, laundry facilities, on-site market, and coffee/hot cocoa bar are just a few of the bonuses to the reasonable room rates. Although the hotel has plenty of amenities, the rooms are somewhat sparse, but comfortable and spotless, with aviation artwork adorning the wall. The proximity to Downtown—just 3 miles away—and the airport make this hotel a top choice for business travelers and early-or-late flight arrivals.

Pros

  • Close to the airport and Liberty Station
  • Spotless hotel
  • Free airport shuttle 5 am–10:30 pm

Cons

  • Sparse rooms
  • No tubs
  • $24 daily parking fee
  • $75 pet fee
2211 Lee Ct., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-881–2710
Hotel Details
181 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

$$ | 207 5th Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA

Self-billed as a hip playground for rock stars and people who want to party like them, the Hard Rock near Petco Park overlooks glimmering San Diego Bay with an interior that oozes laid-back sophistication and guest rooms that include branded Sleep Like a Rock beds and the option of renting a guitar. One of the hotel's 17 Rock Star suites was designed by the pop group, the Black-Eyed Peas. Restaurants on-site include Nobu, a sushi mecca, and Maryjane's, a diner with classic American style. Among locals, the hotel is most well-known for its 207 nightclub and Float—a poolside bar where skimpy bikinis and board shorts rule.

Pros

  • Central location
  • Energetic scene
  • Luxurious rooms

Cons

  • Pricey drinks
  • Some attitude
  • Party scene tends to be loud
207 5th Ave., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-702–3000
Hotel Details
420 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Hilton Garden Inn/Homewood Suites

$$ | 2137 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA

Two brands from Hilton Hotels share a building in Little Italy two blocks from the bay, giving guests more space to spread out and be relatively within budget. Hilton Garden Inn rooms occupy the right side of the floor, while the larger Homewood Suites are on the left side. Both brands offer free Wi-Fi and room service, as well as a shared 24/7 grab-and-go market, the Pacific Standard Coastal Kitchen restaurant (dinner only), and access to a heated outdoor rooftop pool. The 160 Homewood Suites have full kitchens and larger layouts, along with daily breakfast buffet and an evening reception Monday through Thursday, making it more ideal for longer stays. Some of the 204 Hilton Garden Inn rooms have bay views and sleeper sofas.

Pros

  • Modern guest rooms
  • Plenty of tech conveniences
  • Quiet neighborhood at night

Cons

  • On a busy block
  • Valet parking only
  • Limited amenities
2137 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-696–7000-Homewood Suites
Hotel Details
364 rooms
Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Hilton San Diego Bayfront

$$ | 1 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA

This contemporary 30-story hotel overlooking San Diego Bay strives for a boutique feel. Rooms are modern and spacious with views of either the bay or the port. All rooms have large work desks, perfect for industrious business travelers while families will enjoy the heated saltwater pool and kids-only splash pad. The hotel also has a full-service spa and fitness center. Trolley tours of the city stop at the hotel; joggers will like the waterfront 3-mile path that winds over to Seaport Village.

Pros

  • Close to the convention center, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, and Petco Park
  • Allergy-friendly rooms available
  • Excellent views

Cons

  • Expensive valet parking
  • Extra fees add up
  • No minibar in the rooms
1 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-564–3333
Hotel Details
1190 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

  • $$

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Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

$$$ | 401 K St., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA

The moment you experience the cozy lounge spaces and wood accents of the Hilton's modern and sophisticated lobby, you realize this isn't your run-of-the-mill chain hotel—room perks include pillow-top mattresses, down comforters, and spacious work desks. Grab a drink at Wild Hare Bar Lounge, or order one to arrive poolside at the heated outdoor pool. The vibe feels more boutique than resort, and you can't beat the location: the trolley whizzes by, the convention center is across the street, and nightlife and restaurants are just outside your door.

Pros

  • Large rooms
  • Convenient location with lots of transportation
  • Very close to restaurants and shops

Cons

  • Noisy area
  • Pricey parking
  • Wi-Fi is only free for Hilton's Honors loyalty program members
401 K St., San Diego, CA, 92101, USA
619-231–4040
Hotel Details
286 rooms
No Meals

Quick Facts

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