Are you searching for the very best hotels in San Diego? Perfect! We’re going to show you the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels throughout the most popular neighborhoods in town so you can make the most informed decision on exactly where to stay in San Diego.
Instead of trawling through endless randomly listed hotel search engine results, use our research and data driven guide to find the best hotel in San Diego for your visit based on location, value, previous guest ratings and our own experiences.
We have personally visited San Diego twice and stayed in two different neighborhoods. One hotel was in the city and the other hotel was on the beach, so we had contrasting experiences but both were fantastic.
Here’s how we will break down the top hotels in San Diego to help you find the perfect place to stay:
- Popular San Diego neighborhoods
- Best things to do in each area
- Best hotels in each neighborhood
- Top hotels for couples and families
Let’s find you the perfect hotel for your trip to San Diego, California!
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Popular San Diego Neighborhoods
The first step to finding the best hotel for your San Diego vacation is to make sure you are staying in the right area for your travel goals.
There are several excellent and diverse San Diego neighborhoods offering visitors a completely different SoCal experience.
Each area has its own pros and cons, but San Diego is a fairly small city which means you’re never too far away from the city or beaches.
Note: We will cover the best San Diego hotels near the airport at the end of this guide.
Here are 5 of the best San Diego neighborhoods to stay in San Diego, California:
- 1. Gaslamp Quarter – Best for foodies and socializing
- 2. Downtown – Best for being close to most attractions
- 3. Coronado – Best for escaping the crowds
- 4. Pacific Beach – Best for beaches and young crowds
- 5. La Jolla – Best for families and upscale travel
Do you know exactly what you will do in San Diego?
If you’re not 100% sure yet, read our popular guide to the perfect 3 days in San Diego itinerary on our travel site Where Are Those Morgans.
OK, let’s dive into the 20 best hotels in San Diego spread throughout the most popular neighborhoods!
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter is the beating heart of downtown San Diego. The narrow 16 block area includes various chain and independent restaurants, bars, nightclubs, museums and theaters.
The historic Gaslamp Quarter has the highest density of hotels in San Diego and it is the most popular place to stay on a first visit to San Diego. It is busy, touristy and cosmopolitan.
We stayed in Gaslamp Quarter the first time we visited San Diego and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There’s a ton of places you can eat, drink and relax within easy walking distance.
Things To Do In Gaslamp Quarter
- Watch a Padres game
- Go bar hop and nightclubbing
- See a show at Balboa theater
- Visit the San Diego convention center
- Laugh at a San Diego comedy club
- Drink coffee, eat out and socialize
Who Should Stay In Gaslamp Quarter?
- Foodies
- Big groups
- Anyone looking to party
- Those who want to be in the liveliest part of town
- Visitors watching San Diego Padres baseball
Best Hotels In Gaslamp Quarter San Diego
Some of the very best hotels in San Diego are right here in the Gaslamp Quarter thanks to its evergreen popularity. Gaslamp is a really great place to set up base for first time visitors to “America’s Finest City” San Diego.
Here are the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels in San Diego Gaslamp Quarter with previous guest ratings.
1. Moxy San Diego Gaslamp
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.6 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, on site bar, 24 hour front desk, fitness center, breakfast available
- Parking: $54 per day
Moxy San Diego is a hip and affordable boutique hotel in the upper Gaslamp District. The popular Moxy chain offers cozy rooms and a buzzing bar in a modern setting. We have stayed in Moxy hotels around the world and they never disappoint.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at Moxy San Diego. The hotel has a cool vibe and typically attracts a younger crowd, which makes it perfect for solo travelers, couples and especially groups of friends visiting the city.
>> Book Hotel: Moxy Gaslamp
2. Hotel Z San Diego – A Staypineapple Hotel
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.0 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, pet friendly, 24 hour front desk, free use of bicycles
- Parking: No parking available
Hotel Z by Staypineapple is the best cheap hotel in San Diego. The trendy boutique hotel in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter has exceptionally high guest ratings, it is pet friendly and guests have access to free bikes. We spent a fantastic night in this hotel and would happily return.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at Hotel Z Staypineapple. The hotel has hundreds of extremely positive comments on both Booking and Google, it has near perfect scores across the board and it is affordable. Definitely check prices here for your trip to San Diego.
>> Book Hotel: Hotel Z Staypineapple
3. Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.3 / 10
- Google – 4.4 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, pet friendly, 24 hour front desk, fitness center, rooftop bar, breakfast available
- Parking: $55 per day
Hotel Indigo is a very popular mid range boutique hotel in San Diego. Located near Petco Park in the Gaslamp Quarter, the hotel features a fantastic rooftop bar and pet friendly rooms. Hotel Indigo is more expensive than Staypineapple but it has a fitness center and open bar on the roof.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness and location the highest at Hotel Indigo. It is a solid middle of the road hotel in the most popular area of San Diego for first time visitors. We have stayed in a handful of Hotel Indigo properties around the world and they are usually excellent.
>> Book Hotel: Hotel Indigo Gaslamp
4. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.3 / 10
- Google – 4.3 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, on site restaurants and bar, rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, jacuzzi
- Parking: $55 per day
Hard Rock Hotel is a popular music-centered hotel in San Diego with an active nightlife. The famous chain has thousands of good ratings from previous guests, it has a swanky rooftop pool and bar, as well as in house nightlife.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness and location the highest at Hard Rock Hotel. You can book a room with direct views over Petco Park and it is a popular choice for baseball fans in town to watch a Padres game.
>> Book Hotel: Hard Rock Hotel
5. Omni San Diego Hotel
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, pet friendly, 24 hour front desk, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, full service spa, on site restaurants and bar, breakfast available, rooms with views
- Parking: $55 per day
Omni San Diego is a very highly rated affordable luxury hotel idyllically located at the southern end of Gaslamp Quarter close to the marina, convention center and Petco Park. The hotel features a lovely outdoor pool and sunbathing area, a great gym and several on site dining options.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at Omni San Diego Hotel. This incredibly popular hotel is one of our top choices for San Diego thanks to its excellent location between the Embarcadero and amenities of Gaslamp Quarter.
>> Book Hotel: Omni San Diego
6. Pendry San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, on site restaurant and bar, fitness center, outdoor rooftop pool, terrace, 24 hour front desk, breakfast available
- Parking: $51 per day
Pendry is a luxurious and elegant boutique hotel in San Diego with a superb Gaslamp Quarter location. If you have cash to splash and you want to stay in the liveliest area, this is one of the best hotels in San Diego in the luxury category.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at Pendry San Diego. The hotel features a stylish rooftop pool and lounging area, excellent bar and comfortable guest rooms. It is more expensive, but it is worth it for a special occasion.
>> Book Hotel: Pendry San Diego
Visiting San Diego attractions? Don’t forget to see how much money you can save by using a GoCity Pass or a CityPASS on your visit to San Diego!
Downtown San Diego
Downtown San Diego encompasses a square shaped area to the left and below I-5 as you look at a map. Gaslamp Quarter is technically inside the downtown boundary but due to its popularity we gave it a section of its own in this guide.
Therefore, Downtown covers the neighborhoods of Embarcadero, Little Italy, Marina, Core-Columbia and Cortez Hill. You will spend plenty of time walking around these areas on your visit to San Diego, particularly if you decide to walk up to Balboa Park.
Downtown is one of the most convenient places to stay in San Diego if you don’t have or hire a car. It is pedestrian friendly and there are dozens of fantastic places to eat.
Things To Do In Downtown
- Walk along the harbor front
- Visit the USS Midway Museum
- See ‘The Kiss’ and Joshua Trees
- Explore the Maritime Museum and Star of India
- Shop in Seaport Village
- Walk around and eat in Little Italy
Who Should Stay In Downtown?
- Families
- Couples
- Foodies
- Solo travelers
- Business travelers
- Those who want it lively but not too loud
Best Hotels In Downtown San Diego
Hotel prices in Downtown San Diego are reflective of the excellent location in the heart of the top attractions and ease of access to San Diego airport.
Here are the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury San Diego hotels downtown with previous guest ratings.
7. Best Western Plus Bayside San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.4 / 10
- Google – 4.3 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, heated outdoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, 24 hour front desk, complimentary grab and go breakfast
- Parking: $22 per day
Best Western Plus Bayside is a great low budget hotel in Downtown San Diego. You know exactly what you are getting with a Best Western Plus. It is located just steps from Little Italy and Embarcadero, plus the airport is only 2 miles away which makes it a cheap Uber ride each way.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness and location the highest at Best Western Plus Bayside. The hotel has particularly high scores for both staff and location, which means you are in good hands in a great spot. Definitely one to consider at the lower end of budget in San Diego.
>> Book Hotel: Best Western Plus Bayside
8. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bayfront San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, heated outdoor pool, fitness center, 24 hour front desk, ocean views, breakfast included, on site restaurant and bar, pet friendly
- Parking: $39 per day
SpringHill Suites by Marriott is a highly rated hotel in San Diego with views facing directly out into the bay. It has an excellent location between Embarcadero and Downtown, as well as quality amenities, which makes this one of the very best hotels in San Diego in the mid range budget category.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at SpringHill Suites Bayfront. Nightly room rates include breakfast, which is rare among hotels in the area. The popular downtown San Diego hotel is pet friendly and features a handful of ocean facing guest rooms.
>> Book Hotel: SpringHill Suites Bayfront
9. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.6 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, two swimming pools, luxury rooftop lounge and bar, pet friendly, fitness center, multiple restaurants and lounges, rooms with bay views, breakfast available
- Parking: $40 per day
Manchester Grand Hyatt is luxury resort hotel in San Diego with an excellent location on the Embarcadero, close to Seaport Village shopping center. The resort is definitely on the upper end of mid range budget and guests are required to pay an additional resort fee to cover the fantastic amenities.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at Manchester Grand Hyatt. The resort has thousands of positive guest ratings and comments. A highlight is the Top of Hyatt bar which showcases sublime views over San Diego. Definitely a splurge, but a worthwhile investment!
>> Book Hotel: Manchester Grand Hyatt
10. InterContinental San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.4 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, multiple restaurants and bars, rooftop swimming pool and bar, health and wellness center, yoga terrace, breakfast available, pet friendly
- Parking: $39 per day
InterContinental San Diego is a luxury bay front hotel with floor to ceiling windows in each room showing off fantastic views. You will find the upscale trimmings expected with an expensive hotel. It is one of the best Downtown San Diego hotels and a great choice for anyone traveling on a top end budget.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at InterContinental San Diego. In addition to the already pricey room, you will pay an additional resort fee per night. This luxury San Diego hotel is great for families, solo travelers, couples and business travelers.
>> Book Hotel: InterContinental San Diego
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach is the trendy oceanside neighborhood favored by surfers, beach goers and a typically younger bar hopping crowd. Independent stores, bars and restaurants line Garnet Avenue, which is the main strip in Pacific Beach.
The north side of Pacific Beach is perfect for families who want a beachfront break away from the crowds. The south side is where you will find SeaWorld and Mission Bay.
We stayed in Pacific Beach on our second trip to San Diego and really enjoyed the lively but chilled atmosphere. It was a great place to relax and work.
Things To Do In Pacific Beach
- Take the kids to SeaWorld San Diego
- Water sports in Mission Bay
- Eat, drink and shop on Garnet Avenue
- Relax on the beaches
- Take surfing lessons
Who Should Stay In Pacific Beach?
- Groups
- Couples
- Beach lovers
- Families
- Remote workers
- Those who want the ultimate chill out vacation
Best Hotels In Pacific Beach San Diego
Despite being beachfront, hotels are slightly more affordable in Pacific Beach versus Downtown or Gaslamp Quarter. It’s a different type of vacation when you stay on the beach rather than in the built up urban part of town.
Here are the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego with previous guest ratings.
11. The Beach Cottages San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.7 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, beachfront, BBQ facilities, ping pong, laundry
- Parking: $10 per day
The Beach Cottages is a one of the best hotels in San Diego on the beach and it is affordable. Located just half a block from Pacific Beach with clear views of the boardwalk, this hotel is a low budget beachfront gem.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, value for money and location the highest at The Beach Cottages. The area is very popular and has a lively atmosphere which would suit groups of friends or outgoing couples perfectly.
>> Book Hotel: The Beach Cottages
12. Ocean Park Inn San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.9 / 10
- Google – 4.4 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, beachfront, ocean views, 24 hour front desk, laundry
- Parking: $20 per day
Ocean Park Inn is a fantastic mid range budget hotel in San Diego along the Pacific Beach neighborhood. The highly regarded inn is idyllically located just steps from the boardwalk and sand on Pacific Beach.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at Ocean Park Inn. It isn’t the most luxurious Pacific Beach hotel, but it has a superb price point and it scores very highly across the board. Definitely one to check prices if you want to stay right on the beach in this area.
>> Book Hotel: Ocean Park Inn
13. Pacific Terrace Hotel San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.9 / 10
- Google – 4.7 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, beachfront, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, fitness center, 24 hour front desk, ocean views, on site restaurant and bar
- Parking: $28 per day
Pacific Terrace Hotel is a superb beachfront hotel in San Diego just steps from Pacific Beach. It has a small but intimate pool area just steps from the sand and it is far enough away from the main strip in Pacific Beach which will suit those looking for a quieter escape.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at Pacific Terrace Hotel. We spent one night at this beachfront San Diego hotel during our second trip to southern California and we loved being right on the beach. There is a resort fee to pay additionally, but it is a lovely spot.
>> Book Hotel: Pacific Terrace Hotel
14. Tower23 Hotel San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.0 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, 24 hour front desk, on site restaurant and bar, beachfront
- Parking: $30 per day
Tower 23 is a popular and highly rated San Diego hotel located just steps from the beach and Garnet Avenue. There is no swimming pool, which means this could be the perfect choice for an adults only trip close to the bars and restaurants in Pacific Beach.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the highest at Tower 23. We highly recommend checking prices here because despite being a more luxurious San Diego lodging option, the prices here can at times be much lower than others at a similar quality in the area.
>> Book Hotel: Tower23 Hotel
La Jolla
La Jolla is a charming seaside village widely regarded as the most upmarket part of San Diego. If you don’t stay here, you should at least visit the area for a few hours during your time in town.
This is a place to bring the family for marine wildlife spotting, art galleries, museums and a stunning rugged coastline. But this is not the place to stay if you’re looking for nightlife activities.
You’ll need a car if you stay in La Jolla so you can get out and see the rest of San Diego before returning back each night to one of the top rated beach destinations on the West Coast.
Things To Do In La Jolla
- Watch the sea lions and seals at La Jolla Cove
- Walk around the La Jolla tidal pools at low tide
- Watch the gliders take off at Torrey Pines
- Visit the Birch Aquarium and walk on Blacks Beach
- Walk around Ellen Browning Scripps Park
- Drive up to Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Who Should Stay In La Jolla?
- Families
- Couples who want romance over nightlife
- Those looking for a quiet and upmarket place to stay
Best Hotels In La Jolla San Diego
Hotels in La Jolla are posh, boutique and well kept. You can stay anywhere in town or along the beach but we recommend you stick close to La Jolla Village so you have more amenities on your doorstep.
Here are the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels in La Jolla San Diego with previous guest ratings.
15. Empress Hotel La Jolla
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.2 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, 24 hour front desk, fitness center, on site restaurant and bar,
- Parking: $28 per day
Empress Hotel is a European style boutique hotel in La Jolla San Diego. It is a wonderful low budget option to stay in the upmarket neighborhood of La Jolla, featuring elegant guest rooms and excellent on site Italian restaurant.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness and location the highest at Empress Hotel. It has a fantastic location in the heart of Downtown La Jolla with several shops and restaurants on the doorstep, and the beachfront areas just a few minutes walk away.
>> Book Hotel: Empress Hotel La Jolla
16. Scripps Inn La Jolla
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.0 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Mid Range $$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, beachfront, ocean views
- Parking: $18 per day
Scripps Inn is an intimate boutique hotel in La Jolla San Diego featuring only 14 rooms and located just steps from the beaches and museums in town. We think this is one of the very best hotels in San Diego in terms of value for money, especially if you want ocean views from a quiet and cozy room.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities, value for money and location the highest at Scripps Inn. It takes a clean sweep and comments are nothing put positive. We hope this will be our next San Diego hotel stay!
>> Book Hotel: Scripps Inn La Jolla
17. Grande Colonial La Jolla
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 8.8 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, outdoor swimming pool, on site fine dining and bar, spa, ocean views
- Parking: $30 per day
Grand Colonial La Jolla is a luxurious, elegant and historic boutique hotel in San Diego. It is located just one block from La Jolla Cove which is a popular spot for families. This rustic hotel is slightly more expensive but it is classy and tranquil.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities and location the Grande Colonial La Jolla. It has an old world California coast feel with modern amenities in a near perfect location within the bougie town of La Jolla.
>> Book Hotel: Grande Colonial La Jolla
Coronado
Coronado is a peninsula across the bay from San Diego reached by crossing the Coronado Bridge. It is well known for its white sandy beaches and laid back atmosphere.
You will find shopping, restaurants and countless beaches to relax on if you stay over in Coronado. But don’t expect nightlife, you’ll need to cross back over to Gaslamp for a more lively scene.
Staying in Coronado is all about living life in the slow lane, escaping from the hustle and bustle of life and recharging. If you don’t stay here, take a drive over the bridge to explore for a few hours instead.
Things To Do In Coronado
- Take a stroll on the powdery white sands of Coronado Beach
- Photograph the San Diego skyline from Centennial Park
- Eat, drink and shop in Coronado Ferry Center
Who Should Stay In Coronado?
- Families
- Couples
- Anyone looking to escape the crowds
- Those who want quiet beaches
Best Hotels In Coronado San Diego
You can pick up excellent value for money in Coronado with highly rated hotels costing far less when compared to those Downtown. Hotels here have more of a family feel.
The most popular tourist attraction on Coronado Island is actually a historic hotel called the Hotel del Coronado.
We have not included this hotel in our list of best hotels in San Diego because it only has a rating of 7.0 / 10 on Booking.com. Most of the negative reviews are centered around exorbitant prices and a rundown feel.
Here are the top rated cheap, mid range and luxury hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego with previous guest ratings.
18. Crown City Inn San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.1 / 10
- Google – 4.6 / 5
- Price: Cheap $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, pet friendly, outdoor pool, on site restaurant, fitness center, 24 hour front desk, free use of bicycles
- Parking: Free
Crown City Inn is a very highly rated cheap hotel in Coronado San Diego. The hotel offers excellent value for money, along with an outdoor swimming pool and a very quiet location on Coronado Island.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities, value for money and location the highest at Crown City Inn. It has a low score for WiFi so don’t stay here if you plan to work on your trip to San Diego, but every other aspect scores exceptionally well.
>> Book Hotel: Crown City Inn
19. El Cordova Hotel San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.0 / 10
- Google – 4.5 / 5
- Price: Budget $
- Amenities: Free WiFi, outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, on site restaurant and bar, BBQ facilities, 24 hour front desk
- Parking: $40 per day
El Cordova is a highly rated Spanish style hotel in San Diego with an excellent location in the heart of Coronado’s downtown area. This is another fantastic low budget option for those who want to stay on Coronado Island when visiting San Diego.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities, value for money and location the highest at El Cordova Hotel. Countless positive comments about the prime time location and staff make this a hotel you should consider if planning to stay in this neighborhood.
>> Book Hotel: El Cordova Hotel
20. Hotel Marisol San Diego
Guest ratings:
- Booking.com – 9.3 / 10
- Google – 4.7 / 5
- Price: Luxury $$$
- Amenities: Free WiFi, breakfast included, 24 hour front desk, yoga classes, happy hour, free bike rentals, garden
- Parking: No parking available
Hotel Marisol is a charming boutique hotel in San Diego with only 15 rooms, located just one block from Coronado Beach. It has exceptional ratings and reviews, it is classy and stylish, and we think it is one of the very best hotels in San Diego.
Reviewers rate staff, comfort, cleanliness, facilities, value for money and location the highest at Hotel Marisol. It takes a clean sweep and should be considered a true hidden gem San Diego hotel. We highly recommend you check prices for this hotel and we think you will be pleasantly surprised.
>> Book Hotel: Hotel Marisol Coronado
What Are The Best Cheap San Diego Hotels?
Are you traveling on a low budget?
Well, you’ll only be interested in affordable hotels so let’s take a look at the top rated cheap places to stay in San Diego.
- Days Inn – Mission Valley
- La Quinta – Mission Bay
- Old Town Inn – Old Town
- Sands of La Jolla – La Jolla
- Kings Inn – Mission Valley
What Are The Best Luxury 5 Star Hotels In San Diego?
Are you looking to splurge on your vacation?
Well, it’s easy to splash the cash on accommodation so let’s take a look at the top rated luxury 5 star hotels in San Diego!
- Fairmont Grand Del Mar – Carmel Valley
- Pendry San Diego – Gaslamp Quarter
- The Lodge at Torrey Pines – La Jolla
- Pantai Inn – La Jolla
- Andaz San Diego – Downtown
What Are The Best Beachfront Hotels In San Diego?
Do you want a beachfront escape?
You’re in luck, there are dozens of top rated beachfront hotels on the coast, so let’s take a look at the best San Diego hotels on the beach.
- Tower23 Hotel – Pacific Beach
- The Beach Cottages – Pacific Beach
- Scripps Inn – La Jolla
- Pacific Terrace Hotel – Pacific Beach
- Ocean Park Inn – Pacific Beach
What Are The Best Resort Hotels For Families In San Diego?
Are you looking for the most family friendly resort hotels in San Diego?
You’re better off staying away from Gaslamp and in a quieter area. We would recommend staying near the beach or at a hotel with a pool to keep the kids happy.
Let’s take a look at the best hotels for families with kids in San Diego.
- Mission Bay Resort – Mission Bay
- Loews Coronado Resort – Coronado
- Fairmont Grand Del Mar – Carmel Valley (Luxury)
- The Dana – Mission Bay
- LEGOLAND Castle Hotel – Carlsbad
What Are The Best Hotels Near San Diego Zoo?
Are you taking the kids to the popular San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park and want to stay nearby?
Let’s take a look at the top rated hotel options within walking distance of Balboa Park and the enormous San Diego Zoo.
- Inn At The Park – Balboa Park West
- Hillcrest House B&B – Hillcrest / Balboa Park Northwest
- Casa San Diego – Balboa Park North
- Marriott Pulse – Balboa Park Southwest
- World Mark – Balboa Park Southwest
What Are The Best Hotels Near San Diego SeaWorld?
Maybe you’re taking the family to San Diego seaworld and need to stay nearby?
Let’s take a look at the top rated hotel options within short driving distance of San Diego SeaWorld.
- Holiday Inn Express – Sea World
- Hyatt Regency – Mission Bay
- The Dana – Mission Bay
- Paradise Point Resort – Mission Bay
- Mission Bay Resort – Mission Bay
What Are The Best Hotels Near San Diego Airport?
Do you need a hotel close to San Diego airport to catch an early flight?
There are a handful of quality hotel options with easy access to the terminal, so let’s take a look at the best San Diego airport hotels.
- Hampton Inn & Suites – Airport
- Courtyard San Diego – Airport
- Hilton Harbor Island – Airport
- Homewood Suites – Airport
- TownePlace Suites Marriott – Airport
Best Hotels In San Diego FAQ’s
Let’s take a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions about where to stay in San Diego, California.
Where Should I Stay In San Diego For The First Time?
Gaslamp Quarter, Downtown San Diego and La Jolla all make for excellent places to stay on a first time visit to San Diego. Stay in Gaslamp if you want to be close to attractions and lively evenings, or stay in La Jolla to relax by the beach in a peaceful setting.
Where Should I Not Stay In San Diego?
When visiting San Diego, it is advisable to stay in the major touristy areas such as Gaslamp, Embarcadero and La Jolla. You should avoid staying in Southeast San Diego.
Where Do Celebs Stay In San Diego?
Celebrities stay in hotels throughout San Diego, most notably the Coronado Hotel, hotels close to the convention center during Comic-Con, and around the La Jolla, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe areas.
How Many Days In San Diego Is Enough?
Three days is enough time to visit San Diego. You can spend a day on the beaches, visit museums in Balboa Park for a day, and spend a day exploring the Gaslamp and Embarcadero neighborhoods.
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We hope this guide to the best San Diego hotels helps you book the perfect hotel for your SoCal vacation!
Please let us know if you have any questions about any of our best hotels in San Diego in the comments below.
Happy Booking,
Mark and Kristen
Best Hotels Anywhere
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are experts at finding and booking hotels. They’ve been traveling the world for over 6 years, staying at more than 500 hotels across 4 continents.
They only write about places they have personally visited themselves, which means every article you read on Best Hotels Anywhere is created directly from first hand experience. Read more about us.