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4- and 5-star hotels in San Diego
A shortlist of the 4- and 5-star hotels in San Diego, from the Gaslamp Quarter and the waterfront to Coronado and La Jolla. It is for travellers choosing between city-centre stays and resort-style properties, with guest ratings from 4.4 to 4.7 out of 5.
Staying in San Diego
San Diego spreads from a downtown core of Victorian-era buildings and nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter to the quieter, resort-like peninsula of Coronado across the bay, and north along the coast to La Jolla, known for upscale shopping and its scenic coastline. Downtown also holds the Marina district, close to the convention center and waterfront, where many of the city's largest hotels stand.
These hotels follow that geography. The US Grant sits on Broadway, the Pendry on J Street and the Omni on L Street, all in the downtown grid, while the Manchester Grand Hyatt on Market Place, the Marriott Marquis on Harbor Drive and the InterContinental on Bayfront Court face the waterfront. The Hotel del Coronado occupies Orange Avenue on Coronado, the Pacific Terrace and Tower23 sit near the beach in the Pacific Beach area, and the Hyatt Regency and Embassy Suites cluster on La Jolla Village Drive. Couples and short-break visitors tend to favour the walkable downtown and beach properties; families find more room in the La Jolla and Coronado resorts, and business travellers are served by the downtown conference hotels.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereSet inland at 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, about 19.4 km from the centre, this 5-star resort suits guests who want grounds and quiet rather than a downtown base. Golf and horse riding are both on offer, and an outdoor-minded day is easy to plan with archery and aerobics also available. Families are covered with babysitting service and family rooms, and the spa-style relaxation comes from a garden and outdoor pool. Guests rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 1859 reviews.
See Fairmont Grand Del MarThe US Grant a Luxury Collection Hotel San Diego
326 Broadway, San Diego, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast in room
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereA downtown landmark at 326 Broadway, 7.6 km from the centre, this 5-star hotel puts a business centre, fitness centre and restaurant under one roof. Pets are allowed and family rooms are available, which makes it workable for travellers arriving with children or a dog. Express check-in speeds up arrival, and guests can dine in or take breakfast in the room. Across 2766 reviews it holds a 4.6 out of 5 guest rating.
See The US Grant a Luxury Collection Hotel San DiegoPendry San Diego
550 J Street, San Diego, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereA 5-star address on J Street with an outdoor pool and a fitness centre for guests who want to swim and train without leaving the building. The night club and bar on site keep evenings in the hotel, while the beach is nearby for daytime. Rated 4.6 out of 5 across 1691 reviews, it suits couples and families alike, with family rooms and babysitting service available; the centre lies 8.2 km away.
See Pendry San DiegoPelican Stay Furnished Suites San Diego Downtown
1980 Kettner Boulevard San Diegocalifornia 92101, San Diego, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Free car parking
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereThese furnished suites on Kettner Boulevard, 6.3 km from the centre, are built around a kitchen with fridge and microwave, which suits longer stays better than a standard room. An outdoor pool and fitness centre handle daily exercise, and free car parking plus a meeting room add convenience for guests arriving by car or mixing in work. Pets are allowed and the whole property is non-smoking.
See Pelican Stay Furnished Suites San Diego DowntownPacific Terrace Hotel
610 Diamond St, San Diego, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereClose to the beach at 610 Diamond St, 5.3 km from the centre, Pacific Terrace Hotel gives guests a balcony, an outdoor pool and a jacuzzi in a 4-star setting. Golfers have a course to aim for, and massage is available for the rest of the day. The 4.7 out of 5 rating from 1006 reviews is the highest on this list alongside the Fairmont.
See Pacific Terrace Hotel201 Surf Stars Studio
714 York Ct, San Diego, United States
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThis studio on York Ct, 4.4 km from the centre, comes with a kitchen including oven, dishwasher and microwave, plus a washing machine, which makes it a fit for self-catering stays. The beach is nearby and the area supports surfing, diving, fishing and horse riding, so active guests have plenty to fill the days. Free wifi, air conditioning and a patio round it out.
See 201 Surf Stars StudioHotel del Coronado Curio Collection by Hilton
1500 Orange Avenue, San Diego, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereThe historic Hotel del Coronado at 1500 Orange Avenue, about 10.1 km from the centre, offers an outdoor pool, a fitness centre and massage, with the beach nearby. Families get family rooms and babysitting service, and bike rental makes the surrounding area easy to explore without a car. A garden and jacuzzi add quieter options. It draws 4.5 out of 5 from a very large base of 20195 reviews.
See Hotel del Coronado Curio Collection by HiltonManchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
1 Market Pl, San Diego, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereAt 1 Market Pl, 7.6 km from the centre, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego combines an outdoor pool and jacuzzi with a fitness centre, plus courts for basketball and volleyball. Sailing and surfing are on offer for guests who want the water. A business centre, meeting room and ballroom serve corporate travellers, and multilingual staff help international guests. It scores 4.5 out of 5 from 10318 reviews.
See Manchester Grand Hyatt San DiegoMarriott Marquis San Diego Marina
333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Kids pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereOn Harbor Drive, 7.9 km from the centre, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina gives families both an outdoor pool and a kids pool, with a fitness centre and jacuzzi alongside. Fishing, diving and mini golf broaden the options, and bike rental covers getting around. Rooms come with a kitchenette, useful for longer stays. The 4.5 out of 5 rating comes from 7783 reviews.
See Marriott Marquis San Diego MarinaRancho Bernardo Inn
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereRancho Bernardo Inn sits at 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, 32.7 km from the centre, an inland base for guests who want space around them. A golf course, outdoor pool and pool bar set the tempo, with massage and a jacuzzi for slower afternoons. Pets are allowed, family rooms and babysitting service suit parents, and the 4.5 out of 5 rating rests on 2789 reviews.
See Rancho Bernardo InnInterContinental San Diego by IHG
901 Bayfront Court, San Diego, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereAt 901 Bayfront Court, 6.9 km from the centre, InterContinental San Diego by IHG offers an outdoor pool, fitness centre and aerobics, with a garden for calmer moments. Pets are allowed and family rooms are available, and a business centre plus meeting space cover work trips. Guests rate it 4.5 out of 5 across 1800 reviews.
See InterContinental San Diego by IHGTower23 Hotel
723 Felspar St, San Diego, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereTower23 Hotel on Felspar St, 5.1 km from the centre, puts the beach nearby and adds a spa and restaurant for evenings in. Some rooms come with a balcony, and a garden gives another place to sit out. Family rooms and express check-in keep arrival simple, and a business centre is there for guests mixing work with the coast. It holds 4.5 out of 5 from 1041 reviews.
See Tower23 HotelOmni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark
675 L St, San Diego, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Outdoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereOmni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark, on L Street about 8.4 km from the centre, suits guests who want downtown access with an outdoor pool and jacuzzi to return to. A fitness centre and massage cover recovery, and pets are allowed. Breakfast in the room and a business centre make it practical for both leisure and work travellers. The rating is 4.4 out of 5 from 3637 reviews.
See Omni San Diego Hotel at the BallparkEmbassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla
4550 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereEmbassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla, at 4550 La Jolla Village Dr, 12.2 km from the centre, is built for families with family rooms, an indoor pool and a jacuzzi. Rooms include a microwave and refrigerator, and breakfast is served on site. Pets are allowed and a fitness centre is available. It scores 4.4 out of 5 from 2736 reviews.
See Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La JollaHyatt Regency La Jolla
3777 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Outdoor pool
- Parking
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereHyatt Regency La Jolla on La Jolla Village Drive, 11.8 km from the centre, offers an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and fitness centre, plus table tennis for guests travelling with children. Family rooms and babysitting service reinforce the family fit, and pets are allowed. A business centre and restaurant complete the picture. Guests rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 2686 reviews.
See Hyatt Regency La Jolla
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairmont Grand Del Mar | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 1,859 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 19.4 km |
| The US Grant a Luxury Collection Hotel San Diego | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 2,766 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 7.6 km |
| Pendry San Diego | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,691 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.2 km |
| Pelican Stay Furnished Suites San Diego Downtown | ★★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 6.3 km |
| Pacific Terrace Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 1,006 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 5.3 km |
| 201 Surf Stars Studio | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,957 | Yes | – | – | Yes | 4.4 km |
| Hotel del Coronado Curio Collection by Hilton | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 20,195 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 10.1 km |
| Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 10,318 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 7.6 km |
| Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 7,783 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 7.9 km |
| Rancho Bernardo Inn | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 2,789 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 32.7 km |
| InterContinental San Diego by IHG | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 1,800 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 6.9 km |
| Tower23 Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 1,041 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 5.1 km |
| Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 3,637 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.4 km |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 2,736 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 12.2 km |
| Hyatt Regency La Jolla | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 2,686 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 11.8 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For beach stays
Pacific Terrace Hotel and Tower23 Hotel both sit close to the sand and list beach access, and 201 Surf Stars Studio offers a kitchen and beach proximity for a self-catering stay. Hotel del Coronado adds a resort setting on Coronado with an outdoor pool and garden.
Pacific Terrace Hotel · Tower23 Hotel · Hotel del Coronado Curio Collection by Hilton · 201 Surf Stars Studio
For downtown exploring
The US Grant on Broadway, Pendry San Diego on J Street and Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark on L Street put guests inside the downtown grid, while Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina on Harbor Drive adds the waterfront. All four hold 4.5 or better from guests.
The US Grant a Luxury Collection Hotel San Diego · Pendry San Diego · Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark · Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
For families
Family rooms appear at Hotel del Coronado, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla and Hyatt Regency La Jolla, and Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina lists a kids pool. The La Jolla pair share La Jolla Village Drive, away from the downtown bustle.
Hotel del Coronado Curio Collection by Hilton · Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla · Hyatt Regency La Jolla · Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
For highest guest ratings
Fairmont Grand Del Mar and Pacific Terrace Hotel both score 4.7 out of 5, the top of this shortlist, though the Fairmont sits 19.4 km from the centre. The US Grant and Pendry San Diego follow at 4.6 with 2766 and 1691 reviews respectively.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar · Pacific Terrace Hotel · The US Grant a Luxury Collection Hotel San Diego · Pendry San Diego
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
San Diego International Airport is about 3 miles from downtown, with direct flights from many major cities. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner connects the city to Los Angeles and other points along the coast, and by car Interstates 5 and 8 serve San Diego. Getting around is easiest by car, but the Metropolitan Transit System runs buses and the San Diego Trolley, which links downtown, Old Town and the Mexican border. Ride-sharing and taxis are also available, and parking can be limited in popular areas. Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter are very walkable, though many attractions are spread out, so a car or public transit helps between them.
When to go
The climate is mild year-round, but the most popular time to visit is from June to October, when temperatures are warmest and the ocean is warmest for swimming. Spring and fall bring comfortable weather with fewer crowds, while winter can be cooler and wetter but still mild compared with most of the United States. Events run through the year, including Comic-Con International in July, when downtown hotels such as The US Grant and Pendry San Diego are in the middle of the action.
Questions, answered
Which hotels are closest to downtown attractions?
The US Grant on Broadway, Pendry San Diego on J Street and Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark on L Street sit in the downtown grid. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego on Market Place, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina on Harbor Drive and InterContinental San Diego on Bayfront Court are on the waterfront side.
Are there hotels near the beach?
Pacific Terrace Hotel on Diamond Street and Tower23 Hotel on Felspar Street both list beach access nearby, and 201 Surf Stars Studio on York Court also lists the beach. Hotel del Coronado on Orange Avenue sits on Coronado, known for its beaches.
Which hotels suit families?
Hotel del Coronado, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla and Hyatt Regency La Jolla list family rooms, and Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina has a kids pool. The La Jolla hotels sit on La Jolla Village Drive, away from the downtown bustle.
Which hotels have the best guest ratings?
Fairmont Grand Del Mar and Pacific Terrace Hotel both score 4.7 out of 5, from 1859 and 1006 reviews. The US Grant and Pendry San Diego follow at 4.6, and Hotel del Coronado, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego and Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina score 4.5.
Do any hotels have a pool?
Pendry San Diego, Pacific Terrace Hotel, Hotel del Coronado, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Rancho Bernardo Inn, InterContinental San Diego, Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark and Hyatt Regency La Jolla all list an outdoor pool; Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla lists an indoor pool.
How far are the hotels from the city centre?
Distances range from 4.4 km at 201 Surf Stars Studio and 5.1 km at Tower23 Hotel to 19.4 km at Fairmont Grand Del Mar and 32.7 km at Rancho Bernardo Inn. The downtown hotels sit between 6.9 km and 8.4 km from the centre.
What is the best way to get around San Diego?
A car is convenient for the city's spread-out neighbourhoods, but public transit, including the Trolley and buses, reaches many attractions, and ride-sharing is widely available. Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter are very walkable.
When is the best time to visit San Diego?
June to October is the most popular period, when temperatures and the ocean are warmest. Spring and fall offer comfortable weather with fewer crowds, and winter is cooler and wetter but mild compared with most of the United States.