I love planning stays in “America's Greatest City”. In addition to all the charm that San Diego provides, choosing the best places to stay will make your trip even more fascinating!
That's why I created the best San Diego travel guide to help you get your bearings and plan your perfect San Diego itinerary.
From the best restaurants in San Diego to the best brunch spots in San Diego and everything in between, I encourage you to plan a trip to this coastal city. Find your new favorite brewery, discover the beaches and immerse yourself in the local culture.
To make your trip easier, I'm preparing the best hotels to stay in San Diego.
Where to stay in San Diego
It is essential to understand how geographically large San Diego County is. As you're planning your must-see spots in the city, look at a map.
Below the interactive map of Booking with hundreds of offers, make your reservation through Booking, it is the best rental site in my opinion. I love the offers, discounts and perks of booking without fees 🙂
Booking.comThere are 112kms of coastline within the county, so things can be a lot further afield than you might think.
There are too many neighborhoods to list, so I'm just going to scratch the surface by listing the best bases for exploration.
Central/Little Italy
If you're looking for top-notch nightlife, add downtown and the Gaslamp (next to Little Italy) to your list.
While Little Italy is close to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, it's not a great area for kids. You'll also find that parking is expensive and can be difficult to find.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a night on the town and plan to ride an Uber, you'll love it.
beach towns
For stunning views of the Pacific and a laid-back atmosphere, you'll have plenty of options throughout the Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and Mission Beach area.
La Jolla
This drop-dead gorgeous area is premium but well worth it when you're looking to relax and be silent.
north county
Though you're a little further away from the typical tourist spots like Balboa Park and the Zoo, you'll find quiet places to escape in Del Mar, Solana Beach, Leucadia, Encinitas and Carlsbad.
Carlsbad
I love Carlsbad's flower fields!
Visit in spring to admire the colorful flowers. Be aware that you are 45 minutes from Point Loma and this is not a practical base if you plan on exploring San Diego on a daily basis.
luxury hotels in san diego
Looking to have a place of luxury and beach? Here are some of the best luxury hotels in San Diego!
Enjoy and check out the activities to do in San Diego, guarantee your tickets and tours now:
hotel del coronado
Hotel del Coronado is an absolute icon. The Victorian-style hotel is a dream with its waterfront access and is a true retail complex, complete with restaurants, shops, walking trails and even an ice skating rink when on vacation.
If you're looking for old-school vibes but still want luxury, this grand hotel is for you! PS It was featured in the Marilyn Monroe movie, Some like it hot.
InterContinental San Diego
Little Italy is just a 15-minute walk from the InterContinental San Diego – making it a prime location from which to explore all the area has to offer.
Although it doesn't have access to the beach, the harbor is right on the hotel's doorstep (hello, sunset walks!).
The InterContinental took advantage of stunning harbor views with floor-to-ceiling windows. There's even a pool on the fourth floor overlooking the water!
Pousada Rancho Bernardo
The Rancho Bernardo Inn is located a little outside the heart of San Diego – about 30 miles north of downtown. This is yet another place to book if you just want a serene staycation.
Take advantage of the spa (which has outdoor garden treatment rooms, yes please!), championship golf course, and other top-notch amenities.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
This 400-acre resort is majestic to say the least! Operated by those behind The Plaza in New York, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is grand indeed.
With luxurious Mediterranean stylings, it almost feels like a palace in France or Spain…but in Southern California!
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
This sprawling resort is the pinnacle of Southern California with its fuschia-hued bougainvillea, orange groves and beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture.
This place is sprawling (it's spread over 45 acres) and it's also a place you book for the perfect stay... where you'll never want to leave.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Located in La Jolla, this Spanish Colonial-style hotel is the quintessential California with all its succulents, gardens and mission-style architecture.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
This cliffside Craftsman-style resort feels a bit like stepping back in time… in a very elegant way. Although the decor is heavy and dark, it's warm and comforting in that beautiful artisanal style.
Located on the 18th green of the South Course of the Torrey Pines Golf Course, this place is perfect for anyone who… you guessed it – likes golf!
The US Grant: US Grant!
The US Grant is a historic hotel located in the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego.
Upon opening its doors in 1910, the US Grant Hotel already welcomed California's high society as one of the most luxurious hotels of the era.
Mid-Range Hotels in San Diego
Crowded cities often mean a huge number of options when it comes to accommodations, and San Diego definitely has some fantastic hotel options.
If you're looking for a mid-range San Diego hotel that's adorable (and maybe has boutique charm) but won't completely break the bank — check these places out!
The Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club
Located in North Park and a 5-minute drive from the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, The Lafayette Hotel is a 1940s eco-friendly hotel that features a lap pool and poolside dining. The whole environment here is just FUN!
PS A scene in Top Gun was filmed here!
The Westgate Hotel
Want to hug a little bit of Versailles… of San Diego?
Located on the Gaslamp, this elegant hotel features a decadent brunch buffet and an opulent lobby; think Baccarat crystal chandeliers, Persian rugs and French tapestries.
The Pearl Hotel
Loves the Palm Springs feel and that vintage motel kind of vibe… just minus the motel? Pearl plays with all the fun aspects, but does it with a lot of comfort and charm!
Slightly tucked away in Point Loma, The Pearl is a small boutique hotel with a gorgeous outdoor pool (where they often host movie nights) and a killer cocktail menu. A super cute place to stay for a romantic getaway!
Park Hyatt Aviara
Looking to go out in Carlsbad?
The Park Hyatt Aviara is a family-friendly spot with its pool area with waterslides… plus its squadron of babysitters for when mom and dad want to escape for date night. While it's familiar, it's also quite stylish (Hyatt injected $$ 50 million into its upgrades!).
guild hotel
A newer hotel on the San Diego scene, opening in 2019, The Guild is incredibly modern. Housed inside a 1920s YMCA, the hotel has kept some of the historic details (like the grand stone staircase – so cool!).
I'm a big fan of its herringbone floors, sleek lobby bar, and blush-toned velvet couches.
Pendry San Diego
This 12-story hotel on the Gaslamp is cool, modern, and big on design! Created by the Montage team, the rooms feature lots of white tones, touches of gold and wood…similar to a West Elm catalog (but in real life!).
This hotel is great for those who enjoy good food and nightlife.
San Diego budget hotels
As a note, even “budget” hotels in San Diego usually start at US$$100 to US$$200 per night, depending on the season.
Kings Inn San Diego
Not far from Highway 8, this 1960's style hotel is surrounded by palm trees. Featuring a gorgeous pool and an even more attractive price point (read: wallet-friendly), this is a great option for the budget traveler.
Budget hotel in San Diego
- SureStay Hotel by Best Western!
SureStay Hotel by Best Western
It has all the comforts you know and love at Best Western. This location is within walking distance of Mission Bay Park, 5 km from Seaworld, Pacific Beach Boardwalk and Mission Beach.
The best hotels to stay in San Diego
Do you have a favorite hotel in San Diego?
Let me know in the comments below!
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