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We list the best hotels and accommodations in San Diego as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places with at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in San Diego: Hotel Z Staypineapple
Best boutique hotel in San Diego: Hotel Pendry
Best luxury hotel in San Diego: The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Best hostel in San Diego: HI San Diego Downtown
Best eco-friendly hotel in San Diego: Moxy San Diego Downtown
“Though first-time visitors in La Jolla gravitate toward the more famous La Valencia, second-timers of pick this thoughtfully restored 1913 inn in a relatively quiet section of La Jolla’s main street. Each rooms is different.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in San Diego.
“This 1926 pink-walled, Mediterranean-style landmark was designed by William Templeton Johnson. Among its 115 rooms, those in the main building are rather compact while the villas are spacious, but the property wins for its Old Hollywood romance.”
“Downtown San Diego’s grand dame, built in 1910 by the son of Ulysses S. Grant, has been rescued from near dilapidation many times over the centuries. The Grant is now as glorious as ever, with its grand sweeping lobby, glistening glass chandeliers, filigreed iron railings, and velvet couches.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in San Diego.
“This picturesque luxury resort on a coastal bluff north of La Jolla is a monument to the California Craftsman architectural tradition. Kilted doormen usher you through stained-glass doors into a magnificent lobby with vaulted ceilings, a grand fireplace, and rich wood accents.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in San Diego.
“This meticulously renovated boutique hotel built more than a century ago offers guests a quiet, romantic retreat replete with a daily gourmet breakfast.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in San Diego.
“Lafayette Hotel, a 70-year-old North Park landmark, was fully refurbished in 2012, leaving the retro tiles in the bathrooms and other fixtures intact. Try to get a room with a balcony overlooking the pool.”
Shortlisted in New York Times’ 36 Hours in San Diego, California.
“Hotel Z is a new addition to the Gaslamp Quarter, and has Keurig machines in every room, European-inspired dual duvets and bright yellow bikes that are free for guests.”
Shortlisted in New York Times’ 36 Hours in San Diego, California.
“The whimsical, nature-inspired décor, warm, informal Southern California-style service and coastal views easily compensate for an architecturally unexciting exterior, while the poolside bar and penthouse restaurant justify a night in at Hotel La Jolla.”
“San Diego’s hippest beachfront boutique property guards lively Pacific Beach. Sleek rooms feature hardwood headboards, deep blue chaises and multicolored throws, all invoking the ocean just beyond your balcony.”
“Geared toward the millennial traveler, this sophisticated, hip hotel is as notable for its comfortable beds and friendly staff as it is its dining and nightlife. This hotel promises style, service, and a central location.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s 2018 Hot List.
Frommers, Fodors, Telegraph
Lonely Planet, Frommers
Frommers, Lonely Planet
Frommers, Fodors
Fodors, Frommers
New York Times
New York Times
New York Times
CNN
CN Traveler
The second largest city of California, San Diego, is located on the Pacific coast. It is famous for its beaches and warm climate making it a popular destination among the travelers.
Downtown
The central part of the city provides a plethora of options to tourist in terms of entertainment and dining, and has something in store for every person. Top hotels are situated here because of the convenience of location.
Gaslamp Quarter
This lively neighbourhood is popular among the locals for its infectious night-life, several clubs, dive bars and cocktail lounges, which provide a variety of options to choose from. A number of restaurants are found here. Some are a part of the famous chains, while some are the standalone ones, catering to a variety of global cuisine. Near the plaza, you will find several ice-cream and coffee shops. Many top hotels also have established their branches here.
Pacific Beach
This has a relaxed vibe providing an awe-inspiring view of the Pacific Bay, and is extremely popular among surfers and sun-bathers. The beach-front is lined with trendy bars as well as casual ones, cool cafes and clothing boutiques, which attract a young crowd. Several budget and mid-range hotels hog the boardwalk space.
Point Loma
This place is high on scenic beauty with beautiful view-points to watch the sunset as well as trails to go on a hike. The adventures induce hunger which is satiated by several seafood eateries. 5-star hotels, resorts, as well as other affordable options are found here.
Little Italy
Little Italy is a quaint neighbourhood with several chic cocktail bars, brewpubs and restaurants lined up across the region. The Farmer's Market offers organic, and gourmet produces. Hotels are found in abundance along the piazza.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in San Diego.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in San Diego, then book Hotel Z Staypineapple. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in San Diego.
You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in San Diego, you should check out Hotel Pendry. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in San Diego, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in San Diego, then go for The Lodge at Torrey Pines. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it.
Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in San Diego, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
If you're a backpacker or solo-traveler looking for a great hostel in San Diego, then check out HI San Diego Downtown. The hostel is in a great location and guests have been raving about it. Also check out our guide about the best hostels in San Diego.
If you're looking for a room with a view, then try Tower 23 Hotel or Hilton Hotel La Jolla. Both hotels offer amazing views of the Ocean and San Diego according to recent customer reviews.
For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $160 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $250 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star San Diego hotel then you can expect to pay around $480 per night.
If you're looking to stay in the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, then try Hotel Z Staypineapple or Hotel Pendry. Both hotels have excellent customer reviews.
Try Hotel Pendry if you're looking for a romantic getaway in San Diego, it has some excellent recent customer reviews by couples.
San Diego Harbor Speed Boat Adventure. Experience the thrill of driving your own speed boat during this tour of San Diego Harbor. Learn the basics of boating from your expert guide before following your guide's boat around the harbor. Price: $80.
San Diego: Harbor Cruise. Explore San Diego's best sights on a harbor tour of San Diego Bay. Enjoy beautiful views of important landmarks such as Coronado Bridge, Downtown San Diego, Midway Aircraft Carrier and many more depending on option booked. Price: $28.
The USS Midway Museum: Skip-the-Line. Enjoy a memorable visit to the USS Midway Museum when you're in San Diego. Skip the line when visiting the longest serving Aircraft Carrier in the American fleet. Price: $25.
More things to do in San Diego
Looking to explore a new destination? Why not consider San Diego as your next travel destination? With its beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, and top-notch restaurants, San Diego is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S. In fact, it’s also known as the “Bahama’s of America” because of its pleasant climate all year round.
What to See in San Diego
If you are visiting San Diego for the first time, the main focus of your visit should be the beaches. These are the most popular tourist attractions in the city and also the best places to relax and unwind. If you want to explore the city on foot and see some of its most famous landmarks, the downtown area is the best place to visit.
Among the most popular attractions in this area are the San Diego Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The area south of downtown is known as the Balboa Park and is home to several museums including the San Diego Air & Space Museum and the Balboa Park Botanical Gardens. The Park is also home to the famous San Diego Zoo, which is one of the top attractions in the city. The area is also home to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which is a wildlife park and a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The Best Things to Do in San Diego
The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park – The San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Safari Park are two of the most popular attractions in the city. They have over 3,500 animals representing more than 650 species. The animals roam freely in open habitats and you can see them as close as possible.
Balboa Park – This is one of the largest urban parks in the country and home to many museums and other attractions. Some of the top attractions in this park include the Museum of Man, the San Diego Air & Space Museum, and the San Diego Natural History Museum.
Coronado Island – This is one of the bay islands in San Diego and has many popular beaches. There are many luxury hotels in the area and the island is also home to Naval Air Station Coronado. You can take a ferry to the island from Downtown San Diego.
Torrey Pines State Park – This is a state park in San Diego and home to the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course. The park is also known for its rare trees and other natural attractions. It’s also a great place for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Food and Restaurants in San Diego
San Diego is one of the best places in the U.S. for foodies. There are many different types of cuisine in the city, from Mexican food to Italian food, and from Japanese food to American food. If you are interested in trying local food, here are some suggestions:
Sushi – Sushi lovers can’t miss the chance to visit San Diego. The city has many best sushi restaurants and is home to the famous Sushi by Bou.
Seafood – If you are a seafood lover, you can’t miss the opportunity to eat some delicious seafood while in San Diego. Some of the best seafood restaurants in the city include the Waterfront Restaurant, Moonshine Fish and Oyster, and Crack Shack.
Burgers – If you are craving for some burgers while in San Diego, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit Slater’s 50/50. It’s one of the best places to eat burgers in the city.
Coffee – If you are a coffee lover, you can’t miss a chance to visit Coffee Shop. It’s one of the most popular coffee shops in the city and has won many awards for its coffee.
Scenic Drives in San Diego
There are many scenic drives in San Diego, including the Pacific Coast Highway, the Coronado Bay Bridge, the Cabrillo Highway, and the San Diego Harbor Drive. You can visit any of these drives during your trip to see the beautiful views of the city. You can also visit Balboa Park and drive through the park to experience the beauty of this area. If you are interested in visiting other areas of the city, you can drive through the park to reach them.
Travel Tips and Conclusion
As mentioned above, San Diego is an ideal destination for travelers of all ages and interests. It has something to offer everyone and is a great place to visit during the winter. If you are planning a trip to this city, keep these travel tips in mind. First, visit the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to explore the amazing biodiversity of the region. Second, eat amazing seafood at one of the best seafood restaurants in San Diego. Third, drive through Balboa Park to explore the beautiful views of this area. Finally, visit any of the scenic drives in San Diego to experience the beauty of the city.
We recommend you read our guide about where to stay in San Diego. It provides an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.
If you like our list of hostels, B&Bs and hotels in San Diego, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Chicago or the best hotels in Los Angeles.