Search the best hotels in San Diego

Best Central Hotels in San Diego

San Diego’s central hotels offer the ideal base for exploring this vibrant city. With options ranging from historic landmark hotels to contemporary urban retreats, there's something to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you're searching for sleek modern rooms, rooftop terraces with city views or charming Victorian-era decor, San Diego’s central hotels have it all. Enjoy dining at top-notch restaurants, relaxing in stylish bars or simply soaking up the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Top picks for a:

The Guild Hotel

San Diego (Downtown)

A contemporary hotel situated in Downtown San Diego. Rooms are spacious, sophisticated and light with rose gold lighting, white-tiled bathrooms and luxury bath products. Sip expertly crafted cocktails and local draft beers at the Guild Bar before sampling contemporary Italian cuisine. A chic stay.

  • Local exploring - As the hotel is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, it is perfect for discovering Little Italy and the port
  • Sights nearby - The Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego Convention Center are within a 10-minute walk away
  • Restaurant - Enjoy Italian-Californian dining on the outdoor terrace at Lucca
  • Spa - Relax and rejuvenate with at the hotel's spa partner, AquaVie
from CA$243 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Horton Grand Hotel

San Diego (Gaslamp District)

Grand Victorian-era boutique in the lively Gaslamp area. Charming rooms boast antiques, handcrafted furniture, marble-framed gas fireplaces and balconies. Public areas combine glass roofing, wood panelling and 19th-century brick walls. There's a lively restaurant, bar & sociable courtyard garden.

  • City Style - Experience history, charm and contemporary comfort in the centre of the city
  • Restaurant - All-day Salt & Whisky bar and restaurant is an ode to the Victorian age with wood panneling, chandeliers & a great atmosphere
  • Sights nearby - Watch a baseball game at nearby Petco Park - home to the San Diego Padres - just four blocks from the hotel
  • Great walks - Stroll around the historic streets of the city's Gaslamp neighbourhood
from CA$287 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Indigo San Diego

San Diego (Gaslamp District)

Contemporary and colourful city-centre hotel. Overlooking Petco Park baseball park in the central Gaslamp District, inviting boutique-style rooms have wooden floors, cosy mid-century furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows and great views. There's a gym, 24-hour dining options and rooftop terrace.

  • Pet friendly - Pets are very welcome and — very unsually — their stay is not subject to any fee. There is also a relief area and tasty treats
  • Business meetings - As well as spacious and modern event spaces & 24 hour business centre, the rooftop is often used for business meetings & dining
  • Short break - The perfect place to stay if you're flying in for a baseball game at Petco Park; some rooms look over the stadium
  • Local exploring - There's lots to do in the area whether you're a sport lover, nature enthusiast or into culture and the arts
from CA$331 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Andaz San Diego

San Diego (Gaslamp District)

Described as 'sexy', this luxury hotel in Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego is the perfect for adventures by day and lively life at night. Rooms are plush, comfortable and with all the mod-cons. Rooftop restaurant and bar by the pool turns into an open-air cinema at night. Views are great from the top.

  • Great walks - Take a stroll along Windansea Beach, or see the cliffs at Black's Beach.
  • Local markets - Seaport Village is closeby and worth a visit.
  • Sights nearby - Famous San Diego Sea World is in town.
  • Lively
from CA$398 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Republic

San Diego (Downtown)

A chic urban base offering great dining options, smart accommodation, and a roof terrace with superb city views. Rooms are simple yet stylish with white and grey tones, window seats, rain showers, and Gilchrist & Soames products. With a choice of bars and restaurants, this central stay has it all.

  • Local exploring - Boasting a great downtown location between Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy,
  • Sights nearby - Visit the oldest church in the city, the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception
  • Designer
  • Restaurant
from CA$449 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Kimpton Alma

San Diego (Downtown)

Discover San Diego's soul at this chic downtown escape. Mexican heritage meets modern luxury, with rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows framing amazing views. Savour fine dining at The Desmond, unwind at the vibrant rooftop bar & pool, and soak in the city's heart from this stylish sanctuary.

  • Romantic Break - Romantic elegance in the upscale ambience and serene rooftop views, perfect for an intimate getaway in San Diego's vibrant heart
  • City Style - Indulge in a stylish city escape, nestled in the heart of the action, steps from the Gaslamp Quarter
  • Local markets - Step out to explore the lively Gaslamp Quarter, brimming with dining, shopping, and entertainment options​
  • Sights nearby - Wander to nearby Little Italy for a taste of cultural heritage and a variety of culinary delights​
from CA$565 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The US Grant

San Diego (Downtown)

The city's 'grand dame' hotel. Dating from 1910, this glamorous property boasts marble pillars, fringed palms and chandeliers. Spacious luxe-chic rooms feature wainscot walls, plush soft furnishings and artwork. Dine at the Grill, enjoy cocktail bars, gym, spa and prohibition-era meeting rooms.

  • Artworks - The hotel has a $6.5 million contemporary art collection including stunning sculptures, ironwork, murals and paintings
  • Weddings - A classic venue for grand luxury wedding; there's 33,704 sq ft of event space and can hold up to 900 guests
  • City Style - A classic centrally-located luxury hotel; stay here for polished service, history and style
  • Restaurant - The Grant Grill restaurant is a San Diego institution. Glossy and polished, it serves cuisine made with Californian ingredients
from CA$583 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia