Perched close to the Mexican border, San Diego is a vibrant Californian city with a more colourful atmosphere than many of the others in the state. You can expect everything from superb beaches to buzzing nightlife, cultural attractions and heaps of family-friendly activities. San Diego’s popularity is reflected in the terrific range of accommodation on offer — from historic inns and boutique stays to slick luxury hotels with suites and top-notch facilities (most with a pool). Whilst many of the best places to stay in San Diego are centred upon the downtown area and the lively Gaslamp Quarter, there are some gorgeous beachfront properties for romantic retreats or fun family holidays, and some are even pet friendly. If you're not sure of where you should base yourself, check out our neighbourhood guide.
Bursting with cultural sites and boasting wonderful weather, San Diego is brilliant for a city break. Discover the area’s complex past at the San Diego Natural History Museum, tour impressive art galleries and amble around the appealing Old Town to admire striking architecture. Come evening, catch a show or live music event before feasting in one of the city’s trendy eateries and hitting the dance floor.
San Diego is also a great city for families: kids will adore the world-famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, the Birch Aquarium and Legoland. If it’s the great outdoors that you’re after, stroll through Balbao Park or try hiking and wildlife-spotting in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, one of the wildest stretches of the South California coast. The city’s many beaches are lovely for long walks, building sandcastles or surfing, too. Popular coastal spots include Del Mar and La Jolla, where some of our top hotel picks are located. Many of the best places to stay in San Diego promise views over spectacular Pacific Ocean sunsets, whilst others offer super-swish city breaks for well-heeled travellers or stacks of activities for the whole family.
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San Diego (Chula Vista)
1930s Art Deco adult-only inn located in Chula Vista. Small and family-run with friendly staff, expect compact rooms with a classic monochrome colour-scheme, wooden furniture and leather touches. Breakfast is served in the kitchen area, there's a lounge and spacious outdoor courtyard terrace.
San Diego (Del Mar)
Charming inn in the heart of Del Mar offers a European style courtyard with ornate fireplace and seating. Rooms have balconies and are named and styled after famous artists. Almost everything is walking distance; the beach, restaurants & shops. A popular place to base your stay, prime location!
San Diego (Hillcrest)
Small owner-run B&B in the city's central Hillcrest neighbourhood. Each of the unique rooms, suites and studios are located in the main house or outhouses. Cosy with characterful decor, many have wooden floors and vintage-feel ceiling fans. Great value home-away-from-home with lots of charm.
San Diego (Point Loma)
A contemporary hotel in Point Loma nearby to downtown San Diego. Rooms are classic and comfortable with a coastal vibe, local ceramics, and walk-in rainfall showers. The restaurant serves enticing fare made with seasonal produce and delicious handcrafted cocktails. An elegant and well located stay.
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.
San Diego (Coronado)
A meticulously restored 1906 Lodge, on the historic Coronado Island. The decor is understated, elegant and modern. This boutique hotel is ideally located for exploring the vibrant Island and is walking distance from all the sites and beaches, yet secluded enough for a romantic getaway.
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.
San Diego (La Jolla )
An intimate 14-room boutique hotel just steps from La Jolla’s world-renowned museums, galleries, bars, beaches and restaurants. Rooms are spacious and stylish with nautically inspired decor. Enjoy the stunning views of the pacific ocean, Relax on the terrace and spot the Grey Whale migration.
San Diego (Pacific Beach)
A contemporary architectural masterpiece on the seafront, interiors mirror the modern facades and fresh, clean cut style. Rooms have spectacular sea views, all the mod-cons and in-room spa treatments are available. Steak & Seafood restaurant is a must, but the location lends itself to exploring.
San Diego (Point Loma)
Stylish luxury resort overlooking Kona Kai Marina. Contemporary rooms have bold prints and a fresh take on the classic nautical colour-scheme. Suites are more sophisticated with fireplaces. There's a man-made beach, two chic waterside pools, spa and al fresco dining. Romantic yet family-friendly.
San Diego (Imperial Beach)
Ocean-front beach resort ideal for long stays and families. Spacious, fresh and light-filled rooms with contemporary decor and sea views feel more like apartments; each has a private balcony. Spend leisurely days enjoying the sun deck, pool and restaurant - all ocean-facing - plus spa, gym and yoga.
San Diego (La Jolla)
An historic building that's been beautifully renovated keeping the hotel's original grandeur but now with modern luxuries. Spacious rooms feature large sash windows (most have sea views) and marble bathrooms. The farm-to-table Californian restaurant is a destination in its own right. A smart stay.
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.
San Diego (La Jolla)
Large hacienda-style hotel nestled in a garden oasis between La Jolla and Del Mar, offering neutral-toned modern Spanish decor in the rooms with sit-out balconies or terraces. A heated saltwater pool, a spa and day-bed cabanas are a bonus. An excellent base for exploring Southern California.
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.
San Diego (Gaslamp District)
A young and vibrant addition to the Montage family, sitting in the happening Gaslamp District, San Diego. Expansive and indulgent rooms offer plush linens, fab views and whimsical wallpaper. Unwind in style, with six restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool and spa. A welcome addition to the scene.
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.
San Diego (La Jolla)
Old world charm resting in manicured gardens overlooking the expansive Pacific Ocean. Rooms & suites are naturally light and exude comfort. Coastal dining at The Med, European cuisine at the Café la Rue is reason enough to stay. Spa and pool could mean you never want to leave. Idyllic!
San Diego (California)
Beautifully located over looking the green of Torrey Pines Golf Course and the ocean. Wood, fabric and leather give that cosy lodge feel. Foodies enjoy A.R. Valentine Restaurant or the Grill and casual laid back bar. Between the spa and the tennis courts there is something for everyone.
San Diego (La Jolla)
A Balinese-inspired hotel set directly on the coast. Rooms are comfortable with wood-carved furnishings, Indonesian artwork, fireplaces and expansive balconies overlooking the Pacific. The hotel offers a delicious fresh breakfast and rooms have well-equipped kitchens. An idyllic beach break.
San Diego (Del Mar )
A luxury resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the picturesque village of Del Mar. Rooms are bright and airy with coastal themes, private outdoor spaces and white marble bathrooms. Discover the healing powers of the ocean at the spa or relax in a cabana poolside. A spoiling escape.
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.
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.
San Diego
An opulent Mediterranean style resort in the foothills of Del Mar. Rooms are elegant with spacious marble bathrooms with deep tubs and expansive balconies. With the choice of 5 pools, 6 restaurants, a golf course, private beach access, tennis courts and a world-class spa - there's something for all.
