Where to Stay in San Diego
Ah, San Diego.
Though often southern California’s forgotten little brother among places like Los Angeles and Orange County, this city has everything to offer when it comes to a super seaside vacation.
Whether you’re relaxing on the Pacific Ocean, checking out the historical Gaslamp District for a night on the town, or enjoying the rolling hills and cliffs of La Jolla, the breadth of things to do in San Diego is truly incredible.
Keep reading for our favorite places to stay in San Diego, California!
Best Hotels in San Diego, California
To summarize, here’s a handy chart of our recommended San Diego hotels. All include free wifi and are known for comfort, good location and great customer service.
Best San Diego Hotels – Summary Comparison Chart
Name | Location | Best For | Price |
Fairmont Grand del Mar | Old Town | All | Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com |
Pantai Inn | Oceanside | Families | Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com |
The Lodge at Torrey Pines | Torrey Pines | Golfers | Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com |
La Valencia Hotel | La Jolla | Art Lovers | Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com |
Estancia La Jolla Hotel | La Jolla | Spa & Wellness | Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com |
Fairmont Grand del Mar
Located in the postcard-worthy Los Peñasquitos Canyon Reserve, this luxury resort’s beautiful architecture is so gorgeous will soon make you believe you’re swept away somewhere in the south of France or an Italian Riviera locale.
With seemingly endless space, amenities, and suite options, there’s nothing you won’t love about the Fairmont’s gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired oasis.
What makes this one of the best hotels in San Diego?
Beyond stunning rooms and an even more unbelievable state, the Fairmont Grand del Mar is astonishing for all its grounds host.
With an award-winning spa, a champion Tom Fazio golf course, and multiple restaurants and specialty boutique shops housed on the premises, there’s nothing that you or anyone in the whole family won’t love to do here!
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Pantai Inn
Just feet from the Pacific Ocean in the ultra-luxurious seaside community of La Jolla, the Pantai Inn exudes tranquility, peacefulness, and the ultimate relaxing vacation.
Inspired by Balinese culture and art, the Pantai Inn scatters its grounds with open fire pits, water fountains, and an incredible amount of flora (some sourced directly from Bali), that will make its guests feel totally at peace!
What choose this San Diego hotel?
As great as the general surroundings are, the Pantai Inn really earns its stripes when you step into its suite and cottage accommodations. The Pantai Suites offer four poster beds, beautiful Balinese art, and – most importantly – five out of the six suite options have stunning waterfront Pacific Ocean views.
The Cottages offer a homier feel, but are still adorned with all the typical Pantai charm. One thing the Cottages have over the Suites? Gorgeous extended open-air balconies – perfect for having a barbecue or just a nice place for the kids to relax over a beautiful Pacific Ocean sunset!
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Also set in picturesque La Jolla, The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers all the amenities you would come to expect from Pacific Ocean paradise.
With Egyptian cotton linens, bathrobes (The Lodge is definitely a two-bathrobe situation!), spas, and kid-friendly activities on the ocean, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Torrey Pines!
What makes this one of the best hotels for a San Diego vacation?
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is probably most notable for serving as host to the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course. Although the course annually hosts the PGA Farmers Insurance Open and has hosted a U.S. Open as recently as 2008, most people are surprised to learn that the course is public.
That said, the first-come, first-served tee times come with much interest, so be prepared to wait in-line as early as the evening before if you want to work on that short game!
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
La Valencia Hotel
Perched atop La Jolla Cove, the 91-year-old La Valencia Hotel is something of a San Diego institution.
Known for its distinctive pink façade, original marble and title mosaics, and gorgeous spa, restaurants, and oceanfront pool, La Valencia Hotel is about as a safe a bet as possible for a classically luxurious San Diego hotel experience.
What stay here?
Because La Valencia Hotel is located in La Jolla Cove – toward the southern end of the La Jolla communities – guests have an unrivaled location when it comes to things to do in the surrounding area.
World-class oceanfront activities, shopping, and museums and galleries (La Jolla is world-renowned for its art scene) are all just minutes away from lucky guests of La Valencia Hotel!
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Sandwiched between the prestigious villages of La Jolla and Del Mar, the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa offers all the amenities one would come to expect from sunny southern California.
Whether it’s the Turkish linens, adobe fireplaces, or walks through the estate’s ten fragrant gardens, there will be something for everyone to love about the Estancia La Jolla!
What makes us love this San Diego boutique hotel?
As its name would suggest, the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa places a premium on a wellness, and this emphasis shows just about everywhere you go. Guests rooms & suites at The Estancia can reach over 1,200 square feet, and almost all of them balconies, verandas, and jaw-dropping waterfront views.
Outside the rooms, any of the heated saltwater pool, top-rated spa, or relaxing cabanas will allow you to fully slip into bliss!
Check rates: Booking.com, Hotels.com
Read reviews: TripAdvisor
And that’s it! Our guide to San Diego’s top hotels to make the most of your stay.
Whether you’re looking for ultra-luxurious comfort, the best location in town, or no-frills budget cheap hotels, these top California hotels are sure to please.
California Vacation Checklist
- Check for last minute San Diego accommodation deals here
- Get travel insurance for your trip – get an immediate online quote here
- Find current flight deals to California here
- Visiting Los Angeles? Check out our guide for where to stay in Hollywood
- Take a day trip to Palm Springs or spend a relaxing weekend in Ojai
- Explore our San Francisco travel guides
- Road trip Highway 101 from Santa Barbara down to San Diego
- Don’t forget to explore charming Carmel by the Sea!
- Check out fun day trips from San Diego