Best Hotels Pick for Your Next Trip to San Diego

San Diego, California, Sunset

With a moderate climate, lush beaches, intriguing history and architecture, and an entire quarter for entertainment, San Diego is one of the top destinations in California. Whether you want to visit Mission Bay for it surf shops and beaches, or you’re aiming to shop, explore art, and visit museums in Old Town, you will fall in love with San Diego. The entertainment in Gaslamp Quarter will give you an extra nudge. Despite its undeniable appeal, there are about 1500 San Diego hotels to choose from, ranging from quaint little inns, to modern hotels, and oceanfront steel-and-glass luxury giants. As finding the right accommodation is tricky, here are some select choices from all hotel types and price ranges.

San Diego

Photo by Beth Hughes via Trover.com

The Homey and Friendly Inn Experience

The Comfortable Downtown Inn

Our first inn is right in the heart of downtown San Diego, close to all major attractions the city has to offer. Red Roof Inn boasts comfortable, pet-friendly rooms with hardwood floors and toiletries on the house. The inn offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and has a shuttle service for those flying in and out of the city. The Waterfront, Balboa Park, Little Italy, and Gaslamp District are all nearby, making it the ideal starting point for your visit.

Family and Budget-friendly Inn

The Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego – Zoo SeaWorld Area is ideal for family vacations. The suites come with separate rooms for kids, making them feel independent and giving parents some privacy. They have a heated outdoor pool, they offer free breakfast and internet, and SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo are close, providing endless entertainment for the little ones.

San Diego Sunset

Photo by Vincent Ramundo via Trover.com

The Luxury and Pampering Experience

Relax at a Tropical Resort in Mission Bay

If you want a tropical spa resort, try the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa. This urban oasis is hidden between tropical gardens and right next to the beaches of Mission Bay. It’s quiet, lush, has comfortable Mediterranean decor rooms, spa services, and it’s also pet friendly. You can either opt for the daily tour they organize by kayak, jet ski, or paddleboards, or lounge at the hotel’s pool. Enjoy the bay views from the on-site restaurant or head out for a stroll through Gaslamp Quarter.

Downtown Luxury and Marina Views

Enjoy a prime downtown location and the breathtaking views of the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina for a truly decadent vacation. Luxury featherbeds and duvets, designer toiletries, a sofa to relax on, a coffee and tea maker, free Wi-Fi and the possibility to bring pets along—what more could you ask from a hotel room? The hotel has an on-site hotel and a bar and grill, outdoor pools and a fitness center, and all major downtown attractions are a stone throw away.

Balboa Park, San Diego

The Backpacking, Hostel-style Experience

If you prefer a cheap, backpacking style experience, then the hostel-styled 500 West Hotel is a great choice. Budget and pet-friendly, it mimics Europe’s hostels and offers a mix of bunk beds and private rooms. Located in the heart of San Diego and offering the cheapest beds as well as larger, more comfortable rooms, it capitalizes on an innovative and popular hotel concept.

Thank you for reading another article in my Himpunk series. I love being a Hipmunk writer and sharing with you the wonderful destinations and hotels I discover with them. Stay tuned for other travel ideas and hotel recommendation posts!