Where to Stay in San Diego: My Selection of the Best Accommodations

Wondering where to stay in San Diego? Looking for the best areas and districts?

You’re at the right place!

As I know San Diego very well, I have created this guide of:

• San Diego’s best areas for your stay (with details about the best places to visit and nearby attractions)
• For each area and district, the best hotels depending on your budget

Let’s find your dream hotel now!

My favorite hotels in San Diego

Here’s a quick summary of my favorite hotels in San Diego, in case you don’t have time to read my detailed article.

Simply click on the hotel names in orange to access details and rates:

• Where to stay in San Diego for the first time: Staypineapple, Hotel Z or the excellent Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (more high end)
• Where to stay in San Diego close to the beach: The Shoal at La Jolla Beach (budget option) or Pantai Inn (5-star, excellent value for money)
• Best 5-star hotel in San Diego: Pendry San Diego, with its rooftop pool
• Where to stay in San Diego on a budget: Urban Boutique Hotel
• Where to stay in San Diego with family: Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
• My favorite hotel in San Diego for a romantic stay: La Valencia Hotel, near the beach in La Jolla

In Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter, the historic heart of Downtown San Diego, is the city’s entertainment, dining, and nightlife hub.

Most of the neighborhood’s Victorian-era buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and now house a mix of restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

It’s the best area if you want to be in the center of the action and explore the city’s on foot.

You should stay in this district if you want:

• To discover the city’s best places to visit without needing a car.
• If you love vibrant nightlife, with countless bars, clubs, and live music venues.
• For a trip packed with dining and entertainment.

This is the perfect area to see:

• Gaslamp Quarter’s historic architecture, with its beautifully restored 19th-century buildings.
• Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres baseball team
• The Embarcadero, a beautiful waterfront area perfect for a stroll, featuring the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
• Seaport Village, a charming harborside shopping and dining complex.
• Little Italy, the trendy neighboring district known for its fantastic restaurants, cafes, and farmers’ market.
• Balboa Theatre and Spreckels Theatre

Where to Stay in Downtown San Diego?

• Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego: In the heart of the Gaslamp. Cheerful, modern rooms starting at 160€. Strong points: top-tier location, incredibly friendly staff, and fun perks like free bicycle rentals and pineapple cupcakes. A great choice for its excellent value for money.
• Moxy San Diego Gaslamp Quarter: A stylish and modern hotel in the heart of the action. Trendy double rooms from 200€. Strong points: lively bar and social atmosphere, chic design, and an unbeatable location for nightlife.
• Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego: A stunning waterfront hotel with panoramic views of the bay. Spacious, elegant rooms from 300€. Strong points: an adults-only rooftop pool and jacuzzi, a separate family pool, breathtaking views. Enjoy one of the best rooftop pool in San Diego!
• Hard Rock Hotel San Diego: A vibrant hotel with a rock-and-roll theme. Spacious rooms with contemporary decor starting from 350€. Strong points: fantastic rooftop pool and bar, lively atmosphere, and close proximity to Petco Park. For those looking to socialize, the hotel’s pool parties are legendary.
• Pendry San Diego: A 5-star luxury hotel offering sophisticated elegance. Beautifully appointed rooms from 500€, with breakfast options. Strong points: stunning rooftop pool with cabanas, multiple acclaimed restaurants and bars, and impeccable service. This is simply the best luxury hotel in Downtown San Diego!

In Little Italy

Little Italy is a chic and charming neighborhood known for its rich Italian heritage, trendy eateries, and lively atmosphere.

This district offers a more relaxed vibe than the bustling Gaslamp Quarter but is still centrally located and full of things to do.

Staying in Little Italy allows you to enjoy some of the city’s best dining while being close to the waterfront and other downtown attractions.

You should really stay in Little Italy if you want:

• To be in a food lover’s paradise, with countless authentic Italian restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias.
• A vibrant and walkable neighborhood
• To be close to the scenic Waterfront Park and the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

This district is perfect to discover:

• The Little Italy Mercato, a farmers’ market held every Saturday.
• Piazza della Famiglia, a beautiful European-style plaza
• Our Lady of the Rosary Church, a historic and beautiful landmark.
• The numerous art galleries and boutique shops that dot the neighborhood.
• Waterfront Park, offering beautiful bay views, playgrounds, and large grassy areas.

Here are my favorite hotels in Little Italy

• Urban Boutique Hotel: A charming and affordable hotel in a prime location. Cozy and clean double rooms from 120€, breakfast available. Strong points: excellent location for exploring Little Italy on foot, friendly staff.
• La Pensione Hotel: A European-style boutique hotel in the heart of the district. Stylish double rooms from 180€. Strong points: charming courtyard, on-site Italian restaurant, and a very welcoming atmosphere. Great value for money!
• Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside: A modern hotel with fantastic views. Spacious and well-equipped double rooms from 250€, with breakfast included. Strong points: beautiful rooftop pool and jacuzzi, stunning bay views, and a great location between Little Italy and the waterfront.
• InterContinental San Diego: A 5-star hotel offering luxury and sophistication. Elegant rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows from 450€, breakfast available. Strong points: incredible rooftop bar with panoramic views, a beautiful pool area, and exceptional service. My favorite luxury hotel in Little Italy!

In La Jolla

La Jolla, known as “The Jewel” of San Diego, is an upscale coastal neighborhood famous for its stunning beaches and seaside town atmosphere.

Just a 20-minute drive from downtown, it’s the perfect spot to combine a relaxing beach vacation with easy access to city attractions.

You can stay in La Jolla:

• If you want to enjoy beautiful beaches and outdoor activities.
• For a family-friendly holiday with plenty of things to see and do.
• For a luxurious and relaxing getaway
• If you love water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing.

Best things to see and do around La Jolla:

• La Jolla Cove, famous for its sea lions and clear waters for snorkeling.
• La Jolla Shores Beach, a long, sandy beach perfect for families, swimming, and learning to surf.
• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, offering beautiful hiking trails with ocean views.
• The Village of La Jolla, with its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and fantastic restaurants.
• Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

The Best Hotels to Stay in La Jolla

• The Shoal at La Jolla Beach: Located just a short walk from the beach. Modern and comfortable double rooms from 180€. Strong points: heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi, friendly staff, and a great location near Windansea Beach.
• Pantai Inn: A unique Balinese-inspired 5-star boutique hotel directly overlooking the ocean. Beautifully decorated suites from 370€, breakfast included. Strong points: incredible oceanfront location, very nicely decorated, serene atmosphere. Excellent value for money for a 5-star hotel!
• La Valencia Hotel: The iconic “Pink Lady” of La Jolla, a historic 5-star hotel with old Hollywood glamour. Elegant rooms with ocean views from 430€. Strong points: beautiful ocean-view pool, exceptional service, and a prime location in the heart of the village.
• The Lodge at Torrey Pines: A 5-star luxury resort overlooking the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course. Craftsman-style rooms from 600€, with breakfast options. Strong points: world-class spa, a stunning pool with a jacuzzi, and breathtaking views of the golf course and ocean. Perfect for golf enthusiasts and those seeking ultimate luxury!

Where to Stay in San Diego on a Budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, here are a few great hotels for a stay in San Diego without spending too much:

• Old Town Inn: Situated near historic Old Town San Diego. Simple and clean rooms from 130€, with breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor pool, free parking, and easy access to Old Town’s attractions.
• The Pearl Hotel: A stylish mid-century modern hotel in Point Loma. Nice rooms from 160€. Strong points: cool pool with dive-in movies, great restaurant and bar, and a unique, fun atmosphere. Another excellent option for a trendy yet affordable stay.
• Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn: Located on Shelter Island, the hotel offers a tropical atmosphere by the water. Comfortable rooms with views of the marina or gardens start at 180€. Strong points: the heated outdoor pool with bar, hot tub. Not the cheapest hotel, but the value for money is insane!

Where to Stay in San Diego with Family

• Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside: Located between Little Italy and the waterfront. Spacious family rooms from 280€. Strong points: beautiful rooftop pool and jacuzzi, great views, and a convenient location for exploring downtown attractions. A fantastic choice if you’re visiting San Diego with your family.
• Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa: A Polynesian-themed resort on Mission Bay. Family-friendly rooms and suites from 350€, with breakfast available. Strong points: beautiful bayfront location with a private beach, a large pool and jacuzzi, and on-site water sports rentals.
• Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton: An iconic beachfront resort on Coronado Island. Family rooms and suites from 600€. Strong points: stunning historic property, direct beach access, multiple pools, and a wide range of family activities.

What is the best hotel in San Diego?

If you’re looking for the best luxury hotel in San Diego, you should book at The Lodge at Torrey Pines for its refined 5-star setting, spa, pool and superb dining.

If you want something luxurious yet central, you should opt for Pendry San Diego, in Gaslamp Quarter (downtown).

Where to stay in San Diego: The best hotels

To give you a better overview of the best hotels in San Diego, whether in the city center or elsewhere, I’ve prepared a table summarizing all the ones I talk about in this article.

You can sort them by price or by district!

Hotel	District	Price (from)
Staypineapple, Hotel Z	Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter	160€
Moxy San Diego Gaslamp Quarter	Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter	200€
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego	Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter	300€
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego	Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter	350€
Pendry San Diego	Downtown / Gaslamp Quarter	500€
Urban Boutique Hotel	Little Italy	120€
La Pensione Hotel	Little Italy	180€
Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside	Little Italy	250€
InterContinental San Diego	Little Italy	450€
The Shoal at La Jolla Beach	La Jolla	180€
Pantai Inn	La Jolla	370€
La Valencia Hotel	La Jolla	430€
The Lodge at Torrey Pines	La Jolla	600€
Old Town Inn	Cheap Hotels	130€
The Pearl Hotel	Cheap Hotels	160€
Humphrey's Half Moon Inn	Cheap Hotels	180€
Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside	Hotel for families	280€
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa	Hotel for families	350€
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton	Hotel for families	600€