16 Best Hotels in Downtown San Diego

With an ideal location along the waterfront but still within reach of greater Downtown, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is the ultimate place to stay for those seeking a coastal retreat. The hotel has its own marina where guests can kayak, paddle board, and jet ski. There is also a bowling alley and golf course not far from the property.

Other key features of the Marriott Marquis include multiple bars and restaurants, a hot tub, two heated pools, a gym with free guided classes, and even its own spa.

The InterContinental San Diego is a high-class bayside hotel with an emphasis on providing guests with a luxury experience. In fact, with its gourmet restaurant, rooftop terrace overlooking the garden, pool, and fitness and business centers, the hotel is one of our picks for the best luxury hotels in San Diego!

Rooms come with updated decor plus extra like slippers, bathrobes, a coffee machine, and a mini-bar. Sleep in comfort with plush beds and spacious, tastefully designed rooms. The hotel is both pet-friendly and family-friendly, making it a great choice for vacationers of all types.

Enjoy the opulent decor and prime bayside location of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, which features incredible views of the city alongside great entertainment options like rooftop pools, a spa, and a fitness center.

While many of San Diego’s best luxury hotels are more geared toward adults, the Manchester Grand Hyatt stands out for being not only a high-class experience, but also one of the best family-friendly hotels in San Diego featuring Camp Hyatt for younger kids.

Head to the beach early in the morning, or watch a movie at the unique poolside theater with a stay at this picturesque property.

Right next to the cruise ship terminal and just three miles from the SAN airport, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown / Bayfront is central to many of the best San Diego attractions!

Guests are mere steps away from the pier and San Diego Bay. Also nearby is Waterfront Park, the historic Santa Fe Depot train station, home to the San Diego Coaster, as well as plenty of museums offering discounted admission with advanced purchase of the Go City San Diego pass.

This all-suite hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center, free hot breakfast buffet, and banquet halls for business trips. Rooms have beautiful bay views with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Despite its great location in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Pendry San Diego is so packed with things to do that you’ll hardly want to leave!

It’s one of San Diego’s best luxury hotels thanks to refined features like a poolside lounge, multiple bars and restaurants, and stylish decor.

The Pendry is also one of the best hotels for couples in San Diego with a romantic atmosphere and beautiful, spacious rooms perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring Downtown and beyond. These features also make it a top hotel for a San Diego staycation, as international travelers and locals alike adore the Pendry.

If you’re looking to really immerse yourself in the history of the Gaslamp Quarter, stay at the Horton Grand Hotel, a gorgeous boutique hotel with many classic design touches.

The hotel consists of two hotels from the late 1800s that have been combined into a single resort. With Victorian style architecture and its own theater, it’s no surprise that famous figures like Babe Ruth and Lou Costello have all chosen to stay at this amazing property.

The Horton Grand Hotel includes an on-site restaurant, a bar in the lobby, plus ballroom venues for business events and weddings.

At 22 stories tall, the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter is a towering presence in the neighborhood which comes complete with multiple restaurants and award-winning lounges.

It’s surrounded by popular venues and attractions like PETCO Park, the San Diego Convention Center and Seaport Village, making it a great jumping off point for local events as well those looking to make the most of their Go City San Diego pass admission discounts.

The hotel features stylish rooms and suites, luxury touches, a rooftop bar and sizable meeting rooms. Other amenities sure to make your stay memorable include daily housekeeping, TVs with premium channels, complimentary toiletries, free WiFi, on-site parking, a gym, and a business center.

Take the whole family to the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego for a rocking good time!

Within walking distance from the San Diego Convention Center, the Maritime Museum, and PETCO Park, this hotel is most notable for its unique music-themed decor, but there’s plenty more to love.

Dine at one of multiple on-site restaurants, visit the poolside lounge and recline in a private cabana next to a fire pit, or get a massage from the comfort of your own room. In-room amenities include plush bedding, a mini-fridge, and daily housekeeping.

As both an incredible staycation spot and one of San Diego’s best luxury hotels, The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego radiates opulence from its extravagant rooms to its high-class amenities. This 5-star hotel is the perfect spot to be pampered thanks to its full-service spa and beauty salon.

Let yourself be swept away by this hotel’s grand lobby and chic decor. Guests can enjoy a cocktail at the bar, head to the Art-Deco themed on-site restaurant, or order room service any time of the day or night.

The US Grant is also a great place to stay if you want to see a show as the San Diego Civic Theater is just 1 block away and the Spreckels Theaters is just two blocks away from the property!

The modern elegance of Core-Columbia meets its match in the stylish Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton.

With indoor and outdoor pools, multiple fine dining options, valet service, a rooftop terrace, and fitness and business centers, this is one luxury hotel worth the price of a night’s stay.

The Carte Hotel’s rooms provide an incredible view of the city, and guests are never far from the hottest local events. Lounge in the guest rooms, pick up a souvenir at the hotel gift shop, or head out to the city and explore the bay.

The unique Kimpton Alma San Diego is a true urban retreat.

Adults of all ages can enjoy amenities like an arcade room, fitness center, and spa, alongside a drink or tasty meal from the on-site restaurant and bar.

The 4-star property is great for couples and near the cruise port and has a reputation as an excellent pet-friendly hotel, as it’s welcoming to animals of all breeds and sizes with no extra charge! At about a mile from the San Diego Bay, it’s a great place to take your dog for a walk before venturing on to one of San Diego’s popular pet-friendly beaches such as Del Mar Dog Beach or Dog Run Beach.

Given its location in Core-Columbia, not far from the San Diego Trolley and San Diego International Airport, it’s no surprise that The Sofia Hotel is a popular choice for business meetings and work retreats. The hotel has its own business center, paid high-speed WiFi, and guests can enjoy either catering or individual meals at Currant American Brasserie.

Of course, business travelers aren’t the only people who adore this classy and comfortable hotel. Other amenities like a lounge bar, coffee shop, fitness center with personal trainers, private parking, and spa services help it stand out to all kinds of vacationers looking to stay in Downtown San Diego.

The luxurious accommodations at the Solamar San Diego are sure to appeal to those seeking only the best amenities.

Standout features include multiple dining options, a bar, daily wine tastings, complimentary tea and coffee, valet services, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool and terrace complete with fire pits and cabanas.

Solamar San Diego is also one of the best pet-friendly hotels in San Diego, so consider walking the grounds of Balboa Park with your dog, or taking them to Dog Run Beach in Coronado, just 15 minutes or so away for some fun in the sun.

As one of the city’s best boutique hotels, Andaz San Diego, a Concept by Hyatt offers all guests a truly personalized experience with exceptionally dedicated staff.

It may be a bit smaller in scale, but this trendy 4-star hotel comes complete with free WiFi, a business center, a coffee cart, and a steakhouse, all while embodying the laid-back vibe that defines Southern California.

One standout aspect of Andaz is the rooftop, where you’ll find a large pool, a fitness center, open-air tables, cabanas, and either DJs or live music. Guests can also enjoy free wine tastings at Happy Hour, or a cocktail by the pool any time.

Situated right along the waterfront and within walking distance of an incredible array of restaurants, the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown / Bayside is the perfect choice for both foodies and those looking to explore the Embarcadero.

Grab a Go City San Diego pass and save on admission to nearby attractions like the USS Midway Museum, or rent a jet ski and ride around the harbor.

The hotel has plenty of amenities to occupy guests and ensure they have a comfortable stay. These include an on-site hotel and bar, an outdoor pool, a business center, a fitness center, free WiFi, and convenient laundry and concierge services.

The DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Downtown is located right in the middle of the action, near many of the Downtown area’s best attractions. Balboa Park and its many museums are a mere 20-minute walk away. The waterfront is even closer, and the hotel also provides easy access to Interstate 5.

Still, many of the DoubleTree’s best qualities are inside the hotel itself! Its wide array of amenities includes high-speed WiFi, a pool and whirlpool, event rooms, office rentals, a hot breakfast buffet, and even AV equipment rentals. The lobby and many of the rooms are wheelchair accessible, and hotel staff can assist as needed.