10 Best Hotels near the San Diego Zoo

The US Grant, originally opened by Ulysses S. Grant’s son, is a luxury hotel in downtown San Diego, less than 3 miles away from the San Diego Zoo.

The US Grant is the perfect hotel for those looking to experience all the attractions of downtown San Diego.

The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter is 3 miles south of the San Diego Zoo and offers a central location for your trip to San Diego.

Even though you are in the heart of the city, the Westin offers an outdoor pool and beautiful views of the bay. Spa amenities and a 24-hour fitness center are also available.

Located about three miles south of the San Diego Zoo, you will find the elegant Westgate Hotel. Found in the Core-Columbia district of downtown San Diego on the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter, The Westgate gives you a European feel while also reaping the benefits of southern California.

The Westgate Hotel offers the best in fitness amenities. Not only do they have a fitness center to get your workout in, but also offer different classes for you to enjoy. An outdoor pool and hot tub are also available with a panoramic view of downtown San Diego.

Award winning dining is available on site at The Westgate Hotel. Choose from a fine dining experience, brunch outside, or appetizers at the hotel bar!

Three miles west of the San Diego Zoo, in San Diego’s Little Italy, you can find Porto Vista Hotel. This boutique hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, as well as private valet parking and rooftop pool.

Porto Vista is in the center of Little Italy, where you can enjoy the culture as well as the restaurants after a day visiting the zoo. If you want to stay in, you can enjoy a unique dining experience at GlassDoor. The restaurant offers a panoramic view of Little Italy and San Diego Bay.

Pendry San Diego is a luxury hotel located a little over 3 miles from the San Diego Zoo and offers you a chance to experience all there is while in San Diego. While staying at Pendry in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, you will get a modern feel while still getting that traditional feeling of being in Southern California.

With six different bars and restaurants, Pendry San Diego offers a variety of dining options. You can have a meal by the pool, a quick bite at the bar, or a lavish seafood dinner. Pendry San Diego has something for everyone.

Pendry San Diego also offers a variety of spa treatments to help you relax after a day at the Zoo, or if you prefer, you can use their 24-hour fitness center that looks out onto the pool deck.

Solamar San Diego Hotel is located in the trendy East Village next to the Gaslamp Quarter and is only a 2.5-mile trip to the San Diego Zoo.

Solamar San Diego is located in a very popular area of San Diego. On premises there is a trendy Modern American restaurant called Jsix. It features a rotating menu of locally sourced ingredients. It is defiantly worth a try.

The Solamar is also surrounded by an array of different restaurants and bars. Whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat, or a luxurious dinner, you will find it here.

Andaz San Diego can be found 3-miles south of the San Diego Zoo. This contemporary hotel is centered in the popular Gaslamp Quarter with a bustling nightlife.

One of the most popular areas of the Andaz is their rooftop. Here you can find the pool and their 24-hour fitness center. The Rooftop by STK offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with a view of Downtown San Diego. It is also a hotspot for an evening cocktail after a day at the zoo!

Less than two miles north of the San Diego Zoo, you will find The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows. This boutique hotel is located in University Heights near Balboa Park is popular among celebrities on their visits to San Diego.

The Lafayette offers a wide array of amenities to help make your stay comfortable. One of their most popular offerings is an Olympic sized swimming pool.

Lounge by the pool with a drink from their pool-side bar and take in the sun. Cabana and towels rentals are also available for your convenience, or check out the 24-hour fitness center.

The Lafayette also has on-site dining, Hope 46, which offers signature cocktails and dishes that overlook the pool. If you have a special event you’d like to remember, you can reserve part or all of Hope 46 for your celebration.

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse - San Diego is located a little over 2 miles south of the San Diego Zoo, near the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego. Located near most of the popular hotspots of San Diego, it is a great place to stay if you are traveling for both business or with your family.

A fitness center is offered on location, as well as an indoor swimming pool. On-site dining is available. Full dining menu is available all day, as well as a trimmed down bar menu.

Gaslamp Plaza Suites, less than 3 miles from the San Diego Zoo, is located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego. The hotel is surrounded with a wide array of activities such as theaters, art galleries and shopping.

If you are looking for a fun night out, Gaslamp Plaza is surrounded by over a hundred clubs, bars and restaurants. Or you can stay in and enjoy a drink on the rooftop terrace.