Here are the best hotels in San Diego.
An aerial view of Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas
For a coastal getaway, discover Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, a 130-room resort positioned atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific that opened in March 2021. Highlights of the modern oasis include spacious suites—some with private fire pits—a sprawling oceanfront pool, concierge beach service, Spa Alila and VAGA Restaurant & Bar from founding chef Claudette Zepeda, a James Beard Award finalist.
A guest room at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
This ranch-inspired retreat features a full-service luxury spa, apiary, meditation garden, butterfly sanctuary and a secret speakeasy. Be sure to book reservations at both on-site restaurants, Greenfinch Restaurant & Bar and the Baja-inspired Mustangs & Burros.
Golf lovers should explore The Grand Golf Club at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, an award-winning, 7,160-yard haven, where you can tee off under the guidance of PGA-certified instructors. Post-play, retreat to the property’s 50,000-square-foot clubhouse or book a relaxing treatment at The Fairmont Spa, one of only 60 Forbes Five-Star spas worldwide.
The exterior of Hotel del Coronado; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Perhaps the most recognizable hotel in San Diego thanks to its Victorian architecture, the iconic Hotel del Coronado has been drawing Hollywood starlets—and even a ghost—since 1888. Its famous guest list includes everyone from Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra to Brad Pitt and Oprah Winfrey. Likewise, the spirit of Kate Morgan, a 24-year-old woman who checked in at The Del in 1892 and never left due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, equally entices visitors—her third-floor guest room is the most requested accommodation on the property. While its past is extensive, The Del continues to have a bright future. In 2022, the Curio Collection by Hilton property opened Shore House at The Del, 75 one-, two- and three-bedroom oceanfront residences complemented by a zero-edge infinity pool framed by daybeds, sun loungers and private cabanas.
The accommodations at Hotel La Jolla; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
The Hotel La Jolla, a Curio Collection property by Hilton, exhibits refined elegance in a coastal setting thanks to a multimillion-dollar design renovation by Hirsch Bedner Associates. Don’t miss the soon-to-open fine dining spot, Sea & Sky, helmed by James Beard-nominated chef Anthony Wells.
It’s all about coastal charm in Del Mar at L’Auberge Del Mar, where nearly every room at the U-shaped property features pool and ocean views. Book a reservation at the on-site Adelaide, enjoy private poolside cabanas, or tap the hotel staff to set you up on the sand nearby.
At La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, spending time outdoors ranges from a quick game of tennis to surf lessons, kayaking and scuba diving. After a day of fun in the sun, reserve a beach barbecue grill and table for an unforgettable cookout on the sand before retreating to your charming accommodations.
The seaside pool deck at La Valencia Hotel; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
With its pink facade and Spanish-tiled roof, La Valencia Hotel is best known as The Pink Lady of La Jolla, a stunning landmark that opened its doors in 1926. VIPs—from Woodrow Wilson to Ginger Rogers—have visited the waterfront wonder, where modern-day dwellers head for weekend brunch at The Mediterranean Room, sip cocktails at lobby bar La Sala, and enjoy fun in the sun at the ocean-view pool deck.
This chic boutique hotel, founded by sister-brother duo Hailey and Maxwell Waitt, operates out of a former private residence designed by Irving Gill. The property charms guests with an entry library lounge, a courtyard filled with olive trees and complimentary kombucha on tap—with only 13 guest rooms on-site.
Opened in spring 2023, Palihotel San Diego is a beautiful pet-friendly hotel featuring 122 well-appointed rooms, a rooftop pool and the on-site Saint James French Diner.
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Located in coastal Carlsbad, Park Hyatt Aviara is set on 200 acres of greens and is ideally located in close proximity to all of San Diego’s favorite spots. Enjoy meals at the on-site Ponto Lago restaurant or Richard Blais’ Ember & Rye, or relax at the new Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara. The only spa for the brand to be located outside of a Miraval resort, the 15,000-square-foot oasis invites guests to discover an exclusive menu of signature spa treatments and wellness experiences in its 21 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, plus fitness programming.
The illuminated exterior of Pendry San Diego; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
One of San Diego’s most famous regions, the historic Gaslamp Quarter comprises 16 1/2 blocks home to dozens of hot restaurants, bars, shops, museums and hotels. For the five-star treatment, book a room at Pendry San Diego, where six on-site restaurants, bars and a rooftop pool leave little reason to step away from the posh property. Discover coastal cuisine at Lionfish, raise a glass at Fifth & Rose or Nason’s Beer Hall, or party the night away at Oxford Social Club. Recover the next morning with brunch at Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile or the splashy Pool House.
Sprawled across 265 acres, the four-star Rancho Bernardo Inn is nestled in North County’s verdant hills and is known for its exquisite restaurant AVANT and award-winning 18-hole championship golf course. Designed by William Francis Bell in 1964, the grounds have hosted PGA and LPGA events and offer terrain that will delight golfers of all skill levels.
Relaxation and enchanting luxury meet in Rancho Santa Fe, where the Five-Star, Five-Diamond Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is the only Relais & Châteaux property in Southern California. While 49 elegant casitas are found on its 45-acre grounds, we suggest booking the four-bedroom Spa House, an ideal retreat for guests focused on Rancho Valencia’s wellness offerings. Those offerings include 13 on-site tennis courts, complimentary cruisers by Electra Bikes, a weekly schedule of 95 fitness classes and a full menu of facials, body treatments, massages and more, which take place in stunning indoor-outdoor spa rooms. Sauna and steam rooms, a hydrotherapy circuit and a dedicated spa pool dotted with private cabanas round out the wondrous wellness amenities.
A dreamy guest room at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe; PHOTO BY JESSICA SAMPLE
Opened in 1924, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has found new life thanks to the renowned architectural designer Steve Hermann and interior designer Nina Chiappa. It’s no surprise that Hermann is a Montecito resident as The Inn captures the charm of storied properties like San Ysidro Ranch with its lush grounds that shroud its 85 suites, bungalows and residences in blooming privacy. By night, grab a drink at Bing’s Bar before indulging in beautiful plates at Clique Hospitality’s Lilian’s restaurant. Spa lovers will also enjoy relaxing at the new Mila Moursi Spa.
The opulent lobby at The Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club; PHOTO BY KIMBERLY MOTOS
The Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club
A feast for the senses, The Lafayette Hotel & Swim Club is now open in North Park thanks to hospitality powerhouse Consortium Holdings (aka CH Projects). Designed by New York’s Post Company, the 139-room hotel pays homage to its roots, which date back to 1946, with seven inspired culinary venues and one photoworthy pool deck. Sip cocktails and show off your bowling skills at The Gutter; dine around the clock at the 24-hour Beginners Diner, housed in a replica of a 1940s Worcester lunch car; or clink glasses at the Slim Aaron-inspired Pool Bar. There’s also Quixote, a Mexican hot spot serving up mezcal and tequila; cocktail haven The Mississippi Room; and the forthcoming Le Horse, a steakhouse that will go big on tableside presentations. If you love live music, don’t miss the newly opened Lou Lou’s Jungle Room.
Since 2002, The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla has drawn golf lovers and luxury seekers to its lush grounds. The AAA Five-Diamond resort is home to the 36-hole Torrey Pines Golf Course, which offers the 7,698-yard South Course and 7,258-yard North Course, both with a par of 72. Pros also love the course as it’s the site of the U.S. Open and PGA Tour’s annual Farmers Insurance Open, returning Jan. 24 to 27. When you’re not on the fairway, enjoy The Spa at Torrey Pines, a meal at A.R. Valentien or explore the nearby Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
The Seabird Resort + Mission Pacific Hotel
Waterfront hotels are strewn across San Diego. If you’re spending time in North County, The Seabird Resort and Mission Pacific Hotel are neighboring Hyatt properties located just a stone’s throw from the historic Oceanside Pier. The Seabird is a charming six-story saltbox that’s ideal for families and includes a waterfront pool deck, Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge, and Piper, a full-service restaurant and bar, which recently welcomed Chris Carriker at its new chef de cuisine. Next door, Mission Pacific Hotel features a sexier vibe that draws couples. Grab drinks at The Rooftop Bar, take a dip at the sky-high pool or indulge in a sweet treat at High-Pie, a dessert shop inside the Top Gun House from the 1986 film. Then, enjoy the property’s crown jewel Valle, where chef Roberto Alcocer offers exquisite tasting menus that recently earned the restaurant its first Michelin star.
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