PLACES TO STAY
Luxury Hotels
Hard Rock Hotel
207 5th Avenue • 619 702 3000 • www.hardrockhotelsd.com • $
The contemporary rooms and suites at this hotel look out across the Gaslamp Quarter. The atmosphere is lively, and friendly staff will cater to your needs, even loaning you a Fender guitar. Enjoy a drink at the rooftop lounge or taste the impeccable food at Nobu, the on-site restaurant.
Coronado Island Marriott Resort and Spa
2000 2nd St, Coronado • 619 435 3000 • www.marriott.com/sanci • $$
Lush grounds with a relaxed feel, and dedicated staff make this hotel a top choice. Californian and French styling prevails, with the best of the rooms looking out across the bay to San Diego. The hotel also runs a watertaxi service.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
9700 N. Torrey Pines Rd • 858 550 1000 • www.estancialajolla.com • $$
Elegant and airy rooms offer luxury and comfort in this Spanish ranch-style hotel surrounded by lush gardens. Indulge yourself at the spa or heated saltwater pool. A short walk leads down to the beach.
Kimpton Solamar
435 6th Ave • 619 819 9500 • www.hotelsolamar.com • $$
This hip boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter offers a complimentary wine hour every evening in the fireplace lounge. California cuisine features at the JSix restaurant, and the fourth-floor pool deck with J6Bar and fire pits is popular with the locals, too.
La Casa del Zorro Resort & Spa
3845 Yaqui Pass Road, Borrego Springs • 760 767 0100 • www.lacasadelzorro.com • $$
This classic desert resort offers poolside rooms and private casitas, featuring wood-burning fireplaces and marble bathtubs. Facilities include a spa, fitness center, three swimming pools, and tennis courts. Conditions for stargazing in the desert sky are perfect.
L’Auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa
1540 Camino del Mar, Del Mar • 858 259 1515 • www.laubergedelmar.com • $$
Join the list of Hollywood notables who relax at this boutique hotel and spa near the Pacific. The rooms have marble baths and many include private balconies and fireplaces.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr, Rancho Bernardo • 877 517 9340 • www.ranchobernardoinn.com • $$
Bougainvillea-adorned patios and red-tile-roof adobe buildings evoke images of early California at this relaxing resort set in stunning grounds. Life here revolves around the adjoining golf course, spa, and tennis courts.
The Westgate Hotel
1055 Second Avenue • 619 238 1818 • www.westgatehotel.com • $$
With a lobby that suggests the anteroom of the Palace of Versailles, complete with Baccarat crystal chandeliers and French tapestries, this grand hotel offers good value for its location. Spacious rooms with European decor have city views.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Court • 858 314 2000 • www.fairmont.com/san-diego • $$$
Discover San Diego's inland beauty at this Spanish- and Italian-style destination resort. Luxurious rooms with fine amenities, superb service, golf, pools, spa, hiking trails, and equestrian facilities are reasons never to leave.
Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara
7210 Blue Heron Place • 760 603 3700 • vacationrentals.fourseasons.com • $$$
With impeccable service and a superb setting, this property offers luxurious residential rentals. Choose between indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, or a suite with a whirlpool.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla • 858 453 4420 • www.lodgetorreypines.com • $$$
Located on the cliffs of Torrey Pines, this lodge offers exquisite accommodations. The rooms look out onto a courtyard that reflects the surrounding coastal environment and the greens of the Torrey Pines Golf Course. Early California Impressionist art graces the walls and signature restaurant.
Rancho Valencia Resort
5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe • 858 756 1123 • www.ranchovalencia.com • $$$
Bougainvillea cascades over the Spanish casitas in this stunning resort. Many rooms feature cathedral ceilings, private terraces, and fireplaces. Rejuvenation treatments include reflexology, aromatherapy, and various massages.
Historic Hotels
Gaslamp Plaza Suites
520 E St • 619 232 9500 • www.gaslampplaza.com • $
Now on the National Register of Historic Places, this building still features much of its original 1913 craftsmanship, such as Australian gumwood, Corinthian marble, and an elevator door made of brass. Complimentary breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace.
Inn at the Park
525 Spruce St • 619 291 0999 • No air conditioning • www.shellhospitality.com • $
This 1926 inn was popular with Hollywood celebrities en route to their vacations in Mexico in the 1920s and 1930s. The original fixtures lend a delightful retro touch.
The Keating Hotel
432 F Street • 619 814 5700 • www.thekeating.com • $
Set in a historic 1890 building in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, this super-hip boutique hotel was created by the Italian designers responsible for Ferrari and Maserati. The rooms have open rainfall showers.
Glorietta Bay Inn
1630 Glorietta Blvd, Coronado • 619 435 3101 • www.gloriettabayinn.com • $$
Many of the original fixtures of John D. Spreckels’ 1908 Edwardian mansion remain, including the unique hand-made plaster moldings, chandeliers, and a marble staircase. Splurge on one of the antique-filled guest rooms inside the house for a more decadent experience.
The Grande Colonial
910 Prospect St, La Jolla • 888 828 5498 • www.thegrandecolonial.com • $$
La Jolla’s first hotel was designed by Spanish Revival architect Richard Requa. The 1913 building houses luxury suites, while a 1926 building contains the main hotel. Elegantly appointed rooms are in keeping with the hotel’s European ambience.
Horton Grand Hotel
311 Island Ave • 619 544 1886 • www.hortongrand.com • $$
Rebuilt from two Victorian-era hotels, this hotel reflects the character of the Gaslamp Quarter. Rooms are individually decorated in period style, and each has a gas fireplace.
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
5951 Linea del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe • 858 756 1131 • www.theinnatrsf.com • $$
Refined elegance distinguishes this romantic country inn. Many of the red-roofed adobe casitas scattered about the lush grounds boast comfy queen-sized beds, fireplaces, and kitchens.
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
2000 Spindrift Drive • La Jolla • 858 412 2036 • www.ljbtc.com • $$$
This resort is perfect for an active family: guests can choose to ocean swim, kayak, play tennis or golf, or simply enjoy the sunshine. You can step out the door onto a pristine sand beach. Rooms with kitchenettes are available.
La Valencia Hotel
1132 Prospect St, La Jolla • 858 454 0771 • www.lavalencia.com • $$$
Since 1926, the “Pink Lady of La Jolla” has enchanted with its splendid Mediterranean ambience, exquisite decor, and ideal location on the cliffs above La Jolla Cove. Rooms vary from quite small to large ocean villas.
U.S. Grant
326 Broadway • 619 232 3121 • www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sanlc-the-us-grant-a-luxury-collection-hotel-san-diego/ • $$$
Ulysses S. Grant Jr. commissioned this stately 1910 Renaissance palace. A $56-million renovation has restored it to its former glory, with mahogany furniture and paneling, tile floors, and luxurious rooms.
Spa Hotels
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad • 760 438 9111 • www.lacosta.com • $$
This Spanish-Colonial complex contains two PGA championship golf courses, a tennis center, and the Chopra Center for Wellbeing – a spa and fitness center offering healing treatments.
Cal-a-Vie
29402 Spa Havens Rd, Vista • 760 842 6831 • www.cal-a-vie.com • $$$
Exhilarating programs focus on fitness, nutrition, and personal care. The Mediterranean-style villas provide luxurious accommodations (packages for 3–7 nights only).
Golden Door
777 Deer Springs Rd, San Marcos • 760 744 5777 • www.goldendoor.com • $$$
Modeled after the ancient ryokan inns, Japanese gardens, streams, and waterfalls make a glorious backdrop to a week of fitness and meditation. For most of the year, the spa is a women-only domain.
Rancho La Puerta
476 Tecate Rd, Tecate, Baja California, Mexico • 858 764 5500 • www.rancholapuerta.com • $$$
Since 1940, guests have pursued body and mind fitness at this beautiful Mexican-Colonial-style resort. Lodgings are in casitas decorated with folk art and bright fabrics. The dining room specializes in homegrown organic food.
Business Hotels
Town & Country Resort Hotel
500 Hotel Circle N. • 619 291 7131 • www.towncountry.com • $
This sprawling family-owned resort has an onsite convention center and 1,000 rooms. Next door is a golf course, a trolley stop, and the Fashion Valley Mall.
Embassy Suites Hotel San Diego Bay – Downtown
601 Pacific Hwy • 619 239 2400 • www.embassysuites.com • $$
Guests enjoy spacious suites that have a living area and a separate bedroom. All rooms open onto a palm-tree-filled atrium and offer a view of the bay or city. Enjoy a dip in the indoor pool.
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
10950 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla • 858 558 1500 • www.hiltonlajollatorreypines.com • $$
This low-key but chic hotel is located next to the Torrey Pines Golf Course. A valet looks after your immediate needs, and a car service can drive you to La Jolla. All rooms have balconies or terraces, and many feature ocean or harbor views.
Hyatt Regency La Jolla
3777 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla • 858 552 1234 • www.lajolla.hyatt.com • $$
Postmodern architect Michael Graves designed this Italian-style palace hotel. A fitness spa and highly acclaimed restaurants are situated next door. Corporate guests can access the business center.
Omni San Diego Hotel
675 L St • 619 231 6664 • www.omnihotels.com • $$
A skyway links the hotel to Petco Park, and you can even see the ball field from some rooms. Comfy rooms sport great bathrooms, and if you must tend to business, the Convention Center is only a few blocks away.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
1 Market Place • 619 232 1234 • www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com • $$$
Two high-rise towers hold 1,625 rooms, many with personal work areas and all with high-speed Internet. The lounge on the 40th floor is one of San Diego’s best. Guests can also make use of two rooftop pools and the 24-hour fitness center.
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
333 W. Harbor Dr • 619 234 1500 • www.marriotthotels.com • $$$
Most rooms at this busy hotel are set up with worktables and high-speed Internet, and offer scenic views of the waterfront and San Diego Bay. The marina and waterfall swimming pool make great distractions.
Westin Gaslamp Quarter San Diego
910 Broadway Cir • 619 239 2200 • www.starwoodhotels.com • $$$
Attached to Westfield Horton Plaza, this downtown hotel is close to restaurants and entertainment venues. It offers a range of event and meeting spaces, a workout room, and swimming pool. The Gaslamp Quarter and Convention Center are within walking distance.
Westin San Diego Hotel
400 W. Broad-way • 619 239 4500 • www.westinsandiego.com • $$$
You can’t miss this hotel’s green silhouette of hexagonal glass towers. Amenities include ergonomic work chairs and high-speed Internet access. The Convention Center is within easy walking distance.
Mid-Range Hotels
Bay Club Hotel & Marina
2131 Shelter Island Dr • 619 224 8888 • www.bayclubhotel.com • $
Rattan furniture and tropical fabrics give a Polynesian cast to this hotel. The best rooms are at the back and have views of the marina and Point Loma. Breakfast is included.
Crowne Plaza San Diego
2270 Hotel Circle N. • 619 297 1101 • www.cp-sandiego.com • $
In the 1960s, a wave of Polynesian-themed hotels sprang up in the area, and those that survived now have a trendy retro feel to them. The tropical decor still rules the public areas, but the rooms are contemporary and overlook the pool or nearby golf course.
The Dana on Mission Bay
1710 W. Mission Bay Dr • 619 222 6440 • www.thedana.com • $
This hotel is incredibly popular with families. All the water activities of Mission Bay are close by, and the hotel also operates free shuttles to SeaWorld. Tropical landscaping surrounds the grounds, and the swimming pool is a real hit with kids.
Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn and Suites
2303 Shelter Island Dr • 619 224 3411 • www.halfmooninn.com • $
Its summer concert series, tropical landscaping, private marina, and long list of activities make this hotel an ideal choice for those looking for some entertainment. You can pay a little more if you would like a room with a view of the bay.
Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
4041 Harney St • 800 888 1991 • www.bestwestern.com • $$
On a hillside overlooking Old Town, this charming hacienda-style hotel offers rooms that have private balconies or look onto a courtyard. Free airport transportation is provided.
Hotel Indigo
509 9th Ave • 619 727 4000 • www.hotelindigo.com • $$
Rooms at this trendy, pet-friendly boutique hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter come with plush bedding, hardwood floors, and complimentary Internet access. The bar terrace looks right over Petco Park and has spectacular views of the city skyline.
Waterfront Hotels
Bahia Resort Hotel
998 W. Mission Bay Dr • 858 488 0551 • www.bahiahotel.com • $
This venerable Mission Bay Hotel is right next to the bay and Mission Beach. Among the facil-ities on offer are tennis courts, a hydro-therapy pool, and a fitness center. At night, you can enjoy live music on the Bahia Belle, a stern-wheeler that floats on the bay every evening.
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
3075 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad • 760 434 7020 • www.carlsbadinn.com • $$
Families really love this sprawling resort. Its rooms and timeshare condominiums are available nightly or weekly. Several activities and classes are held daily, and there is also a good Mexican restaurant.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
3999 Mission Blvd • 858 488 1081 • www.catamaranresort.com • $$
This Polynesian-themed hotel offers a long list of water activities. It is within walking distance of many restaurants, and Tiki torches light your way through lushly landscaped grounds. The upper floors of the towers have great views.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
1441 Quivira Road • 619 224 1234 • www.missionbay.regency.hyatt.com • $$
This large, family-friendly resort offers pools and water slides, as well as access to a full marina with kayaks, jet-skis, and sailboats. Spacious rooms feature balconies with lovely views of the Pacific, Mission Bay, or the lush gardens.
Pacific Terrace
610 Diamond St • 858 581-3500 • www.pacificterrace.com • $$
Sunset views over the Pacific define high living at one of San Diego’s finest beach hotels. Large guest rooms come with a balcony or patio. There’s no full-service restaurant, but the friendly staff can suggest neighborhood dining options.
Crystal Pier Hotel & Cottages
4500 Ocean Blvd • 858 483 6983 • www.crystalpier.com • $$$
Reservations are essential for these 1927 Cape Cod-style cottages that sit directly on the pier. Many have kitchenettes, and patios with views of Pacific Beach.
Tower 23 Hotel
723 Felspar St, Pacific Beach • 877 648 5738 • www.t23hotel.com • $$$
Situated on the beach, this stylish hotel features luxury rooms with rain showers, sleek teak furnishings, and high-end amenities. In-room massages are available on request. The classy JRDN restaurant serves delicious authentic Californian seafood.
Bed and Breakfasts
Crone’s Cobblestone Cottage B&B
1302 Washington Place • 619 295 4765 • No credit cards • No private bathrooms • No air conditioning • www.cronescobblestonebandb.com • $
At this restored 1913 Craftsman-style bungalow, choose either the Elliott or the Eaton room, both furnished with period antiques. The walls are lined with thousands of books.
Hillcrest House
3845 Front Street • 619 990 2441 www.hillcresthousebandb.com • $
Choose from five uniquely decorated rooms at this vintage bed and breakfast. It is well situated for San Diego’s attractions, and hostess Ann can help you plan your day over a healthy continental breakfast or in the parlor in front of the fireplace.
Julian Gold Rush Hotel
2032 Main St, Julian • (760) 765-0201 • No air conditioning • www.julianhotel.com • $
Built in 1897 by a freed slave from Missouri, this quaint inn is the oldest continually operating hotel in Southern California. Its lacy curtains might remind you of your grandma’s house, but the breakfasts are exceptional.
The Artists’ Loft
Strawberry Hill, Julian • 760 765 0765 • No air conditioning • www.artistsloft.com • $$
Secluded and romantic, three cabins deep in the woods will inspire the artist within you. Airy Craftsman-style interiors feature natural wood, fine textiles, a full kitchen, and a wood-burning stove. From your screened porch, gaze at stunning mountain and distant coastline views.
Hotel Marisol
1017 Park Place • 619 365 4677 • $$
Escape the crowds at this intimate Spanish-style inn, which has hosted guests since 1927. Guest rooms are decorated in soft colors and have plantation shutters. A continental breakfast is complimentary, as are beach chairs and bicycles. Coronado’s famous beach is only 5 minutes away.
The Inn at Europa Village
33350 La Serena Way, Temecula • 951 676 7047 • www.europavillage.com • $$
Ideally situated for touring the Temecula vineyards, rooms in this Mission-style inn have private balconies, Jacuzzis, and fireplaces. Rates include a continental breakfast with fresh pastries.
Orchard Hill Country Inn
2502 Washington St, Julian • 760 765 1700 • www.orchardhill.com • $$
At this most luxurious of Julian’s B&B inns, you can stay in a Craftsman-style cottage with a whirlpool tub, fireplace, and private porch. The tasty breakfasts make for a good start to the day.
Budget Hotels and Hostels
Apple Tree Inn
4360 Highway 78, Julian • 760 765 0222 • www.julianappletreeinn.com • $
A few miles outside of Julian, this small cinder-block-style motel offers a quiet night’s sleep in basic but tidy rooms that have mountain views and an outdoor pool. Hiking trails, a few restaurants, and shops are nearby. Pet-friendly.
Borrego Springs Motel
2376 Borrego Springs Road • 760 767 4339 • www.borregospringsmotel.com • $
There are seven queen-bed rooms and one twin-bed room in this no-frills but sparkling clean motel – perfect for those who want to enjoy the surrounding desert. Despite solar power, the motel offers no Wi-Fi, TV, or tele-phones. The helpful proprietors, who live onsite, are local experts.
HI San Diego Downtown Hostel
521 Market St • 619 525 1531 • No air conditioning • No private bathrooms • www.sandiegohostels.org • $
This bright hostel offers dorm rooms and some private ones, free airport transportation and breakfast, kitchen and lounge facilities, laundry service, and Internet access.
Kings Inn
1333 Hotel Circle South • 619 297 2231 • www.kingsinnsandiego.com • $
This vintage-style inn with a swimming pool and spa tub has clean, comfortable rooms and friendly, helpful staff. Good onsite restaurants serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
La Pensione
606 W. Date St • 619 236 8000 • No air conditioning • www.lapensionehotel.com • $
In the heart of Little Italy, La Pensione offers rooms with a queen-size bed, TV, and refrigerator. A coin-operated laundry is on the premises, as well as free parking, and some of the city’s best Italian restaurants are just a stone’s throw away.
Old Town Inn
4444 Pacific Hwy • 619 260 8024 • www.oldtown-inn.com • $
The rooms here are clean and comfy, and the hotel offers one of the better breakfasts around. An efficiency unit comes with a microwave, refrig-erator, and range top, and parking is also free.
USA Hostels Gaslamp
726 5th Ave • 619 232 3100 • No air conditioning • No private bathrooms • www.usahostels.com • $
A popular centrally located hostel offering dorm rooms and some private rooms. Facilities include Internet access, a laundry, kitchen, a lounge area with DVDs, and free lockers. The place is famous for its all-you-can-make pancake breakfasts.
Vagabond Inn Point Loma
1325 Scott St • 619 224 3371 • www.vagabondinn.com • $
This motel is well situated for sportfishing activities and the Cabrillo National Monument. Along with the clean and cheery rooms, guests can enjoy the free breakfast, airport shuttle, parking, and the huge outdoor swimming pool.
PRICE CATEGORIES
For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes, and extra charges.
$ under $200 $$ $200–$300 $$$ over $300