Planning a great vacation to California and looking for the best hotels San Diego has to offer? With all the San Diego hotels and San Diego Airbnbs, you’ll be sure to find the best place to stay. Whether you’re looking for luxury, staying in a cozy cottage by the beach, or a trendy condo overlooking the downtown cityscape, San Diego offers incredible places to stay.
Not only are there fantastic hotels, but San Diego has the most booked Airbnbs in the country! Stay in a furnished home with all the best amenities. You’ll want to pick the perfect location so you can be close to all your favorite things to do in San Diego.
We’ve created a guide to hotels and Airbnbs in San Diego that get the most outstanding reviews! View the list below and book the one that fits your travel style the most.
San Diego Hotels in the Heart of the City
Pendry Hotel
Gaslamp District
$$$
The Pendry Hotel in San Diego. Photo credit: Yelp
The Pendry Hotel is centered perfectly in downtown San Diego. It’s also rated the #3 best hotel on TripAdvisor out of all the San Diego hotels. If you enjoy spending your nights in a luxurious hotel, this is definitely the best choice. Each room is decorated in modern decor and the views of the city are amazing. There are 4 dining and drinking establishments on site along with 2 cocktail bars. Rooms start at $235/night depending on the season.
Room with a King sized bed. Photo credit: Yelp
Courtyard Marriott
Downtown, Samuel Fox Lofts
$$
Photo credit: Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown
This Courtyard Marriott is located in one of the old historic buildings still standing in downtown San Diego. The location is only a block away from the Gaslamp District and 2.5 miles away from Balboa Park. Room rates start at $89/night making it an affordable option if you’re still looking for a luxurious hotel vibe. Get a room with an outstanding city view for under $100 a night and discover the magic of downtown San Diego.
This conference room was once an old safety deposit issue. Reserve it for your next conference or meeting. Photo credit: Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown
San Diego Airbnbs in the City Center
Artist LOFT in Heart of Gaslamp / Downtown
Gaslamp District
$$
Beautiful Kitchen in the Artist Loft. Photo credit: Airbnb
One of the main reasons why I love staying at an Airbnb is because you can stay in the coolest places you dream of living in someday. This San Diego Airbnb is one of a kind. The Artist Loft hosted by Jason is one of those places. This creative space can accommodate four guests and previous guests rave about the location. Plenty of bars and places that have live music, the loft is even above a local bar making it convenient for a night cap.
Bed in the Artist loft. Photo credit: Airbnb
Private Studio with Yard Near SouthPark/GasLamp & Zoo
SouthPark
$-$$
Private patio next to private studio. Photo credit: Airbnb
Not only does this studio get 5 star reviews, previous guests also have great things to say about the host. This is a fantastic place to stay if you’re looking to stay for under $70/night but still want to be close to the city. Although you’re not in the heart of the city, you’re still only a short and cheap Lyft ride away.
Private studio bed and amenities. Photo credit: Airbnb
San Diego Hotels near the Beach
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Mission Bay
$$-$$$
Photo credit: Catamaran
Staying at this resort hotel is a great bargain compared to staying at some of the other beachside hotels. Not only is it rated 4-stars, but it has over 1,000 good reviews. There are already so many activities to do on site, you won’t feel the need to leave the resort! Take a ride on an old steamliner ship, check out water sport equipment, practice open air yoga, and have a relaxing massage at the spa. Great place to stay if you’re traveling with your whole family.
Catamaran Resort Ocean front with private dock. Photo credit: Catamaran
Beach Haven
Pacific
$-$$
Photo credit: Beach Haven
This hotel has excellent ratings that are even better compared to the Hilton’s on booking.com! The location at Beach Haven will not disappoint you since it’s only a block away from the white sands of San Diego. Their rooms are not only reasonably priced, but they’re decorated in a simplistic modern style that makes you feel relaxed as soon as you enter the room. Definitely one of the best San Diego hotels you’ll find on the beach. You’ll also love their outdoor pool.
Outdoor pool. Photo credit: Beach Haven
San Diego Airbnbs near the Beach
Suite in Ocean View Estate
La Jolla
$
Ocean View from Balcony Patio. Photo credit: Airbnb
If you don’t mind sharing the home, or should we say seaside mansion, with the host, you should definitely book this room! The price of the room is $79/night and only $85/night on the weekends and the location is out of this world! Enjoy staying in a large, multi-million dollar home that overlooks the Pacific Ocean right off the balcony. This must be one of the cheapest yet most luxurious places to stay in the La Jolla neighborhood, definitely check it out!
Sunset on Patio. Photo credit: Airbnb
Cozy Beach Cottage
Mission Bay
$$
Outside porch area. Photo credit: Airbnb
This Cozy Beach Cottage is the perfect place if you’re looking for a nice beachside condo that accommodates up to 5 guests. This location is perfect for beach bums since you’re only 50 feet away from the white sands of San Diego! Feel free to soak up the sun or lounge in the comfy living room. At $99/night, you can’t beat the location and amenities!
Only several yards aways from the seashore. Photo credit: Airbnb
Activities in San Diego
We hope you have an incredible time in San Diego and enjoy your stay to the fullest. Our tour operations here are coordinated in San Diego and we pick up a majority of our guests throughout the city. Not only will you be able to visit the city of San Diego, but you’ll also get a chance to tour some of the most beautiful places in Mexico!
Wine tasting with Baja Winery Tours
Our customized private tours allow guests to take a day trip to Baja California so you can pick and choose all the activities you want to do. Our popular Valle de Guadalupe tour allows you to go winery hopping and tasting around Mexico’s prized wine region. Be sure to check out all our tours here and don’t miss visiting Baja while visiting San Diego!
