The very best inns in San Diego

With seashores for surfers and households alike, a buzzing restaurant scene, myriad museums and cultural actions, to not point out kid-friendly points of interest like its zoo, San Diego is likely one of the nation’s most dynamic trip locations.

Whether or not it’s the primary or last cease on a California street journey, the spot for a weekend getaway within the solar, or an prolonged SoCal sojourn, there are many issues to do in San Diego … and loads of glorious inns to select from.

Listed here are the 17 finest inns in San Diego, starting from refined metropolis stays to extra laid-back seaside resorts.

Perched on a hilltop above the beachy hamlet of Carlsbad, a 30-mile drive from San Diego Worldwide Airport (SAN), the Park Hyatt Aviara appears like a basic California resort. Positive, the seaside is a brief drive away, however there’s lots on the property to maintain friends occupied.

The Splash Pool Deck is a good, boisterous spot for households, whereas the vibe is decidedly extra laid-back on the 18-and-older Ocean View Pool Deck. Wellness seekers can reap the benefits of the expansive health heart, tennis courts and rounds on the Aviara Golf Membership (with a course designed by Arnold Palmer), in addition to close by mountaineering trails alongside the Batiquitos Lagoon. You should definitely guide a therapy on the 20-room, 15,000-square-foot Aviara Spa, or take a look at the well-being programming and regimens at VeraVia.

Among the many resort’s eating places and bars are the basic steakhouse, Ember & Rye, from “Prime Chef’s” Richard Blais and Ponto Lago for up to date Baja-inspired menus, together with Aviara Marketplace for grab-and-go objects.

Rooms, in the meantime, vary from the 540-square-foot Foothills View class (however guide a Coastal View lodging for those who can) all the way in which as much as particular person suites, just like the Hearth Terrace and Blue Heron suites with options like outside hearth pits and expansive furnished balconies overlooking the coast.

Charges from $552 or 21,000-29,000 factors per evening.

Though Southern California isn’t quick on shoreline, only a few inns truly sit proper on or above the seaside. The Alila Marea Seaside Resort, simply north of the surfside village of Encinitas, is the exception to that rule, and claims satisfaction of place on a bluff above the Pacific with non-public paths that lead proper right down to the sand of South Ponto Seaside.

The resort opened in March 2021, so it nonetheless feels as contemporary as a gusty sea breeze and brings a beachy aesthetic – suppose driftwood stylish – to its informal decor scheme of pure timber flooring and furnishings and huge outside areas (balconies or patios, some with hearth pits) together with prints by famend surf photographer Aaron Chang within the hallways and public areas.

Though the rooms supply among the finest shoreline views (plus high-end facilities like Votary Skincare rosemary-chia bathtub merchandise), settle in after which get out and discover. You may borrow one of many lodge’s complimentary electrical bikes for a cycle to certainly one of Encinitas’s espresso retailers or bars, or north alongside the coast to Carlsbad.

Nearer at hand, the pool is family-friendly and has prime ocean views together with foods and drinks service from the informal The Pocket bar (which additionally hosts dwell music on weekend afternoons). Talking of meals, chef Claudette Zepeda, a James Beard Award semifinalist, helms the lodge’s signature restaurant, Vaga, and her menu is an interesting fusion of Mexican and Asian flavors to take pleasure in together with gorgeous sundown views.

Alila inns are identified for his or her spas, and the one right here gives ocean-inspired therapies just like the Splendor facial, which makes use of sea lavender and wakame seaweed to moisturize and soften the pores and skin.

Charges from $689 or 25,000-35,000 factors per evening.

The idyllic coastal enclave of Del Mar, about 20 miles north of San Diego, has been attracting well-heeled beachgoers for over a century thanks, partially, to the presence of this lodge, which began life again in 1910 because the Stratford Inn and which started attracting Hollywood heavyweights quickly thereafter.

Nowadays, the vibe is extra Tommy Bahama-meets-tech-boom-millionaire, with an exclusive-feeling patio and pool deck overlooking the Pacific and a foyer bar scene that will get fairly convivial on weekends due to the combo of pleasant locals and sun-seeking parvenues right here for an excellent time.

Though it used to have a extra Victorian vibe, nowadays, the lodge is trying spruce due to a midcentury-inspired makeover with silver and gold Scandinavian-chic furnishings and dramatic matte-brass lighting fixtures within the foyer, together with a extra up to date, neutral-toned look within the visitor rooms and suites — although lodging nonetheless boast stunning backyard and ocean views by means of basic white shutters.

Whereas right here, friends can seize cocktails on the Residing Room Bar within the foyer or on the pool bar; informal meals (salads and burgers) at Adelaide, on the patio adjoining the foyer; or simply espresso and pastries at Lyric Espresso. After a day taking pictures the curl on the seaside, a Soulful Salt Stone therapeutic massage at Spa L’Auberge is simply the deal with you’ll want.

Charges from $463 per evening.

Designed in a grandiose Mediterranean Revival model that harks again to Hearst Citadel (suppose ochre-colored facades and Moorish arches) and a tucked-away setting in one of many space’s quieter corners, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar gives a throwback model of luxurious you don’t usually discover in California.

In contrast to among the different luxurious resorts in San Diego’s North County, this one isn’t on the seaside – it’s about 5 miles inland – however that implies that the Might grey and June gloom that may spoil stays at different inns doesn’t get this removed from the coast and you’ll depend on sunny skies for those who simply wish to lounge by one of many swimming pools.

However there’s lots else to maintain you occupied, together with biking and horseback using by means of Los Penasquitos Canyon, a difficult Tom Fazio-designed golf course and two tennis courts you possibly can lease in your personal non-public event. The Fairmont Spa & Wellness is a state-of-the-art facility with a fantastic and tranquil outside pool and a variety of therapies designed by spa training professional Anne Bramham and that includes a custom-created line of natural merchandise.

The resort can also be a magnet for foodies due to its Michelin three-star restaurant, Addison (named after an early Twentieth-century architect), the place chef William Bradley serves nine-course tasting menus that spotlight native substances and seasonal delicacies. There’s additionally the alfresco Amaya for extra informal California delicacies, the Del Mar Social Membership outside lounge for wood-fired pizzas and different nibbles, and Cent’ Anni Cafe for espresso, pastries, sandwiches and salads. The 249 visitor rooms and suites, in the meantime, skew extra basic than up to date, with two-poster wood beds, wall-mounted TVs set into gilt frames, and positively palatial loos with marble finishes.

Charges from $622 per evening.

Few inns really feel extra Californian than this unique enclave set deep inside what was as soon as a eucalyptus grove. It lies close to the horse-heaven hamlet of Rancho Santa Fe, just some miles from the coast, but leagues away from the beach-going hordes that throng this a part of San Diego through the busy summer season months.

Set amid citrus and olive groves, the 49 Spanish-style casitas and three villas begin at a spacious 900 sq. ft and tackle a Mission-style aesthetic with easy wood furnishings, stone flooring, sunken dwelling rooms with fireplaces the workers will mild for you on chilly nights, colourful rest room tiling and wood-framed beds with 600-thread-count Fili D’oro linens amongst different touches.

The not too long ago renovated spa is a draw due to the array of programming obtainable in its yoga pavilion, Pilates studio and health heart, in addition to therapies just like the exfoliating and rejuvenating citrus physique polish and the Valencia Diamond Raise facial. Likewise, the resort’s world-class tennis services draw professionals and occasions from across the globe.

However after a grueling match on the courts, settle in at one of many pool cabanas for a leisurely lunch from Rein, or refuel with a gourmand dinner surrounded by each locals and different friends on the equestrian-themed Pony Room, the place you possibly can pattern tastings from the 100-plus tequilas on supply whereas contemplating standouts from chef Alex Bloom’s menu, just like the hamachi crudo with ponzu and serrano chiles, or the mustard-glazed New Zealand lamb lollipops with tzatziki.

Charges from $809 per evening.

Generally one of the best journeys are those with the fewest hassles, and for those who’ve obtained the little ones in tow for a go to to Legoland, you possibly can’t get extra worry-free than a keep on the Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa.

The lodge was closed for a lot of the pandemic, solely reopening in April 2021, so every part is trying contemporary and high-quality once more, together with visitor rooms that measure as much as practically 500 sq. ft with non-public balconies overlooking the ocean and the encompassing valleys. Due to its small dimension (simply 208 keys whole), the visitor expertise right here can also be extra intimate than you would possibly count on at first blush.

Nearly 2 miles inland from the seaside, the resort continues to be inside straightforward distance of the Carlsbad coast and plenty of seashores farther south. However the primary attraction is its proximity to Legoland. In actual fact, friends can merely stroll to the park by way of a non-public path, which makes it further handy for households right here for that motive.

Amusement parks apart, friends can golf on the close by Crossings at Carlsbad course, pop right down to the general public seashores, take pleasure in some outlet buying at name-brand shops on the Carlsbad Premium Retailers, and go to the well-known close by Carlsbad Flower Fields, that are abloom with varied plantings all year long.

The lodge additionally has a big health heart, an enormous outside pool space and each the informal Market for espresso and grab-and-go meals and 20Twenty, a recent American grill serving native beers, handcrafted cocktails and coastal delicacies like seared diver scallops with parsnip puree and cider-glazed Brussels sprouts.

Charges from $287 per evening.

Additionally positioned close to Carlsbad and about 30 miles north of San Diego Worldwide Airport (SAN), this upscale family-friendly resort has kid-pleasing options. The Kidtopia children membership will watch little ones from 6 months to 12 years of age in addition to host particular actions like arts and crafts and film nights. The resort has a whopping eight swimming pools, together with a number of for households, together with two 100-foot waterslides.

Lively vacationers ought to get numerous use out of the 17 clay and laborious tennis courts on the Cliff Drysdale Tennis facility, whereas golfers can swing their golf equipment on the Legends Course (although it’s presently being redesigned by architect Gil Hanse). The Spa at Omni La Costa gives seasonal and group packages, and coverings incorporate high-end manufacturers like Eminence and Osea.

The visitor rooms and villas are shiny and spacious, beginning at 425 sq. ft, with French or patio doorways main out to non-public balconies or lanais. As for eating, friends can take their decide of eateries, from the easy however elegant menu at Bob’s Steak & Chop Home to Mediterranean share plates at Bar Traza and grab-and-go wraps and pizzas at Market, amongst different choices.

Charges from $349 per evening.

Dubbed the Pink Girl of La Jolla as a consequence of its distinctive hue, the La Valencia Lodge has been round for over 95 years and continues to be certainly one of San Diego’s hottest inns, due to its unparalleled perch on the bluffs above the Pacific alongside a bustling stretch of Prospect Avenue, which is filled with luxurious retailers and galleries.

With simply 114 rooms, suites and villas, lodging are on the small aspect (rooms begin at a mere 250 sq. ft) due to the historic nature of this property. However the interiors have been not too long ago redone in a palette of sandy gold and royal blue, impressed by close by La Jolla Cove, and when you might have enormous home windows overlooking an azure stretch of ocean, you gained’t be targeted on what’s inside.

The point of interest of the lodge is the small however welcoming pool surrounded by cushioned loungers, the place meals and beverage service is accessible in addition to complimentary Coola skincare merchandise for avoiding sunburn. It’s additionally only a quick stroll downhill to the seaside.

The lodge’s all-day restaurant, the Mediterranean Room, serves specialties like chorizo eggs Benedict with chipotle hollandaise, and coriander-persimmon scallops with charred carrot puree and pepita dukkha in a Spanish colonial-inspired eating room with colourful tiles and a roaring hearth. For one thing extra informal, La Sala serves cocktails and small bites below its distinctive handpainted ceiling.

Charges from $349 per evening.

Though it appears like one of many world’s finest examples of California’s Craftsman-style structure – with post-and-beam buildings, stained-glass lighting fixtures and green-tiled, copper-framed fireplaces – it’s, in reality, solely 20 years outdated. However that makes it no much less atmospheric as you wander the lantern-lit grounds at nightfall listening to the crash of the Pacific on the shore under.

The lodge has simply 170 rooms and suites, starting from 500-1,500 sq. ft, and all with views of the golf course or the lodge’s central courtroom from non-public balconies and patios in addition to Stickley-style wood furnishings and huge loos tiled in granite and marble.

One of many foremost attracts is the Torrey Pines Golf Course, which is definitely public and managed by the Metropolis of San Diego (although Lodge friends can request precedence tee instances), and gives among the most gorgeous coastal views within the nation from its two 18-hole championship programs.

The spa advanced includes a health heart together with 14 therapy rooms and males’s and girls’s locker rooms plus a rest lounge with a hearth. The experiences embody a therapeutic massage utilizing warmed basalt stones, and an natural seaweed physique scrub and wrap. Named after a well-known American painter and ceramicist, the lodge’s much-lauded signature restaurant A.R. Valentien overlooks the pool. There, chef Kelli Crosson whips up specialties like Dungeness crab spaghetti and roasted pork loin with grilled peach and Swiss chard.

Charges from $613 per evening.

Initially opened on an island (linked to the mainland by a strip of sand) throughout the harbor from downtown San Diego in 1888, the Lodge del Coronado – or the Lodge Del, as locals consult with it – needs to be one of the vital well-known resorts within the nation due to the parade of luminaries it has hosted over time, together with Charlie Chaplin, Bette Davis and Ronald Reagan, to not point out the lodge’s personal star flip because the setting in “Some Like It Sizzling.”

Nowadays, the property includes a number of “neighborhoods,” together with the unique Victorian wing, a gated neighborhood of villas and cottages dubbed the Seaside Village, and the not too long ago opened residence-style suites on the Shore Home. Principally, there’s a value level and lodging sort for many budgets.

Households with children and teenagers can splash across the Cabana Pool in addition to on the seaside, take browsing classes, watch motion pictures on the seaside and attend academic classes by means of the Ocean Explorers program. Grownup friends can take seaside yoga courses, guide a non-public pool cabana or bask in a day on the spa (which has a Marilyn Monroe-inspired magnificence bar), the place therapies like the ocean salt stone therapeutic massage take their cue from the therapeutic powers of the ocean.

The resort is dwelling to a handful of eating venues, together with the seafood-focused Serea for romantic dinners out, artisanal pizzas at Eno Market & Pizzeria and basic cocktails and small bites on the mahogany counter of Babcock & Story Bar.

Charges from $374 or 95,000 factors per evening.

This luxurious upstart made a splash when it opened in downtown San Diego’s nightlife-focused Gaslamp Quarter again in 2017, bringing a little bit of luxurious to an in any other case party-hearty district.

That’s to not say the lodge is staid or buttoned up, although. Visitors can reap the benefits of glorious on-site facilities like a relaxed however vibing, lounger-lined rooftop pool and an assortment of eating and ingesting institutions. These embody the moodily lit Fifth & Rose for refined bar bites and inventive cocktails just like the Little Leaguer, with peanut butter-washed Angel’s Envy bourbon, strawberry, bitters and a Cracker Jack garnish as a playful nod to close by Petco Park; seasonal fare on the palatial Provisional; elevated coastal delicacies at Lionfish; and craft brews and burgers on the dog-friendly Nason’s Beer Corridor, named after an early Twentieth-century farmer’s market that when occupied this spot.

After an evening out in town, friends can recharge with a go to to the well-equipped health heart and a little bit of pampering at Spa Pendry with a inexperienced espresso and lime physique therapy that features an agave fiber exfoliation.

Rooms embrace a luxurious, clubby aesthetic with oversize wood-framed beds with tufted leather-based headboards and reversion wood bankers chairs together with plaid-upholstered chaise lounges, and ornate, Spanish tile-inspired wall coverings and marble-topped sinks within the loos, amongst different touches.

Charges from $302 per evening.

Though it solely opened in 2019, the 162-key Guild Lodge truly occupies a constructing courting to 1924, when it was the Military-Navy YMCA (the basketball courtroom has been reworked right into a ballroom the place the mezzanine is the previous operating observe). Each the inside and exterior have been rigorously restored, together with the ornate terracotta facade, lending each a little bit of mystique and class to the setting in San Diego’s swinging Gaslamp Quarter.

Consistent with the lodge’s identify, room classes are named after varied guild designations – Grasp, Journeyman, Apprentice, and so on. – and embrace unique structural options comparable to excessive ceilings and large arched home windows, plus playful locker room-like tiling in loos stocked with C.O. Bigelow physique merchandise. Some rooms are a bit tight and have uncovered mirrors and hanging racks in lieu of precise closets, however you’ll nonetheless sleep effectively on hand-stitched Stearns & Foster mattresses.

Though health isn’t the main target nowadays, friends can keep wholesome by making the most of the (utterly fashionable) health facility, or with courses at OG Yoga together with therapies on the next-door AquaVie Spa due to the lodge’s partnerships with them.

The point of interest of the lodge is its sunny courtyard, the place friends can take pleasure in espresso and pastries from the Guild Cafe or libations from the Guild Bar. Higher to have these plus tasty dishes like shrimp risotto within the bar house itself, although, which has curvy artwork deco-style banquettes and bar stools, and is anchored by a dreamily lit quartzite bar.

Charges from $135 or 40,000 factors per evening.

Opened in 2018, the 400-room InterContinental San Diego occupies one tower of a multiuse improvement proper on the San Diego waterfront known as Bric (a mix of Broadway and Pacific Freeway, the intersection at which it lies).

The placement is right for guests on the town for a fast in a single day because it’s only a block from town’s foremost prepare station, a 10-minute drive to the airport and a 10-minute stroll from charming Seaport Village, although it’s a full mile to the conference heart, so you may want another when you’ve got occasions happening there. You can too stroll to Little Italy and the Gaslamp Quarter simply.

Visitor rooms are massive and shiny, although considerably spartan, with floor-to-ceiling home windows overlooking the harbor and skyline, crisp white linens and a taupe-and-blue shade palette within the different smooth furnishings. Giant loos have half-glassed walk-in showers stocked with citrusy Agraria merchandise.

When the day’s conferences are accomplished, friends can work out within the monumental and well-equipped fitness center or take a dip within the outside pool, each positioned on the fourth ground (the Layover bar out right here is open from midday to five p.m.).

For a morning jolt, there’s a Starbucks outpost on the primary ground. Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and throughout from reception on the third ground, Vistal serves domestically sourced produce and seafood, like Baja shrimp cocktail and California spiny lobster with kabocha risotto, although many friends gravitate to the Sardinian-inspired, alfresco restaurant, Garibaldi, the place specialties embody grilled octopus with squid ink spaghetti in an arrabbiata sauce.

Charges from $222 or 32,000 factors per evening.

Don’t let first impressions idiot you. Although the Westgate Lodge’s exterior screams drab ’70s, the inside was impressed by Versailles. Certainly, Louis XIV would look fairly at dwelling below the big Baccarat crystal chandeliers and amid the French and Flemish tapestries adorning the partitions, monumental Persian carpets padding the parquet flooring and plethora of European antiques artfully positioned right here and there.

As you would possibly count on, this lodge attracts a complicated, if considerably older, clientele due to its aesthetic in addition to its proximity to Copley Symphony Corridor and the Museum of Modern Artwork, although it’s additionally a fast stroll to the Gaslamp Quarter’s bars and golf equipment.

Like the general public areas, the 223 visitor rooms and suites, which begin at 400 sq. ft, are extra filigreed French than up to date stylish, although basic wood beds, historically patterned carpeting and loos with marble counter tops and glinting brass taps are certain to please most. Visitors can entry the AquaVie Health + Wellness Membership, which has over 200 cardio and weight machines in addition to a lap pool. Talking of swimming pools, the lodge has its personal rooftop one the place friends can take pleasure in meals and beverage service for many of the day.

In an ornate setting with gilded wall sconces and plushly upholstered membership chairs, the Plaza Bar serves three meals a day plus the lodge’s ballyhooed afternoon tea whereas the Westgate Room is supposed to really feel extra like a bistro … if Marie Antoinette patronized bistros, that’s. The menu consists of staples like Dungeness crabcakes and steak frites.

Charges from $199 per evening.

With a reputation change (from Kimpton Lodge Palomar) and a $25 million makeover, the Kimpton Alma is certainly one of San Diego’s hottest (and pet-friendliest) inns.

The general public areas and visitor rooms now undertaking a extra SoCal midcentury vibe with colourful Mexican-inspired textiles, geometric chandeliers, Scandinavian-style wood wishbone chairs, a profusion of succulents and different vegetation scattered about, and pale pastel accents.

The 211 rooms and suites are trying fairly refreshed and provisioned with a method hodgepodge of furnishings, from woven fiber deck chairs on the non-public balconies (in rooms which have them), to diminutive artwork deco velvet armchairs and slimline desks together with tattoo-inspired wall artwork. However you possibly can nonetheless depend on these much-loved Kimpton touches, like Frette mattress linens, Atelier Bloem bathtub merchandise and in-room yoga mats and – an addition – Japanese tea units.

The lodge has a 24-hour on-site fitness center with a Peloton in addition to bespoke Public bikes that friends can borrow. The rooftop pool deck has each loungers and cabanas from which friends can order drinks and nibbles from the lodge’s seasonally open restaurant, L.O.A.

The Cafe serves a full breakfast menu plus wholesome dinner objects together with wine, beer and cocktails, whereas L.A.-based chef Jason Neroni oversees the full-service, fin(er) eating restaurant, The Desmond, the place the menu consists of specialties like hiramasa crudo with Asian pear and yuzu consomme, and koji-marinated hanger steak with salsa verde and barbecued romanesco.

Charges from $269 or 37,000 factors per evening.

Occupying two of San Diego’s most recognizable towers, and sizzling off a six-year renovation of its public areas and 1,628 visitor rooms and suites, the Manchester Grand Hyatt is a good selection for people coming to city for enterprise or pleasure.

Talking of the rooms, many characteristic panoramic views of San Diego’s harbor and the remainder of the downtown skyline. Beginning at a spacious 340 sq. ft and ranging up from there, they give the impression of being contemporary and stylish due to their shade palettes of white, cream, taupe and blue, together with new patterned carpets and cloth headboards. Technophiles ought to love the 65-inch high-definition TVs whereas others will recognize the aromatic June Jacobs bathtub merchandise.

The lodge boasts not one, however two rooftop swimming swimming pools – one for adults ages 21 and up on the third ground and one for households on the fourth ground that additionally has an space for garden video games – plus a StayFit health heart.

The lodge additionally fields seven eating places and bars. Amongst them, Seaview Breakfast Buffet Restaurant serves, as you may think, a luxurious breakfast buffet each day, whereas Market One is a extra informal grab-and-go affair all through the day. The lodge’s GrandEats is type of like room service, solely objects are packaged in eco-friendly containers and delivered to your room. The Fortieth-floor Prime of the Hyatt has among the metropolis’s finest sundown views by means of its floor-to-ceiling home windows and serves cocktails and small plates comparable to ahi poke and bison sliders. Sally’s Fish Home & Bar, in the meantime, is the place to return for contemporary fish and craft cocktails.

Charges from $189 or 12,000 factors per evening.

Certainly one of San Diego’s grandest and most historic inns, the US Grant initially opened in 1910 after its development was overseen by the eponymous president’s son, and since then, over a dozen U.S. presidents have stayed right here.

Although it fell into disrepair and was practically demolished within the Seventies, a number of renovations by a rotating roster of householders saved the property and obtained it again to its unique grandeur … with just a few eye-catching design updates as effectively. Although the imposing Classical Revival facade continues to be very a lot intact, and large crystal chandeliers mild the general public areas, friends will even discover extra artwork deco-style furnishing – jewel-toned velvet chairs and divans, artwork nouveau-inspired sculptures – within the extravagant foyer.

The 270 visitor rooms and suites, which begin at 280 sq. ft, have artwork deco touches as effectively, however a extra up to date look due to pared-down Louis XV-style chairs and {custom} summary drip-painting headboards by artist Yves Clement, to not point out 49-inch high-definition TVs and fashionable facilities like Remede rest room merchandise.

The lodge’s eating venue, Grant Grill, serves elegant, domestically sourced seasonal fare, so the menus change ceaselessly, although you would possibly discover delicacies like ricotta gnocchi with foraged mushrooms and wild boar chop and stomach with pumpkin-sage risotto. The accompanying Grant Grill Lounge is a extra informal setting for artistic cocktails like Fannie’s Previous Customary, named after Ulysses S. Grant Jr.’s spouse, with 90-day home barrel-aged Malahat rye whisky with lychee bitters.

Charges from $259 or 40,000 factors per evening.

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