Kona Kai Resort & Spa

San Diego, California

Virgin rating

Deluxe King Room
Vessel Restaurant
Terrace
Deluxe Queen Room
Marina Terrace
Marina View Junior Suite
Deluxe King Room
Vessel Restaurant
Terrace
Deluxe Queen Room
Marina Terrace
Marina View Junior Suite

The hotel

This iconic California hotel is on Shelter Island, overlooking the famed Kona Kai Marina. With ocean views from every room type, you can laze the days away on your balcony if you fancy - complete with stunning views of San Diego bay. Although with a private beach two waterfront pools, you'll probably want to leave the room to enjoy a leisurely day by the water either way. Embrace true holiday life and head to the poolside bar for a refreshing drink – and take in the views of the marina, or pamper yourself at the spa. If you fancy something a bit more active, explore the island on one of the complimentary beach cruisers or enjoy one of the many water sports activities on offer!

Amenities

  • Bicycle Rental
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Bar
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Beachfront location

Where is it

Located on Shelter Island on Kona Kai Marina, minutes from Downtown San Diego and San Diego’s International Airport.

Hotel information

170 rooms, including 41 luxury suites, all with spectacular water viewsfrom the private patio or balcony, as well as flatscreen TV with premium entertainment channels, complimentary coffee, mini-fridge, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, iron and board. 

Deluxe Guestrooms have 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Premium Rooms offer 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.

Suites are also available, featuring sophisticated coastal design, spa-inspired bathrooms with bath and rainfall shower, and bay or marina views from an oversized balcony. 

  • Book by 31 May 2024 to receive complimentary daily breakfast for 2 with stays between 01 Jun – 31Dec '24. Terms and conditions apply. Blackout Dates apply. Applies to certain room types.

Vessel restaurant (local coastal cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner). Tiki Bar and adults-only pool bar. Resort pool and adults-only pool. Pool and beach cabanas*. Spa*. Fitness centre. Complimentary fitness classes. Private beach and firepits. Water activity centre* including kayaks and paddle boards. Volleyball. Badminton. Complimentary bikes. Fishing*. Beach parties. Kona Kai Marina with bay cruises* and dinner cruises*. Gift shop. Room service*. WiFi*. Self-parking $34, plus tax per night (payable locally, subject to change)

This hotel has resort fees that are included in the room rate (subject to change)

Resort fee includes: - Daily Newspaper in Lobby - WiFi - Fitness centre and steam room - Towel Service at pool and spa. Resort fee, tax and inclusions are subject to change - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.

*Denotes local charge. 

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1466)
  • Very good (422)
  • Average (273)
  • Poor (176)
  • Terrible (153)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A San Diego Favorite

May 5, 2024 547lexi San Diego, California

We love Kona Kai Resort for a weekend away. It’s the hidden gem in the heart of San Diego, close to all the fun in the city but away from the noise and busyness. It has all the amenities wanted plus an incredible restaurant and spa.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great place to relax.

May 3, 2024 Russ T Lathrop, California

Food is way overpriced. The location was exactly what I needed. It's a beautiful area with much to do if you're into walking, running or even riding a bike. It's not walking distance to anything around San Diego so be prepared to either Uber or have a vehicle. You know it would also be nice to have free coffee out by the water and maybe some less… Read more
Food is way overpriced. The location was exactly what I needed. It's a beautiful area with much to do if you're into walking, running or even riding a bike. It's not walking distance to anything around San Diego so be prepared to either Uber or have a vehicle. You know it would also be nice to have free coffee out by the water and maybe some less expensive grab an go items. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating One nights stay

May 2, 2024 lexie476

It was a great overall stay and I would come here again. The only thing that we were unfavorable of was the cost of the in room amenities such as $7 for a water bottle.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Relaxation

May 1, 2024 Gary M

Amazing hotel with amazing amenities. I highly recommend this resort for it's quiet location and atmosphere. you're close to all the fun parts of the city without having to stay in the crowded overpriced areas.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Our New Go-To

Apr 29, 2024 marc04040

We stayed to celebrate a birthday and the resort did not disappoint! Beautiful views all around before even arriving to the property. Once we did, the person at the front desk gave a warm welcome and provided some awesome recommendations on where to sight see and eat. The property itself is beautiful and very clean. Every staff member encountered… Read more
We stayed to celebrate a birthday and the resort did not disappoint! Beautiful views all around before even arriving to the property. Once we did, the person at the front desk gave a warm welcome and provided some awesome recommendations on where to sight see and eat. The property itself is beautiful and very clean. Every staff member encountered was nice and helpful. The small touches make the stay so relaxing! The fire pits by the water, the smores kits, the bikes, the games out by the pool. Our room was also so cute and clean. They put a cute plush dolphin on your bed to welcome you but just be warned, it's not free of course, it's $25. There's also a coffee & gelato place within walking distance (or take one of the bikes!) and they have delicious drinks/food/gelato. The downside to pricing is they charge a resort fee of course, but also an additional fee for parking. In my opinion the room and fees are already pricey, parking should be included. Other than that I strongly recommend this for your next stay in San Diego! Read less