Kona Kai Resort & Spa

San Diego, California

Virgin rating

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. 

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 (1378)
  • Very good (402)
  • Average (254)
  • Poor (167)
  • Terrible (149)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating It is nice place but everything has its price tag.

Dec 1, 2023 Xijia D

Overall, it's a nice place with beautiful scenery. However, my experience was mediocre because I found the additional fees to be quite high, possibly due to booking through a third-party website; the official website might be a better option. Also, I'm unclear why we need to get a wristband from the gym to access the swimming pool.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great event venue

Nov 30, 2023 7268 San Francisco, California

Very nice event venue. Plenty of electric vehicle charging. I've been to San Diego countless times, and for some reason I've never made it to this location. I attended a conference here and was very pleased with the location and the services.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect employees

Nov 30, 2023 Companion777408 Ankara, Turkiye

Employees were great, very helpful and welcoming. It's a very nice hotel with a great view. Our room was very nice and clean. You can walk to the harbor , I would like to come back when the season is right .
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Overly charged 20 bucks on my bills, special request not fulfilled, others were good

Nov 28, 2023 M2954SFkevinw

I got over charged for like 20 bucks. I had a breakfast at restaurant on 24th for about $98 with tip included. By the time I check out, the transaction showed two items one is 50ish another is 60ish added together as almost 120 bucks. The lady at front desk was pretty sure this was my bill but 1) the total amount was incorrect, 2) I only had 1… Read more
I got over charged for like 20 bucks. I had a breakfast at restaurant on 24th for about $98 with tip included. By the time I check out, the transaction showed two items one is 50ish another is 60ish added together as almost 120 bucks. The lady at front desk was pretty sure this was my bill but 1) the total amount was incorrect, 2) I only had 1 transaction. I had no time to argue as I have a plane to catch. Even this is small money, but this was a really bad image at the ending of my stay. My room number was 246, checked in on 23rd out on 27th. Other things to mention: requested a crib for twice but not ready by upon arrival, not because you ran out of it but because not prepared. As the night shift guy named Nanci I think? Was really nice helping me find one in the storage room. Location was great, room was good. it’s quite small but as a standard room I have nothing to complain about. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Rejuvenated

Nov 27, 2023 Amber S

Had a wonderful stay from entering the property to the reception desk to our room. Everything was perfect from the comfortable bed, clean with nice decor rooms. Staff were extremely patient and friendly at all times. Beautiful resort. Enjoyed the couples massage with champagne and chocolates. Loved the bone fire set up right outside the rooms… Read more
Had a wonderful stay from entering the property to the reception desk to our room. Everything was perfect from the comfortable bed, clean with nice decor rooms. Staff were extremely patient and friendly at all times. Beautiful resort. Enjoyed the couples massage with champagne and chocolates. Loved the bone fire set up right outside the rooms first come first serve. So much to do. You don't need to leave the resort. There's water in front and back of property. You can have a barbecue at the park across the street, kid friendly games at resort, fishing, boardwalk, rent water sports. Beautiful scenery. Chilly at night, but weather was very nice. Read less