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. 

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 (1545)
  • Very good (436)
  • Average (284)
  • Poor (183)
  • Terrible (162)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nice stay at the Kona Kai - However, Property Maintenance is Needed!

Jul 26, 2024 D2625FUangelab

Overall we had a great experience at the Kona Kai! However, there are a few notable concerns that resort management should take note of...(having to do with property maintenance). 1) The adult pool bar has NO blender, we ordered a Pina Colada and they said I had to go to the other pool bar to order that (they said they had no blender at that… Read more
Overall we had a great experience at the Kona Kai! However, there are a few notable concerns that resort management should take note of...(having to do with property maintenance). 1) The adult pool bar has NO blender, we ordered a Pina Colada and they said I had to go to the other pool bar to order that (they said they had no blender at that pool)??? What?...you are a resort with an "adult" pool bar with NO blender? Also, heard other guest making mention of this as well. 2) Hotel Room Bathroom is very run down (room #129), tub is old and faucet is sloppily chalked to tub surround, doesn't look well kept, vanity & mirror are "dong-up" and need attention, cob webs on ceiling in a few areas, noticed when laying in bed! Ugh. A wall AC unit, Yikes...noisy and not efficient. Coffee Maker in room was old & didn't work...need to install new coffee maker. Positive comments: Peter was awesome, spoke with him when making our reservation! He remembered it was our wedding anniversary and sent champagne and chocolates to our room...very nice, great touch! He was pleasant, friendly and efficient with making our reservation. All of the staff (fitness center, front desk, etc.) were friendly and helpful. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating This is a "Pay for the view" hotel

Jul 25, 2024 vJack2020

Lots of add-ons that cost money. You pay for the view as water cost $7 that is already in the room. Resturant food was bland, very little taste. Steak was 43$ and came out Luke warm and had no seasoning on it. Garlic potatoes tasted like bland potatoes. Room was great but 45$ per day for parking because of its location on shelter island.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating It was nice

Jul 24, 2024 Prinxxdi Saugus, California

It was a nice place to stay but i feel that for the amount you pay to stay there we shouldn’t be charged $45 per day for parking and $45 for some other fee per day as well.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating I like kona kai hotel san diego

Jul 23, 2024 ismael3angelesjr

aswesome hotel love it. near fishing spot. i dont try fishing inside the facility i think is not illegal fishing. i need more stay like a 5 days. every thing u do in 5 days. love it
Image of the Tripadvisor rating System Failure experience

Jul 22, 2024 shayviswilson05

All in all it was a ok experience. There system was down so we could not use our key cards for anything. Access had to be granted to our rooms / parking / pool. Staff was very friendly and maybe the systems being down just led to a bad start. I spent a little more to have the same issues I had with cheaper hotels.