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 (1442)
  • Very good (421)
  • Average (271)
  • Poor (176)
  • Terrible (153)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Poor value for the money

Mar 26, 2024 tcoen2000 Fallbrook, California

See above comments. Excellent location with poor maintenance and poor quality furniture in room and on patio. Mens sauna tile is slimy and slippery and badly needs to be cleaned and sanitized before someone slips and gets hurt.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Pleasure

Mar 26, 2024 dianaayala62

Amazing place to stay. Food was great. Has many amenities to take advantage of. Staff were great. For the cost parking should be included. They have a very nice gentleman that gives you the background history of the hotel.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Paradise

Mar 25, 2024 jcsandman1

We have visited Shelter Island for 60 years, we love it there, not sure how much longer we can afford it, in the beginning rooms were $60.00 per night. We love watching the Ships coming in and out of the Bay.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating This is the resort you’re looking for!

Mar 25, 2024 Kelsey H

I came here looking for a resort with the best views and amenities to offer to surprise my fiancé for his 30th birthday and Kona Kai exceeded my expectations! Absolutely gorgeous resort, we didn’t even need to leave as we enjoyed takeout from the Vessel restaurant they have there at the hotel with a bar with another amazing view on the water. We… Read more
I came here looking for a resort with the best views and amenities to offer to surprise my fiancé for his 30th birthday and Kona Kai exceeded my expectations! Absolutely gorgeous resort, we didn’t even need to leave as we enjoyed takeout from the Vessel restaurant they have there at the hotel with a bar with another amazing view on the water. We got a waterfront king one bedroom suite that over looked the marina and it was gorgeous. Peter from the front desk helped me tremendously helping me with a balloon delivery set up in my room along side the “Just the Two of us” amenity. To say the least my fiancé was blown away and we will definitely be coming back when it’s not so chilly so we can enjoy the bar at the pool cabanas because those would have definitely added to the vibes! I’m very thankful to Peter and all of the staff at Kona Kai that helped make this getaway very special for us. This trip will be remembered forever so again, thank you Kona Kai! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great experience

Mar 24, 2024 Kim F

Great resort for traveling with families. Plenty of things for teens to do and bonfires at night are a great touch. The service from front desk to restaurant was great. Also there is a wonderful walking path in front which is a plus. Close to airport!