Kona Kai Resort & Spa

San Diego, USA

FAVOURITES HOTEL
These hotels provide exceptionally good value, are in great locations and offer exclusive benefits to Virgin Holidays’ customers.
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 elegant California hotel is on Shelter Island, overlooking the Kona Kai Marina. With a private beach and a newly renovated pool, your stay here will be a real treat. Why not grab yourself a cabana and head to the poolside bar for a refreshing drink – and take in the views of the marina. If you fancy something a bit more active, enjoy one of the many water sports, join in a free fitness class or take a ride along the bay on one of the resort's free bikes.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Swimming Pool
  • Room Service
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Internet Access
  • Anniversary and special occasions
  • Beachfront location
  • Volley Ball
  • Bicycle Rental
  • Restaurant

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 46 new luxury suites, set over 3 floors in 1 building, all with spectacular water views. All with private patio or balcony, air-conditoning and heating, flatscreen TV with premium entertainment channels, telephone, 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. 

Why is this a Virgin Holidays Favourite?

With its private beach, pools for both adults and kids, and a bar overlooking the marina, you'll get the best resort experience here - as well as beautiful sunset views.

Exclusive Virgin Holidays benefits:

  • Book before 31 Dec '20 for completed stays between 16 Jul '19-31 Dec '20 and receive a complimentary room upgrade.
  • Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Please note black out dates apply. Offer is valid on all room types, except suites.

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 (889)
  • Very good (299)
  • Average (176)
  • Poor (107)
  • Terrible (104)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Birthday 🥳

Apr 13, 2021 darrylthomas1975 Inglewood, California

It was by fur one of the stays ever the staffs was magnificent and very helpful. They even sent gifts and a card up to my room on my birthday now that was excellent. I would come back and recommend Kona Kia resort to all. I wanna especially thank Gabby who welcomed us and made us feel good.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The "deluxe" rooms are very small.

Apr 12, 2021 SunnyDay1717

I booked a "deluxe" room on Travelocity, described as 350 sq ft., for 10 nights. It was very small, likely a third less than that (226). Traveling with two kids and staying for ten days, it felt very cramped. There were only three small drawers to put things away, and no room to walk around the beds at all. We switched to a cheaper hotel halfway… Read more
I booked a "deluxe" room on Travelocity, described as 350 sq ft., for 10 nights. It was very small, likely a third less than that (226). Traveling with two kids and staying for ten days, it felt very cramped. There were only three small drawers to put things away, and no room to walk around the beds at all. We switched to a cheaper hotel halfway through, which had a room that was 350 sq ft, and it was much bigger. The Kona Kai felt very much like a bait and switch. Beautiful resort and location, very small room, not suited for a long stay. Would not go back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Disappointed

Apr 12, 2021 jackiecolflesh

I understand Covid, etc etc. But perhaps if you cannot provide the hotel perks as advertised, you should limit the amount of guests staying at your property. The hotel Tiki Pool Bar was closed. No restaurant food. Very few alcohol drinks choices, if any. Dirty, no towels, no staff to be found anywhere, again they say due to "Covid" very… Read more
I understand Covid, etc etc. But perhaps if you cannot provide the hotel perks as advertised, you should limit the amount of guests staying at your property. The hotel Tiki Pool Bar was closed. No restaurant food. Very few alcohol drinks choices, if any. Dirty, no towels, no staff to be found anywhere, again they say due to "Covid" very disappointing experience. More like motel 6 than a spa resort. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Noise and lack of communication

Apr 12, 2021 Hobbesz134 Carlsbad, California

We reserved a block of rooms for our wedding weekend and many guests had issues booking or getting in contact with the hotel. Many of my calls and emails were ignored as well. Once onsite there were many noise complaints of other guests partying in their rooms until the wee hours of the night that went unresolved by the staff. Overall it just… Read more
We reserved a block of rooms for our wedding weekend and many guests had issues booking or getting in contact with the hotel. Many of my calls and emails were ignored as well. Once onsite there were many noise complaints of other guests partying in their rooms until the wee hours of the night that went unresolved by the staff. Overall it just seemed like Kona Kai staff didn't care. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Luxury resort with top notch service

Apr 11, 2021 Serena C Thousand Oaks, California

The location of this hotel is AMAZING! The grounds are gorgeous. What was the most Impressive was the customer service. After a small miscommunication with the reservation company, the front desk fixed it immediately and there was not one hiccup after. The staff went To great lengths to make it a memorable experience. We visit San Diego pretty… Read more
The location of this hotel is AMAZING! The grounds are gorgeous. What was the most Impressive was the customer service. After a small miscommunication with the reservation company, the front desk fixed it immediately and there was not one hiccup after. The staff went To great lengths to make it a memorable experience. We visit San Diego pretty regularly and it was hands down the best hotel experience we have had so far. From beginning to end, it was an 11 out of 10. Thank you for spoiling my family! Read less