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. 

  • Upgrade Promotion: Book before 31 Dec 2020 for completed stays between 16 Jul '19  - 31 Dec '20 and receive a complimentary upgrade. 

    Offer is subject to availability and may be changed or withdrawn at any time. Please note black out dates apply. Offer is valid on all room types except suites. 

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 (654)
  • Very good (242)
  • Average (135)
  • Poor (83)
  • Terrible (79)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Fell in Love & Extended our Stay

Sep 19, 2019 kimmynatt Knoxville, Tennessee

We were planning to visit the San Diego Zoo so we booked one night here. We didn’t want to stay downtown in a chain hotel, so I searched for something with a more relaxed atmosphere. From the moment we arrived, they exceeded our expectations. We loved it so much we extended our stay for another night. We will certainly plan our next trip to… Read more
We were planning to visit the San Diego Zoo so we booked one night here. We didn’t want to stay downtown in a chain hotel, so I searched for something with a more relaxed atmosphere. From the moment we arrived, they exceeded our expectations. We loved it so much we extended our stay for another night. We will certainly plan our next trip to stay here! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Poor room cleanliness.

Sep 19, 2019 Annenymouz

The location is beautiful but the room cleanliness and preparation was very poor. I didn't even check in early! The hotel doesn't offer much after 9pm either so that doesn't make it a great option if you are arriving late since it is in a fairly isolated location.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Hidden Gem!!

Sep 18, 2019 NickellFamilyTravel Los Angeles, California

Way down in SD on an off shoot island called shelter island. Which is more like a peninsula are some small hotels and restaurants. At the very end of the lane is Kona Kai. Surrounded by a marina of boats. Seagulls. And ocean. It is truly relaxing. They even have a sand beach area if you feel it is better to tan in the sun. At night they… Read more
Way down in SD on an off shoot island called shelter island. Which is more like a peninsula are some small hotels and restaurants. At the very end of the lane is Kona Kai. Surrounded by a marina of boats. Seagulls. And ocean. It is truly relaxing. They even have a sand beach area if you feel it is better to tan in the sun. At night they have 4-5 fire pits. Lit and waiting for you to send down and enjoy the ambience. They have two pools. A family pool and an adult pool. The rooms are spread out but it is easy to walk the property. I enjoyed my visit. Downside is the restaurant is a little lacking in selection. Food and wine is not a high point here. But i did have excellent Kona Sliders!! Have fun. @nickellfamilytravel Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Lovely resort but be aware of additional costs

Sep 18, 2019 Helen G Sandhurst Berkshire

It is a lovely resort with a great location but please be aware of hidden charges that they sting you with when you leave, resort fees, car parking, taxes none of which we were made aware of on arrival.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating What a place

Sep 18, 2019 sbradley630 San Diego, California

It was more beautiful than I expected the staff were very friendly courteous and polite nothing was to much trouble. Where kona Kai is situated is absolutely beautiful I am so pleased I stayed here instead of La J Lola.