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. 

  • Book by 31 May 2024 to receive complimentary daily breakfast for 2 with stays between 01 Jun – 31Dec '24. Terms and conditions apply. Blackout Dates apply. Applies to certain room types.

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 (1467)
  • Very good (423)
  • Average (273)
  • Poor (176)
  • Terrible (154)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Don't book. Dishonest advertising.

May 6, 2024 shellygirard

We booked a Junior Bayview Suite King. First of all, a "suite " is "a connected series of rooms to be used together: The room we were shown was a small long dingy room with a bath. The "Bayview" was actually a parking lot, approximately 75', a strip of landscaping, a wide road a twenty foot running path, another grassy strip, and then a "Bay".… Read more
We booked a Junior Bayview Suite King. First of all, a "suite " is "a connected series of rooms to be used together: The room we were shown was a small long dingy room with a bath. The "Bayview" was actually a parking lot, approximately 75', a strip of landscaping, a wide road a twenty foot running path, another grassy strip, and then a "Bay". In short, the room looked at a parking lot about the same as a Motel 6. When asked for another room we were told they were none available. We decided not to stay and pay for a room that cost close to $500 when a resort fee, a parking fee, and a dog fee were added. We were referred to another Noble property on Mission Bay. They told us that they had a king 500 square foot room with a view of the bay with no parking fee. We drove to the property and the front desk informed us that there was no such room and no room had been booked. We then called general reservations again who told us they DID have that room and would book it for us by phone. The front desk would not book it claiming a glitch in the system. ? We would NEVER recommend these properties. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very nice resort!

May 5, 2024 MikeFF53 Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

I found Kona Kai Resort on Costco Travel. The climate in this area was extremely comfortable. The resort was very clean & well maintained, but some updates wouldn't hurt (i.e. older sliding doors in the rooms). Parking was convenient and secure. We found the location to be very convenient. I was initially concerned about airport noise, but it… Read more
I found Kona Kai Resort on Costco Travel. The climate in this area was extremely comfortable. The resort was very clean & well maintained, but some updates wouldn't hurt (i.e. older sliding doors in the rooms). Parking was convenient and secure. We found the location to be very convenient. I was initially concerned about airport noise, but it was not even noticable. The US Navy base is nearby so some training took place during the day. It was interesting to watch. The park across the street was great for outdoor exercise, and the fitness center was nice too. The pools are sheltered from wind and we found the adult pool to be a quiet place to read & relax. We hope to visit this resort again! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Welcoming Staff, Great Restaurant, Expansive facilities

May 5, 2024 ardito7000

Wonderful expansive facilities, delicious food (excellent waiter Bailey), very clean, welcoming very friendly staff. This resort checks all our boxes and knows hospitality very well. Manager Zach went above and beyond to address a minor issue we had. This may be our new go to destination when visiting San Diego.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A San Diego Favorite

May 5, 2024 547lexi San Diego, California

We love Kona Kai Resort for a weekend away. It’s the hidden gem in the heart of San Diego, close to all the fun in the city but away from the noise and busyness. It has all the amenities wanted plus an incredible restaurant and spa.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Great place to relax.

May 3, 2024 Russ T Lathrop, California

Food is way overpriced. The location was exactly what I needed. It's a beautiful area with much to do if you're into walking, running or even riding a bike. It's not walking distance to anything around San Diego so be prepared to either Uber or have a vehicle. You know it would also be nice to have free coffee out by the water and maybe some less… Read more
Food is way overpriced. The location was exactly what I needed. It's a beautiful area with much to do if you're into walking, running or even riding a bike. It's not walking distance to anything around San Diego so be prepared to either Uber or have a vehicle. You know it would also be nice to have free coffee out by the water and maybe some less expensive grab an go items. Read less