Kona Kai Resort & Spa

San Diego, California

Star 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
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Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1694)
  • Very good (467)
  • Average (317)
  • Poor (208)
  • Terrible (185)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Will be back

Jul 11, 2025 Rosie S

Great hotel, love the fire pits and yacht view, Aessell restaurant was 5 star experience we ate 2 times, room could use an air freshener and AC run prior to check in.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating 4th of July

Jul 7, 2025 Lamiaa D

Great bathroom amenities. Nice pool area. Adult only and everyone pool. Nice lawn activities. Great team members. Everyone was so hospitable. Bay view with patio for 4th of July fireworks. All 4 barges can be seen with Shelter Island barge being the largest.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A Very Disappointing Experience!

Jul 3, 2025 Walter C

Wi-Fi was extremely slow, and I could not connect with my laptop. The check-in process was difficult because of very unprofessional and rude front desk staff. Overall customer service was poor. I was booked for 3 days. I checked out on the 2nd day and found me another hotel.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Location on point!

Jul 3, 2025 Catherine S

Beautiful location, room was very clean, lots of things to do on the property, beach view and beautiful weather, what else do you need?!?
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Experience !

Jul 2, 2025 Abby J

The location is stunning. That alone is worth it. Everyone was nice and accommodating. The pool was great and the fire pits were so nice. Everything stayed open late and there was always someone to help. Love it here and will be coming back.