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
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1691)
  • Very good (465)
  • Average (317)
  • Poor (208)
  • Terrible (184)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Amazing Anniversary

Jun 29, 2025 mavjames Chino, California

Kona Kia's staff was very attentive. I have nothing negative to say. I would give a 5 if the menu in the restaurant was expanded.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Getaway!

Jun 28, 2025 Joel B

My wife and I needed a getaway from the insane desert heat, so we literally booked a two night getaway on a whim. This was the greatest impromptu getaway spot in history. We lounged at the pool, we ate in the restaurant, we relaxed. It was absolutely glorious. The room was outstanding. The service was superb. Every interaction with staff was so… Read more
My wife and I needed a getaway from the insane desert heat, so we literally booked a two night getaway on a whim. This was the greatest impromptu getaway spot in history. We lounged at the pool, we ate in the restaurant, we relaxed. It was absolutely glorious. The room was outstanding. The service was superb. Every interaction with staff was so incredibly polite and genuine that we can’t wait to come back! I wanted to give this 4.5 stars as we would only deduct for the a/c in the room being a little weak. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The best!

Jun 26, 2025 Discover53786373382 San Jose, California

So wonderful! Came to celebrate my wife’s birthday and brought my service dog. Rudy at the front desk was amazing and Vessels restaurant was sooo good! Will definitely come back again. 😀
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Santamaria@Konakai

Jun 25, 2025 Marisol S

Room are very nice and clean, personal very friendly, i would definitely recommend it to friends and family. I would definitely go back.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating its so so

Jun 23, 2025 Paulo L

Don't bring your big stroller or else you are going to have a problem going upstairs as they have no elevator at all. Our room was placed infant of a wedding reception and ended up not able to open the balcony door. Nothing special with the place for its price im expecting a better one with what we experienced. Overall experience not satisfied.