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 (1716)
  • Very good (471)
  • Average (321)
  • Poor (213)
  • Terrible (186)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A gem in the heart of San Diego Harbor

Aug 29, 2025 PAUL D Mesa, Arizona

Wonderful location on Shelter Island. Close to everything, beaches, nightlife, restaurants. Clean well appointed rooms. We appreciated the daily service to tidy up, m as ke beds, provide fresh towels and linens. Nice experience from checking in to checking out.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Perfect spa vacation

Aug 27, 2025 jasonandkathyc Tucson, Arizona

great stay at Kona Kai. The location was perfect, right on the Marina. Staff was exceptional. facilities were updated, clean and not very crowded. Looking forward to a return visit.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating First visit to Kona Kai didn't disappoint

Aug 27, 2025 Steve A

switched from another hotel to stay here and it was the best choice. location and amenities were perfect, we had a great time and will visit again for sure
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Budget Hotel at Luxury Prices!

Aug 26, 2025 Mason T

I stayed at Kona Kai in June and it was one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve ever had. For days, our room had no working AC in the middle of summer. After countless calls to the front desk, the only “solution” offered was a dirty fan that just pushed hot air around the room—completely unacceptable. This is not what you expect from a so-called… Read more
I stayed at Kona Kai in June and it was one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve ever had. For days, our room had no working AC in the middle of summer. After countless calls to the front desk, the only “solution” offered was a dirty fan that just pushed hot air around the room—completely unacceptable. This is not what you expect from a so-called “luxury” hotel. The furniture in the room was old, worn, and outdated, giving the entire place a shabby, neglected feel. On top of that, the restaurant was a huge disappointment. The service was slow and indifferent, and the food was so poorly prepared it wasn’t even worthy of serving to a dog. I truly don’t understand how this hotel can market itself as luxury when it is closer to a budget motel in reality. I would never stay here again, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone—even a roach deserves better accommodations. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Kona Kai 1 night stay

Aug 25, 2025 Olga P

Hotel location, cleanliness, cabana and the fire pits are great. I would be booking directly with the hotel from now on, that way you're not assigned different room and surprised with additional fees. Booked with Expedia which resulted in not getting the room we picked and additional hotel charges ($95) was a surprise