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 (1813)
  • Very good (488)
  • Average (329)
  • Poor (236)
  • Terrible (207)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Relaxing chill getaway

Apr 1, 2026 Robert F

Comfortable, scenic, and chill environment. Kind and helpful staff. I liked the complimentary bike rental, and the options to rent paddle boards or kayaks. Being on the water was tranquil. I would like to see more vegan food options!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating No bars or restaurants are open after breakfast on Sun & Mon.

Mar 31, 2026 kalirick Los Angeles

Beware that on Sundays and Mondays, nothing is open after breakfast - no bar or restaurant. Arrived after a long drive on a Sunday and was looking forward to having a drink by the pool then dinner in the restaurant. Was informed that nothing is open after breakfast. Since this is a violation of AMEX’s “The Hotel Collection” rules, AMEX rebooked… Read more
Beware that on Sundays and Mondays, nothing is open after breakfast - no bar or restaurant. Arrived after a long drive on a Sunday and was looking forward to having a drink by the pool then dinner in the restaurant. Was informed that nothing is open after breakfast. Since this is a violation of AMEX’s “The Hotel Collection” rules, AMEX rebooked us at the Lowe’s Coronado at a better price in a much better place. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Marina Views & S’mores Nights—Perfect Stay

Mar 31, 2026 Sol B

Hidden gem! Marina-view room was stunning. Loved beachfront s’mores pit. Rudy & Bino gave amazing service.
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Peaceful and Convenient

Mar 31, 2026 Kayla V

First timer in San Diego and at the Kona Kai Resort and we were not disappointed! The resort is in a VERY convenient location. You can get to the airport and downtown in 5-10 minutes by car. Our rooms were on the second floor and were absolutely beautiful! After playing in downtown, it was nice to come back to our room to enjoy the ocean breeze… Read more
First timer in San Diego and at the Kona Kai Resort and we were not disappointed! The resort is in a VERY convenient location. You can get to the airport and downtown in 5-10 minutes by car. Our rooms were on the second floor and were absolutely beautiful! After playing in downtown, it was nice to come back to our room to enjoy the ocean breeze and tranquility of the marina. The resort has lots of things to do and we were never bored. We loved going to the fireplaces on their personal beach. Every staff I met was always so kind and quick to help. We had such a great experience that we extended our trip for another two days! Overall wonderful and relaxing stay. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Best San Diego Resort!!

Mar 31, 2026 Lilly M

Genuinely one of the best hotel stays I've ever had! The staff was so friendly - from check in, to any questions I had, to check out. I loved all the activities for the guest like the corn hole. The fire pits where you can get a s'mores kit from the front desk was also such a fun end to our nights. The rooms were so well thoughtly designed and… Read more
Genuinely one of the best hotel stays I've ever had! The staff was so friendly - from check in, to any questions I had, to check out. I loved all the activities for the guest like the corn hole. The fire pits where you can get a s'mores kit from the front desk was also such a fun end to our nights. The rooms were so well thoughtly designed and clean. My partner and I just walked during sunset around the resort and enjoyed the harbor and bay. I'm from San Diego and had never really come to this area but I definitely will now. So gorgeous and no complaints about my stay at all!!! Read less