Looking for the best hotels in San Diego? Perfect. From ritzy accommodations in Gaslamp to the most relaxing hotels in La Jolla, we’ve got eight exciting options for you.
Or skip our guide (no hard feelings), and get personalized recommendations when you connect with Fora to plan and book your trip. We’ll score you VIP perks like complimentary breakfast or spa tickets at the best hotels in San Diego — at no extra cost — and help you build the ideal San Diego vacation experience tailored to your exact travel preferences.
First, is it better to stay at hotels in La Jolla or San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter? What about North County San Diego?
San Diego is a beautiful city with so much to do and see. You can’t really go wrong staying in any of the three areas. But there are differences.
The Gaslamp Quarter — Downtown San Diego’s most exciting district — is where to stay if you want to get the best of city's urban experience. That means great shopping, incredible restaurants, trendy breweries…you name it (check out our ultimate guide to visiting San Diego for specifics).
La Jolla is more of a seaside resort town. You’ll still find lots of fun restaurants, ritzy boutiques and so on, but the main appeal is picturesque scenery and nearby beaches.
Finally, North County San Diego — sometimes referred to as San Diego Wine Country — is marked by rolling hills, vineyards and majestic estates.
All three areas are worth exploring, so it really just depends on what type of vacation you’re interested in. Of course, there’s no reason you can’t spend a night or two in Downtown San Diego before making your way to the vineyards or coastal resorts.
Can’t decide where to stay in San Diego? Plan and book your trip with Fora for personalized recommendations.
The best hotels in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp is where you’ll find most of the best hotels in San Diego’s downtown districts as well as the city’s most electric nightlife. But if you’re looking for things to do in San Diego with kids, you’re still in luck as Gaslamp is centrally located (and not too far from the best zoo in the USA).
(P.S. Gaslamp is also directly across the channel from Coronado Island, which can be a fun place to explore in its own right. Just see our Coronado Island itinerary.)
1. Pendry San Diego: uber contemporary, extra luxurious
Image courtesy of Pendry San Diego
Pendry San Diego is a super stylish, ultra-contemporary hotel just off Gaslight’s Sixth Avenue. The vibe is youthful yet sophisticated, making it an equally great choice for a classy San Diego bachelor party as it is for a couple’s getaway or business trip.
Location-wise, Pendry San Diego does well, too. There’s no shortage of fun bars and restaurants in the immediate area. And baseball fans will be happy to know that Petco Park, where the Padres play, is only a couple blocks away.
Fora Perks at Pendry San Diego:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in whenever possible.
2. Andaz San Diego - a Concept by Hyatt: one of the best hotels in San Diego
Image courtesy of Andaz San Diego - a Concept by Hyatt
Style-wise, Andaz San Diego is actually pretty similar to Pendry San Diego. But whereas the latter goes all in on class and sophistication, the former leans into Gaslamp’s artful urban vibe. Both are executed wonderfully, so it’s generally a matter of preference or desired location in Gaslamp.
And speaking of, Andaz San Diego is found along the eastern flank of the district, not far from Horton Plaza. There’s no shortage of options for, well, anything in this part of the city, especially in terms of gastronomy.
Plan and book your stay with Fora to level up your stay at Andaz San Diego.
Fora Perks at Andaz San Diego:
$50 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in whenever possible.
3. THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego: grandiose luxury meets trendy California
Image courtesy of THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
Glamorous and bold, THE US GRANT (see, it’s even evident in the styling of their name) makes its case for being the best hotel in San Diego by wowing guests with its lavish, marble-floored corridors and opulent furnishings. And yet, the theme isn’t so sharp a departure that you feel like you’ve left the Gaslamp Quarter — this is still Downtown San Diego, albeit at its most upscale.
You’ll find THE US GRANT near the northern end of Gaslamp off Broadway, just across the street from Horton Plaza.
(Spending a long weekend in San Diego? Our 3-day San Diego itinerary has fun ideas.)
Fora Perks at THE US GRANT:
$100 food / beverage credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The best hotels in La Jolla, San Diego
Beyond the best hotels in San Diego proper, here are a couple of our favorite hotels in La Jolla.
4. The Lodge at Torrey Pines: bringing a mountain aesthetic to coastal California
A notable departure from the contemporary style associated with the best hotels in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, The Lodge at Torrey Pines brings “craftsman charm” to the scenic, rocky coastline of La Jolla while overlooking the world-renowned golf course that shares its name.
Aside from taking advantage of the resident 36-hole golf course (the south course hosted the 2008 and 2021 US Open, BTW), guests can get pampered at The Lodge’s full-service spa, enjoy award-winning California cuisine at on-site restaurants or hike the picturesque trails of Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve.
Need more intel on The Lodge at Torrey Pines? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip.
Fora Perks at The Lodge at Torrey Pines:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
5. La Valencia Hotel: a bold & gorgeous hotel in La Jolla Village
Also known as “The Pink Lady,” La Valencia Hotel has graced La Jolla’s Prospect Street above La Jolla Cova for the better part of the last century with its salmon colored, castle-like façade. The hotel sources inspiration from the Spanish Missions that dot the West Coast from the southern tip of Baja California to San Francisco.
La Valencia Hotel is a top choice for travelers who simply want to relax by the beach in luxury or peruse upscale boutiques in the surrounding Village of La Jolla.
(Love the Mission style but prefer to visit beautiful Central California instead? Check out the best hotels in Santa Barbara.)
The best hotels in North County San Diego (San Diego’s wine country)
North County San Diego doesn’t always get the same kind of attention among oenophiles that Napa Valley or the hills around Santa Barbara receive, but it’s every bit as beautiful a destination (our local’s guide to North County San Diego has a ton of intel, if you’re curious).
Nevertheless, read on for the best hotels in San Diego’s underrated wine country. Or, as always, connect with Fora to plan and book your trip with personalized recs instead.
6. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa: a family-friendly resort north of San Diego proper
Image courtesy of Omni Costa Resort & Spa
Omni la Costa Resort & Spa is a high-end, family-friendly resort in Carlsbad, California, about one (very scenic) hour’s drive from Downtown San Diego.
Here guests can enjoy a mix of adventure and refreshment away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. There’s a full spa, a PGA Tour-sponsored golf course and area attractions like LEGOLAND California and the trails surrounding the Batiquitos Lagoon.
As for the hotel itself, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa pampers guests with spacious rooms and five-star amenities amidst a mission-style theme, lovely gardens and the backdrop of a well-manicured course.
Fora Perks at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa:
$50 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
7. Fairmont Grand Del Mar: a scenic golf resort in Carmel Valley
Image courtesy of Fairmont Grand Del Mar
If you’d prefer a shorter trip to San Diego proper, Fairmont Grand Del Mar features many of the same amenities as Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, but at about half the distance from Downtown San Diego. Fairmont Grand Del Mar also forgoes the mission-style look and feel in favor of a fun Spanish and Mediterranean theme.
Plan and book your trip with Fora to level up your stay at Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
Fora Perks at Fairmont Grand Del Mar:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
8. Rancho Bernardo Inn: a comparatively remote resort in North County San Diego
Image courtesy of Rancho Bernardo Inn
Rounding out the stunning golf resorts in San Diego’s North County is Rancho Bernardo Inn. As with the others, you can expect nothing less than exceptional service and premier access to several of San Diego’s top golf courses. Consider Rancho Bernardo Inn a home away from home with its private residences, stately courtyards and tranquil ambiance.
If you want to stay at one of the best hotels in North County San Diego, Rancho Bernardo Inn is a top choice.
Fora Perks at Rancho Bernardo Inn:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Want VIP perks at the best hotels in San Diego (or La Jolla specifically)? Connect with Fora
Whether you’re looking for the best hotels in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter or the most relaxing hotels in La Jolla, Fora has your back. We’ll hook you up with expert recommendations and better yet, VIP perks at no additional cost.
All you have to do? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip. What’s not to love?
Considering other destinations besides San Diego? Check out hotel guides for these fabulous destinations, too:
This article has been fact-checked by Fora Advisor Jaclyn Hulburt, an expert on travel to San Diego, California.
