Of all the magical places in California, San Diego has some of the best luxury hotels. This is America’s Finest City, after all, and while there are a ton of ways to save money in SD, there are just as many ways to live large.
From hidden hotels by the beach to some of downtown San Diego’s finest hotels, this city has so much to give.
These are the best luxury hotels in San Diego–
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Carmel Valley
Fairmont Grand Del Mar has a lush golf course, spa, four heated pools, tennis and pickleball courts, outdoor and indoor fitness centers, hiking trails, and chef-inspired dining. There are plenty of luxury hotels in San Diego, but the Fairmount is an actual estate- 400 acres, to be exact.
With a tiled roof, copper accents, and towering cypress trees coupled with so much space, you feel more like you’re in Spain or Italy, but with all the benefits of beautiful San Diego only a few miles away. Rooms and suites have marble bathrooms with deep tubs, balconies, and incredible views of the resort gardens, The Grand Golf Club, or Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.
Popular Attractions Near Fairmount Grand Del Mar
- Green Flash Brewery 2.5 miles
- Torrey Pines State Reserve 3.4 miles
- Torrey Pines Golf Course 3.6 miles
- Del Mar Surfside Race Place 4.3 miles
- Del Mar Fairgrounds 4.3 miles
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography 6.1 miles
- La Jolla Cove 7.5 miles
The Lodge At Torrey Pines
La Jolla
Named after the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and modeled after the Gamble and Blacker houses of Pasadena, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a cliffside Craftsman-style resort. The Lodge is known for its views of the ocean, world-class dining, and 5-star service.
Dark and heavy with brick, stone, and wooden beams, the decor at Torrey Pines feels familiar.
First-class amenities, including complimentary transportation within a five-mile radius, same-day laundry, dry cleaning, and complimentary shoe shine service, push the Lodge above its competitors.
Popular Attractions Near The Lodge at Torrey Pines
- Torrey Pines State Beach 3,000 feet
- Torrey Pines Golf Course 0.2 miles
- Torrey Pines State Reserve 1.3 miles
- Black’s Beach 1.3 miles
- South Black’s Beach 1.8 miles
- Scripps Beach 2.3 miles
- La Jolla Shores Beach 2.9 miles
- La Jolla Cove 4.1 miles
- Del Mar Fairgrounds 5 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 10.7 miles
- Sunset Cliffs 12 miles
US Grant
Gaslamp Quarter
The US Grant is known for its 5-star experience and is one of the best luxury hotels in San Diego.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and built in 1910, The Grant is a step back in time. Sparkling crystal chandeliers and dark wood-trimmed doorways make the large hotel feel intimate. Rooms at the US Grant boast generous 9-foot ceilings, custom contemporary art, and views of The Gaslamp Quarter.
Popular Attractions Near The US Grant
- Horton Plaza Park 0.1 miles
- Spreckels Theatre 0.1 miles
- American Plaza 0.4 miles
- Horton Grand Theater 0.4 miles
- Balboa Park 1.4 miles
- USS Midway Museum 0.7 miles
- Silver Strand State Beach 2.9 miles
- Coronado Beach 4.7 miles
- La Jolla Cove 11.3 miles
Pendry San Diego
Gaslamp Quarter
One of downtown’s finest luxury hotels, Pendry San Diego has modern rooms, world-renowned dining, excellent service, and a special location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.
Whether it’s the beer hall, social club (overnight guests skip the line), intimate rooftop lounge, classy hotel bar, or California-style pool complete with cocktails and good service, you will find something you love at the Pendry.
Popular Attractions Near Pendry San Diego
- Horton Grand Theater 0.1 miles
- Petco Park 0.2 miles
- Horton Park 0.4 miles
- House of Blues San Diego 0.5 miles
- Seaport Village 0.7 miles
- San Diego Amtrak Station 0.8 miles
- USS Midway Museum 0.9 miles
- Balboa Park 1.7 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 3.8 miles
- Coronado Beach 4.3 miles
Tower 23 Hotel
Pacific Beach
Located in the hip Pacific Beach neighborhood, this hotel is right on the beach and has somewhat of a party vibe. Tower 23 Hotel is coastal chic with a massive dash of glam, the epitome of Southern California living.
Also, the sunset from the second-floor deck is to die for!
Popular Attractions Near Tower 23 Hotel
- Pacific Beach 50 feet
- Mission Beach 3,050 feet
- Sail Bay Beach 3,050 feet
- Tourmaline Surfing Park Beach 3,550 feet
- Calumet Park Beach 1.1 miles
- La Jolla Cove 3.8 miles
- Modern Times Brewery 4.2 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 4.5 miles
- Sunset Cliffs 4.6 miles
- Cygnet Theatre 4.6 miles
- Maritime Museum of San Diego 7.2 miles
- USS Midway Museum 7.5 miles
- Balboa Park 7.8 miles
- Torrey Pines State Reserve 8.6 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 8.7 miles
Pantai Inn
La Jolla
Pantai Inn is a mash-up of Bali’s old-world charm and cutting-edge technology of modern California.
No two rooms are alike except in their seaside views, each customized with unique furnishings, art, wood, and stone carvings, all imported from Bali.
The Inn is my top choice if you want to feel completely immersed in a small seaside village in Polynesia without leaving California.
Popular Attractions Near Pantai Inn
- Shell Beach 150 feet
- Boomer Beach 800 feet
- South Casa Beach 1,050 feet
- La Jolla Cove Beach 1,050 feet
- La Jolla Cove 0.2 miles
- Torrey Pines Golf Course 4.4 miles
- Torrey Pines State Reserve 5.2 miles
- Belmont Park 5.6 miles
- Clairemont Village Shopping Center 6.1 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 7.9 miles
- Sunset Cliffs 8.3 miles
- Maritime Museum of San Diego 10.7 miles
- Balboa Park 11 miles
Hotel Del Coronado
Coronado
Built in the late 1800s and featured in the Marilyn Monroe classic, ‘Some Like it Hot,’ this is one of San Diego’s most iconic buildings.
The 75 posh suites at the Hotel Del Coronado are all seaside and offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. Charming touches include the woodwork in the Victorian lobby, a wall of fancy tasseled room keys, and the Babcock & Story Bar.
Enjoy bar-to-beach service or a classic San Diego bonfire steps from your hotel.
Popular Attractions Near Hotel Del Coronado
- Coronado Bridge 0.8 miles
- Petco Park 1 miles
- Horton Grand Theater 1.1 miles
- Coronado Beach 1.2 miles
- Seaport Village 1.2 miles
- Silver Strand State Beach 1.4 miles
- Horton Plaza Park 1.4 miles
- USS Midway Museum 1.4 miles
- Spreckels Theatre 1.4 miles
- Balboa Park 2.8 miles
- Coronado Beach 3.4 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 4.5 miles
- La Jolla Cove 12.4 miles
L’Auberge De Mar Resort and Spa
Del Mar
L’Auberge is one of those boutique hotels that make you feel like you’re on a private luxury estate, yet you’re minutes away from busy San Diego and steps from all the amenities of Del Mar.
The hotel’s beloved Living Room Bar is a popular meeting space for the residents of the seaside town of Del Mar and has live music on the weekends.
Popular Attractions Near L’Auberge Resort and Spa
- Powerhouse Park Beach 750 feet
- Del Mar City Beach 1,000 feet
- Torrey Pines State Beach 4,150 feet
- Del Mar Dog Beach 4,450 feet
- Del Mar Fairgrounds 1.1 miles
- North Seascape Surf Park Beach 1.2 miles
- Del Mar Surfside Race Place 1.2 miles
- Torrey Pines State Reserve 2.8 miles
- Torrey Pines Golf Course 3.9 miles
- San Diego Botanic Garden 6.4 miles
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography 6.6 miles
- La Jolla Cove 7.6 miles
The Westgate Hotel
Gaslamp
Welcome to the intersection of Europe and San Diego in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. If you want to transport yourself to an era of classic European glam this is the place for you
Sparkling chandeliers pair with velvet furniture, and a massive wrought iron staircase lined with gilded Victorian paintings stands out in the shared spaces of The Westgate. Fantastic views of the city, a social rooftop pool, and the European flair that ties it all together make The Westgate one of the best luxury hotels in San Diego.
Popular Attractions Near The Westgate Hotel
- Spreckels Theatre 0.1 miles
- AD Nightclub 0.1 miles
- Horton Plaza Park 0.1 miles
- House of Blues San Diego 0.1 miles
- Copley Symphony Hall 0.3 miles
- Horton Grand Theater 0.4 miles
- USS Midway Museum 0.7 miles
- Balboa Park 1.4 miles
- Coronado Beach 2.6 miles
- Silver Strand State Beach 2.9 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 3.4 miles
- Coronado Beach 4.7 miles
- La Jolla Cove 11.3 miles
Frequently asked questions
What is the most expensive hotel in San Diego?
On average, the most expensive hotel in San Diego is the magnificent Fairmont Grand Del Mar. The Fairmount is set on a private golf course with four heated pools and a menu of 5-star spa treatments.
What are the best luxury hotels in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter?
San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter has some fantastic luxury hotels that stand out from the crowd. The Pendry San Diego is one of the best, with premium amenities and a lovely location in the heart of the charming Gaslamp Quarter. The US Grant is another distinguished luxury hotel in the Quarter with beautiful views of historic buildings and shops.
What are the best 5-star hotels in San Diego downtown?
Downtown San Diego has a few 5-star hotels, but The Pendry stands out with its unique amenities and inspirational city views. Between the social club, intimate rooftop lounge, beer hall, upscale hotel bar, and poolside cocktail service, the Pendry is a gem in downtown San Diego.
What are the best hotels with a view in San Diego, CA?
If you’re looking for hotels with a view in San Diego, CA, my top recommendations are The Lodge at Torrey Pines, which has panoramic views of the ocean and the Torrey Pines Golf Course, and the Westgate, with its breathtaking perspectives of the city and San Diego Bay from the rooftop bar.
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