11 BEST HOTELS in Downtown San Diego [December 2024]

From the zoos to the beaches, San Diego is a town that has something to offer just about everyone! While exploring this Southern Californian city, you will find that the golden beaches, aquariums, and rich history just scratches the surface of things to do in San Diego!

No matter which attraction brings you to the sunny beaches of San Diego, you want to be sure you are as close to the action as possible. There is no better place to find a hotel than in downtown San Diego.

No need to waste countless hours researching the best hotels in San Diego. We brought together all the best places to stay downtown in this worry-free list! Now you can book with confidence that you are staying in only the best hotels that downtown San Diego has to offer!

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Quick answers – Best Hotels in Downtown San Diego

#1 – Manchester Grand Hyatt

Best Overall Hotel in Downtown San Diego

• $$$
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa

If you are looking for one hotel to cover all the bases and give you that hands-down best experience in downtown San Diego, look no further than the Manchester Grand Hyatt! Putting you within walking distance of the USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, and all the best restaurants and bar, you couldn’t ask for a better location in downtown San Diego!

No matter if you are traveling alone or as a family, the Manchester Grand Hyatt has something for you! With its very own spa including a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and even tennis courts, you will be able to find so many ways to break a sweat or just kick back and relax!

 

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#2 – Residence Inn by Marriott

Best Hotel in Downtown San Diego for Families

• $$
• Outdoor Pool
• Restaurant
• Bar

Anyone can tell you that traveling with a family and children is not easy. In order to take off some of the stress and have your and your family enjoying your dream vacation, be sure to check into the Residence Inn! Putting you right smack in the center of downtown San Diego, all of the best sites and restaurants are just minutes away from your hotel room!

Other than the Residence Inn’s amazing location, you will find just as much to do in the hotel as out! With its very own sauna, gym, and even a swimming pool, there is always something for both the kids and adults to enjoy! Looking to grab a bite to eat or maybe a quick drink from the bar? The Residence Inn has you covered with its very own in-house bar and restaurant serving up some of the best meals in San Diego!

 

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#3 – Hotel Indigo San Diego

Best Pet-Friendly Hotel in Downtown San Diego

• $$
• Spa
• Restaurant
• Bar

There is no need to feel like you are in a cage when traveling with your four-legged friend to San Diego. Hotel Indigo is a budget luxury hotel located in the beating heart of San Diego which will put up both you and your pet! Other than being pet-friendly, Hotel Indigo puts its guests right on top of the trolley station, meaning all of the city of San Diego is just a short ride away from your hotel!

When you aren’t out exploring all the sights of downtown San Diego, Hotel Indigo has everything you need to kick back and relax at the hotel! With its very own spa, bar, and even a restaurant, relaxation and luxury is waiting just outside your hotel room!

 

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#4 – USA Hostels San Diego

Best Cheap Hotel in Downtown San Diego

• $
• Cafe
• Tour Desk
• Lounge

It is no secret that the United States is not a cheap country to travel through. So if you are a budget traveler or just a guest looking to save a few bucks, ditch the hotels and check yourself into the USA Hostels San Diego! Other than having the cheapest beds in San Diego, this youth hostel will have you staying just minutes away from the Gaslight District’s Trolley Station, putting all of the downtown areas in the palm of your hand!

One of the things that a hotel can never replicate is the social quality of a youth hostel. With its very own lounges, USA Hostels makes for the perfect place to relax in your downtime and meet other travelers! Top it off with its very own cafe and even a tour desk, and you are sure to have the vacation of a lifetime in San Diego!

 

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#5 – SpringHill Suites by Marriott

Best Hotel in Downtown San Diego Near The USS Midway Museum

• $$$
• Outdoor Pool
• Restaurant
• Gym

While in San Diego, you will no want to miss all the museums and sheer beauty of the city’s waterfront. No place could be better to enjoy those breathtaking sunsets than from the comfort of SpringHill Suites. Putting you right by the ocean, this hotel has some of the best views of both the sea and the San Diego skyline!

After a day of exploring the museums and walking along the water, SpringHill Suites is here so you can unwind and relax in luxury! With its very own outdoor pool, gym, and even a jacuzzi, you are sure to be feeling refreshed after a long day of exploring!

 

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#6 – Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown

Best Hotel in Downtown San Diego Near The Waterfront Park

• $$
• Outdoor Pool
• Gym
• Cafe

Looking for another hotel which will put you right in-between all the best sights of San Diego’s waterfront and the downtown area? The Hampton Inn will have you staying minutes away from all the famous Waterfront Park as well as all the best bars and restaurants Sand Diego has to offer!

When you aren’t out exploring the city or eating your way through the downtown, Hampton Inn is here to pamper you and provide you with the vacation you deserve! After taking a long soak in the outdoor pool or jacuzzi, be sure to head over to the cafe. Although you have loads of restaurants to choose from around the hotel, you may find that the best place to dine is actually inside the hotel itself!

 

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#7 – Marriott Vacation Club Pulse 

Best Hotel in Downtown San Diego Near The Air & Space Museum

• $$
• Heated Pool
• Restaurant
• Gym

San Diego is well known for its many phenomenal museums in the downtown area. Topping the list is San Diego’s own Air & Space Museum. Putting you right close to all the best destinations in Sand Diego, the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse will have you in walking distance of all the best museums and art galleries downtown!

When you aren’t taking in modern art or diving into local history, the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse is here to knock your socks off and show you the time of your life! With its very own heated pool and spa, you will be back up and ready to explore before you know it after a long day of walking!

 

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#8 – Horton Grand Hotel

Best Hotel in Downtown San Diego Near The Chinese Historical Museum

• $$$
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Garden

On looks alone, the decor and style of Horton Grand Hotel will have you clicking that “book” button in a heartbeat. Other than the atmosphere which is sure to make your jaw drop to the floor, the Horton Grand Hotel has their guests staying in the middle of San Diego’s downtown, just minutes away from all the best museums, bars, and restaurants.

With the antique furniture and stunning decor, we can understand if you want to spend most of your time lounging around at the hotel. Horton Grand Hotel comes complete with its very own garden, a bar, and even a restaurant, where you can just sit back and enjoy a taste of luxury!

 

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More Best Hotels in Downtown San Diego

#9 – Omni San Diego Hotel

• $$$
• Outdoor Pool
• Restaurant
• Bar

Right from the get-go, you will be wanting to head straight to the rooftop terrace, grab a drink from the bar, and take in the stunning views from Omni San Diego Hotel! Other than the breathtaking views of the San Diego skyline this 4-star hotel is sure to wow you with all the perks and luxury that goes along with staying at this hotel in downtown San Diego!

You will need to strap in tight because this hotel is jam-packed full of amenities which will make you fall in love with San Diego! Just to start off, Omni Sand Diego comes with its very own nightclub, swimming pool, casino, and even a spa. Feeling a bit hungry or need something to drink, Omni Hotel has you covered with its very own onsite restaurant and bar!

 

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#10 – Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

• $$$$
• Golf Course
• Spa
• Restaurant

Let’s leave all of the run-of-the-mill hotels behind and check yourself into one of the best resorts in downtown San Diego. While the Marriott Marquis has you minutes away from both the marina and all the best sights of downtown San Diego, this luxury hotel offers so much behind its doors you will need a week just to explore the hotel itself!

After a long day of exploring the city or playing a round of golf at the hotel, the Marriott Marquis will have you feeling pampered and relaxed at its very own spa including a swimming pool! Wanting to grab a bite to eat? The Marriott Marquis also comes with its own award-winning restaurant, serving some of the best meals in all of San Diego!

 

#11 – The US Grant a Luxury Collection Hotel

• $$
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Spa

Saving one of the best hotels in San Diego for last, The US Grant is by far one of the most luxurious places you can call home in San Diego. This 5-star hotel will not only have you within a stone’s throw of all the best sights and restaurants of downtown San Diego but The US Grant will leave you with an experience which will have you dreaming of your next vacation to California!

With its very own spa, guests are sure to be feeling refreshed, relaxed, and in a complete state of bliss while lounging around the hotel. When it comes to great drinks and food, The US Grant has it down to a science. With its very own bar and restaurant, you are sure to never go hungry at this luxurious hotel! (https://preciousmomentschapel.org/)

 

To conclude…

In the downtown area alone, San Diego will have you spending days exploring all of the stunning museums, mouthwatering restaurants, and beautiful architecture that makes up this diverse city! From the marina to the parks, there are so many different ways for San Diego to be enjoyed!

Before you decide what museums and bars to hit up first, you will need to book yourself into a hotel. Depending on how you like to travel, you will need to find that one hotel which checks all of the boxes.

Still scratching your head on where to stay in San Diego? No need to worry, we have you covered! If you are wanting that best downtown San Diego experience possible, be sure to check yourself into Manchester Grand Hyatt, our pick for the best hotel in downtown San Diego!

Pull out your guidebooks and get ready to soak up some rays, your vacation to sunny San Diego starts here!

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