Image courtesy of The Lafayette Hotel & Club
San Diego is a jewel of southern California, with trendy streets, beaches and maritime tradition. Below, we break down six of the best San Diego hotels, split between two of the city’s buzziest destinations, the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown and Mission Bay along the city’s northwestern border.
Which is the better San Diego destination: Gaslamp or Mission Bay?
San Diego’s beauty and diversity is what makes the city one of California's best places to visit. There are plenty of areas to use as a base throughout, but the Gaslamp Quarter and Mission Bay are standouts. The former is downtown San Diego’s hip and buzzing heart; the latter is filled with vibrant beaches and family-friendly fun.
Which destination is better comes down to the type of visit you’re looking for. If you want to spend time shopping and sampling one of California’s best dining scenes, choose Gaslamp. If you’re looking for more of a beachy retreat, stay in Mission Bay. Staying in one area doesn’t preclude you from visiting the other, as they’re only about 10–15 minutes apart by car.
San Diego hotels: Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic district in downtown San Diego with a thriving nightlife, a mix of contemporary and Victorian-era architecture and a diverse dining scene. Spanning 16 blocks, it’s a hub for entertainment, with bars, restaurants, theaters and shops lining the streets. Notable attractions nearby include Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, and Seaport Village, a waterfront shopping and dining destination. Plus, the world-famous San Diego Zoo is just a short drive away in Balboa Park.
Pendry San Diego
Image courtesy of Pendry San Diego
The Pendry is a luxe and stylish hotel just off Gaslamp’s Sixth Avenue. The aesthetic is inspired by the district’s historic nature — with a smattering of Gilded Age motifs — but largely features contemporary furniture and art. The result is sophisticated but accessible. Large rooms feature comfortable bedding and thoughtful touches like marble countertops in the bathrooms. Dining options are surprisingly varied for what appears to be a small hotel. These include a sports bar, an elegant cocktail bar, a laid-back pool lounge and two restaurants, one serving local seafood and the other boasting an upscale fusion menu (wine-braised short ribs, Jidori chicken, goat cheese rollatini). There’s also a high-end but cozy spa and a Peloton-equipped fitness center.
Fora Perks at Pendry San Diego include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade & extended check-in whenever possible.
Andaz San Diego
Image courtesy of Andaz San Diego
Andaz San Diego leans into Gaslamp’s modern and artful vibe. The design and atmosphere is chic and striking, setting the scene for a popping nightlife — especially around its DJ-led rooftop lounge, the largest in San Diego — and poolside cabanas. (And don’t miss the speakeasy.) Adults will enjoy Andaz’s mature vibe, but children are welcome, too. Rooms are comfortable, with a clean aesthetic and the occasional pop of color. The property sits along the eastern flank of Gaslamp, not far from Horton Plaza. There’s no shortage of restaurant options in this part of the city, but you’ll love the California fusion at hotel’s Rooftop by STX.
Fora’s Hyatt Privé perks at Andaz San Diego include a $50 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
Image courtesy of The US Grant, A Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
The US Grant, another one of our favorite San Diego hotels, has lavish, marble-floored corridors and grandiose furnishings. The hotel is over 100 years old, and still bears many of its original design elements, especially in its façade and common areas. Rooms and furnishings have largely been updated, but without sacrificing the hotel’s Art Deco elegance or glamour. Grant’s best rooms and suites are among San Diego’s most luxurious, but even the entry-tier rooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed. Regardless of your room choice, expect exceptionally comfortable furniture and excellent service. You’ll find the property near the northern end of Gaslamp off Broadway, just across the street from Horton Plaza.
Fora Perks at The US Grant include a $100 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
San Diego hotels: Mission Bay (and Old Town)
Mission Bay is a waterfront area in northern San Diego filled with sandy beaches and thousands of acres of parks and waterways for kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and biking — plus amusement parks like Seaworld and Belmont Park. Nearby Old Town showcases San Diego’s Spanish and Mexican heritage with preserved adobe buildings, museums and marketplaces inspired by the city’s original role as trading hub. Walking around Old Town feels like stepping into the 1800s, and it’s arguably the best place in the world to find great Mexican food outside of Mexico itself. Both areas border San Diego’s major airport, and the Gaslamp Quarter is only a few minutes away by car (the distance isn’t walkable, however).
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
Image courtesy of Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is a fun, compact resort that overlooks a Mission Bay marina and is surrounded by water on three sides. Most rooms offer a bay view. Rooms on higher floors enjoy an added view of either San Diego’s skyline, the ocean or more of the bay.
“Not only is the waterfront location spectacular and convenient, there are tons of on-site activities for the whole family, including three water slides,” Fora Advisor Jonna Robertson said.
She described the resort as “the perfect base from which to explore San Diego with kiddos: “They go out of their way to make kids feel welcome,” she said.
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Image courtesy of San Diego Mission Bay Resort
San Diego Mission Bay Resort is tucked away from the busier parts of the bay, offering a pleasant and laid-back base for exploring the bay or San Diego proper. The property offers immediate beach access, a large pool area (including a dedicated children’s section), bonfire and s’mores nights, cabana rentals and large greenspaces for kids to run free. Though there’s a clear family-friendly theme, the rooms are chic, modern and spacious. Larger suites offer a more residential feel, and feature sliding glass doors and small patios steps from the beach.
Fora’s Noble House VIP Select perks include a $100 resort credit and daily breakfast.
Bonus: The Lafayette Hotel & Club
Image courtesy of The Lafayette Hotel & Club
The Lafayette Hotel is a destination in itself. It’s outside San Diego’s University Heights area (which does not, in fact, host a university; instead, there’s an assortment of indie boutiques and eateries along with more recognizable brands). The design is as unique as it is eccentric and bold: Moody lighting complements an aesthetic inspired by the excesses of the American Jazz Age melded with psychedelic art.
“The Lafayette Hotel & Club is the cool, new kid on the block,” Fora X Advisor Amanda Bates said. “After a major renovation and re-opening in 2023, the hotel oozes chic style and fun!”
Grand design aside, the hotel offers expansive rooms — a benefit of its location outside of downtown San Diego’s tight streets and high rises — and a charming vibe.
“The lobby has touches of old Hollywood glamour with glitzy chandeliers and fringed seating, and the pool is a scene in and of itself (often DJs are spinning for Happy Hour),” Amanda said. “Don't leave without playing a few games of pool or trying your hand at bowling downstairs. There is so much to do here, you may not want to leave!”
If you do want to leave, the hotel is a short drive away from attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Mission Bay.
More travel inspiration in the American West
Check out more exciting destinations in the western United States: