Kona Kai Resort & Spa

San Diego, California

Virgin 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. 

  • Book by 31 May 2024 to receive complimentary daily breakfast for 2 with stays between 01 Jun – 31Dec '24. Terms and conditions apply. Blackout Dates apply. Applies to certain room types.

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 (1473)
  • Very good (425)
  • Average (275)
  • Poor (176)
  • Terrible (154)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful Suites

May 14, 2024 Stella D

We had a bit of a hiccup with our room but it was resolved and the staff was very helpful and polite. The suite we had was gorgeous and added to the overall experience. The customer Service alone keeps us coming back. Thank you so much Zachary, Enrique, and Ray!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Watch out - you'll get nickel and dimed for an average experience

May 14, 2024 ayschucks2024

DO NOT let your kids play with the stuffed animal dolphin waiting for you on your bed. There is a tag with size 8 font that tells you it costs 25 dollars that my kiddo noticed after we left. Everywhere we turned there was some hidden charge. "Hey we have smores for you at night." Arrive at the front desk and they tell you it costs $25 and now… Read more
DO NOT let your kids play with the stuffed animal dolphin waiting for you on your bed. There is a tag with size 8 font that tells you it costs 25 dollars that my kiddo noticed after we left. Everywhere we turned there was some hidden charge. "Hey we have smores for you at night." Arrive at the front desk and they tell you it costs $25 and now you have to break your kids heart. Way to go hotel. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating LOCATION ONLY!!

May 13, 2024 rosecroft2007 San Diego, California

Be warned, no valet, no bellmen, no real lobby or front desk, VERY basic hotel, maybe 3 stars, but ONLY because it’s in the bay!! (Just make sure you get an upper floor view room! Eat somewhere else, and avoid the spa! Other than that Et!!
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Quick staycation

May 13, 2024 nanacoug

This property was very beautiful and there was a lot to do. Most of the additional fees charged to me at checkout were not clearly advertised, but still I found the overall value worth the vibe of the resort
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Kona Kai Experience

May 12, 2024 Jack M

Excellent service, friendly staff, immaculate rooms, what more can be said. Went to San Diego for daughter’s college graduation and found Kona Kai. The area was beautiful, access to SDSU was easy, attractions in area were plentiful. Will return!!