San Diego is very well known for its beaches, the warm climate, the perfect sunsets, and the seafood restaurants. San Diego is also famous for the San Diego Zoo! You might even remember San Diego from the movie Madagascar - the animated movie in which the zoo animals get washed up on to the beautiful San Diego beaches. Point being, it is an amazing place to vacation with so many fun things to do to boot! So, is there anything that could make this happy and happening city better? Yes – themed hotels! We, at Trip101, love hotels with themes, especially when those themes are so unique and so extravagant. So, to add a little more fun to your San Diego holiday, here is a list of some of the best and most exciting themed hotels in San Diego, California.
What to look forward to:
- Looking to turn up the heat with San Diego’s nightlife? The city’s official tourism site has a list of hotspots to make it easy for you. Downtown San Diego is the best area for nightlife with dance clubs, speakeasies, dive bars, and more.
- Balboa Park is one of the city’s most famous attractions and is home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, 18 museums, and multiple gardens. You could spend hours just walking around the park and learning about its cultural and historical significance.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 19, 2025.
1. The Westgate Hotel (from USD 258)
Featuring a Palace of Versailles theme with handcrafted European-style furniture, tapestries, decors, and Baccarat crystal chandeliers, The Westgate Hotel offers guests French elegance right in the heart of San Diego. Besides the stylish theme, guests can also enjoy top-notch facilities and amenities like an outdoor heated pool, a business center, a full-service spa, a fitness center, and a restaurant. The hotel’s central location in the downtown area makes it easy for guests to access everything San Diego has to offer.
The Westgate Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
8.06 km (5.1 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
2. Fairmont Grand Del Mar (from USD 962)
Make the most out of your San Diego trip by staying at Fairmont Grand Del Mar. This luxurious hotel features wide open spaces with great amenities like a golf course, heated pools, spas, tennis courts, fitness centers, and even scenic trails for hiking. The hotel also boasts a Michelin-star restaurant where you can just unwind and enjoy the sceneries while savoring some of the best dishes in town.
Accommodation-wise, Fairmont Grand Del Mar features 249 luxurious rooms and suites. While the regular rooms are equally chic and comfortable, the suites take it to a whole new level with great amenities like tubs, large balconies and terraces, and spectacular views of the beautiful surroundings.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
19.58 km (12.2 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
3. La Valencia Hotel (from USD 549)
La Valencia Hotel is a historical hotel that’s been providing top-notch accommodations since 1926. The Pink Lady, as it’s sometimes called due to the pinkish exterior and Mediterranean-style architecture, is located along the beautiful coastlines of La Jolla. This means that guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the cove and the great Pacific.
It’s more than just its architectural beauty and its scenic views as this iconic hotel is filled with great amenities such as hot tubs, an outdoor heated pool, a poolside bar, a restaurant, a fitness center, and so much more.
La Valencia Hotel
10.43 km (6.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
4. Horton Grand Hotel (from USD 178)
Horton Grand Hotel is a comfortable accommodation option located in the very heart of San Diego. This iconic hotel perfectly blends the elegance of Victorian architectural designs and decors and the comfort of a modern urban hotel. Rooms and suites, for instance, are impeccably designed with handcrafted antique furniture and marble-framed fireplaces but they are also packed with modern amenities like free WiFi access, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers.
The hotel is also perfect for visitors who want to explore everything about San Diego as it’s conveniently located in the downtown area close to many attractions.
Horton Grand Hotel
8.54 km (5.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
5. Andaz San Diego - a Concept by Hyatt (from USD 177)
Andaz is a concept hotel by Hyatt located in the heart of the city. The theme in this hotel tends towards the contemporary and modern art. You can see it everywhere – from the paint on the wall to the interior layout, from the hotel room to the gymnasium. It all screams modern art! The rooms are super chic, very well decorated and definitely spacious. The rooftop has a bar-cum-restaurant which overlooks the San Deigo downtown area.
Andaz San Diego - a concept by Hyatt
8.49 km (5.3 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
6. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego (from USD 280)
Like any other Hard Rock Hotel, this Hard Rock in San Deigo is totally based on the rock and roll theme. With rock and roll memorabilia adorning the walls of every room in the hotel, you’re going to love the punk rock vibe. The bedrooms are spacious with such lush decor that you will never want to leave. And if you think it isn’t enough ‘rock and roll’ for you, just head to the bar and have a look!
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
8.87 km (5.6 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
7. Pendry San Diego (from USD 406)
Are you a total water baby? Do you just love the ocean? If you’re nodding in agreement, then you’re going to love the ocean-inspired color scheme of the hotel. Set in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, you will literally feel like you’re living on the ocean. The bar and banquet halls are so fabulously done, they both deserve a few pictures. The rooms are chic with a splash of color, which is where modern meets minimalism. Also, this is a pet-friendly hotel!
Pendry San Diego
8.75 km (5.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
8. Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection (from USD 232)
The Hotel Republic San Diego has a very rustic yet retro theme going around, and we love it. The rooms are really spacious with cozy beds, and that’s always a good thing. You’ll always see a dash of retro in every corner, especially when you go down to eat the breakfast buffet! Even if you don’t think of this as one of the many themed hotels in San Diego, you’ll still love the place.
Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection
7.63 km (4.8 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
9. Staypineapple at Hotel Z (from USD 180)
Abundance of dining options within walking distance. Complimentary cookies and welcome drink.
Reasonable rates, especially for the Gaslamp Quarter area.
Conveniently situated near the convention center, restaurants, and nightlife.
Complimentary water bar, coffee, and bikes. Dog-friendly with thoughtful extras.
As the logo suggests, this hotel really loves pineapples which is why the theme here is basically just that! That means you’re going to see a lot of bright and happy yellow tones all around the hotel and your themed hotel room in San Diego. You’ll also see many cute planters which look just like pineapples – talk about keeping with the theme! The rooms are spacious, vibrant and happy. This is a pet-friendly accommodation and a very popular one among travelers who travel with their pets.
Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
8.68 km (5.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
10. Cosmopolitan Hotel (from USD 149)
This hotel is a famous and authentically accurate Victorian-themed accommodation in San Deigo. Yet, this is not another modern-meet-Victorian-style hotel. This is a typical Victorian hotel! As soon as you walk in, you’ll understand exactly what we mean. The Victorian-style rooms are so chic yet so simple, it is almost like you have been transported back into the era. Depending on the room you get, you might even get an authentic claw foot bathtub or a special fireplace.
Cosmopolitan Hotel
3.05 km (1.9 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
11. Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa (from USD 1412)
The Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa has a very modern and luxurious look, with a hint of Victorian-themed interiors. You’ll be able to spot chandeliers in every room, some really big and beautiful brass mirrors and of course, a fireplace. Think of this luxurious hotel as modern Victorian! The rooms are sleek and very spacious, which makes the place even better. And, there is a private golf course for you to really enjoy your stay. Definitely one of the most luxurious themed hotels in San Diego!
Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
25.51 km (15.9 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
12. Tower23 Hotel (from USD 308)
If you are looking for a sleek and comfortable getaway in San Diego, Tower23 Hotel is the ideal choice. This boutique hotel is situated in the lively Gaslamp Quarter, where you can find plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. You can also easily access the convention center, Petco Park, and the waterfront from the hotel.
The rooms offer a haven of comfort, featuring fresh design schemes, Tempur-Pedic beds, premium bedding, and modern amenities such as free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. Indulge in culinary delights at the restaurant and unwind with a drink at the stylish bar/lounge or on the inviting rooftop terrace.
Tower23 Hotel
4.64 km (2.9 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
13. The Sofia Hotel (from USD 167)
Looking for cool hotels in San Diego? Then, The Sofia Hotel must be one of the hotels you need to consider for your trip.
The property takes pride in its combination of graciousness, charm, and attention to detail, and so when you step inside one of its rooms, you can’t help but feel relaxed and calm because of its ambient lighting, soothing toiletries, and fine linens and beddings. Resting here will be the most pleasurable experience.
Aside from the high-end furnishings, there’s also a restaurant inside the building that serves brunch and dinner, as well as happy hour and room service. Want to do more things during your stay? You can also participate in the exercise classes offered at the on-site yoga center or go on guided walking tours.
The Sofia Hotel
7.93 km (5.0 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
14. Hotel Marisol Coronado (from USD 361)
Delicious and varied continental breakfast, help-yourself style, with healthy options
Reasonable pricing for a boutique hotel with free bike and beach equipment rental
Perfect location close to beach, shops, and restaurants, quiet and restful, walking distance to attractions
Charming 1920's elevator, spa jets in bathroom tub, free bike and beach equipment rental, complimentary champagne upon arrival
Stay at the historic Hotel Marisol Coronado during your trip to San Diego. This boutique hotel has elegant off-white interiors with exposed wooden beams in the ceiling, contemporary furnishings, and Italian linens. Modern amenities like free WiFi, iPod docking station, a laptop safe, and more are also available in the rooms and suites. The boutique hotel offers free bicycles and beach towels and chairs for guest use. And a short five-minute walk will take you to Coronado Beach.
Hotel Marisol Coronado
9.83 km (6.2 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
15. The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel (from USD 325)
Located in the heart of San Diego, is housed in an impressive and historic building. The interior of the boutique hotel is vibrant, chic and very contemporary. Different yet simply styled rooms and suites entice guests with their modern amenities and comfortable furnishings. A stylish bar and lounge, and a garden and terrace with seating are perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring the sights of San Diego. Amtrak-San Diego train station is a mere 3-minute walk away and the beautiful Gaslamp Quarter is within 10 minutes’ walking distance from this hotel.
The Guild Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott
7.67 km (4.8 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
16. Pantai Inn (from USD 380)
Situated in the popular La Jolla area of San Diego, Pantai Inn is an award-winning boutique hotel. It has beautiful rooms, suites, studios and cottages that are inspired by the aesthetics of traditional Balinese decor. Hand-carved wooden furniture, Indonesian art, reverse osmosis filtered water, fireplaces, and an iPod docking station are just some of the unique features offered in each unit at this hotel. You can enjoy Pacific Ocean views from your room or take a five-minute walk from Pantai Inn to access La Jolla Cove Beach.
Pantai Inn
10.45 km (6.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
17. The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego (from USD 466)
Constructed in honor of the former U.S. President, Ulysses S. Grant, The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego is an iconic landmark of the city. It boasts ultra-luxurious interiors that will delight any discerning traveler. The rooms have a pleasingly elegant decor that pairs well with their contemporary fixtures and furnishings. The historic property has a stylish restaurant, a highly-rated fitness center, and opulent banquet facilities. Several popular attractions like San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Balboa Park, and more are just minutes away from this historic boutique hotel.
The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
8.13 km (5.1 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
Boutique hotel option in San Diego
Though this accommodation doesn’t necessarily follow a theme, the boutique hotel ensures uniquely decorated spaces and adds a personalized feel to your stay, so check it out!
18. Urban Boutique Hotel (from USD 153)
Urban Boutique Hotel is another great option for tourists who want to check off Little Italy from their bucket list — especially since this hotel is situated right in the heart of this famous neighborhood.
Combining old-fashioned charm and modern amenities, this hotel will ensure that your stay is as comfortable as possible. For that reason, all the 55 rooms inside are equipped with quality furnishings and additional perks like in-room safes, bed buzzers, and audible smoke alarms. There are even accessibility features available, thus making this a perfect place to stay for people with disabilities.
Attractions like SeaWorld San Diego and Gaslamp Quarter are also a short drive away, so you’ll undoubtedly have fun during your San Diego vacation if you stay here.
Urban Boutique Hotel- Little Italy, Downtown San Diego
7.2 km (4.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
Who doesn't love a themed hotel?
There are plenty of places to stay in San Diego, including hotels with free breakfast. If you ask me, I would love to stay in an authentic and accurately designed Victorian-themed hotel. I would even love to stay in the ocean-inspired one. Or maybe in a fantasy-themed hotel in San Diego even? Actually, we think all these themed hotels in San Diego are really cool and interesting. Which one was your favourite?
Frequently asked questions about best themed hotels in San Diego, California
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