With 31 beaches within the vicinity, it’s only apt that San Diego is known as California’s Beach City. Your tour in this city wouldn’t be complete without exploring its beaches, such as Coronado City Beach, La Jolla Cove Beach, and South Mission Beach. When you have had enough of the beach (which is hardly possible), you can spend your time learning about California’s history at San Diego Natural History Museum. Have fun with family at the oceanside Belmont Park, which is an amusement park. Explore the city further through San Diego’s GoCar. The city also offers great accommodation choices. Keep reading to check out the best unique hotels in San Diego, California.
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 11, 2024.
1. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego (from USD 407)
Where can you find a hotel that allows you to borrow a free guitar and gives you free music downloads to serve as your soundtrack during your time at its place? In San Diego, you will find Hard Rock Hotel, a modern and music-centered accommodation. This hotel stands within San Diego’s Gaslamp district. It provides contemporary rooms designed and equipped with furnishings and amenities you will need to be comfortable. You can indulge in Maryjane’s American cuisine all day. Enjoy a drink at Float. Have some sushi at Nobu. The hotel is only a six-minute walk away from Petco Park and San Diego Convention Center.
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Address: 207 5th Avenue
8.87 km (5.6 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
2. Cosmopolitan Hotel (from USD 149)
You will travel back in time when you stay at Cosmopolitan Hotel. This Old Town San Diego hotel is housed in a historic building that dates back to 1869, which guests will find charming. It has elegant rooms with Victorian-style furnishings and a balcony that overlooks the historic Old Town State Park or the hotel’s courtyard. It features an on-site restaurant that serves American and Mexican-inspired cuisine. It is only 6.4 km (4 mi) away from SeaWorld San Diego and only a 10-minute drive away from San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.
Cosmopolitan Hotel
Address: 2660 Calhoun Street
3.05 km (1.9 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
3. Tower 23 Hotel (from USD 269)
If you’re into a minimalist but sophisticated feel, then Tower 23 Hotel is the one for you. This hotel features exceptional rooms with luxurious duvets and facilities such as a gourmet steak and seafood restaurant called JRDN. It also provides in-room spa services. It’s near numerous beach bars and restaurants. Guests can do a variety of activities in the area, such as surfing, fishing, golfing, and whale watching.
Tower23 Hotel
Address: 723 Felspar St
4.64 km (2.9 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
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4. Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa (from USD 399)
High pricing matches quality, but additional fees for parking and spa services
Beautiful, well-kept grounds, fully equipped fitness center, and lovely pool area
Great location near UCSD, with beautiful gardens and a tranquil, quiet environment
Limited food options, with some restaurants offering average to mediocre food and service
This boutique hotel adjacent to University of California Santiago offers luxurious rooms with a natural stone bathroom. For relaxation, you can enjoy its outdoor pool or have massage therapies, facials, manicures, and pedicures at The Spa at Estancia. The hotel also has innovative cuisine, courtesy of Greenfinch Restaurant and Greenfinch Bar. As for the proximity of the hotel, the property is 3.2 km (2 mi) away from Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course, 15 minutes away from Del Mar Race Track by car, and 20 minutes away from San Diego International Airport.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Address: 9700 North Torrey Pines Road
13.44 km (8.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
5. Horton Grand Hotel (from USD 618)
Fusing old-world appeal with modern amenities, Horton Grand Hotel can surely charm its guests. It is located in the heart of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, which makes it easier for you to explore nearby Victorian structures and shops. It further charms you with fully furnished rooms with a gas burning fireplace. For more entertainment, Salt & Whiskey, the on-site restaurant, hosts live and local shows from Thursday to Saturday. Do you need souvenirs? Head to the on-site gift shop. If you want to go to Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo, both are about a 10-minute drive away.
Horton Grand Hotel
Address: 311 Island Avenue
8.54 km (5.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
6. La Valencia Hotel (from USD 509)
La Valencia Hotel is a Mediterranean hotel that combines old-world charm with modernity. It has elegant rooms decorated with soft colors—some even have lush gardens or panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. These rooms come with free Wi-Fi. For some dining options, the hotel features The Med and Cafe la Rue. It also includes an outdoor pool. Do you want to relax? You can enjoy a massage at the on-site spa and wellness center. Moreover, the property is only 20 minutes away from San Diego International Airport by car.
La Valencia Hotel
Address: 1132 Prospect Street
10.42 km (6.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
7. The Pearl Hotel (from USD 249)
Reasonably priced boutique hotel with additional fees for amenities.
Chic, cozy rooms with comfortable beds, but extra charges for parking and Wi-Fi.
Convenient location within walking distance to restaurants, coffee shops, and Shelter Island.
Delicious upscale organic food at the onsite restaurant, but limited dining options on Sundays and Mondays.
The Pearl Hotel is a unique boutique hotel that provides state-of-the-art amenities and creates a playful 1960s atmosphere. It features a poolside theater where you can enjoy free movies, a lounge where you can enjoy cocktails, and a restaurant where you can indulge in delicious meals. It is near San Diego Bay and a short drive away from the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter.
The Pearl Hotel
Address: 1410 Rosecrans Street
4.35 km (2.8 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
8. Pacific Terrace Hotel (from USD 394)
Located in Pacific Beach Park, Pacific Terrace Hotel features select rooms with an island-inspired theme. It also has a beachfront outdoor pool and a hot tub for further relaxation. It provides charge-back-to-the-room services and room service from restaurants close by, The Duck Dove and Fat Fish Cantina Grill. Just 6.4 km (4 mi) away is Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center. Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego Zoo are only a 20-minute drive away from the property.
Pacific Terrace Hotel
Address: 610 Diamond Street
4.91 km (3.1 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
9. Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego (from USD 735)
Reasonable rates, especially for the Gaslamp Quarter area.
Complimentary water bar, coffee, and bikes. Dog-friendly with thoughtful extras.
Conveniently situated near the convention center, restaurants, and nightlife.
Abundance of dining options within walking distance. Complimentary cookies and welcome drink.
This pet-friendly accommodation is just 4 km (2.5 mi) away from San Diego International Airport. It offers rooms with a flat-screen TV, a sitting area, and a private bathroom. A 24-hour reception can help you with whatever assistance you need. As the area is popular for cycling, you can use the hotel’s bicycles for free.
Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego
Address: 521 6th Ave
8.68 km (5.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
10. Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection (from USD 269)
Apart from eco-friendly and pet-friendly rooms, Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection boasts a vibrant lounge, a restaurant, and a contemporary art gallery. It has friendly staff who can help you book tickets for sporting events, arrange for transportation, and handle dinner reservations. You can also make use of the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center. Karl Strauss Brewing Company is a quick walk away from the hotel while the famous Gaslamp Quarter is 0.96 km (0.6 mi) away.
Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection
Address: 421 West B Street
7.63 km (4.8 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
San Diego, "America's Finest City"
San Diego is truly a haven for those who are searching for a break. You can find solace in the city’s beaches and other attractions. End your day by relaxing at one of the best unique hotels in San Diego.
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