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Kona Kai San Diego

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Kona Kai San Diego

2 outdoor pools, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool cabanas (surcharge)
View from property
Outdoor wedding area
Aerial view
Water view

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92106
  • Place, Shelter Island
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego Bay
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bayview King

Bayview King | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Bayview King

  • 32 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bayview Two Queen

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Bayview Two Queen

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(12 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Marina View King

Marina View King | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Marina View King

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Marina View Two Queen

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Marina View Two Queen

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe King

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Deluxe King

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(25 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Two Queen

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Deluxe Two Queen

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(11 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Junior Suite

Deluxe Junior Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Deluxe Junior Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 35 sq m
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 39 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 39 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 39 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Marina View Junior Suite King

Marina View Junior Suite King | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Marina View Junior Suite King

  • 39 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Bayview Junior Suite King

Bayview Junior Suite King | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Bayview Junior Suite King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 39 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Fire Pit Junior Suite

1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Fire Pit Junior Suite

  • 39 sq m
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

  • 29 sq m
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Waterview One Bedroom Suite

Waterview One Bedroom Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

View all photos for Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

  • 60 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Sofa Bed

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About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

Beachfront, with full-service spa
Spend the day catching some rays at Kona Kai San Diego's private sand beach, relaxing by one of the hotel's 2 outdoor swimming pools, or pampering yourself at the full-service spa.
Kona Kai San Diego offers 170 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature iPod docking stations and minibars. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 42-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels and pay-per-view films. Fridges and coffee/tea makers are provided. Bathrooms include designer toiletries, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes, as well as telephones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

A private beach and a marina are featured at the hotel. 2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with Access to hot tub. Other recreational amenities include a steam room and a fitness centre.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

The on-site spa has 6 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Massages are available on the beach and in the spa. Other services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages and sports massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is equipped with a hot tub and a steam room.

The spa is open daily. Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Kona Kai San Diego. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from San Diego Bay. Features include free WiFi in public areas, plus 2 outdoor pools and 2 poolside bars. This property offers pet-friendly amenities, such as food and water bowls.
  • Free WiFi
  • Enjoy local cuisine and pool views while dining at Vessel Restaurant and Bar
  • Buffet breakfast served daily for a fee
  • Self-parking available for a fee
  • Take a swim in the 2 outdoor pools or soak in the hot tub
  • Treat yourself to body scrubs, massages or body wraps at the spa
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, a concierge and tour or ticket assistance
  • On-site recreation includes a private beach, a gym and a steam room
  • 9 minutes by car from Old Town San Diego State Park and 11 minutes from USS Midway Museum
  • Dogs welcome for a fee
  • Pet-friendly amenities are available, including food and water bowls
Simply walk outside to smell the salty air and watch the ocean waves from the sandy beach. Hit the beach and work on your tan in the sunloungers (chaise longues) or relax in the shade with cabanas (surcharge) and umbrellas. At Kona Kai San Diego, you can cool off in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools and indulge in a pampering afternoon at the full-service spa.

Along with a restaurant, there's a snack bar/deli on site. For a drink, you can stop by one of the on-site bars, including 2 poolside bars and 2 bars/lounges. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. This beach hotel also offers a hot tub, a steam room and a fitness centre. Parking is available for a fee.

This 4-star San Diego hotel is smoke free.

For a fee, guests can enjoy buffet breakfast on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and at the weekend from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Vessel Restaurant and Bar – Overlooking the pool, this restaurant specialises in local cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, dinner and light fare. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy al fresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available.
Paloma Pool Bar – This poolside bar only serves light fare. Open selected days.
Tiki Bar – This poolside bar only serves light fare. A children's menu is available. Open selected days.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Green Key Global – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Parking on site (USD 46 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekdays and 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on weekends; USD 33 to 100 per person
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 poolside bars
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Paloma Pool Bar
  • Tiki Bar
  • Vessel Restaurant and Bar

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Beach yoga
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Boat tours
  • Fitness classes
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Kayaking
  • Personal motorised watercraft
  • Sailing
  • Steam room

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business centre
  • 5 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre (56,000 square foot of space)

Outdoors

  • Beach cabanas (surcharge)
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • Marina
  • On a private beach
  • On the bay
  • On the boardwalk/promenade
  • Pool cabanas (surcharge)
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 6 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Hot tub
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Prenatal massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Sports massages
  • Steam room
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Lift
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

More

  • 3 floors
  • 8 buildings
  • Ballroom
  • Built in 1959
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Reception hall
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch flat-screen TV with premium digital channels
  • IPod dock
  • Pay films

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: 2:00 AM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 65 lb per pet)
  • Food and water bowls are available
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 110.00 per night
  • Resort fee: USD 60 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Beach access
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Business centre/computer access
  • Fitness centre access
  • Fitness/yoga classes
  • In-room coffee
  • In-room safe
  • Newspaper
  • Phone calls
  • Pool access
  • Spa access

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately USD 33.00 to 100 per person
  • Self-parking fee: USD 46 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet fee: USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD170 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Up to 2 children aged 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Kona Kai Resort & Marina San Diego
Kona Kai Hotel San Diego
Kona Kai Resort Spa San Diego
Kona Kai Resort Spa
Kona Kai Spa San Diego
Kona Kai Spa
Kona Kai Resort San Diego

Kona Kai San Diego Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 543 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 218 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 123 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 59 out of 1007 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 64 out of 1007 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Prabhjot

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Olga

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Desiree

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great front desk staff, beautiful facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Donna, Yucaipa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Marissa

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I rarely write reviews, but my experience at Kona Kai Resort San Diego was disappointing and misleading. I booked a Bayview Junior Suite King months in advance, expecting the waterfront views and layout shown in the photos. What I got instead was a completely different room — different furniture, layout, and a parking lot view. The front desk even admitted the room didn’t match what was advertised. At over $400 a night, that’s unacceptable. After pushing back, they finally offered the correct room — but not until the next day. We had to cancel our anniversary plans just to pack, wait, and switch rooms. This wasn’t just about aesthetics — it was about getting what we paid for. I hope management does the right thing and refunds us for the first night. A resort advertising itself as luxury shouldn’t leave guests feeling deceived.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
One of our favorite, family friendly, beautiful, quiet resorts to sneak away to
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Christy, South Pasadena

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Needs to be updated
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a chill relaxing place with a chill staff. I pretty much stayed at the resort the whole time
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Vikas

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

araceli

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Terrence

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel is in a beautiful area. It has a terrific gym, pool, and other amenities. There is a lovely walking path near the water. The staff was professional and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable. Most movies were on demand and generally it seemed that the hotel made most eating options geared toward using the rather expensive restaurant. Free coffee in the morning was only available from 4-7 am with no free pastry or fruit options provided in hopes you would pay for the $28 breakfast buffet in the restaurant. The coffee urn was removed promptly at 7:05 am. This seemed a little chintzy for an otherwise good hotel. The parking was an extra $45 per night unexpected expense and the use of the room key card to enter and exit the parking lot was a little inconvenient. Overall we enoyed our visit and would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Family friendly property, beautiful location with views of the water.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Margarita

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Dorothy

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Jamari

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Gina

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was beautiful and amazing. The only downside was they didn’t have prices posted for dining and their prices were a little extra.! Also when booking through Expedia, we were charged an additional $46 a day resort fee that was unexpected. So the prices we got on Expedia we’re not the actual prices we ended up paying.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Alina

No access to charge my phone , not clean
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara A, Robbinsville

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, comfortable bed, friendly staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

6/10 Okay

Howard

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Laurie

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
There was a room charge on my room that was not mine and it’s been impossible to get it resolved. The hotel did bot repond to my message for almost 2 weeks. Just been awful
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vincent

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aaron

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Christina, Calipatria

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is a beautiful area in and out and everyone is so friendly. I only gave it a 4 because its expensive and i didnt see the reason for it except I guess the view..
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025