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The 10 Best Design Hotels in San Diego, USA

Check out our pick of great boutique hotels in San Diego

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego offers pet-friendly accommodation in San Diego. San Diego International Airport is just 4 km from the property.

Each room at this hotel features a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Select rooms include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. All rooms come with a private bathroom equipped with a shower that includes guest bath robes and free toiletries.

Cleanliness, polite and helpful staff

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9
Superb
1,096 reviews
Price from
£169
per night

Combining minimalist design with sleek sophistication, Tower 23 Hotel is just 2 minutes' walk from Pacific Beach Pier and the boardwalk. Numerous beach bars and restaurants are in the surrounding neighbourhood.

Great location and fabulous bar/restaurant.

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9
Superb
196 reviews
Price from
£280
per night

The signature breakfast buffet includes a hot entrée. Favorite dishes include an Adella Chili Bake, Baked Spinach Florentine and Mushroom and Three Cheese Strata. Fresh baked goods such as carrot cake muffins, maple pecan scones or almond cake are also featured. Breakfast also always includes cereals, breads, yogurt, fresh fruit, juice, tea and coffee. Afternoon refreshments are also provided.

Such friendly and helpful staff! Great location in Coronado. Tasty homemade breakfast and complimentary afternoon refreshments are a lovely touch!

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9.3
Superb
96 reviews
Price from
£221
per night

Located in the heart of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, guests of this hotel can stroll through 16 blocks of Victorian architecture and shops. Each charming room features a gas burning fireplace.

We liked the proximity to restaurants, train and beach

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8.1
Very good
2,143 reviews
Price from
£165
per night

Situated in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, this non-profit hostel, has a fully-equipped kitchen and offers free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and filtered water 24-hours a day. Balboa Park is 4.8 km away.

Accommodation at HI San Diego Downtown Hostel includes heating and a fan. Private air-conditioned rooms are available with en suite bathrooms and hairdryers. Personal lockers are available for each dorm bed. Free high-speed WiFi is included in public areas.

Everything was perfect, nice breakfast, everything clean, nice staff

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8.1
Very good
1,342 reviews
Price from
£32
per night

Featuring a beautiful rooftop pool deck and an active nightlife, this modern, music-centered hotel stands within San Diego’s Gaslamp district. Guests can borrow a free guitar during their stay.

The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego offers bold, contemporary rooms equipped with 42-inch flat-screen cable TV and free Wi-Fi. The bathroom features full-length mirrors and a rain-style shower.

Amazing room. Great atmosphere.

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8.4
Very good
2,114 reviews
Price from
£218
per night

Located on-site, the Quarterdeck Restaurant & Bar features fine dining cuisine and spectacular views of San Diego Bay. Guests can enjoy a selection of craft beers along with the restaurants’ award-winning chili or their signature coconut fried shrimp. A Happy Hour is offered Monday through Friday from 16:00 until 19:00 with half-priced hors d’oeuvres and drink specials.

The view was more than expected and beautiful view of water, city scape, the Base and Point Loma. Already planning my next trip.

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8.5
Very good
1,248 reviews
Price from
£140
per night

Rooms at La Pensione Hotel feature European design with vintage photography of San Diego landmarks. Each guest room includes a cable TV and a refrigerator. A private bathroom and a hairdryer are also included.

Location is perfect. Owner very responsive. Love the area.

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8.3
Very good
1,198 reviews
Price from
£142
per night

This San Diego hotel is located along the ocean and is 1 mile from Mission Bay Park. This beachfront hotel features an oceanfront pool, bike rentals and rooms with balconies.

Each guest room at the The Wayfarer San Diego is equipped with a 50" LCD TV, a refrigerator, coffee maker and private patio or balcony. Guests can watch an in-room movie, or play one of the in-room video games that are provided.

Amazing location. Super helpful and attentive staff. Very comfortable beds!

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8.5
Very good
1,464 reviews
Price from
£224
per night

Hudson & Nash Waterfront Kitchen and Cocktails, Hilton San Diego Bayfront's new dining experience, infuses California coastal cuisine with a burst of sun-soaked energy that is both familiar and deliciously brand new. Take a road trip from Baja to the Bay without leaving your seat with shareable menu items created from the freshest regional ingredients, and sip on one of dozens of San Diego’s best craft beers or hand-crafted cocktails. Bask in gorgeous waterfront views of the bay and embrace the unmatched positive vibes classic to San Diego.

The room is clean and bed is comfort. The location is close to petco park and Gaslamp district. The staff member is very kind.

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8.1
Very good
1,314 reviews
Price from
£209
per night

Looking for a boutique hotel?

These hotels offer something a little different in the way of design and usually sit in a trendy, urban part of town. More intimate than your average hotel, they offer high standards with a homely vibe.
Search boutique hotels in San Diego

Most booked boutique hotels in San Diego this month

Enjoy breakfast in San Diego!

  • Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,282 reviews

    Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle features an outdoor pool and hot tub and a 24-hour fitness centre. All guest rooms include free WiFi.

    This was one of the nicest Marriott Courtyards I've ever stayed

  • Kimpton Alma San Diego, an IHG Hotel
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 496 reviews

    Featuring a pool and rooftop bar, this hotel offers a fitness center on site. The nightlife of San Diego's vibrant Gaslamp district is a 5-minute walk away.

    Cleanliness, excellent customer service and good location

  • Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 314 reviews

    Located adjacent to San Diego's vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, the modern Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter features a rooftop outdoor swimming pool and lounge.

    The hotel, amenities and location are just perfect

  • Cosmopolitan Hotel
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 458 reviews

    Located in an historic building dating back to 1869, this Old Town San Diego hotel offers guests rooms with Victorian-style furnishings and features an on-site restaurant and bar.

    The hotel itself is really gorgeous and full of history.

  • San Diego Marriott Del Mar
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 617 reviews

    Located off Interstate 5, this San Diego hotel features an on-site gourmet restaurant and rooms with Wi-Fi access and a flat-screen cable TV. Torrey Pines Golf Course is just a 10-minute drive away.

    The cleanliness of the room. The hospitality was great.

  • Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 615 reviews

    Located 11 minutes’ walk from Little Italy, Hotel Republic San Diego a Marriott Autograph Collection features a vibrant lounge, restaurant and contemporary art gallery.

    No water refills unless asked for otherwise excellent

  • The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 296 reviews

    Located in Downtown San Diego, The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter features spa services and a swimming pool. A 55-inch flat-screen TV is included in all guestrooms.

    beds really comfortable and the facilities were good

  • The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 122 reviews

    Experience luxurious accommodations, exceptional service and unrivaled amenities in the heart of San Diego at this elegant historic hotel, situated only moments away from the area's most popular...

    El hotel es un edificio imponente y con detalles de lujo.

Save money on boutique in San Diego – budget options available!

  • Tower 23 Hotel
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 196 reviews

    Combining minimalist design with sleek sophistication, Tower 23 Hotel is just 2 minutes' walk from Pacific Beach Pier and the boardwalk.

    La proximité avec l’océan Vraiment impressionnant

  • Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,115 reviews

    Featuring a beautiful rooftop pool deck and an active nightlife, this modern, music-centered hotel stands within San Diego’s Gaslamp district. Guests can borrow a free guitar during their stay.

    Location, room size and clean, the stuff, everything

  • 8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,429 reviews

    Overlooking Petco Park and less than 1 mile from the San Diego Convention Center, this Gaslamp District hotel offers unique guest rooms with contemporary amenities and a restaurant on site.

    Location, comfort & very pleasant & helpful staff.

  • Humphreys Half Moon Inn
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,134 reviews

    The Humphreys Half Moon Inn features waterfront and marina views and is home to the Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. A microwave and refrigerator is standard in all rooms.

    Great location, great coffee in the rooms. Rooms were spacious

  • Les Artistes Inn
    Budget options available
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 243 reviews

    A 15-minute walk to Del Mar City Beach, this California boutique hotel features a courtyard complete with an outdoor fireplace. Offering ocean and garden views, all guest rooms include free WiFi.

    Just a fantastic place to stay- definitely go here.

  • Glorietta Bay Inn
    Budget options available
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 407 reviews

    This California boutique hotel overlooks Coronado Bay and is 5 miles from downtown San Diego. This hotel features an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi in every room.

    We had a wonderful time and the hotel was perfect.

  • The Pearl Hotel
    Budget options available
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 155 reviews

    This unique boutique hotel is only moments from San Diego Bay and features easy access to the city centre along with state-of-the-art amenities in a playful 1960s atmosphere.

    the cozy vibes and great decor. I liked the bar area as well.

  • El Cordova
    Budget options available
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 869 reviews

    Located in the former mansion of an industrialist, this Coronado inn features a classic Spanish village style courtyard that contains gardens, boutique shops and two on-site restaurants.

    very good amenities . they helped with late check out !

Great access to the city centre! Check these boutique hotels in San Diego

  • Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 961 reviews

    Nestled in the University Towne Centre area of San Diego, this all-suite non-smoking hotel is 6 miles drive away from the seaside village of La Jolla.

    Everything except paying $40 each day for parking.

  • Inn at the Park
    Central location
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 82 reviews

    This unique all-suite San Diego property is situated on the edge of Balboa Park West. It features a piano bar and elegant suites with kitchen facilities.

    Great location central to all attractions and many restaurants.

  • Secret Garden Inn
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 77 reviews

    Offering individually decorated rooms with balconies with Pacific Ocean views, this quaint Del Mar B&B is 8 minutes’ drive from Torrey Pines Golf Course.

    it was an awesome little hideaway totally a hidden gem 💎

  • La Pensione Hotel
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,197 reviews

    This charming hotel is located in San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy district and is 10 minutes’ walk from the Maritime Museum of San Diego.

    cant beat the location, comfty beds, staff was great

  • Horton Grand Hotel
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,140 reviews

    Located in the heart of San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, guests of this hotel can stroll through 16 blocks of Victorian architecture and shops.

    Great location. Lovely old hotel. Good sized room.

  • Hilton San Diego Bayfront
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,315 reviews

    Overlooking San Diego Bay, this waterfront hotel is adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center and PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres professional baseball team. It offers a full-service spa.

    muy buenas las instalaciones y el personal excelente.

  • Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar, an IHG Hotel
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 274 reviews

    Just 30 minutes’ drive north of San Diego, this Del Mar, California hotel offers 2 outdoor pools and a hot tub. Rooms feature free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen satellite TV.

    Breakfast was great. Location was amazing. Room was big.

  • Gaslamp Plaza Suites
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,028 reviews

    Set in San Diego’s vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, Gaslamp Plaza Suites is a historical, European-style hotel built in 1913. The Melting Pot restaurant is located on-site.

    Very good location, spacious and well decorated room

  • The Westgate Hotel
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 70 reviews

    Featuring spectacular views of downtown San Diego, this hotel is 3 blocks from the 5th Avenue Light Rail Station. It boasts a rooftop outdoor pool, a full-service spa, a gym and a restaurant.

    room, service and staff her name is sarah very nice and friendly

  • The Westin San Diego Bayview
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 440 reviews

    Located within 15 minutes' walk of Seaport Village and the San Diego Convention Center, this downtown hotel offers an on-site restaurant and a free shuttle service to/from San Diego International...

    It was a nice comfortable hotel with a pool and gym

  • Candlewood Suites San Diego, an IHG Hotel
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 96 reviews

    Located off Interstate 8, this all-suite hotel offers a hot tub and a fitness centre. All suites feature fully equipped kitchens and free Wi-Fi. SeaWorld-San Diego is just 8 minutes’ drive away.

    So clean and comfortable. Came with a full kitchen!

  • Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,642 reviews

    Adjacent to Old Town State Park and 10 minutes’ walk from Old Town Trolley Station, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town offers a heated outdoor swimming pool and an on-site restaurant.

    Location size, amenities, room service, cleanliness.

  • Hilton San Diego/Del Mar
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 354 reviews

    This Del Mar hotel is 20 minutes’ drive north of downtown San Diego. The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool and 2 hot tubs. Hilton San Diego/Del Mar features cable TV.

    The room was clean and spacious. We were very pleased.

  • The Bristol Hotel San Diego
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 1,192 reviews

    Adjacent to the Gaslamp Quarter and close to the Marina and Little Italy, The Bristol Hotel offers a Boutique experience in the heart of Downtown San Diego.

    clean, smelt fresh, lots of USB ports for charging

  • Andaz San Diego - a Concept by Hyatt
    7.7
    Scored 7.7
    Good
    Rated good
     · 381 reviews

    Located in the Gaslamp District, Andaz San Diego - a Concept by Hyatt is 1.5 km from the San Diego Convention Center.

    clean, fancy and prime location for younger crowds

  • The Sofia Hotel
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 552 reviews

    Located in downtown San Diego near the historic Gaslamp Quarter and Amtrak Station, this hotel offers relaxing spa services, contemporary guestrooms and an on-site restaurant.

    Principalmente su ubicación y la limpieza del cuarto

  • L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
    7.5
    Scored 7.5
    Good
    Rated good
     · 23 reviews

    Facing the Pacific Ocean in the charming coastal village of Del Mar, this luxury dog-friendly resort and spa offers first-class amenities and accommodations.

    the location is excellent. the walk to the beach is nice.

  • DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Downtown
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 674 reviews

    Moments from San Diego's most popular attractions as well as the international airport, this hotel provides comfortable guestrooms, on-site dining options and many modern conveniences.

    The service and the on-site restaurant were excellent

  • Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
    7.3
    Scored 7.3
    Good
    Rated good
     · 144 reviews

    This hotel, 3 miles from San Diego International Airport, is within blocks of art galleries and shops. It features a restaurant, outdoor pool, and rooms with 60-inch flat-screen cable TVs.

    location, everything you need is around the corner

  • Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 324 reviews

    Located 10 minutes’ walk to the Pacific Ocean, this modern, chic San Diego hotel features a heated outdoor swimming pool. SeaWorld San Diego is 15 minutes’ drive away.

    The room was amazing! The view was awesome as well!

  • Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 423 reviews

    This historic hotel is ideally situated along California's Pacific coastline and boasts luxurious accommodations, first-class amenities and exceptional service, in a charming Victorian-style...

    The history and the curiosities and wonderful staff.

  • Porto Vista Hotel In Little Italy
    6.1
    Scored 6.1
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 1,852 reviews

    Located in Downtown San Diego’s Little Italy, Porto Vista Hotel In Little Italy offers a bar with panoramic views of San Diego Harbour and San Diego International Airport.

    muy buena ubicacion cerca de la estacion de tren .

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