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Kona Kai San Diego

4.0 star property
4-star beachfront hotel near Cabrillo National Monument

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Photo gallery for Kona Kai San Diego

Water view
Point of interest
Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated
Outdoor banquet area
In-room business center
Reviews
8.4

Very good

Popular amenities

  • Hot TubHot TubHot Tub
  • Pet friendlyPet friendlyPet friendly
  • Breakfast availableBreakfast availableBreakfast available
  • Pool
  • On private beachOn private beachOn private beach
  • SpaSpaSpa

Explore the area

Map
1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92106
  • Popular LocationShelter Island1 min walk
  • AirportSan Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)10 min drive
  • Popular LocationUSS Midway Museum11 min drive
  • Popular LocationSeaWorld13 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom, View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Suite, 1 Bedroom, View

  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Mobility/Hearing)

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Mobility/Hearing) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room, 1 King Bed, Accessible (Mobility/Hearing)

  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 Bedroom

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Suite, 1 Bedroom

  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Deluxe Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.3/10 Very Good
  • 344 sq ft
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Suite (Fire Pit)

Junior Suite (Fire Pit) | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Junior Suite (Fire Pit)

  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, View (Bay)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room, 2 Queen Beds, View (Bay)

7.9/10 Good
  • 344 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Fireplace (Waterfront)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Fireplace (Waterfront)

  • 420 sq ft
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Marina View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room, 1 King Bed, Marina View

8.4/10 Very Good
  • 344 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Queen Beds, Marina View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room, 2 Queen Beds, Marina View

8.4/10 Very Good
  • 344 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed

9.2/10 Wonderful
  • 344 sq ft
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, View (Bay)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Room, 1 King Bed, View (Bay)

9.1/10 Wonderful
  • 344 sq ft
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Marina View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Junior Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Marina View

  • 420 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Suite, 2 Queen Beds, View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Junior Suite, 2 Queen Beds, View

7.3/10 Good
  • 420 sq ft
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, View

7.9/10 Good
  • 420 sq ft
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Marina View

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Junior Suite, 1 King Bed, Marina View

  • 420 sq ft
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed (Junior)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually decorated

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed (Junior)

  • 377 sq ft
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About the neighborhood

San Diego

Beachside getaway.Your stay at this Point Loma hotel places you within 6 miles (10 km) of Old Town San Diego State Park and Cabrillo National Monument. USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village are also within 6 miles (10 km).

What's nearby

  • Shelter Island - 1 min walk
  • USS Midway Museum - 11 min drive
  • Seaport Village - 11 min drive
  • SeaWorld - 13 min drive
  • San Diego Zoo - 14 min drive

Getting around

  • County Center - Little Italy Station - 10 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 16 min drive
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • Point Loma Seafoods - 4 min drive
  • Mitch's Seafood - 4 min drive
  • Bali Hai Restaurant - 18 min walk
  • Jimmy's Famous American Tavern - 5 min drive
  • Better Buzz - 5 min drive

About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

4-star beachfront hotel near Cabrillo National Monument
Simply walk outside to smell the salt air and watch the ocean waves from the sand beach. Hit the beach and work on your tan in the sun loungers (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.

There's a restaurant on site. For a drink, you can stop by one of the onsite bars, including 2 poolside bars and 2 bars/lounges. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. This eco-certified hotel also offers a spa tub, a steam room, and a fitness center. Parking is available for a fee.

This 4-star San Diego hotel is smoke free.

  • 170 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 8 buildings
  • 2 bars by the pool
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • 56000 sq ft of conference space
  • 5203 sq m of conference space
  • Built in 1959
  • Cabanas on the beach (surcharge)
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Cabanas by the pool (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Business center (24 hours)
  • Conference center
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Gift shop
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • ATM
  • Bellhop
  • Elevator
  • No smoking on site
  • Dining venue
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 movies. Refrigerators and coffee/tea makers are provided. Bathrooms include designer toiletries, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

The onsite 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 spa tub and a steam room.

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

Awards and affiliations

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

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • In-room refrigerator

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Self parking on site (USD 45 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily cooked-to-order breakfast available 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM for a fee: USD 12 to 50 per person
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 poolside bars
  • A restaurant

Things to do

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

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
  • Elevator
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 42-inch flat-screen TV with premium digital channels
  • iPod dock
  • Pay movies

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Towels

Outdoor space

  • Balcony/patio

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 available

Special check-in instructions

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 150 per stay)
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 65 lbs 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.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

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

  • Deposit: USD 110.00
  • Resort fee: USD 50.76 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Beach access
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Business center/computer access
  • Fitness center 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 cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately USD 12–50 per person
  • Self parking fee: USD 45.00 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet fee: USD 100 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 150 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

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
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Cash is not accepted. Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed. Contactless check-out is available.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 7:00 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 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

Frequently asked questions

How close is Kona Kai San Diego to the airport?

Kona Kai San Diego is 3.8 mi (11-min drive) away from the San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Kona Kai San Diego?

As of May 27, 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Kona Kai San Diego on May 28, 2024 start from $239.0, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Kona Kai San Diego.

How close is Kona Kai San Diego to the beach?

This hotel is on a private beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Kona Kai San Diego offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at Kona Kai San Diego, but cooked-to-order breakfast is offered for a fee of between USD 12 and 50 per person. It's available every day from 7:00 AM to 11 AM.

Is there a casino at Kona Kai San Diego?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at Kona Kai San Diego?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 2:00 AM.

Is there free parking at Kona Kai San Diego?

Free parking is not available at this hotel. Self parking is available for USD 45.00 per night.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have a pool?

Kona Kai San Diego features 2 outdoor pools. Guests can enjoy pool access from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have a restaurant?

Kona Kai San Diego is home to Vessel Restaurant and Bar, which features local cuisine, pool views, and al fresco dining.

Does Kona Kai San Diego have a spa?

This hotel has a spa, which features facials, body treatments, and massages.

How close is Kona Kai San Diego to downtown San Diego?

Kona Kai San Diego is 4.1 mi away from San Diego.

Kona Kai San Diego Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 501 out of 950 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 224 out of 950 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 117 out of 950 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 60 out of 950 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 48 out of 950 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

PATRICK, Rancho Cucamonga

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

4/10 Poor

T

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
The area for the property is clean and nice, at the quiet end of Shelter Island. It's mostly a property for members and marina/yacht people. There's a nice walk along the waterfront across the street, with a small beach farther down. The back side of the property is mostly along a marina. There's bonfire pits, a couple of pools. It's mostly meant for adults. I attended yoga one morning, but I was the only "guest" -- the rest were property members of 50 years and up. There is a restaurant on site -- no room service, but you can call ahead and walk down to pick up. The food was very good. There is a spa, but you might have to call the office a couple weeks in advance to find out how to book spa services because there were no weekend slots by the time I checked into my room on Friday afternoon. In spite of all these pluses, we found ourselves constantly asking questions of the staff -- who are nice, by the way. Parking didn't work (which is $45/night, ouch), so we had multiple calls and questions about how to get access and how to leave the property. We were charged $200 extra in incidentals in advance ($100/night), and we had to ask when it would be returned to our account and why so much. We'd ask how to navigate the property, which winds around, and where things were (it wasn't always clear to a non-member). Later, after checking out, staff reported we had a pet and we were charged over $100 again -- that took two calls to fix, since we didn't bring a pet.

10/10 Excellent

Lena

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Amy

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

4/10 Poor

Eli

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Tannika

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My family and I stayed here only one night in February. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We utilized the restaurant and enjoyed all of our food selections. It was a rainy day so we did not get an opportunity to use the pool and the many outdoor amenities, however, the outdoor courtyard, pool and hot tub area were clean and looked nice. The weather broke and we were able to sit by a fire pit along the marina, which made for an enjoyable and relaxing evening. Overall would recommend for families and would stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

2/10 Terrible

Dana

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

6/10 Okay

Tristen

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Beautiful place with kind and helpful staff! However after paying a daily resort fee and parking fee on top of the rental for the room you still have to pay expensive separate fees to do the activities the resort offers.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

4/10 Poor

Maxim

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I paid much mo to get there. Received service much less for the money I paid. Old smell in the room, noise drunk people in the middle of the night. Someone in the next room left the phone on the table and it beeped all night. I could get much more in Haytt or Marriot for the money I paid.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024

4/10 Poor

Laura

Traveled with partner
Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
We came to San Diego to support some friends in a sailing race. We stayed at the Kona Kai for one night. The front desk person, Jesse, who checked us in, was very disinterested and too efficient. He spoke so quickly in a voice barely audible, that had to repeatedly ask him, "What?" He did not explain the $100 hold on the credit card, or the necessity of a $45 parking charge. He recited the speech he gives for every guest checking into the hotel. We liked the decor of our hotel room. It was clean, colorful and comfortable. The bathroom was not good. The toilet was too small. It was very low and very small. It seemed like it was the same size as the toilets in my first grade classroom bathroom. The bathroom was very big and sparsely decorated, this contrast was comical. I asked to have the $45 resort fee removed because we did not use any of the services dedicated to the resort fee. The front desk check out person said she could not remove the charge. Resort fees seem like pure greed.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2024