Town and Country is the best-value resort in San Diego, and the case for it is the amenity list. This is a renovated mid-century resort with 671 rooms, three pools, a four-story waterslide, five restaurants and bars, and a trolley stop steps from the lobby.
I’ve been booking clients here for years. It’s where I send families visiting the University of San Diego or SDSU for orientation or move-in weekend, groups who want a central base with room to spread out, and locals looking for a fun staycation with resort amenities.
It is not a luxury hotel. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but the property’s origins as a sprawling motor lodge are still part of its character. There are outdoor corridors, the room quality varies by building, and walls are thinner than you’d find in a newer build. If you go in expecting that (and book the right room), you’ll have an excellent stay at a price that leaves room in your budget for everything else San Diego has to offer.
What it does best: Pool complex with the Twister waterslide, fire pits with live music at Monkeybar, walkable access to Fashion Valley Mall and the trolley, excellent on-site dining at ARLO, and a dog-friendly setup with its own run and three acres of river park.
Good to know: Thin walls between rooms, $38/night parking with a garage that can be a long walk from your room, $30/night resort fee on top of the room rate, and no beach access (the closest sand is a 15-minute drive).
Book through La Jolla Mom: Daily breakfast for two, $50 resort credit, discounted parking ($35/night vs. $38), and waived $30/night resort fee. Request rates → or check prices on Expedia →
Where Town and Country Is Located (And Why It Matters)
Town and Country sits on Hotel Circle North in San Diego’s Mission Valley, a neighborhood that confuses many first-time visitors. It’s not on the beach. It’s not downtown. There are no views to speak of. But it is a centrally located area where multiple freeways meet. Once you understand that, the value proposition clicks. It tops my list of best Mission Valley hotels.
What’s Nearby
The resort is right off both the I-5 and I-8 freeways, which means you can reach major San Diego attractions in 10 to 15 minutes. The San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are less than five miles southeast. SeaWorld is about six miles west. Old Town is about two and a half miles west. The Gaslamp Quarter downtown is roughly six miles south. The airport is less than six miles away, which is about 20 minutes in normal traffic.
Fashion Valley Mall — with Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and dozens of restaurants — is directly across the San Diego River, an easy five-minute walk. That matters more than it sounds: if you want to grab dinner off-property without driving, you have good options at the mall.
The Trolley Changes Everything
The Fashion Valley Transit Center is steps from the resort, and this is one of Town and Country’s most underrated features. The Green Line trolley connects you to Old Town (5 minutes), the Santa Fe Depot downtown (15 minutes), and SDSU/Snapdragon Stadium. You can visit the San Diego Zoo by taking the trolley to Old Town and transferring, or just grab a rideshare from there.
For families visiting for a Padres game, an event at Snapdragon Stadium, or a concert at Viejas Arena, this trolley access eliminates the need to deal with event-night parking entirely.
Popular Base for USD and SDSU Families
This is the hotel I book most often for families visiting the University of San Diego or San Diego State University, and it’s one of the details you won’t find in any other review of this property. USD’s campus is less than three miles away, roughly a seven-minute drive up Linda Vista Road. SDSU is a straight shot east on the Green Line trolley or about 15 minutes by car.
During orientation weekends, move-in, and graduation at either school, there is very little to book closer to campus. Town and Country gives you a real resort experience with pools and restaurants, and the drive to campus is easy on surface streets.
Which Room to Book
Town and Country has 671 rooms spread across multiple buildings and towers, and the experience varies significantly depending on where you end up.
Best Value: Happy Camper and Marco Polo Rooms
Happy Camper rooms (250 sq ft, king or two queens) are the most affordable option, and they sit close to the main pool and the lobby, so you are not walking the length of the property every time you want a coffee or a fresh towel. The trade-off is size: these are small rooms with limited workspace. Fine for a couple using the room as a crash pad, but tight for a family.
Marco Polo rooms (320 sq ft with a king, 350 sq ft with two queens) are meaningfully bigger than the Happy Campers for what is usually a small step up in rate, which makes them the better value of the two for a family. They sit in the two-story bungalows right by the main pool, the waterslide, and Lapper Sports Bar + Kitchen. You will hear the pool activity, but the convenience of walking out your door to the action is hard to beat with kids.
Best Room for Most Guests: Snazzy Rooms in the Palm Tower
Snazzy rooms (370 sq ft, king or two queens) are the largest standard rooms on property and the ones I recommend most often. They are in the main Palm Tower, with modern mid-century furniture, plush platform beds, a wet bar, and spacious private balconies. Views vary — you’ll get either Mission Valley or resort views, and some are significantly better than others.
What to know: Some Palm Tower rooms face a concrete wall. First-floor rooms in this tower can open to the parking lot. Request a higher floor with a resort or valley view.
Quieter and Toward the Back: Trendy Rooms
Trendy rooms (320 sq ft, king or two queens) sit at the back of the resort with direct access to the Tiki Pool, which is the calmest of the three pools. That is the trade you are making. You are further from the lobby and the main pool scene, and closer to a pool where you can hear yourself think, which is the right call if your kids are past the waterslide years. The Regency Tower is back here as well, and it holds the penthouse fitness center. Two things guests raise about that building constantly: the elevators are slow and loud, and some lower-floor rooms feel dark or have limited views.
Worth the Upgrade: Fire Pit Rooms and Suites
Trendy Fire Pit rooms (325 sq ft, two queens) are the cheapest way into the fire pit idea. You get a standard Trendy room at the back of the resort plus a private patio with your own fire pit, which is a fun splurge for couples or a small family who want that outdoor-living feel without springing for a full suite.
Fire Pit Suites (975 sq ft) are the full version of the same idea. These are ground-floor suites with a separate living area and a private outdoor fire pit, and at three times the size of a Trendy Fire Pit room, they work for a family that wants the patio without giving up interior space.
Classic Suites (750 sq ft, king or two queens) are what I would book for a family that needs real space. They have a separate living room, a wet bar, and a second bathroom, and the second bathroom is the detail that actually changes a morning with teenagers. The two-queen version comes with a retro record player and vinyl records, which is a nice touch.
The Skyline Suite (1,100 sq ft) is the showpiece, on the 10th floor of the Palm Tower, with wall-to-wall windows, a private living room, a dining space, a wet bar, a king bedroom, and an oversized balcony overlooking the resort and Mission Valley. An optional second bedroom can be added, which matters if you are pricing it against two separate rooms.
The Thin Walls Situation
The single most common complaint across every review platform: the walls between rooms are thin. Multiple guests report hearing conversations, TV noise, and worse from neighboring rooms. This is the legacy of the property’s motel-era construction. Requesting an end room or a higher floor in the Palm Tower can help, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
Pools and Activities
The pool complex is the heart of Town and Country, and it is one of the best hotel pool setups in San Diego at this price point.
The Pools
The resort has three pools. The main pool is the largest, a zero-entry pool on a 22,000-square-foot deck surrounded by the mid-century landscaping, cabanas, and Lapper Sports Bar + Kitchen for poolside food and drinks. It’s lively, social, and can get crowded on summer weekends — arrive early to claim a good spot.
Twister is the resort’s four-story waterslide, 150 feet of looping slide that the resort bills as the longest at any hotel in San Diego, and it’s the kind of amenity that justifies the stay for families with kids. Riders have to be 48 inches tall, though shorter children are allowed on if they can pass a swim test with the lifeguard on duty, so check before you promise anything in the car. There’s also a kids’ pool beside the main pool with a gradual walk-in entry, and the Tiki Pool out by the Regency Tower, which is the calm one. It is not adults-only, but it is where you go when the main pool is at full volume.
Private cabanas and daybeds are available for daily rental if you want a reserved shaded spot with service.
Activities and Programming
Town and Country runs a surprisingly robust activity schedule, especially during summer and holiday periods. Regular programming includes dive-in movies at the main pool, Friday night s’mores around the fire pits, waterslide duck races, kids’ crafts, poolside cotton candy, and live music at Monkeybar on various days.
There’s also a sand volleyball court, the penthouse fitness center in the Regency Tower, which is open to ages 16 and up, and T&C Park, the resort’s three-acre river park, behind the property for walking the dog or a morning stroll along the San Diego River.
Dining
Town and Country has five restaurants and bars on the property, which is unusually robust for a hotel at this price point. You won’t need to leave the resort to eat well, though Fashion Valley’s restaurants are a five-minute walk if you want variety.
ARLO
The resort’s signature restaurant serves modern California cuisine in a striking space with palm-lined patio seating and a central fireplace. Brunch is the meal to plan around, and it runs 8 AM to 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Book dinner ahead, and note that Sunday is brunch only, with no dinner service.
The food is genuinely good. ARLO draws locals and non-guests, which is always a telling sign. Prices may feel out of line with the resort’s overall positioning, so factor that in if you plan to eat here every night.
Lapper Sports Bar + Kitchen
Poolside casual dining with SoCal comfort food — surf and turf nachos, crispy fish tacos, and a flatiron burger. This is where you’ll eat most meals if you’re spending the day at the pool. It runs from 11 AM to 10 PM most nights and to midnight Thursday through Saturday, so it covers dinner as well as a poolside lunch.
Monkeybar
The outdoor bar and social hub, with fire pits, craft cocktails, local beer on tap, small sharing plates, and wood-fired flatbreads. Happy hour runs Sunday through Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM, and there is live music on various days. It is the one place on the property that feels like a bar in its own right rather than a hotel bar.
Lap It Up
The pool bar, open daily until 7 PM. Draft beer, blended drinks, and quick bites you can order without leaving your lounge chair, with a kids’ menu alongside. It runs seasonally, so check the hours posted at the pool rather than counting on it.
The MRKT
Grab-and-go market with handcrafted coffee, warm pastries, breakfast burritos, fresh fruit, sandwiches, salads, and wood-fired pizza. This is your morning coffee stop and your “I don’t want to sit down for a meal” option. It opens at 6:30 AM, which is the useful part if you have an early start, and closes at 9 PM Sunday through Wednesday and 8:30 PM the rest of the week.
A Note on Value
On-site dining prices are higher than the room rate might suggest. Budget-conscious families should know that Fashion Valley Mall is a short walk away, with dozens of restaurant options at every price point, from fast-casual to sit-down chains.
What to Know Before You Book
Much of this is addressed on the resort’s FAQ page, which you should read before booking.
Parking
Self-parking in the adjacent structure runs $5 per hour up to a $38 daily maximum, and valet is $48/night. There’s no free parking on the property. That is in line with what resort parking costs across the city.
If you have heavy luggage, request a bellman or luggage cart at check-in. There are six ChargePoint stations in the main garage, each on 12kW shared power, available first come, first served.
Tip: The resort offers parking packages, and our current package includes discounted parking plus other benefits to help offset the cost.
Resort Fee
Town and Country charges a mandatory $30/night resort fee (plus tax) on top of your room rate. Every guest pays it regardless of whether they use the included amenities. Here’s what the fee covers:
- Waterslide access at the Twister pool
- In-room Keurig coffee
- Discount tickets to the San Diego Zoo
- 10% off cabana and daybed rentals
- Resort activity programming (dive-in movies, waterslide duck races, kids’ crafts, etc.)
- Live music and DJ entertainment
- Fitness center access
Our package currently waives your resort fee. You still get full access to everything listed above — you just don’t pay the fee.
The resort fee amount and inclusions are set by the hotel and subject to change.
Pet Policy
Town and Country is one of the most dog-friendly hotels in San Diego. There’s a dedicated dog run on the property, and three acres of T&C Park along the river for walks. Two limits to check before you book: dogs have to weigh under 30 pounds, and the fee is a $125 non-refundable deposit charged per stay rather than per night. The weight cap rules out a lot of family dogs, so confirm it if yours is anywhere near the line.
Check-In and Check-Out
Check-in is at 4:00 PM, check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out can be requested by text at 619-391-0048, subject to availability.
Getting Around the Property
This is a large resort on 23 acres. Walking from one end to the other takes a few minutes, and guests in the Happy Camper and Marco Polo buildings are a real walk from the parking garage and front desk. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth knowing, especially for kids and people with mobility issues.
Conferences and Events
Town and Country has nearly 300,000 square feet of meeting and event space, making it one of the largest conference hotels in San Diego. During major conferences, the whole place changes character, and the restaurants, pools, and lobby bar all get busier.
Who Town and Country Is Best For
Part of what we do is try to fit resorts into budgets, and this is a go-to when people want a central San Diego location and do not care about views or proximity to the beach. Tell us your dates and we will price it for you against the rest of the shortlist.
Families with kids: The pool complex, waterslide, programming, and on-site dining make this an easy family choice. The grounds are large and self-contained enough that older kids can go down to the pool or over to the market on their own.
Staycationers and locals: This is a staycation regular for locals. The resort feel, the trolley, and Fashion Valley across the river make it a real getaway without leaving the city, and you can do the whole weekend without moving the car.
USD and SDSU families: Parents visiting for orientation, move-in, Parents Weekend, or graduation. Close to both campuses (USD by car, SDSU by trolley), with resort amenities to enjoy between university events.
Convention and event attendees: If you’re attending a conference at Town and Country, you are already here, and the pools, the fire pits, and the restaurants are all yours between sessions.
Dog owners: Between the dog run, T&C Park, and the pet-friendly rooms, this is one of the most accommodating hotels for dogs in San Diego.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Couples seeking a quiet, romantic getaway: The thin walls and family-oriented/conference atmosphere may not be the best fit. Consider Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, or The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe instead. All three offer a more intimate, serene experience. See my full list of romantic hotels in San Diego.
Beach lovers: There’s no beach access here. If you want sand and surf, look at hotels in La Jolla, on the beach, or in Coronado.
Luxury travelers: The mid-century design is charming, but the finishes, service level, and room quality aren’t on par with Park Hyatt Aviara, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, or Rancho Valencia. See my best luxury San Diego hotels guide.
Book With Our Benefits
How to Book Town and Country Resort
We have access to a rate that is about the same price as the Town and Country Beyond direct rate, which you can check online, with the benefits below added on top.
Breakfast
Daily for two at ARLO
Resort Credit
$50 to use on property
Fees
Resort fee waived, parking $35 instead of $38
1Check the rate. Look up the Town and Country Beyond direct rate for your dates on the resort’s own site, so you know what you are comparing against.
2Send me your dates. If the math works, I book the stay and attach the benefits above to your reservation.
Before you book: the Advanced Purchase rate is excluded
These benefits attach to the Town and Country Beyond direct rate. They do not apply to the resort’s non-refundable Advanced Purchase rate, so if you book that one, the breakfast, credit, waived resort fee, and discounted parking do not come with it.
Check Online Rates and Promotions
Town and Country frequently runs promotions through online travel agencies, especially during off-peak periods. You can also compare rates here:
Check rates on Expedia →
Check rates on Hotels.com →
Check rates on Booking.com →
FAQs About Town and Country Resort
Is Town and Country Resort San Diego worth it?
Yes, especially if you book with benefits or a package that offsets the parking and the resort fee. The combination of three pools, a four-story waterslide, five restaurants and bars, and a trolley stop steps from the lobby is hard to match anywhere else in San Diego, which is what makes it the best value resort in the city for families and staycationers.
How far is Town and Country from the beach?
The closest beaches, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, are about a 15-minute drive or a short trolley ride. The resort is in Mission Valley, an inland neighborhood. If beach access is your priority, this is not the right hotel for your trip.
Is Town and Country Resort dog-friendly?
Very, within limits. There is a dog run on the property, three acres of T&C Park along the river for walks, and pet-friendly rooms. Dogs have to weigh under 30 pounds, and the fee is a $125 non-refundable deposit per stay.
Does Town and Country have a waterslide?
Yes. Twister is a four-story, 150-foot waterslide at the main pool complex, and riders have to be 48 inches tall unless they pass a swim test with the lifeguard on duty. There is also a kids’ pool with a gradual walk-in entry beside the main pool, and the Tiki Pool out by the Regency Tower, which is the calmest of the three.
Is parking free at Town and Country Resort?
No. Self-parking in the adjacent structure is $5 per hour up to a $38 daily maximum, and valet is $48 per night. There is no free parking on the property.
How far is Town and Country from USD and SDSU?
The University of San Diego campus is less than three miles away, about seven minutes by car up Linda Vista Road. SDSU is a straight shot east on the Green Line trolley, or about 15 minutes by car.
How far is Town and Country from the San Diego Zoo?
About five miles, roughly 10 minutes by car. You can also take the trolley to Old Town and transfer, or grab a rideshare. We have a San Diego Zoo discount on tickets.
Does Town and Country have a restaurant?
The resort has five restaurants and bars: ARLO (sit-down California cuisine), Lapper Sports Bar + Kitchen (poolside casual), Lap It Up (pool bar, seasonal), Monkeybar (cocktails, wood-fired flatbreads, live music), and The MRKT (grab-and-go coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizza). Fashion Valley Mall, with dozens of additional restaurants, is a five-minute walk.
Which room is best at Town and Country?
Snazzy rooms are the largest standard rooms on property at 370 square feet, with a wet bar and a private balcony, and they sit in the main Palm Tower. Request a higher floor with a resort or valley view, because some of the lower rooms face a concrete wall or open onto the parking lot.
