13 Best San Diego Luxury Hotels & Resorts That Deserve Five Stars Reviewed

If you’re looking for San Diego luxury hotels and resorts, you’re in the right place. I know them better than anyone, thanks to the thousands of clients I’ve booked into them. And bigger thanks go to my colleagues onsite at most of these properties who take care of them.

My expertise also stems from almost five years of living in a luxury hotel. So, I know exactly what travelers are looking for when they say they want recommendations for five-star hotels in San Diego.

You might not see properties mentioned here that are considered luxury hotels in San Diego on other lists. We have tons of great hotels. Many are in what I would call the high four-star range, or they are boutique hotels that can’t offer robust amenities due to space constraints.

If you tell me you’re used to staying at Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, The Ritz-Carlton, Montage, and similar brands (like I am), you’ll be happiest referring to this list. We judge based on property offerings, service, quality of the rooms, personal stays, reader feedback, client reviews, and critical insider information from sources inside these hotels and resorts.

You can access VIP perks at most of these properties through me. I’ll tell you which San Diego luxury hotels my benefits apply to. If not, you’ll find links to book through the hotel directly or where we know our readers book.

1. Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa

Location: Rancho Santa Fe

Why go: You’d like to stay put and enjoy a quiet getaway in large, luxurious villas with access to tennis and pickleball courts, a state-of-the-art spa, fitness programming, and peaceful surroundings at a Relais & Châteaux property.

Its wellness offerings also make it a great spot to recharge, and guests can play some of the region’s best golf courses, including some that are otherwise private.

There’s a good reason Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa has been ranked the #1 California Resort by U.S. News & World Report Travel and earned a Five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. When you stay here, you won’t lack for anything. A lot of people book in and stay put.

See also: Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa Review

Hotel amenities:

• Complimentary games, bocce ball, ping pong, bikes, and more for family-friendly fun
• Yoga pavilion, Pilates studio, and fitness center onsite with classes
• A superb spa with couples’ treatment rooms
• An excellent tennis program with lessons and clinics
• Access to private and public golf courses, including The Farms, Torrey Pines Golf Course, Del Mar Country Club, and more.
• Two heated pools (an adults-only pool and a family pool)
• All-suite hotel (though some are one-room suites)

Good to know: If you plan on spending a lot of time off-property, Rancho Santa Fe might be too inland for you. A car is necessary. Agave and Olive Suites have sunken living rooms in the same open space as the bedroom. Palm Suites and above have fully separate living rooms and bedrooms.

Reservations: Rancho Valencia is a Virtuoso property, which means I can book you in with:

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2. Beach Village at The Del

Location: Coronado Island (Beach Village is a private enclave inside Hotel del Coronado)

Why go: This San Diego luxury hotel offers our very best beachfront experience. Beach Village is a gated community within the larger Hotel del Coronado resort. You’ll stay in renovated designer cottages and villas ranging from larger hotel rooms to three-bedroom villas.

Beach Village guests receive an elevated level of service and many VIP amenities. They have access to Beach Village’s own pools and common areas as well as everything on the busier main resort. It’s popular for groups and multigenerational travel because many accommodations have full kitchens.

If your idea of true luxury is privacy, then you’ll definitely find that this is one of the best luxury hotels in San Diego. Because accommodations are spread across multiple buildings, it feels more residential and private than the main resort or Shore House at The Del.

See also: Why Beach Village at The Del Is San Diego’s Best Beach Vacation

Hotel amenities:

• Beach Village guests have access to Hotel del Coronado resort amenities (not vice versa)
• Complimentary use of beach chairs and umbrellas at Del Beach (half-moon cabanettes and day beds are available for rent), where you can also order food and drinks on the sand.
• Villa rooms with two queen beds and a queen-sized sofa sleeper — enough room for families of up to six people
• Early morning yoga on the beach and outdoor beachside spinning classes.
• A beachside boardwalk in front of the hotel is perfect for riding bikes and surreys (rentals are available)
• Private beach bonfires with s’more roasting (additional fee applies)
• Boogie board, surfboard, and skimboard rentals
• Personal Concierge service
• VIP Entrance
• Priority reservations across the resort
• Pools with cabanas and lounge chairs for Beach Village guests only
• Ground-floor cottages with fire pits on the patio
• Designer cottages with designer appliances

Good to know: The cottages closest to the beach border the boardwalk, so you will see people biking and walking past — but they do have the best beach and Pacific Ocean views and are the most popular. You can upgrade to include Ocean Club lounge access.

Reservations: Beach Village at The Del is a part of Hotel del Coronado and, therefore, a Virtuoso property with these amenities:

NEW: I am a member of the exclusive Crown Club at The Del, which unlocks a higher tier of Virtuoso and Hilton for Luxury amenities for my clients. The hotel adds these to your reservation after booking.

Instead of the one-time $100 dining credit, you get:

• Guestroom: one-time $150 resort credit
• 1 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $250 resort credit
• 2 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $350 resort credit
• 3 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $450 resort credit

You can also take a look at the discounted Hilton Honors rate.

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3. Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Location: Carmel Valley (East of Del Mar)

Why go: Fairmont Grand Del Mar is considered one of the best five-star hotels in San Diego and has graced many lists of the best luxury hotels in the United States.

Its spa and Addison restaurant both hold Forbes Five-Star ratings. Addison is the only three-Michelin-star restaurant in San Diego. I can tell you from personal experience that it’s fantastic.

You may not want to leave, so it’s also a perfect staycation or vacation choice for anyone who needs pampering. The decor is Mediterranean-style, and the suites, in particular, are beautiful, plentiful, and often surprisingly reasonable for those who need a bit more space. You feel like you’re on vacation in a huge Tuscan villa.

See also: Fairmont Grand Del Mar Review

Hotel amenities:

• Supervised Explorer’s Club with crafts, board games, puzzles, air hockey, and foosball (check for opening hours, since weekdays outside summer are by reservation)
• Horseback riding lessons at the onsite Equestrian Center
• Children’s pool with wading area
• Family pool with underwater music and sand play area
• Adults-only rooms (Signature Fireside) and pool
• Seasonal activities such as s’mores and family movie nights
• Private Tom Fazio-designed golf course with exclusive access for hotel guests (green fees are complimentary for kids 12 and under with an adult and half price for ages 13–17)
• One of San Diego’s best spas, complete with gorgeous lounging areas, couples treatments, a salon, and a private pool
• Addison, a three-Michelin-star restaurant regarded as San Diego’s best restaurant
• Two pro-style tennis courts complete with instructors and clinics for adults and kids
• Designer boutiques
• Guided canyon hikes
• Business center
• Bikes for riding along the nearby trails in the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
• Top-notch service everywhere
• Courtesy car to nearby beaches, when one is available
• Spacious rooms with marble bathrooms, some with verandas or patios.

Good to know: A rental car is advisable because this family-friendly San Diego luxury hotel is located a bit inland, with little to do within walking distance. Its central San Diego location with easy access to the I-5 freeway makes it easy to get to attractions like LEGOLAND to the north and Balboa Park, Mission Bay, or the San Diego Zoo to the south.

Reservations: Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a Virtuoso property, which means that I can book you in with the following amenities (keep an eye out for their free night promotion, which is valid on certain dates):

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4. Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego

Location: Aviara (Carlsbad)

Why go: Stay here if you’d like a home away from home with the usual flawless Four Seasons service. One-bedroom villas and larger have full kitchens, whereas the Superior King room has a kitchenette.

The villas have separate bedrooms and living areas (Superior King guest rooms do not), which give travelers plenty of space at a price that is usually reasonable for what you get.

This is one of the best hotels in San Diego for extended stays and multigenerational travel. The dining at Seasons Restaurant is lovely and changes seasonally—and sometimes daily as the local farmers’ markets inspire the Chef de Cuisine—so there’s always something new.

If you’re a fan of Four Seasons (I work with many people who only stay in FS properties), this might be the best luxury hotel in San Diego, California, for you.

See also: Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara Review

Hotel amenities:

• Unstaffed Aviara Kids Club with activities such as arts and crafts, ping pong, video games, and dive-in movies
• Board games to check out and use in the villas
• Two swimming pools and a special children’s pool
• Childproofing, high chairs, and other accessories available upon request
• The Driftwood Spa and a fitness center
• Babysitting services
• Special coastal tours (the kids can come, too) in a vintage Woody by reservation
• Seasons barista bar for gourmet coffee drinks and to-go items
• A Two-Bedroom Villa that sleeps up to 8 people.

Good to know: Park Hyatt Aviara is next door, so guests can enjoy dining there, too. Aviara is an inland residential/golf community, so it helps to have a rental car. This hotel is outstanding. Of all the top luxury hotels in San Diego, this is one that I haven’t had a single complaint about. Self-parking is included in the resort fee. Check-out is at 10 a.m., which is earlier than at most hotels.

NOT A SPRAWLING RESORT

It isn’t going to feel like a Four Seasons Maui or even one of their urban hotels. It’s quiet, luxe, and you can even bring your pets. And, it can be great value.

Reservations: Cadence is a Four Seasons Preferred Partner agency which means that I can book you in with additional value-added amenities and services that include:

This is how I book my own Four Seasons stays. (I lived in a Four Seasons hotel, stay in them regularly, and can tell you in detail about nearly every property in their portfolio.)

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5. The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Location: La Jolla (Torrey Pines/UCSD area)

Why go: You want an intimate, highly rated, luxury boutique hotel right next to Torrey Pines Golf Course and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. You’ll need to appreciate its California craftsman style. The Lodge at Torrey Pines has ocean views and excellent service. I book many repeat guests and was reminded of how beautiful it is during a recent personal stay.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is often mentioned in national publications as one of the top luxury hotels in San Diego and one of the top hotels in California.

The spa and the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant, A.R. Valentien, are excellent. The Lodge also offers complimentary luxury car service within a five-mile radius, which covers beaches and the Village of La Jolla. I genuinely believe that The Lodge at Torrey Pines deserves its AAA Five Diamond rating. It’s my favorite La Jolla hotel and popular with parents visiting students at the University of California, San Diego.

See also: The Lodge at Torrey Pines Review

Hotel amenities:

• Outstanding dining via room service and at the restaurants
• Full-service spa
• Torrey Pines Golf Course (the Golf Services team can help secure tee times)
• Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits
• Heated pool and hot tub
• Weekend yoga classes and croquet
• Spacious guest rooms that range in size from 500 square feet to more than 1500 square feet
• Luxury suites up to 2500 square feet
• Egyptian cotton linen and quilted duvets
• Suites with fireplaces and balconies available
• The farm-to-table A.R. Valentien restaurant — one of San Diego’s best
• Complimentary house car service within five miles, including La Jolla Shores and the Village of La Jolla

Good to know: This La Jolla hotel overlooks the renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course. Golfers should stay here because Golf Services can make tee time reservations at other private golf courses around the county. The spa is not huge, but it’s a very, very good one (I go for massages there sometimes). Palisade Rooms are my favorite because they have ocean horizon views and a fireplace.

Awards: AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star spa, Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award

Reservations: The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a Virtuoso property, which means my readers can book in with benefits. They include a usually discounted rate (you’ll have to be logged in to Virtuoso to see the discount) and the following amenities:

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6. Pendry San Diego

Location: Downtown San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter)

Why go: Pendry San Diego is by far one of the top luxury hotels in San Diego. The boutique hotel’s specialty is blending modern and traditional design throughout, from the rooms to the beer hall, pool and rooftop bar, elegant street-level bar, and signature farm-to-table restaurant.

It’s not a small hotel either, with 317 guest rooms, including 36 suites. With its attention to detail, luxury linens, stylish decor, city views, and excellent service, Pendry San Diego is a top choice for those who want to stay downtown in the Gaslamp Quarter. You can walk to Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center.

There’s even a pool concierge (you’ll get his email when you book through me). A pool suite you can book overnight opens up to the outdoor swimming pool.

See also: Pendry San Diego Review

Hotel amenities:

• Rooms with luxury linens, Pendry’s own bath amenities, 55″ televisions, fully stocked minibar
• Five restaurants and bars, including Nason’s Beer Hall, Provisional Kitchen, and Lionfish
• Rooftop pool
• 24-hour fitness center
• Spa Pendry (I had a really great massage during my last stay)
• Pet-friendly

Good to know: Pendry San Diego is one of the many top luxury hotels in San Diego that welcomes families (kids receive a special welcome amenity) and also offers connecting hotel rooms. However, you’ll want to check the pool party schedule so you can avoid the parties when your kids want to swim.

It’s also an easy walk to San Diego Bay for tours and museums on the Embarcadero. I love working with my contacts here because they spoil my guests.

ROOM BOOKING TIP

The rooms are the same size but what differentiates them is the view. I would book Bay or Skyline View rooms and above to get further up from Gaslamp Quarter street noise if you are a light sleeper.

Reservations: Pendry San Diego is a Virtuoso property, which means that we can add on the following amenities to your room or suite:

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7. Shore House at The Del

Location: Coronado Island (Shore House is a private enclave inside Hotel del Coronado)

Why go: Shore House at The Del is another separately booked property within the main Hotel del Coronado resort. It’s a U-shaped boutique hotel inside the larger resort, and only Shore House guests can access its amenities.

The centerpiece is a large pool area with a pool bar. It’s designed to be more intimate than the Main Resort, yet more social than Beach Village. Luxurious coastal accommodations range from king and double-queen rooms to three-bedroom villas with designer kitchens.

I advise that guests choose oceanfront or ocean view accommodations here to avoid street and possible noise from the event center behind the resort. Plus, these views are the best!

Hotel amenities:

• Separate entrance and check-in
• VIP concierge services
• Shore House Bistro — only for Shore House guests
• Most residences have outdoor fireplaces
• One-, two-, and three-bedroom residences with designer kitchens
• Beachside fire pits (first come, first served)
• Access to activities, dining, pool, and spa on the main resort
• A great family pool.

Good to know: Multigenerational families choose Shore House because of its larger accommodations. However, they can’t guarantee that you’ll be in the same wing or on the same floor. Also, when there’s no sale, a two-queen room here can price similarly to a two-queen room at the Main Resort, and in that case I would book Shore House. Ocean view rooms and residences actually have an angled or side ocean view.

Reservations: You can also take advantage of our VIP amenities.

NEW: I am a member of the exclusive Crown Club at The Del, which unlocks a higher tier of Virtuoso and Hilton for Luxury amenities for my clients. The hotel adds these to your reservation after booking.

Instead of the one-time $100 dining credit, you get:

• Guestroom: one-time $150 resort credit
• 1 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $250 resort credit
• 2 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $350 resort credit
• 3 Bedroom Villa/Cottage: one-time $450 resort credit

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8. Park Hyatt Aviara Golf Club and Spa

Location: Aviara (Carlsbad)

Why go: You want to base your stay in a North County San Diego luxury hotel with excellent golf and an award-winning spa. Or you want to earn or redeem Hyatt points.

Park Hyatt Aviara is one of the best resorts for families because it can usually guarantee connecting rooms, and it has a family pool with a splash pad and two water slides. The lobby, rooms, and marble bathrooms have also been updated recently to a more upscale standard.

If you’re traveling during the Christmas season, this is one of the best luxury hotels in San Diego for holiday decor. Their holiday displays are usually epic. 

Hotel amenities:

• The Miraval Life in Balance Spa with fitness classes, diverse treatments, a lounge area, and more
• Bird watching over the wetlands
• Seasonal junior tennis clinics
• Outdoor family swimming pool with underwater lights, an adults-only pool, a water play area, and two water slides (kids must be 48″ tall to ride, or 42″ with a flotation device)
• Surf concierge, including transportation to Ponto Beach and 2 hours of boogie board or surf lessons for ages 6 and above
• Arnold Palmer-designed golf course
• Five lighted tennis courts, plus pickleball courts
• TopGolf Swing Suite
• Exquisite, varied dining across multiple restaurants
• Frette robes and pillow-top beds
• Two-bed guest rooms have two king beds in them

Good to know: This beautiful part of Carlsbad is inland off the I-5 freeway, so you’ll need to drive to the beach. Read about our recent stay at Park Hyatt Aviara Resort.

Awards: AAA Five Diamond

Reservations: Book the Hyatt Privé rate yourself in our hotel booking tool, which includes these extras at no extra cost to you:

Request the password for our hotel booking tool once, then search for Park Hyatt Aviara and choose the Hyatt Privé rate. Please note that some Hyatt Privé rates are prepaid and nonchangeable.

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9. Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

Location: Coronado Island

Why go: Beach Village and Shore House are the two separately bookable luxury hotels within Hotel del Coronado. If you’d like a waterfront hotel with a bigger list of offerings at a lower price than either of them, book the main resort.

The red roof of this historic San Diego hotel has become one of the city’s icons. A long roster of Hollywood celebrities, U.S. Presidents, and other dignitaries has stayed at Hotel del Coronado since it opened in 1888.

It’s San Diego’s best beachfront resort that is full-service, but I would call it four-plus stars. However, it’s the San Diego hotel that people book most through me because it does offer a well-rounded slate of activities.

Plus, Coronado Central Beach, in front of the hotel, has beautiful and expansive white sand. It’s one of the best places to go to the beach in San Diego. You can also walk to the shops and restaurants on Orange Avenue from the resort, though it has enough things to do onsite that you may not want to leave.

See also: Detailed Hotel del Coronado Review

Hotel amenities:

• Full-service beach area (with seasonal chairside food and drink ordering) called Del Beach with luxury lounge chairs, umbrellas, half-moon cabanettes, and day beds for full-day rental
• Stand-up paddleboard and surf lessons (arranged through the concierge)
• Morning beach yoga and outdoor beachside spinning classes.
• A beachside boardwalk in front of the hotel that is perfect for riding bikes and surreys (rentals are available near the hotel)
• Private daily roasts can be arranged for beach s’mores
• Boogie board, surfboard, and skimboard rentals
• Ocean Explorers kids club for kids ages 4–12 (seasonal dates and times)
• Delicious ice cream parlor on-site
• Water toys and fun in the main outdoor swimming pool
• Multiple shops to browse
• Several waterfront dining and cocktail venues, including Nobu Del Coronado, Serẽa, and the classic Babcock & Story Bar
• Full-service resort Spa at The Del
• Renovated rooms and suites in The Cabanas and The Views buildings — some have patio fire pits.

Good to know: There is a ferry from downtown San Diego to Coronado Island (the ferry landing is about a 30-minute walk from the hotel or a short Uber ride). The resort can feel very busy during peak times as residents and tourists visit the shops and restaurants during the day.

It is not a good choice for people looking for a quiet getaway, but it is the hotel that readers most request on this site.

I recommend making dining reservations (including breakfast) and spa reservations in advance if traveling during a holiday week. There is also quite a bit to do during the holidays at Hotel del Coronado, from a seaside ice skating rink to other special programming. I have also written a detailed guide to Hotel del Coronado that addresses selecting a room and much more.

Reservations: Hotel del Coronado is a Virtuoso property, which means that I can book you in with the following value-added amenities:

The benefits above usually outweigh any AAA, military, or other discounts and deals. However, you can also check rates on Hilton as the hotel is a Curio Collection by Hilton property.

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10. The US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

Location: Downtown San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter)

Why go: Ulysses S. Grant, Jr. spent $1.9 million (a lot in 1910) to build this hotel in honor of his father, President Ulysses S. Grant. More than a dozen U.S. Presidents and countless celebrities have stayed here. It was also a speakeasy and a place where women’s rights were won.

Now, after a careful restoration that combined old with new, THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego, is better than ever. It is one of the top San Diego luxury hotels for historic hotel enthusiasts and history buffs searching for a unique stay in my city.

It’s also the best choice for those who want to earn or redeem Marriott Bonvoy points. I like the rooms’ contemporary look, with stunning original modern artwork over the beds. The hotel’s Grant Grill has some of the best cocktails around.

See also: THE US GRANT San Diego Review

Hotel amenities:

• Contemporary guest rooms and suites with original modern artwork
• 350-thread-count sheets
• In-room dining
• Fitness center

Good to know: There is no swimming pool or full-service spa in the hotel. The hotel is in a superb downtown location, within a short walk of San Diego’s best restaurants, entertainment venues, and shopping in the Gaslamp Quarter.

You’ll be able to reach Balboa Park in less than 10 minutes. The hotel prices well for location and quality. Bathtubs in downtown San Diego are hard to come by, but you can book Grand Deluxe Tub rooms here.

Reservations: I can book readers into THE US GRANT in two ways: Virtuoso and Marriott STARS. Both programs typically include:

You can book in as a Virtuoso guest, and I will adjust the reservation to Marriott STARS if I see it’s more advantageous.

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11. La Valencia Hotel

Location: La Jolla (Village)

Why go: La Valencia is a boutique hotel above La Jolla Cove and in the heart of La Jolla’s main Village business and shopping district. Built in 1926, “The Pink Lady” is a great spot for people who want to go carless in La Jolla and have everything they need within walking distance.

Ocean views abound from rooms and public spaces. La Valencia is considered the best luxury hotel in La Jolla’s downtown Village, and it is a good spot for well-heeled travelers. Rooms have been renovated. There are also villas (I recommend them), which offer a little more privacy, and ICON Suites.

See also: Detailed Guide to La Valencia Hotel La Jolla

Hotel amenities:

• In-room dining
• Luxurious European bath amenities
• The Mediterranean Room restaurant for brunch and more
• Four room types: Vintage, Classic, Villas, and Icon
• “La Sala” Lounge with live music, libations, and tapas
• Oceanview heated pool and hot tub
• Spa at La Valencia, with six treatment rooms in a historic cottage
• Complimentary shoeshine
• Complimentary WiFi
• 300-thread-count imported bed linens
• Keurig coffee makers
• Les Clefs d’Or Concierge service

Good to know: This La Jolla luxury hotel is pet-friendly. Weekend brunch at the Mediterranean Room restaurant is one of the most popular brunch spots in San Diego, CA, and I love lunch there, too. Room and villa types start with the Vintage King, which is small at 250 square feet.

I think the Villa King Ocean or Villa King Ocean Suite accommodations are the nicest, as they are in a quieter part of the hotel and closer to La Jolla Cove.

Reservations: I would advise that you shop around a little for the best price or book direct. The best way to book depends on the hotel’s promotions, which sometimes include offers for certain credit card holders and rates with breakfast.

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12. L’Auberge Del Mar

Location: Del Mar

Why go: L’Auberge Del Mar is a luxury boutique hotel that feels like a private coastal estate. It’s the best option for people who want to stay in the heart of Del Mar and walk to great restaurants and shops.

It is across the street from the Del Mar beach but has its own walkway to the sand. The spa and dining area are excellent. I would consider it also four-plus stars hotel class, but it appeals to horse racing enthusiasts (the track is a short drive away) and people who love the upscale community of Del Mar.

Hotel amenities:

• 121 guest rooms, including seven suites ranging from 450 to 1,200 square feet
• Most rooms have coastal, garden, or village views and a balcony or patio
• In-room coffee service, Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs, a sitting area or desk, and Bluetooth sound systems
• Interiors are decorated with a beach casual, upscale chic look
• Some guest rooms have fireplaces
• Fitness center
• Full-service, beach house-style spa
• Dogs are welcome
• Several excellent dining options
• Zybra e-bikes for guests to borrow
• Two lighted championship tennis courts
• Beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas included in the nightly resort amenities fee, plus a seasonal beach valet
• Ocean-view pool with a pool bar and cabana rentals
• Beach picnics are available for ordering

Good to know: Due to the boutique hotel’s set-up and nearby landscaping, there are no rooms with full ocean views, even though the beach is across the street. I also recommend you always request a quiet room on your trip here as it’s popular for weddings, is on a street corner, and some rooms get valet parking/parking lot noise.

Reservations: I can book you in with a Virtuoso rate that includes:

When searching rates, do not enter children ages 17 and under, since they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them after I contact you about your reservation.

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13. Rancho Bernardo Inn

Location: Rancho Bernardo

Why go: When North County San Diego is the easiest place for you to stay, Rancho Bernardo Inn is the one to book. It’s a 265-acre golf and spa resort with fabulous spa facilities. It is convenient to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, nearby wineries such as Bernardo Winery, and golf.

It’s quiet over here, and kids like it. I like it as a San Diego staycation resort for residents, too. One thing I love about dining at this luxury San Diego hotel is that there is a chef’s garden — many greens and herbs used in the hotel’s restaurants are gathered by staff the same day they’re served.

Hotel amenities:

• Recently renovated 18-hole San Diego Championship Golf Course
• An incredible resort spa with products featuring organic and natural ingredients (like food)
• Adults-only saltwater pool at the spa and a family pool
• Fitness center
• Four dining options

Good to know: Rancho Bernardo Inn is a Preferred Hotels and Resorts member. The resort hosts events such as weddings that can be heard from some rooms, so request a quiet room.

Reservations: While we have VIP rates here, Rancho Bernardo Inn runs so many sale promotions that you have recently been better off booking directly or through an online site.

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Honorable Mentions: Hotels on Other Lists That Are Great but Not Truly Five-Star

So here’s where I get a little picky. I like these two hotels a lot, and you’ll find they are priced lower than other San Diego luxury hotels and resorts on this list that are in similar neighborhoods. However, I would call The Westgate more of a three- to four-star hotel and the InterContinental a four-star hotel. I would not recommend them to people used to staying in luxury hotels in other cities.

The Westgate Hotel

Location: Downtown San Diego (Gaslamp Quarter)

Why go: With its French antiques and tapestries, The Westgate Hotel recalls an era of grand decor while providing modern amenities. You’ll enjoy big rooms, a lovely rooftop pool, and a fantastic location on the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter. Guests can also use the adjacent AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club.

There is also a Sunday brunch at Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar, served in the hotel’s lobby. The Westgate Hotel is within walking distance of many Gaslamp Quarter restaurants and shops. It’s popular with business travelers, solo travelers, couples, and families.

Hotel amenities:

• Access to the state-of-the-art AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club
• Rooftop pool with views of downtown
• Sunday brunch at Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar
• Luxury linens and large flat-screen TVs
• Handcrafted European furniture

Good to know: It’s not a huge hotel and can’t really be compared to five-star hotels in Paris. It is lovely for those who want to enjoy European hospitality and decor. It’s more of a three- to four-star hotel and offers very good value for the price. I have luxury traveler readers who love it and some who think it’s just okay.

Reservations: You can check with the hotel directly or search prices below.

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InterContinental San Diego

Location: Downtown San Diego (Embarcadero)

Why go: You are an IHG One Rewards member and would like to stay in a nice hotel in Downtown San Diego that has a club lounge and pretty bay views.

Hotel amenities:

• Club InterContinental lounge
• An onsite Starbucks, plus several restaurants and bars, including Mastro’s Ocean Club.
• A large 3300-square-foot health center
• Bay view outdoor swimming pool with cabanas
• In-room Keurigs
• Complimentary WiFi
• Housekeeping and turndown service

Good to know: People who are used to staying in other InterContinental properties don’t feel like this one lives up to the same standard. Go in with the right expectations, though, and you’ll enjoy it. It tends to price well for a hotel with a good amount of amenities and a nice view. But don’t expect five-star service.

Reservations: Book through IHG using the member rate (free to join).

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FAQs About San Diego Luxury Hotels and Resorts

Here is your TL;DR (too long; didn’t read) or a summary of everything mentioned above, including what I think are the best hotels in San Diego, CA, by travel style.

Which Luxury San Diego Hotels Would I Choose?

It depends. There are usually a few things that come into play when booking rooms at the best luxury hotels in the San Diego area (or any hotel anywhere) that I ask people to think about first.

Where in San Diego will you be spending most of your time?
Do you like restaurants, shops, and things to do within walking distance?
Will you spend most of your time at the resort?
What do you plan to do in San Diego?
What kind of beach access do you need?
Are you loyal to a particular brand?
How much do you want to spend?

However, some of my preferences here in America’s Finest City are listed as answers to the questions below. I gravitate toward Rancho Valencia, Beach Village, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, Four Seasons, and Park Hyatt Aviara first.

When Is the Best Time to Book Five-Star Hotels in San Diego?

Book sooner rather than later — especially if you are planning to visit during summer, spring break, or winter break. This goes for any nice hotel in Southern California beach cities.

The months with the lowest hotel occupancy rates tend to be September, November (aside from Thanksgiving week), the first two weeks of December, and January after winter break until spring break season starts in early March. Occupancy rates are high year-round compared to other cities.

The sooner you book your rooms, the better your chances of getting great views at great rates. You can read more about the best time to visit San Diego. And, if you book a flexible rate through me, we can have it adjusted down if prices drop in the meantime.

What Is the Best San Diego Luxury Hotel on the Beach?

Beach Village at The Del is the best San Diego luxury hotel on the beach. It’s the beachfront private enclave of designer cottages and villas that is part of Hotel del Coronado. Beach Village guests can access everything on the main resort, but only Beach Village guests can use Beach Village pools and amenities. You will also enjoy an elevated level of guest service.

What Is the Best Luxury San Diego Resort for Families?

Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers a blend of location and activities for families looking for five-star resorts in San Diego. They also offer one of our only supervised kids’ clubs, an equestrian center onsite, a courtesy car to nearby beaches when one is available, and more for families to enjoy.

The location is roughly between downtown San Diego attractions and LEGOLAND California. You can read more in my list of best family-friendly hotels in San Diego.

What Is the Best Hotel in San Diego?

The top luxury hotel experience in San Diego for those looking for the best food, accommodations, and high-end touches is Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa.

This list of awards the resort has won is too long to list, but it’s our only Relais & Châteaux property if you’re a foodie.

What Is the Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown San Diego Near the Convention Center?

I love Pendry San Diego for those seeking a luxe urban experience. The service is excellent on my side and the guest side. The rooftop pool area is one of the best in town.

Its restaurants are also among the most popular in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Which Luxury Hotel in La Jolla Should I Choose?

I mention two luxury hotels in La Jolla on this list, so here’s how to pick which one is best for your vacation.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is for those who want the best service, a full-service spa, a quiet hotel, and golf at Torrey Pines. You don’t mind not having many shops and restaurants within walking distance because you can drive or use the hotel car service. It’s a nicer property.

Choose La Valencia if you want to be located in the Village of La Jolla within walking distance of more shops and restaurants. You don’t mind a busier hotel and less personalized service (though it is still good). The swimming pool is heated, and the spa is in a historic cottage with six treatment rooms.

How Do I Use Your Benefits?

When it comes time to book a San Diego luxury hotel, I have access to exclusive VIP amenities where you can enjoy extras like complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, spa credits, and more. I don’t charge a fee for you to access these.

You can book most hotels in San Diego that offer these amenities online (Four Seasons rate requests require filling out this form).

Do you have favorite San Diego luxury hotels and resorts?