If you’re one of the many people who visit San Diego to attend an event or conference, you probably need help finding the best hotels near San Diego Convention Center.
The San Diego Convention Center is located in downtown San Diego, offering convention goers access to fantastic places to stay, unique shops, nightlife, and mouthwatering cuisine from within walking distance.
Note from Katie: We independently choose all featured hotels. Booking methods mentioned are popular with our readers or ones we think offer the best value. If you book through select links, we may earn a commission and appreciate you supporting our business. Prices and amenities are subject to change. Our editorial guidelines.
Where is the San Diego Convention Center?
Address: 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego’s primary convention center is the San Diego Convention Center, located in the heart of the Marina district downtown. It’s bordered by San Diego Bay on one side and steps from the urban playground known as the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
When it’s time to break for fresh air, simply walk west along the Embarcadero until you hit the USS Midway Museum, Coronado Ferry, and even Little Italy. San Diego International Airport is a 10-minute drive to the convention center depending on how many stoplights you hit.
The bottom line is that the list of things to do in downtown San Diego is long. Once meetings are over, you can easily enjoy the best of San Diego.
Neighborhoods Surrounding the San Diego Convention Center
Several neighborhoods surround the San Diego Convention Center, offering visitors access to see many local sites, shop from unique stores, and enjoy fine and casual dining opportunities. Neighborhoods surrounding the convention center include:
- Marina District, which borders the bay, and offers a unique urban experience.
- Columbia with its many retail stores and restaurants though it’s primarily a residential community.
- Little Italy, a true cultural gem and a popular hub of restaurants, cafes, bars, art galleries, restaurants, and specialty shops.
- Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s Historic district offering visitors 16 blocks of historic buildings, shops, nightclubs, lively restaurants and more.
- East Village District is home to more than one million square feet of retail space with locations such as Park at the Park, East Village Square, and Campus at the Park.
- Cortez Hill, which is San Diego’s oldest residential neighborhood.
- The Core is the area’s most fashionable district where many can enjoy shopping and entertainment venues.
Hotels Near San Diego Convention Center
In addition to ranking the best hotels near San Diego Convention Center, I’ll also mention distance. True distance and walking times are tough to measure simply because the convention center is quite long. So, I’ll use the middle of the convention center as a baseline measurement.
1. Manchester Grand Hyatt
Address: 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.6 miles (less than a 10-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Business trips, family travel, pets.
Why go: Manchester Grand Hyatt is an enormous twin-tower, high-rise hotel located on San Diego Bay. Here, you’ll find reasonably-priced suites and the majority of the rooms have views. They also offer guests the opportunity to add on access to a club-level lounge.
Families like the pools and sports courts. There is plenty of onsite dining but you’ll find Seaport Village right below the hotel.
Hotel amenities:
- Free Internet access
- Electric vehicle charging
- Fitness center
- Two rooftop swimming pools (4th floor family pool and 3rd floor adults-only pool)
- Meeting facilities
- Concierge
- Laundry services
- Business services
- Coffee makers
- June Jacobs bath products
- Two tennis courts, a volleyball court, and a basketball court
- Hertz car rental desk onsite
Onsite dining:
- Market One
- Sally’s Fish House & Bar
- The Landing
- Pool Bar & Grill
- Top of the Hyatt
- Brew 30
- Seaview Breakfast Buffet
- GrandEats
Good to know: It’s a Grand Hyatt but due to its size you can not expect personalized five-star service. It’s pet-friendly up to 50 pounds with a $100 cleaning fee. Large conventions secure special rates here and at the San Diego Marriott Marquis. This means that the lack of room inventory thanks to events can cause prices to rise for tourists and other guests.
Reservations: If you stay two nights or longer, I can book you in with Hyatt Prive benefits that include:
- $100 USD Property Credit
- Room Upgrade*
- Breakfast for Two
- Welcome Amenity
- Guest Welcome Letter
- Early Check-In*
- Connecting Rooms*
- Free Wifi
* Subject to forecasted occupancy
Two Night Minimum Length of Stay required for this brand. The room upgrade, if available, happens within 24 hours of booking (however, this hotel is busy so it can take 48 hours).
Read more: My full Manchester Grand Hyatt review.
2. San Diego Marriott Marquis
Address: 333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.3 miles (about a five-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Business trips, family travel, couples getaways
Why go: San Diego Marriott Marquis is the closest hotel to San Diego Convention Center. Its waterfront location provides pretty views but also access to water sports.
It’s popular for its large-for-the-area outdoor pool deck and for Marriott Bonvoy members.
Hotel amenities:
- Coffee and tea in rooms
- Concierge desk
- Safe deposit boxes
- Valet dry-cleaning
- Newsstand
- Shoeshine stand
- Cribs, play yards, and rollaway beds available upon request
- Iron and ironing boards in rooms
- Luxurious bedding
- In-room safe
- Hairdryer in rooms
- Fitness center
- Two free form outdoor pools with cabanas and poolside service
- Whirlpool
- Two electric car charging stations
Onsite dining:
- Buffet breakfast
- Tequila Bar & Grill
- Roy’s Restaurant
- Exchange
- Marina Kitchen & Bar
- Starbucks
Good to know: It has a large list of amenities but this is not a luxury property. Readers report that the rooms show some wear and tear. This hotel, like Manchester Grand Hyatt, draws convention-goers and tourists. Prices can spike high when there is a big convention in town.
3. InterContinental San Diego
Address: 901 Bayfront Court; San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 1.1 miles (approximately 20-minute walk or five-minute drive)
Hotel class: Moderate/Luxury
Top pick for: Travelers looking for a larger luxury option.
Why go: The InterContinental San Diego is a downtown hotel putting visitors within walking distance to the San Diego Convention Center and to many of the area’s top attractions and offers floor-to-ceiling windows in the rooms providing fantastic views of the city.
Hotel amenities:
- Club InterContinental lounge
- Turndown service
- Keurig coffee makers
- Marble bathrooms
- Cozy robe and slippers
- Hairdryer in room
- Minibars
- Dry cleaning pick up
- Shoeshine
- Laundry valet
- Health and wellness center
Onsite dining:
- Vistal Bar + Restaurant
- Layover
- Garibaldi: Speakeasy
- Starbucks
- Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
- In-room dining
Good to know: Frequent guests of InterContinental feel that it’s not up to par with other hotels in the brand. The $30 amenity fee covers things like basic Wi-Fi, business lounge, and fitness center access but you’re also getting a daily $15 Vistal food and beverage credit.
Awards: Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award 2019
Reservations: Join IHG Rewards (InterContinental Hotel Groups rewards program) and book using that rate.
4. Pendry San Diego
Address: 550 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.3 miles (less than a five-minute walk)
Hotel class: Luxury
Top pick for: Business trips, couples getaways, singles trips, luxury travelers
Why go: Pendry San Diego places guests in the heart of San Diego’s Historic Gaslamp Quarter, where visitors can enjoy a thriving nightlife, shopping, beaches, and more. Sports fans will be in a good location because the hotel is close to Petco Park where they can catch a Padres game while in town.
Hotel amenities:
- Spa
- Heated rooftop pool
- Wellness center
- MiN New York products
- Fitness center
- Luxury linens and custom furnishing
Onsite dining:
- Provisional Kitchen, Cafe, and Mercantile
- Fifth & Rose
- Nason’s Beer Hall
- Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine
- The Pool House
- Oxford Social Club
- In-room dining
Good to know: I do have plenty of families who stay here because I can ask them to guarantee connecting rooms. You just need to check The Pool House calendar as weekend pool parties during good weather can be a little Vegas-like. Overnight valet parking is $49 per night.
Reservations: This is one of the hotels near the San Diego Convention Center where you have access to Virtuoso benefits through me.
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Breakfast credit at Provisional Restaurant or In-Room Dining for two guests per bedroom daily ($30 maximum per person, per day)
- $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Read more: My full Pendry San Diego review
5. SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
Address: 900 Bayfront Court, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 1.1 miles (approximately a 20-minute walk or six-minute drive)
Hotel class: Moderate/Budget
Top pick for: Business trips, longer stays, and families who need more space.
Why go: SpringHill Suites San Diego provides comforts of home to guests wanting to remain close to the San Diego Convention Center while having fantastic views of Downtown San Diego or the bay in a comfortable room.
Hotel amenities:
- In-room mini-fridge and microwave
- Free, in-room Wi-Fi
- Business center
- Convenience store
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Fitness center
- Meeting rooms
- Outdoor event space
- Bike rentals
Onsite dining:
- Complimentary hot breakfast
- Harbor & Sky
Good to know: You might expect an all-suite hotel like this to price like a budget hotel. This one doesn’t because it’s fairly new and modern with a fantastic location on the bay. That being said, it’s great value for what you get.
Awards:
- AAA Three Diamond Resort
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2021
Reservations:
6. Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Address: 1 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.4 miles (less than a ten-minute walk and not worth driving)
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Business trips, family vacations, pet lovers
Why go: The 30-story waterfront hotel, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, offers advantages to those wanting to experience San Diego including bay views and a location within walking distance to attractions. Guest also enjoy a spa to help rejuvenate after long days at the nearby San Diego Convention Center.
Hotel amenities:
- Business center and equipment rentals are available
- Notary public
- Internet access
- Meeting rooms
- Office rental
- The UPS Store
- Children’s activities
- Clothing store
- Gift shop
- In-room mini cooler
- Newsstand
- Shoeshine stand
- Snack shop
- Fitness center
- Full-service spa
- Jogging track
- Heated, saltwater outdoor swimming pool with a small water slide
Onsite Dining:
- Odysea
- On the Rocks Food Truck
- Starbucks
- Sweet Things Frozen Yogurt
- The Pool Club
Good to know: It’s pet-friendly up to 75 pounds (additional fees apply for pets).
Awards: AAA Four Diamond Award Hotel
Reservations: The cheapest way to book Hilton hotels is typically by using the Hilton Honors rate (this program is free to join).
7. Omni San Diego Hotel
Address: 675 L Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.2 miles (less than a five-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Business trips, family vacations, and people who want to go to a Padres game.
Why go: Omni San Diego is one of the best hotels near San Diego Convention Center because it’s right across the street, offering a place for families to stay when parents are traveling for business or to relax after a long day attending a conference.
Hotel amenities:
- Free and paid Wi-Fi services
- Outdoor terrace with stone fireplace, heated pool, and hot tub
- Full-service fitness center with Peloton
- Business center
- Concierge service
- Massage therapy
- UPS Store
- Electric car charging stations in the valet parking garage
Onsite Dining:
- Terrace Bar & Grill
- West Coast Social
- Zumbido
Good to know: This hotel has a walkway that connects to PETCO Park. Self-parking is available in public garages about one block from the hotel (prices vary) otherwise it’s valet-parking only at $55/night. Pets up to 25 pounds are allowed with a $100 cleaning fee.
Awards: AAA Four Diamond Award Hotel
Reservations: I would take a look at rates on Omni but many readers tend to book using Hotels.com.
8. Andaz San Diego
Address: 600 F Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.7 miles (approximately a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive)
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: World of Hyatt members in search of a nice, reasonably-priced boutique hotel.
Why go: Andaz San Diego overlooks the historic Gaslamp District from a historic building that originally opened in 1913 for the World’s Fair. Guests staying here are close to the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, and nearby entertainment venues, perfect for winding down after a long day of meetings.
Hotel amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Electric vehicle charging
- Fitness center
- Rooftop pool
- Business center and services
- Valet laundry
- Concierge
- Meeting facilities
- Shoe shining service
- Complimentary wine, craft beer, or coffee at check-in
- Complimentary happy hour tastings
- Keurig coffee maker
- Robes
- Minibar with select complimentary snacks and beverages
Onsite dining:
- The Rooftop by STK
- STK Restaurant San Diego
- In-room dining
Good to know: You can often find reasonably-priced suites here. It’s not unfamily-friendly but if you’re traveling with kids I would probably go to one of the other options on this list.
Reservations: This is also a hotel near San Diego Convention Center where I can book you in with Hyatt Prive benefits that include the below.
- $50 USD Property Credit
- Room Upgrade*
- Breakfast for Two
- Welcome Amenity
- Guest Welcome Letter
- Early Check-In*
- Connecting Rooms*
- Free Wifi
* Subject to forecasted occupancy
9. Hard Rock San Diego
Address: 207 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.3 miles (less than a five-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Travelers without kids who are looking for a fun pool scene and nightlife options.
Why go: The Hard Rock San Diego places guests in a Gaslamp Quarter hotel located just a short walk to many local attractions and offers world-class service with a musical flare from the amazing hotel staff. It’s also basically across the street from the San Diego Convention Center.
Hotel amenities:
- Rooftop pool and cabanas
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Rock Shop®
- Sleep like a rock luxury bedding
- Rock Spa® bath products
- Fitness center
- Business center
- Electra bicycles (rentals)
Onsite dining:
- Nobu Sushi
- Float Rooftop Bar
- MaryJane’s Diner
- 207 Bar
Good to know: This isn’t a great hotel for kids because it tends to have a party-like pool scene. I stayed here while attending a conference at the San Diego Convention Center.
Reservations:
10. Embassy Suites San Diego Bay Downtown
Address: 601 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.7 miles (approximately 15-minute walk or five-minute drive)
Hotel class: Moderate/Budget
Top pick for: Families, long stays, and business trips
Why go: Embassy Suites San Diego Bay Downtown offers everything someone traveling on business needs to stay on top of their work and have a place to relax after a long day at the Convention Center. It’s an all-suite property where every accommodation is a two-room suite with either a king or two double beds.
Hotel amenities:
- Indoor pool
- Fitness center with StretchU
- Free made to order breakfast
- Complimentary evening reception
- Non-smoking rooms with microwaves and minirefrigerators
- Concierge
- Business center
- Meeting rooms
Onsite dining:
- N.Y. West
- In-room dining
Good to know: Some two double bed suites have a sofa bed in the living room which means that they sleep six people and are popular with large families. A $25 daily mandatory destination charge is added to all hotel bills and includes premium guest internet, $25 food and beverage credit, and 1-hour paddleboard or kayak rental. Valet parking is $55; No self-parking is available.
Reservations: Join the Hilton Honors program (free) and book using the member rate.
11. Hilton San Diego Gaslamp
Address: 401 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.2 miles (about a 5-minute walk)
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Hilton Honors members who want more of a boutique hotel feel closer to the Gaslamp quarter.
Why go: Those looking for a place to escape after a long day of work will fall in love with the many shops and restaurants surrounding the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp hotel, including catching a game at Petco Park. It’s just across the street as well from San Diego Convention Center.
Hotel amenities:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Concierge
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Fitness center
- Business center
- Meeting rooms
Onsite dining:
- New Leaf Bar
- New Leaf Restaurant
Good to know: You’ll receive a $25 food and beverage credit with the daily mandatory urban destination charge in addition to beach cruiser rental for two adults. It’s valet parking only for $55/night. Pets are allowed for an additional fee.
Reservations: The lowest rate is with the Hilton Honors discount.
12. Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter
Address: 356 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.3 miles (less than a 10-minute walk or five-minute drive)
Hotel class: Budget
Top pick for: Marriott Bonvoy members and families who need kitchens.
Why go: Those looking for reasonably-priced studio suites or suites with kitchens in the Gaslamp Quarter near a variety of shops and restaurants should consider Residence Inn. It’s just a few blocks away from the Convention Center and PETCO Park.
Hotel amenities:
- Non-smoking hotel
- Laundry
- Safe deposit boxes at the front desk
- Car rental
- Valet dry-cleaning
- Beauty shop and barber
- Coffee and tea in rooms
- Crib/play yard available
- Iron and ironing board
- Luxury bedding
- Kitchens with refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and more
- Sundry/convenience store
Onsite dining:
- Hot complimentary breakfast
Good to know: A maximum of two pets are welcome totaling 50 lbs for an additional fee.
Awards:
- AAA Three-Diamond Hotel
- TripAdvisor 2017 Green Leader – Gold
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2021
Reservations: Join Marriott Bonvoy (free) and book in using their member rate.
13. The Sofia Hotel
Address: 150 West Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.8 miles (approximately a 15-minute walk or a five-minute drive)
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Historic and boutique hotel lovers.
Why go: The Sofia Hotel boasts a interesting story as the former Pickwick Hotel built in 1926 by a stagecoach company who needed a place for passengers to stay. Today, it offers business travelers a variety of amenities and meeting space for work during the day.
Hotel amenities:
- Non-smoking hotel
- Work stations in rooms
- Wi-Fi and wired Internet
- Accessible rooms and parking are available
- Spa services
- Yoga + Health Center
- Local tours available
- Conference and business centers
Onsite dining:
- Currant Restaurant (temporarily closed)
Good to know: This hotel made may list of San Diego historic hotels and San Diego boutique hotels. The building is also renowned for its Gothic revival style architecture.
Reservations:
14. Horton Grand Hotel San Diego
Address: 311 Island Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.4 miles (approximately a 10-minute walk or six-minute drive)
Hotel class: Budget
Top pick for: Budget travelers looking for a historic boutique hotel.
Why go: The Horton Grand Hotel San Diego offers guests accommodations set among a timeless Victorian charm with many of the comforts of home for a comfortable stay in a great location.
Hotel amenities:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Pantry to shop for snacks
- Business center with complimentary computer usage
- Corporate meeting spaces and related services
- Non-smoking facility
- In-room coffee and tea maker
- Marble fireplaces in select rooms
- Equipped kitchens in select suites
Onsite food:
- Salt & Whiskey
Good to know: Long story short, Horton Grand is actually a thoughtful combination of two 19th century hotels that were scheduled for demolition. That’s why it pays to look at the details, many of which are original.
Reservations:
15. Hotel Solamar San Diego
Address: 435 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Distance to San Diego Convention Center: 0.4 miles (less than a 10-minute walk and less than a five-minute drive)
Hotel class: Moderate
Top pick for: Business travelers seeking an upbeat place to stay away from the Convention Center.
Why go: Hotel Solamar San Diego is is a popular choice in the East Village neighborhood near PETCO Park for a SoCal vibe. It’s known for its rooftop pool and bar, in addition to having great service and comfortable rooms.
Hotel amenities:
- Rooftop pool
- Fun trivia nights
- Rooftop terrace with lounge, fire pits, and private cabanas
- Fitness center
- Bike rentals
- Complimentary essential travel items
- Valet service
- Same-day laundry services
- Pet-friendly accommodations
- Oversized soaking tubs in select rooms
- Accessible accommodations
Onsite dining:
- JSixRestaurant (currently closed)
- Upper East Bar
Good to know: This hotel was supposed to transition to a Margaritaville property in 2021. The date for this transition is currently unknown.
Awards:
- Travel + Leisure Top 500 Hotels in the U.S. 2021
- Best Hotels in San Diego, US News and World Report 2021
Reservations:
San Diego Convention Center Area Transportation
A car isn’t necessary for this part of town. Going without will help save on the steep parking prices hotels in all price ranges charge.
As mentioned above, San Diego Airport is reachable by surface streets in a matter of minutes or a three-mile walk (most people drive).
Several hotels in the area offer shuttles to and from the airport. In addition, taxis and ride-shares can take you anywhere in the downtown San Diego area and beyond that you need to go.
A more convenient method of transportation is the MTS Trolley, which has two stops in front of the San Diego Convention Center and stops in Little Italy, Fashion Valley, Old Town San Diego, and now heads as far as UTC near La Jolla.
Nearby dockless scooter and bike rentals offer a fun way to explore San Diego, and there are plenty of designated parking spaces for your rental car.
Vacation Rentals Near San Diego Convention Center
If you’ve decided that a vacation rental near San Diego Convention Center is more appropriate for your situation, I prefer Marriott Homes and Villas because they vet the properties and only use those with professional management. However, VRBO has the most availability.
See also: Best Hotels in Downtown San Diego
Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).
Planning a Trip to San Diego? Start Here!
And, don’t forget to save money on sightseeing with my discount tickets or a Go San Diego Card.
Things to Do
Hotels
Before You Go
More San Diego Hotels
Sheraton La Jolla Review: Who Stays at This Hotel & Why
Embassy Suites San Diego La Jolla Review: Who Stays Here & Why
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines Review for Golfers, Families, & Business Travel
10 Things to Do at Fairmont Grand Del Mar During the Holidays