12 Best Marriott Hotels in San Diego

There are more than two dozen Marriott properties across San Diego County, and they are not all created equal. Some are genuinely worth booking. Others are perfectly fine Courtyards and Fairfield Inns that do the job, but don’t need a deep dive from me.

This guide covers the 12 I’d actually recommend: the ones where the location, the room quality, or the Bonvoy value make them worth choosing over the competition. I’ve stayed at or visited all of them, and I live here, so I’m giving you the honest version.

Whether you’re redeeming Bonvoy points, earning toward status, or just want a local’s take on which Marriott to book, this is the list.

We independently select featured hotels and may earn a commission if you book through the links below.

San Diego Marriott Hotels Quick Comparison

Which Marriott Should You Book? 

Attending a convention? Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina if it’s at the Convention Center. Gaylord Pacific is in Chula Vista. Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina for Harbor Island events.

Visiting LEGOLAND? Westin Carlsbad if you want the nicer rooms, Sheraton Carlsbad if you want the lower rate. They share a campus with a private entrance to LEGOLAND.

Want the beach? Coronado Marriott has bay views, and you can bike to Coronado Beach. For a hotel directly on the sand, see my note about Pier South Resort in the FAQ section below.

Downtown on a budget? The Guild Hotel or Hotel Republic both deliver style without the luxury price tag. Courtyard Downtown is even more affordable and has the best lobby in the city.

Want luxury? THE US GRANT, no question. Book the Virtuoso rate through me for breakfast and a $100 F&B credit.

Staying a week or more? Marriott Vacation Club, San Diego has mini-kitchens and laundry, built for extended stays.

Want a waterpark and don’t mind being outside central San Diego? Gaylord Pacific in Chula Vista has a 4.25-acre aquatic playground and 12 restaurants on the property.

1. THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Hotel class: Luxury

You want:

• a historic location with over a century of notoriety.
• quick access to the trendy bars and restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter.
• to sip cocktails in style at an onsite French-inspired bar.
• stylish accommodations that feature high ceilings and Art Deco details.
• the most luxurious Marriott hotel in San Diego.

Choose: THE US GRANT, A Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

Opened over a century ago by the son of President Ulysses S. Grant, this Marriott San Diego downtown hotel appeals to anyone who prefers historic hotels or accommodations with character.

Regal vibes become evident as soon as you step into the palatial lobby. Rooms and suites feature custom art and modern conveniences, such as flat-screen TVs with premium channels.

Five-star service and luxury aside, another appeal of THE US GRANT is its proximity to the Gaslamp District, which you’ll be thrilled to explore. You can also quickly reach Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo from this part of downtown.

While there isn’t a swimming pool or full-service spa, they do have a room where guests can enjoy massages and facials. The lack of these two amenities though is also why this hotel can price really well for a five-star hotel.

Book: Use the Virtuoso rate, which you have access to through me.

Also featured in: Best San Diego Luxury Hotels, Best Downtown San Diego Hotels, Haunted Hotels in San Diego, Best Hotels Near San Diego Zoo, Historic Hotels in San Diego

2. Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa

Location: Coronado Island
Hotel class: Moderate

You want:

• a Coronado hotel that doesn’t usually break the bank
• bay views, and you don’t mind riding your bike or taking Uber to the famous Coronado Beach. 
• kid-friendly accommodations – some rooms sleep up to 5 people.
• spa services such as massages and facials.
• lovely views from private balconies.
• easy access to downtown via the nearby ferry.

Choose: Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa 

Many families choose the Coronado Island Marriott when Hotel del Coronado and other accommodations closer to the beach on the other side of the island are booked or out of budget.

You can soak in the sun at one of three outdoor pools or walk along San Diego Bay. Rooms, suites, and cottages are spacious — some with fire pits, some cottages with kitchenettes for extended stays. Many two-double-bed rooms also have a sofa sleeper, which is ideal for families of five. I also quite like the spa here for massages.

There are tennis and pickleball courts, bike rentals, and watersport rentals from the pier. Some guests ride over to the beach on the other side of the island.

Book: Use the Marriott Bonvoy Member Rate.

Also featured in: Best Coronado Island Hotels

3. Hotel Republic San Diego

Location: Downtown San Diego
Hotel class: Moderate

You want:

• a boutique Marriott hotel with reasonable pricing.
• al fresco dining and craft cocktails (including bottomless beverages at brunch).
• pet-friendly downtown accommodations.
• to attend special pop-up events.
• a walkable location near the Embarcadero and Little Italy — it’s also a few blocks away from the Amtrak Santa Fe Depot station.

Choose: Hotel Republic San Diego 

Hotel Republic San Diego offers a desirable location for staying with friends or a significant other, or your four-legged companion. Business travelers, singles, and couples tend to book this San Diego downtown Marriott hotel that bills itself as a cool social hub.

That doesn’t mean it’s not kid-friendly – just don’t expect lots of kids’ amenities. There’s also no swimming pool.

People like the open-air terrace restaurant, which highlights downtown’s best sights and sounds when you need to unwind. Return to the terrace on Saturday mornings for yoga; personal mats are provided in all guest rooms. There’s also a chic coffee shop.

Otherwise, you can easily reach Balboa Park and other beloved locations from this Marriott San Diego downtown hotel.

Book: Use Marriott Luminous to receive the following amenities.

Also featured in: Best Downtown San Diego Hotels, Best San Diego Boutique Hotels 

4. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Location: Downtown San Diego
Hotel class: Moderate

You want:

• a moderately-priced hotel with bay views.
• to stay within walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center and Seaport Village.
• to pamper yourself at the spa.
• a larger family-friendly pool (there aren’t many in the area)

Choose: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

If you plan to attend an event at the San Diego Convention Center, you can’t go wrong with a room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina.

Another reason people choose it is the pool deck. Many downtown pools are smaller and not as family-friendly.

Within the various hotel rooms and suites (some guests report wear and tear, while others think it’s fair for the price point and location), clean lines and a neutral palette get the job done. On-site amenities include multiple restaurants and Starbucks, but you’re just steps from Seaport Village with its shops and restaurants.

Book: Use the Marriott Bonvoy Member Rate.

Also featured in: Best Downtown San Diego Hotels, Best Hotels Near the San Diego Convention Center

5. Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center

Location: Chula Vista Bayfront

Hotel class: Luxury

You want:

• a mega-resort with everything under one roof
• a 4.25-acre waterpark with slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool
• 12 dining options, from fast-casual to fine dining
• convention or meeting space (the largest hotel convention center in California)
• bayfront views of the San Diego Bay and marina

Choose: Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center

This is the newest and largest Marriott property in the county. Gaylord Pacific opened in May 2025 on the Chula Vista Bayfront with 1,600 rooms, making it the largest hotel in California. It’s the first Gaylord Hotels property on the West Coast, and it’s a destination in itself rather than a typical hotel.

The aquatic area alone is reason enough for families: multiple pools, waterslides, a lazy river, a wave pool, a kids’ pool zone, and private cabanas. The dining lineup includes Old Hickory Steakhouse for surf and turf, Rumorosa for Baja-inspired cuisine, Growlers Sports Bar with a 75-foot screen, and the speakeasy-style Cask & Crown tucked inside Growlers. The Relâche Spa & Salon, a 7,500 sq. ft. fitness center, and bike rentals round out the amenities.

The catch: it’s in Chula Vista, about 7 miles south of downtown San Diego. If your trip is centered around the Gaslamp, Balboa Park, or La Jolla, the commute will add time. But if you’re attending a convention here, or if the waterpark and all-under-one-roof experience is the point,there’s nothing else like it in San Diego County.

Book: Use the Marriott Bonvoy Member Rate.

6. Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Location: Harbor Island

Hotel class: Moderate

You want:

• a waterfront hotel with marina and downtown skyline views
• a free airport shuttle (San Diego International is half a mile away)
• three outdoor pools and watersport rentals on the bay
• freshly renovated rooms after a $100+ million makeover

Choose: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

The Sheraton on Harbor Island has been a San Diego institution since 1972, and it just went through the most significant renovation in its history. The $100+ million overhaul, completed in late 2024, refreshed all 1,053 rooms across the Marina Tower and Bay Tower, reimagined the lobby as a modern gathering space, and introduced four new dining concepts.

Rumorosa serves Baja-inspired dishes and Mexican wines with live music. Brewery X is a SoCal craft brew pub overlooking the marina. Strada offers Italian grab-and-go. Sunglow is the seasonal poolside bar and cabana club. There are three pools (Marina Tower, Bay Tower, and Harbor Island with a kids’ wading area), tennis and pickleball courts, yoga classes, and you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis right from the property.

The location is unique in San Diego: you’re on Harbor Island with unobstructed bay views, a half-mile from the airport with a complimentary shuttle, and a short drive or ride to downtown, the Gaslamp, and most attractions. It’s particularly popular for meetings and weddings because of the 130,000+ square feet of waterfront event space. The trade-off is that you’re not within walking distance of restaurants or nightlife outside the hotel.

Book: Use the Marriott Bonvoy Member Rate.

Also featured in: 10 Best Hotels Near San Diego Airport, 17 Best Hotel Pools in San Diego

7. The Guild Hotel, Tribute Portfolio

Location: Little Italy
Hotel class: Moderate

You want:

• to stay in a boutique hotel that has plenty of character.
• reasonably priced accommodations as compared to other local options.
• to sip delicious cocktails at the hotel bar.
• accommodations within walking distance of top downtown San Diego destinations.

Choose: The Guild Hotel

Downtown San Diego can be expensive, but The Guild makes it possible without compromising style. This boutique hotel features an elegant interior with archways, gorgeous tile, and exposed brick walls. The building once served as an Army-Navy YMCA, and the hotel continues to pay homage to those roots.

It tends to attract kid-free adults, though families may find the price point appealing if they’re willing to skip amenities like a pool or spa. Highlights include the Grace Garden for an urban escape, The Guild Bar for cocktails and American cuisine (with a courtyard dining area that transforms from lively by day to intimate at night), and The Guild Cafe for casual breakfast and meals throughout the day.

Book: Use Marriott Luminous, which you have access to through me.

Also featured in: Best Downtown San Diego Hotels, Best Boutique Hotels in San Diego

8. Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa 

Location: Carlsbad
Hotel class: Moderate

You want:

• easy access to LEGOLAND California via a private entrance.
• farm-to-table dining.
• ocean-inspired spa treatments.
• lovely coastal views.
• trolley service to nearby beaches and attractions.
• a pet-friendly hotel (dogs under 80 lbs are welcome with an additional fee).

Choose: Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa

Splendid views can be enjoyed from several spots throughout the Westin Carlsbad, but are especially serene from the Westin Heavenly Beds.

This relatively new Marriott hotel is also a wise choice for convenience. Access the I-5 freeway in just a few minutes to see the rest of San Diego. Take surface streets to Carlsbad beaches, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, the Museum of Making Music, and other nearby attractions.

After playing a round of golf at the adjacent The Crossings at Carlsbad, you’ll be ready for a delectable meal at the resort’s onsite restaurant, which serves a variety of healthy and delicious entrees.

It also shares the same campus as Sheraton Carlsbad, but is a bit higher because it’s newer.

Book: Use the Marriott Bonvoy Member Rate.

Also featured in: Best Hotels in Carlsbad

9. Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa

Location: Carlsbad
Hotel class: Moderate

You want:

• to be a part of a larger hotel complex – Sheraton and Westin share facilities (Sheraton is usually at a lower price point).
• the private entrance to LEGOLAND California.
• trolley service to nearby beaches and areas
• a family-friendly space.
• a nice outdoor pool

Choose: Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa

Of the two Marriott hotels in the complex, families tend to choose the Sheraton Carlsbad. This Sheraton San Diego hotel shares many of the same features as the Westin, such as the swimming pool and access to the same restaurants and spas. The hotel rooms are not as new, which may be why room rates tend to be lower.

When you return from a jam-packed day in Carlsbad, you’ll be pleased to relax in stylish digs that offer gorgeous views of the rugged hills. Hit up the 7 Mile Kitchen for California coastal cuisine, or treat yourself to a soothing spa experience.

Book: Use the Marriott Bonvoy Member Rate.

Also featured in: Best Hotels in Carlsbad

10. Marriott Vacation Club, San Diego

Location: Downtown San Diego
Hotel class: Moderate-Budget

You want:

• space for a larger family or group of friends
• a mini-kitchen with a sink, dishwasher, microwave, fridge, and small freezer (no stove or oven)
• laundry facilities
• an indoor pool and fitness center
• accommodations built for stays of a week or longer

Choose: Marriott Vacation Club

This is less of a hotel and more of a suite-style vacation rental within the Marriott system. Part of Marriott Vacation Club’s City Collection, the property offers separate living areas and a mini-kitchen, making it particularly appealing for extended stays. SHAKE restaurant is on-site for nights you don’t want to cook, and the downtown location means you can walk to most attractions.

Book: Use the Marriott Bonvoy Member Rate.

Also featured in: Best Hotels in San Diego with Kitchens or Kitchenettes and Best San Diego Hotels for Large Families

11. San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter 

Location: Gaslamp District
Hotel class: Moderate

You want:

• easy access to the hottest bars and restaurants in the Gaslamp area.
• somewhere to relax after attending a game at nearby Petco Park.
• views of the city from your cosmopolitan accommodations.
• drinks at Altitude Sky Lounge, one of San Diego’s best rooftop bars.

Choose: San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter

Location is the selling point here. If the bulk of your San Diego trip is centered around the Gaslamp Quarter, this property puts you right in it. Head upstairs to Altitude Sky Lounge, perched 22 stories above the Gaslamp with panoramic views of the bay, Coronado Bridge, and Petco Park. It’s one of the most well-known rooftop bars in the city.

Book: Use the Marriott Bonvoy Member Rate.

Also featured in: Best San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Hotels

12. Courtyard San Diego Downtown

Location: Downtown San Diego

You want:

• a Courtyard property that doesn’t feel like one.
• to stay in a historic San Diego hotel.
• to have a meeting in a bank vault with a 47,000-pound door.
• rooms decorated in rich colors, with microwaves and mini-fridges.

This isn’t your average Courtyard Marriott. Instead, this one is housed in a 1927 historic landmark, an Italian Romanesque Revival-style building by master architect William Templeton Johnson (who lived in the Presidential Suite), formerly the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank Building.

You certainly marvel at the details inside from the marble columns, painted tiles, and Art Deco accents that grace the common areas – even down to the Starbucks inside the lobby. But business and leisure travelers praise the hotel for its creature comforts and budget pricing for the area (be prepared to pay a steep fee for valet parking – common in the area).

Book: Use the Marriott Bonvoy Member Rate.

Also featured in: Best Downtown San Diego Hotels

San Diego Marriott Hotel Frequently Asked Questions

What About Pier South Resort in Imperial Beach?

Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection is a Bonvoy property directly on the beach in Imperial Beach, and it’s a beautiful hotel. I’ve recommended it for years. However, Imperial Beach has been significantly affected by the Tijuana River sewage crisis, leading to prolonged and intermittent beach closures over the past several years. The shoreline was closed for over 1,000 consecutive days before briefly reopening in fall 2024, and closures have continued into 2025 and 2026 despite infrastructure repairs on both sides of the border.

You can still enjoy the property and the views even during closures. If swimming in the ocean is the whole point of your trip, I would strongly recommend checking the San Diego County beach and bay water quality page at sdbeachinfo.com before your visit. Once the beach situation stabilizes, I’ll add Pier South back to the main rankings.

What Are the Best Marriott Hotels Near SeaWorld San Diego?

Several popular Marriott hotels in San Diego provide easy access to SeaWorld. While some driving is nearly always required, hotels near downtown make it possible to reach SeaWorld by car.

Top options on this list located a short drive from SeaWorld San Diego include:

• Marriott Vacation Club, San Diego
• Hotel Republic San Diego
• Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina (Harbor Island is very close)
• THE US GRANT
• The Guild Hotel

The closest Marriott hotel to SeaWorld San Diego, though, is the Four Points by Sheraton San Diego – SeaWorld. You can read my full list of hotels near SeaWorld San Diego for more details.

What Are the Best Marriott Hotels on the Beach in San Diego, CA?

If you want to walk straight onto the sand, Pier South Resort in Imperial Beach is your best option (see the beach closure caveat above). Otherwise, the Coronado Island Marriott offers bay views, and you can bike or Uber to Coronado Beach in front of Hotel del Coronado. The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is directly on San Diego Bay, with watersport rentals, though it’s a harbor setting rather than an ocean beach.

Can I Earn and Redeem Bonvoy Points at All of These Hotels?

Yes. Every hotel on this list participates in Marriott Bonvoy. You’ll earn points on every eligible dollar you spend, and the rate depends on the property’s category and your elite status level.

For the hotels where I offer Virtuoso or Luminous rates (THE US GRANT, The Guild Hotel, and Hotel Republic), you still earn Bonvoy points on your stay while also receiving additional perks like daily breakfast and room upgrades that you wouldn’t get booking directly through Marriott.com.

If you’re deciding between redeeming points or paying cash, my general advice is to check the cash rate first and do the math on your cents-per-point value. Some of these properties are priced well enough in cash that saving your points for a higher-category redemption elsewhere might make more sense.