If I’m telling you to stay in a hotel, I want you to stay under the BEST possible circumstances — basically, how I book my own stays. I’m pleased to say that through me, you can book into ten top San Diego hotels as a VIP guest via Virtuoso and other hotel programs that are exclusive to select luxury travel agents thanks to my affiliation with Cadence.
These are great four- and five-star San Diego hotel deals as the benefits I can add reduce the cost of your overall stay. Sometimes, there are exclusive offers. And, I have personal relationships with staff on each property who are directly responsible for making sure your stay is perfect. They note allergies, recognize special occasions, resolve even the most minor issues, and place my guests in the best available rooms based on the booked category.
My experiences from checking in as a regular guest, feedback from clients, and input from hotel staff also drive which San Diego hotels are this list.
Also, I used to live in a luxury hotel so I know what a hotel stay should be like down to even the most minor details. Many of you have asked for a more specific list of where I have benefits and promotions so this is it.
Tip: Save by combining theme park tickets and a hotel stay with San Diego vacation packages that can be booked directly (best for hotels not mentioned below).
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Location: East Del Mar
Why I love it: This sprawling Forbes Fifteen Star resort makes guests feel like they’re on vacation in a Tuscan villa. They have a fantastic year-round kids’ club (ages 5–12), full-service spa (with two hours of kids’ club access per treatment), San Diego’s only Michelin-star restaurant, golf, an equestrian center, beach valet (via a chauffeured butler service) and more in a central location. Its five-star service also makes this one of the best hotels in San Diego and it also tops my list of kid-friendly hotels in San Diego.
Learn more: Read my full Fairmont Grand Del Mar review.
Virtuoso amenities that you can book in with:
- Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (excluding suites)
- Daily continental breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in Amaya or in-room dining (up to $70 per bedroom per day)
- $100 USD Activity credit per stay, valid for golf play, golf instruction, the Spa services, and/or Explorer’s Club fees to be utilized during stay (cannot be combined, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full – not valid towards retail or Haim Salon Services)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Look out for: 3rd night free, including Virtuoso amenities
Reservations: Book directly through my Fairmont Grand Del Mar Virtuoso page.*
*To do this you will need to enable the desktop version of Virtuoso.com. If you are on a mobile device, scroll down to the black footer and click “Full Site.” Only search with the number of adults traveling to generate the correct pricing. I’ll add in your kids when I receive the booking.
Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego
Location: Aviara is a residential neighborhood in Carlsbad that is adjacent to the famous Aviara Golf Club.
Why I Love It: Everyone I book here is happy because they love the Four Seasons service and space. King rooms have double sofa beds and villas go up to two bedrooms with full kitchens. Four Seasons Aviara is fantastic for long stays, those who like to cook, and luxury travelers. Many guests return.
Learn more: Read my full Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego review.
Four Seasons Preferred Partner Benefits that you can book in with:
- Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining or in the hotel restaurant (including buffets)
- USD 100 Resort credit
- Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites, villas, and private residences)
- Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms; complimentary premium Internet in all suites
- Welcome note at check-in acknowledging you and your travel agency and the amenities that are being extended
Look out for: Stay Longer – Third Night Free rate (subject to availability) plus Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits.
Reservations: Request a Four Seasons Preferred Partner rate.
Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
Location: Rancho Santa Fe (about 15 minutes inland from the 1-5 freeway)
Why I love it: This luxury resort caters to those who are half-day tourists or looking to stay put because of its fantastic dining, suites, fitness classes, and other health-centric amenities that will make you not want to leave. The quiet, award-winning getaway is popular for relaxing staycations and drive market weekend getaways. Rancho Valencia tops my list of luxury hotels in San Diego.
Learn more: Read my full Rancho Valencia review.
Virtuoso amenities that you can book in with:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily full breakfast, for up to two in room guests per bedroom (maximum $40 credit per person)
- $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, (Not valid in Sheridan, the resort’s boutique. 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
Look out for: Stay 2 nights in Olive Grove Suite or higher and receive 3rd night free. All Virtuoso amenities apply.
Reservations: Book directly through my Rancho Valencia Virtuoso page.*
*If on a mobile device, scroll to the footer and click “Full Site” to access rates and online booking.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Location: La Jolla, near UCSD and Torrey Pines State Reserve
Why I love it: California Craftsman charm in a boutique property with excellent service and the ability to help score coveted tee times at Torrey Pines. Farm-to-table AR Valentien restaurant and the spa are among San Diego’s best. If the style suits you and you like five-star service in unique properties, this is a fit for all types of travelers but is a popular choice for couples getaways.
Virtuoso amenities that you can book in with:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Full breakfast daily in the restaurant for up to 2 in-room guests per bedroom (up to 60.00 credit per day)
- $100 USD Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full, excluding gratuity and tax)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Reservations: Book on my The Lodge at Torrey Pines Virtuoso page. (If on a mobile device, scroll to the black footer and click “Full Site” to access online rates and booking.)
Pendry San Diego
Location: Downtown San Diego
Why I love it: Our favorite downtown San Diego boutique hotel offers a fantastic rooftop pool deck with cabanas, a speakeasy (that guests skip the queue for), multiple dining outlets, and sleek yet comfortable modern decor within walking distance to sightseeing and the city’s best restaurants. It’s good for urban weekends and quick trips into San Diego as the airport is about 10 minutes away.
Learn more: Read my full Pendry San Diego review.
Virtuoso amenities that you can book in with:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Breakfast credit at Provisional Restaurant or In-Room Dining for two per bedroom daily ($30 maximum per person, per day)
- $100 USD Resort/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
Reservations: Book directly on my Pendry San Diego Virtuoso page. (If on a mobile device, scroll to the black footer and click “Full Site” to access online rates and booking.)
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club and Spa
Location: Carlsbad (in Aviara next door to Four Seasons)
Why I love it: Suites tend to be reasonably-priced so this is a great option for families visiting LEGOLAND California. Park Hyatt Aviara offers a myriad of resort activities including a game room, kids’ pool area, Junior Golf Academy, and much more.
Learn more: Read my full Park Hyatt Aviara review.
Virtuoso amenities you can book in with now:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
- Daily full breakfast buffet, for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Resort 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 daily Aviara Spa access for two guests including sauna, whirlpool, steam room, and indoor solarium lounge.
- Locally-inspired culinary welcome amenity
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Look for: Every 4th Night Free (subject to availability)
Reservations: Book directly through my Park Hyatt Aviara Virtuoso page.*
*To do this you will need to enable the desktop version of Virtuoso.com. To do this on a mobile device, scroll down to the black footer and click “Full Site.” Only search with the number of adults traveling to generate the correct pricing. I’ll add in your kids when I receive the booking.
Beach Village at the Del
Location: Coronado (this is Hotel del Coronado’s luxury enclave)
Why I love it: Beach Village at The Del provides the most luxurious San Diego beach vacation possible. Accommodations include villas and cottages up to three bedrooms that are outfitted like designer residences. Only Beach Village guests have access to the facilities so it’s quieter. You’ll also have a personal concierge and an overall elevated level of service.
Learn more: Read my full Beach Village at The Del review.
Virtuoso amenities that you can book in with:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (room upgrades are not possible in Beach Village)
- Daily Buffet breakfast, for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Spa Services credit (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Reservations: There are two ways to book to find the best deal. Request a Virtuoso rate (usually the same as Hilton’s Flexible Rate plus Virtuoso benefits) or book on Hilton.com. The Virtuoso rate is more advantageous if your group plans to eat breakfast on the resort plus you receive my assistance.
Hotel del Coronado
Location: Coronado
Why we love it: San Diego’s historic beachfront hotel is an icon and one of the hotels that I book most. There are over 50 different room and suite types that I can help you sort through. The Coronado beach here is one of the nation’s best and you can even enjoy an adult beverage on the sand (rare in California) at Del Beach. Dining is much improved with the new Serea restaurant and robust resort events range from a winter ice skating rink to beach spinning.
Learn more: Read my full Hotel del Coronado review.
Virtuoso amenities that you can book in with (this is the best way to book here):
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (room upgrades are not possible in Beach Village)
- Daily Buffet breakfast (at Sheerwater), for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Spa Services credit (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Good to know: A very exciting renovation is underway at Hotel del Coronado. The California Cabana rooms are closed for renovation until July 2020. Please book into the Victorian building or California Cabanas. Your other option is The Towers, which is right next to renovation work.
Reservations: Book directly through my Hotel del Coronado Virtuoso page.*
*To do this you will need to enable the desktop version of Virtuoso.com. On a mobile device, scroll down to the black footer and click “Full Site.” Only search with the number of adults traveling to generate the correct pricing. I’ll add in your kids when I receive the booking.) Higher-end rooms may not be visible as there are 50 different room types. If you don’t see the room you’d like, please send me your dates.
The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel San Diego
Location: Downtown San Diego
Why we love it: Built by the son of President Ulysses S. Grant in 1910, this regal hotel is in an excellent location walkable to downtown sights and dining. Contemporary art and decor complement the dark woods and chandeliers throughout (we love the drip art headboards). Families stay here as well as business travelers (note that there isn’t a pool).
Learn more: Read my full THE US GRANT review.
Virtuoso amenities that you can book in with:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Full breakfast daily for up to two guests per bedroom in The Grant Grill or via room service (maximum value of $60 per day)
- $100 USD Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full, available in the Grant Grill or via room service only)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Look for: 4th Night Free with Virtuoso benefits
Reservations: Book directly through my THE US GRANT Virtuoso page.*
*To do this you will need to enable the desktop version of Virtuoso.com. On a mobile device, scroll down to the black footer and click “Full Site.” Only search with the number of adults traveling to generate the correct pricing. I’ll add in your kids when I receive the booking.
Omni la Costa Resort and Spa
Location: Carlsbad (La Costa)
Why I love it: Omni La Costa is popular with families who want a relaxed property where they can let the kids be kids. It has the most robust of any kids’ club in San Diego (with a nursery for ages 6 months to 3 years), which is convenient for parents who want to golf or use the outstanding spa. San Diego families often choose it as a staycation option.
Learn more: Read my full Omni La Costa review.
Travel Leader Select amenities that you can book in with:
- 100 USD Resort credit, plus one hour with a personal trainer
- Complimentary Full breakfast for two daily at VUE Restaurant
- Property will offer early check-in upon availability, Property will offer late check-out upon availability
- Property will offer upgrade upon availability at time of check-in
- Complimentary Basic Wi-Fi
Reservations: Request a Travel Leaders Select rate. Check Omni La Costa’s sale rates first on your dates. Sometimes, their prepaid sale rates can be better San Diego hotel deals than the Travel Leaders Select (which is the hotel’s Best Available Rate plus the above benefits).
Katie Dillon
Leave a Reply