San Diego Hotel Rooms and Suites for Large Families of Five or More

One of the most common challenges I help visitors navigate involves finding San Diego hotels for large families. They’d like to stay in one room or can’t quite figure out how to best book two rooms or a suite. They’re looking for a boutique hotel or larger resort, not necessarily the usual chain all-suite property.

The good news is that we have San Diego hotel accommodations that can fit five, six, seven, and even up to ten people in one room or a combination of rooms.

Rest assured that families of four or less can stay at each of these properties, too. In fact, these same options are popular for families of four when the kids don’t want to share a bed.

See also: The Best Kid-Friendly San Diego Hotels

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.

How to Use This List

The hotel options below are geared toward families traveling with children. Different occupancy rules apply when groups of adults travel together.

These arrangements are always subject to change based on the hotels’ availability and rules (and sometimes who you talk to at the hotel). I’ve done my best to list what I’ve booked in the past or know to be accurate at the time of this writing.

Most San Diego hotels do not guarantee connecting rooms. They try hard to honor the request, but there is always a risk that your rooms will not connect. However, I do list two connecting room options at hotels I trust and work with frequently, so if you’d like connecting rooms at these places, contact me. It’s possible.

Rollaway beds are subject to availability at some hotels. Read the fine print if you must have one. Double rooms can’t accommodate rollaway beds. Usually, a small crib or travel crib is allowed in a double room, but it depends on the hotel.

Like anything in life, things are subject to change so when in doubt, it’s best to call the hotel.

Why There Is a Maximum Occupancy Rule

Our standard hotel guest rooms have a maximum occupancy of four people due to fire codes.

Too many people, beds, and things in the room slow down a guest’s ability to exit the hotel room in an emergency. The hotel’s emergency exits also need to handle the flow of all guests exiting the building quickly.

A floor with 20 rooms and four guests per room will exit the building faster than a floor with 20 rooms and six guests per room. 

Occupancy is a carefully-planned concept and its there for your safety. With all of the above in mind, here are some fantastic San Diego hotels for large families.

Luxury

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Aviara

Best for: Families of up to six people (sometimes eight if the kids are little)
Location: Carlsbad

Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego is a favorite hotel of mine. Accommodations are fully-furnished residences that genuinely feel like a home away from home.

It’s a top choice for families who require more space because the resort can price well considering the generous size of the residences and that it’s a Four Seasons property with a spa, excellent food, swimming pools, and more.

• One-Bedroom Premier Resort Residence: A king bedroom with sofa bed is completely closed off from a full kitchen, living room with another sofa bed. Other features include one full bathroom, a powder room, washer/dryer, and a balcony or terrace. (1330 square feet/maximum six people; four adults or four adults and two children)
• Two-Bedroom Resort Residence: An excellent option for families with kids who don’t want to share a bed, this residence has two king bedrooms, two sofa beds, two full bathrooms, one powder room, washer/dryer, and three terraces or balconies. (1670 square feet/maximum six people; four adults or four adults and two children — I have placed families of eight here with small children)

They are also pet-friendly up to a generous 75 lbs and offer extended stay rates. 

Reservations: Pricing for the two residences mentioned above is typically not available online, but I can get it for you and include some benefits. I can add Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits to your stay that include:

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Hotel del Coronado

Best for: Families of up to six people
Location: Coronado

Hotel del Coronado is the San Diego hotel with the most demand. Families of five or more do have options to stay together in some suites and junior suites. These suites sell out quickly, so I advise you to book them (and really any accommodation here) ASAP.

The king suites with sofa beds sleep for four adults maximum, but if the fifth person is a child, he or she can stay in a crib (free) or rollaway bed ($25/night plus tax).

Connecting Rooms: Connecting rooms can be requested but they are not guaranteed. This is a busy hotel that is almost always sold-out.

If you must have connecting rooms, the risk they can’t honor the request is higher than at other hotels. The rooms that do connect are double queen rooms to king rooms in any view category.

Guest room sizes vary, but a connecting room set-up would give you about 700 square feet and a maximum of seven people with a rollaway in the king.

Victorian Building Suites:

• Victorian Double Queen Studio Suite: The junior suite has two queen beds, a queen sofa bed, one bathroom, and a seating area open to the bedroom. This option is also popular with families of four when the kids do not like to share a bed. It also prices well and comes with a resort view or ocean view. It can sleep up to six people, but it’s a tight fit. (500 square feet/maximum of six people)
• Victorian Suite or Ocean View Victorian Signature Suite: Stay here with one king bedroom that closes off from a living area with a queen sofa bed. If the fifth person is a child, they can stay in a crib or rollaway bed. (600 square feet/maximum five people with a rollaway bed)

Please read my guide to Hotel del Coronado, which explains the various buildings and what you need to know.

Reservations: You can book through Hilton, but through me, you have access to Virtuoso amenities that include (one set per room or suite booked):

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, for up to two guests per bedroom, served in Serẽa restaurant (credit is non-cumulative, restrictions if applicable)
• $100 USD Food & Beverage 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

Sign in or create a free Virtuoso account to see the discounted rate! When booking on Virtuoso.com use the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details. If you see multiple rates for the same room type, choose the lowest rate. Check the status of ocean swimming in front of Coronado Lifeguard Tower as it changes. This is the testing station in front of Hotel del Coronado.

*You may need to be on the desktop version of Virtuoso.com to search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version of a hotel page from a mobile device, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.” When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.

A note about booking the Virtuoso rate online: If you need multiple hotel rooms, book each one individually. I’ll be notified and then can put in a connecting room request and help coordinate rollaway beds, etc. 

Note: Do not book rooms that say property enhancement view because they overlook the Ocean Towers renovation.

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Beach Village at The Del

Best for: Families up to eight people
Location: Coronado

The most luxurious San Diego beachfront vacation is at Beach Village at The Del. It’s the exclusive, private enclave in the Hotel del Coronado that offers an elevated experience and amenities only accessible to Beach Village guests.

The residential-style rooms and suites boast designer kitchens and decor up to three bedrooms. They have a wide variety of rooms and suites available for families with either partial ocean view or full ocean view, so here is the gist.

• Cottage Rooms: Here’s a rare situation where double queen rooms will allow up to five people, thanks to a single sofa bed. (550–650 square feet/maximum 5 people)
• Two Bedroom Suites: These come with one king bedroom and either another king bedroom or a double queen bedroom in addition to a sofa bed, full kitchen, living room, terraces, outdoor soaking tubs in some suites, marble bathrooms, and more. (1100–1450 square feet/maximum 8 people)
• Three Bedroom Suites: These come with a king master bedroom, an additional king bedroom, and a double queen bedroom. Some have an additional three sofa sleepers. (1635–2035 square feet/maximum 8 people though I’d imagine a few extra kids may work on the sofa sleepers)

You may also want to read why Beach Village is San Diego’s most luxurious beach vacation. Cribs are complimentary and rollaway beds have a fee of $25/night.

Reservations: You can book on Hilton, but you also have access to Virtuoso amenities here. Online booking isn’t available for this resort, so you’ll need to send me your dates.

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Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Best for: Families of up to eleven people in connecting rooms and suites
Location: East Del Mar

Fairmont Grand Del Mar is the best San Diego luxury hotel. Its located in East Del Mar on the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

It’s quiet with many onsite activities, from its awesome main pool with a sandy beach area for the kids to an equestrian center. I love booking it because I never worry about the guest experience. There are lots of family activities happening daily during the summer as well.

The best way for larger families to stay there is in connecting rooms or a connecting suite to a room(s). Cribs are complimentary. Rollaway beds are $40/night plus tax. I can guarantee that your rooms connect if the hotel has them available.

Connecting Rooms

• Fairmont King to a Fairmont Queen/Queen: This is the combination that I book most because my guests usually receive an upgrade to a Deluxe set at the time of booking. These gorgeous, comfortable rooms have golf course or Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve views, marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, comfortable beds, and luxe amenities. (1000-1100 square feet in total/two adults and one child in a crib or rollaway in the king room and four people in the double queen = seven people)
• Deluxe King to Deluxe Queen/Queen: These rooms are located on the second and third floors of the resort, which means they have private balconies for alfresco relaxation. (1100 square feet in total/two adults and one child in a crib or rollaway in the king room and four people in the double queen = seven people)
• Two-Bedroom Suite: Connect a one-bedroom Toscana Suite with a separate living room (sofa bed) to a Fairmont Queen/Queen. (roughly 1500 square feet/maximum eight people)
• Three-Bedroom Suite: Connect a one-bedroom Palazzo Suite with a separate living room, fireplace, dining table for 8, kitchenette, terrace, and more to a Fairmont Queen/Queen and a Fairmont King. (roughly 2500 square feet/maximum eleven people)

Do you need even more space? Fairmont Grand Del Mar also has 4000-5000 square foot luxury villas.

Reservations: You can book on Fairmont.com, but through my you have access to Virtuoso amenities that include (one set per room or suite booked):

• Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (excluding suites)
• Daily continental breakfast for 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

*You may need to be on the desktop version of Virtuoso.com to search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version of a hotel page from a mobile device, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.” When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.

A note about booking the Virtuoso rate online: If you need multiple hotel rooms, book each individually. I’ll be notified and then put in a connecting room request, help coordinate rollaway beds, etc.

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Pendry San Diego

Best for: Families of up to seven people in connecting rooms
Location: Downtown

Families seeking a downtown San Diego luxury hotel should look no further than Pendry San Diego. This boutique hotel offers stunning restaurants with delicious food, pretty rooms, and a fun rooftop pool with cabanas.

Kids receive little amenities, they have a stroller rental program, and rooms here do connect. The suites do not connect to rooms to create larger rooms, nor do their suites have sofa beds.

• Connect a king and double queen in the same view type. Superior, Deluxe, Premier, and Grand rooms are all the same size (350 square feet), but their views range from non-view to full bay. (700 square feet total/maximum seven people)

I do like to point out that while the giant showers are fantastic, Pendy San Diego does not have bathtubs in its rooms. I can guarantee that your rooms connect if the hotel has them available.

Reservations: The best way to book is the Virtuoso rate which includes:

*The desktop version of Virtuoso.com is where you’ll search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version from a mobile device, after clicking on a Virtuoso hotel link, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.”

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Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa

Best for: Families up to nine in connecting rooms and suites
Location: Carlsbad

Park Hyatt Aviara is another great choice for luxury Carlsbad hotels near LEGOLAND. There are quite a few connecting rooms and family suite options at this luxury hotel for larger families, so I’ve outlined a few below.

This is another hotel that does an excellent job behind the scenes to cater to special requests. We like the game room, family pool, and spa.

They just renovated so now the two bed rooms have two king beds in them!

Connecting Rooms

• Connect a 1 king room to a 2 king room: Garden, Courtyard, and Pool view types. (1080 square feet total/maximum seven people with a rollaway in the king)
• Garden View King to Garden View King: This is a cool option for couples or families of three traveling together who would like this arrangement. (1080 square feet total/maximum six people with a rollaway in each room)

Suites (these are reasonably priced for San Diego)

• King Suites (Coastal, Garden, or Pool View): (855 square feet/maximum five people with a rollaway)
• Premium Suites (Coastal or Garden View): (1140 square feet/maximum five people with a rollaway)
• Palmer Suite or Blue Heron Suite: (1640 square feet/maximum five people with a rollaway)

Connecting Rooms to Suites

• Premium Coastal View to 2 Kings Coastal View: (1680 square feet total/maximum eight or nine people with a rollaway the suite)
• Palmer Suite to 2 Kings Garden View: (1700 square feet/maximum eight people)
• Blue Heron Suite to 2 Kings Coastal View: (1700 square feet/maximum eight people)

Reservations: The best way to book this resort is through Virtuoso. I also have access to Hyatt’s VIP program, so if you book and I see a better offer there, I’ll switch your rate.

*You may need to be on the desktop version of Virtuoso.com to search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version of a hotel page from a mobile device, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.” When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.

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Moderate

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

Best for: Families of up to eight people
Location: La Jolla

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is one of our most popular spots for multigenerational travel mostly because they have space for big families.

It’s as close to the beach as you can get in San Diego with special activities like s’mores in the evening, food and drink service to the sand, a pitch-and-putt golf course, and more. There are only 99 accommodations, so you’re likely to be close to extended family in most places on the property anyway.

It’s a mellow family-owned and operated property that is part of an exclusive members-only club. If you need a rollaway bed in a one-bedroom suite, they can put one in and try to figure out how to place you all together if traveling in a large group.

• Deluxe Beachfront Suite (top pick): Two bedrooms, a living room with a sofa bed, and an optional rollaway bed with 270-degree panoramic views. (1350 square feet/maximum six people)
• One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Oceanfront Suites: I always encourage people to choose one of these, if not the Deluxe Beachfront Suite, as they are literally just a few steps from the sand. If you’re traveling off-peak, they can also be excellent pricing for what you get. (650–1300 square feet/maximum five people with rollaway in a one-bedroom suite to 8 people in a three-bedroom suite)
• Cottages: Rarely available, these two two-bedroom (king and twin rooms or queen and twin rooms) cottages near the golf course have barbecues, washer/dryers, dedicated parking spaces, and feel a bit more residential, but the pricing is excellent. (maximum six people)

Reservations: I don’t have any extra amenities to add to a room here, but I book it a lot and am happy to coordinate it for you if you want to send me your dates.

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Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Best for: Families of up to nine people
Location: Downtown

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego houses nearly 1700 rooms and suites, so needless to say a variety of connecting room options exist.

It’s a big, corporate hotel with many activities, including a family pool, onsite bike rentals, basketball courts, and a seasonal kids club. The location within walking distance to lots of restaurants, shops, and sights downtown is perhaps what makes it most appealing, in addition to its pricing. See also my detailed guide to Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.

Again, these are just a handful of their connecting room and suite options because they have even larger.

Connecting Rooms

• Grand Club King to Grand Club Double: (680 square feet total/maximum seven people with a rollaway bed in the king)
• Bay View King to Bay View Double: (680 square feet total/maximum seven people with a rollaway bed in the king)
• City View King to City View Double: (680 square feet total/maximum seven people with a rollaway bed in the king)
• Standard King to Standard Double: (680 square feet total/maximum seven people with a rollaway bed in the king)
• Standard Double to Standard Double: (680 square feet total/maximum eight people)
• Standard King to Standard King: (680 square feet total/maximum six people with rollaway beds in each room)

Connecting Rooms to Suites (Two-Bedroom Suites)

• Grand Suites to Bay View Double: (1480 square feet total/maximum nine people wth rollaway in the suite)
• Signature Suites to Standard Double: (1480 square feet total/maximum nine people wth rollaway in the suite)

Reservations: I can book you in with Hyatt Prive benefits that include (per room or suite):

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Omni La Costa Resort and Spa

Best for: Families of up to eight people
Location: Carlsbad

Omni La Costa Resort and Spa offers big families a number of solutions. In addition to connecting rooms, families in need of more space should consider their villas which are furnished like comfortable homes. Amenities include designer kitchens with Viking appliances, washer-dryers, gas fireplaces and more.

Families stay here because of the kids’ pool and splash pad (check pool hours for seasonal times) and kids’ club. It’s also a great San Diego hotel near LEGOLAND. See also my detailed guide to Omni La Costa Resort.

Connecting Rooms: King rooms can connect to double queen rooms in the Plaza, Signature and La Costa categories. These are not guaranteed to connect but are by request only.

Family Suites: These offer two bedrooms (king and two queen beds) and a sitting area with a sofa bed (1150 square feet/maximum 8 people).

Villas

• Junior Villa Suites: These one- and two-bedroom options have kitchenettes, one king bedroom, and a bathroom per room in addition to a queen-sized living room sofa bed (1200–1800 square feet/maximum five to seven people with a rollaway).
• One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Villas: These have a full kitchen, separate living rooms with queen-sized sofa beds, and dining areas for six people. Villas have king bedrooms though the three-bedroom has one double queen bedroom. There is a rarely available two-bedroom villa with a king bedroom and a double queen bedroom, however (1200–1800 square feet/maximum five people in one-bedroom with rollaway up to eight people in the three-bedroom, they can likely add in a crib or rollaway here, too).

Reservations: I find that most people book sale rates through Omni or on Hotels.com.

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Pantai Inn

Best for: Families of up to six people
Location: La Jolla

The oceanfront Balinese-inspired inn ranks as San Diego’s best hotel on TripAdvisor. Accommodations run up to three bedrooms with breakfast, WiFi, and parking included in the rate. Note that amenities are limited.

There isn’t an onsite restaurant though they do offer a simple continental breakfast in the courtyard. Rooms are simple and comfortable, views can be spectacular, and some do have full kitchens.

My advice for big families is to pay attention to the room occupancy notes as some two-bedrooms only sleep four though it’s likely okay to bring your own travel crib (no rollaway beds are available). There are only 30 rooms so book quickly.

Two Bedroom Cottage: Each bedroom has a queen bed in addition to a double-sized sofa bed in the living room (maximum six people).

Three Bedroom Suite: Each bedroom has a queen bed (950 square feet/maximum six people).

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LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel

Best for: Families of up to seven people
Location: Carlsbad

Those who want to immerse in all things LEGO can choose between these two on-property hotels. Each has themed rooms, and you’ll book depending on whether your child is into LEGO Friends, Pirate them, and more.

Both hotels have the same room policies. One major benefit of staying in a LEGOLAND California Resort hotel is that you’ll receive early admission about 30 minutes before the park opens to the public (check their calendar for details).

• Fully Themed Rooms: These larger rooms have a king bed, bunk beds, and a trundle bed (maximum two adults and three kids or one adult and four kids).
• Suites: Suites sleep a maximum of four adults across one king bed and one sofa bed and three kids on a bunk bed and trundle bed.

I would, however, suggest that two nights up here is plenty unless you have a diehard LEGO fan.

Reservations: Check prices on top sites for both (powered by TripAdvisor).

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Budget

The Lafayette Hotel

Best for: Families of up to six people
Location: North Park

If you like funky, historic boutique hotels, The Lafayette Hotel is a great choice in San Diego’s hipster North Park neighborhood (close to the San Diego Zoo and downtown).

Aside from their Olympic-sized Weismueller pool (designed by former Tarzan and Olympian Johnny Weissmuller) with cabanas, the bungalows in the back and Suze Suites are great for families. Free cribs are available, but they do not have rollaway beds. Summer pool parties welcome kids but are very busy.

• Suze Suites (pictured above): It’s a two-bedroom suite with a king bed in one room and a full-sized bed with a twin bunk on top in the other. There are also two bedrooms (maximum five people).
• Three Bedroom Bungalow: The best way to describe this is like a mini house equipped with funky decor that will take you back several decades. The queen bedroom is on the ground near the kitchen and living room while a full-sized bedroom and another bedroom with two twin beds are both upstairs (maximum six people).

Reservations: You can bundle this hotel with San Diego Zoo and other theme park tickets.

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Marriott Vacation Club Pulse

Best for: Families of up to ten people
Location: Downtown

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse tends to price really well for an all-suite vacation property in the heart of Downtown. I think it is somewhat of a hidden gem as amenities include a pool, fitness center, activity center, bar and lounge, and a small marketplace. Rooms and some common areas have been refreshed. All rooms have kitchenettes.

• Two Bedroom Connecting Suites: These are a two double bed suite connected to a king suite. Each suite has a sofa bed (844 square feet/maximum ten people).
• Double/Double Suites: These have two double beds in the main bedroom and a sofa bed (430 square feet/maximum six people).

Reservations: Join Marriott Bonvoy (free to join) and book the discounted member rate.

What are your favorite San Diego hotels for large families?