Kona Kai San Diego

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Kona Kai San Diego

2 outdoor pools, open 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, pool cabanas (surcharge)
Property video
Outdoor wedding area
View from property
Water view

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

Map
1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92106
  • Shelter Island
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • SeaWorld
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • USS Midway Museum
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Sofa Bed

Deluxe Two Queen

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(11 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Fire Pit Junior Suite

  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Bayview Two Queen

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(10 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 39 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Marina View King

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Marina View Two Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(5 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe King

8.4 out of 10
Very good
(21 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Bayview King

7.2 out of 10
Good
(10 reviews)
  • 32 sq m
  • Ocean view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 39 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • 39 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Bayview Junior Suite King

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(4 reviews)
  • 39 sq m
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Marina View Junior Suite King

  • 39 sq m
  • Marina view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Junior Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 35 sq m
  • Resort view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

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About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

On private beach with 2 outdoor pools, near Shelter Island
Spend the day catching some rays at Kona Kai San Diego's private sand beach, relaxing by one of the hotel's 2 outdoor swimming pools, or pampering yourself at the full-service spa.
Kona Kai San Diego offers 170 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature iPod docking stations and minibars. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. 42-inch flat-screen televisions come with premium digital channels and pay movies. Refrigerators and coffee/tea makers are provided. Bathrooms include designer toiletries, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes, as well as phones; free local calls are provided (restrictions may apply). Additionally, rooms include irons/ironing boards and blackout drapes/curtains. Housekeeping is provided daily.

A private beach and a marina are featured at the hotel. 2 outdoor swimming pools are on site along with a hot tub. Other recreational amenities include a steam room and a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

The onsite spa has 6 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. Massages are available on the beach and in the spa; other services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, and sports massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is equipped with a hot tub and a steam room.

The spa is open daily. Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Our customers tell us they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Kona Kai San Diego. During your stay, you're just a quick walk from Shelter Island. Features include free WiFi in public areas, plus 2 outdoor pools and 2 poolside bars. This property offers pet-friendly amenities like food and water bowls.
  • Free WiFi
  • Enjoy local cuisine and pool views while dining at Vessel Restaurant and Bar
  • Buffet breakfast served daily for a fee
  • Self parking available for a fee
  • Take a swim in the 2 outdoor pools or soak in the hot tub
  • Treat yourself to aromatherapy, Swedish massages, or facials at the spa
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, a concierge, and tour or ticket assistance
  • Onsite recreation includes a private beach, a gym, and a steam room
  • 9 minutes by car from Old Town San Diego State Park and 11 minutes from USS Midway Museum
  • Dogs welcome for a fee
  • Pet-friendly amenities are available, including food and water bowls
Simply walk outside to smell the salt air and watch the ocean waves from the sand beach. Hit the beach and work on your tan in the sun loungers (chaise longues) or relax in the shade with cabanas (surcharge) and umbrellas. At Kona Kai San Diego you can cool off in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools and indulge in a pampering afternoon at the full-service spa.

Along with a restaurant, there's a snack bar/deli on site. For a drink, you can stop by one of the onsite bars, including 2 poolside bars and 2 bars/lounges. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. This eco-certified hotel also offers a hot tub, a steam room, and a fitness center. Parking is available for a fee.

This 4-star San Diego hotel is smoke free.

For a fee, guests can enjoy buffet breakfast on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and on weekends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Vessel Restaurant and Bar - Overlooking the pool, this restaurant specializes in local cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, dinner, and light fare. Guests can order drinks at the bar and enjoy alfresco dining (weather permitting). A children's menu is available.
Paloma Bar - This poolside bar serves light fare only. Open select days.
Tiki Bar - This poolside bar serves light fare only. A children's menu is available. Open select days.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-Certified Property
This property participates in Green Key Global, a program that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural-heritage, the local economy.

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Parking on site (USD 46 per night; includes in/out privileges)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekdays and 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on weekends; USD 33 to 100 per person
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • 2 poolside bars
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Paloma Bar
  • Tiki Bar
  • Vessel Restaurant and Bar

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Beach yoga
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Boat tours
  • Fitness classes
  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Kayaking
  • Personal motorised watercraft
  • Sailing
  • Steam room

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business centre
  • 5 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre (56,000 square foot of space)

Outdoors

  • Beach cabanas (surcharge)
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Garden
  • Marina
  • On a private beach
  • On the bay
  • On the boardwalk/promenade
  • Pool cabanas (surcharge)
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 6 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot stone massages
  • Hot tub
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Prenatal massages
  • Spa open daily
  • Sports massages
  • Steam room
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Lift
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

More

  • 3 floors
  • 8 buildings
  • Ballroom
  • Built in 1959
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Reception hall
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Designer toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 42-inch flat-screen TV with premium digital channels
  • IPod dock
  • Pay films

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 2:00 AM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 (weight limit: 65 lbs per pet)
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: USD 110.00 per night
  • Resort fee: USD 60 per accommodation, per night
The resort fee includes:
  • Beach access
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Business center/computer access
  • Fitness center access
  • Fitness/yoga classes
  • In-room coffee
  • In-room safe
  • Newspaper
  • Phone calls
  • Pool access
  • Spa access

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately USD 33.00 to 100 per person
  • Self parking fee: USD 46 per night (in/out privileges)
  • Pet fee: USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 20.0 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property. An adult age 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking.
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Up to 2 children 17 years old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Kona Kai Resort & Marina San Diego
Kona Kai Hotel San Diego
Kona Kai Resort Spa San Diego
Kona Kai Resort Spa
Kona Kai Spa San Diego
Kona Kai Spa
Kona Kai Resort San Diego

Kona Kai San Diego Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 533 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 225 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 125 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 60 out of 1004 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 61 out of 1004 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Ramon

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They need to improve a bit in customer service.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

sahithi

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Unfriendly staff and not well maintained for the price
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Trevor English

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities
Property very well kept/staff friendly
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Brian

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lupe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice property!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Maria Fatima

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Atmosphere was amazing
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nasra

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The room service cleaning staff was amazing
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The pros: nice location, beautiful scenery and property, comfortable bed, nice atmosphere. The cons: Maybe it's just a difference of opinion when it comes to customer service, but if someone is waiting in line to pre-register at the front desk, and it's near the check-out time for existing guests, I think it's a bad look to 1. call the pre-registering guest up to the counter, 2. have them stand aside while you give priority to multiple departing guests. Fortunately, another front desk worker arrived--but as the line of departing guests started to arrive, it did make me wonder if I would be put aside again. Not a great first impression, frankly. It would have been better customer service if they'd taken the pre-registration (which probably took less than two minutes?) and given the departing guests a slight grace period (since they were already waiting in line at the time regardless). If they'd done that, everyone would be happy and I wouldn't be thinking about this days later. The only other major issue we encountered is that the private beach, which is heavily marketed as the "only private beach in San Diego," was booked for a private event on the one full day we had, 4/19. This was never mentioned to us at any point--we had to figure this out when we tried to access the beach in the morning and evening on the Saturday, which did put a damper on our plans. Overall, it was a nice hotel, but pricey for the availability of the amenities we stayed there to experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Laurie

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly, redwood city

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charles David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved everything especially the Vessel restaurant. Only negative was the spa, massage was way below average.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Erin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Desstinney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything was great
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Iliana

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

10/10 Excellent

Maggie, Murrieta

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caesar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The stay was super relaxing
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Michelle

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This is a great property and we enjoyed every minute.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Danny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Room not ready at check in time. Not notified it was ready until 6:30pm.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Christina

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wish more restaurants and shopping was around. Not walkable. Very pretty just not much around.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Joelle

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
It was a nice place to stay for our first trip to San Diego but I wouldn’t stay there again. I wasn’t a shocked that I had to pay extra for parking and the breakfast buffet was delicious but so over priced. Also definitely not what the pictures look like online.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Thanh

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property seems clean. Staff are friendly. Room does not have a microwave, somewhat inconvenient. My family enjoyed roasting marshmallow on the beach, a plus. Pool and hot-tub were great, just the right depth, safe for non-swimmers to have some pool time without drowning concerns LOL. Yard with ping-pong table and cute sitting area. Suggest some aroma for the hallway and rooms as it has a slightly unpleasant odor. Otherwise, we enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Nayely

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Bigg

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025