The Best Hotels Near San Diego Airport (SAN)

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San Diego Airport Hotels

The San Diego Airport Hilton hotel

If you are planning on flying into San Diego, you are very likely going to need a hotel. If convenience is important to you, then you are going to want a hotel near the airport. For some people, this creates a moment of indecision because there are always pros and cons to booking an airport hotel. 

As with any other city, you can expect to pay a little more for San Diego airport hotels. This will also be true for downtown hotels in a premier, metro area. Hotels near San Diego are coveted lodgings on prime real estate. It might not work out for the budget conscious traveler. Regardless, whether you are on a budget, or looking for accommodations after flying in on your private jet in San Diego – here is your guide for airport hotels.

The Best San Diego Airport Hotels

Of course, there are plenty of upsides to booking San Diego International Airport hotels. San Diego Airport hotels with free shuttle rides to premier locations are just one of the upsides. You can save money on transportation. Another benefit is that San Diego hotels near airport access means you don’t have to spend another chunk of time traveling just after a long flight before you can set your bags down and get some rest. The time between leaving the airplane and entering your hotel is greatly reduced. 

Finally, hotels around the San Diego Airport, like La Jolla hotels on the beach, tend to be very nice and often cater to high-end business travelers and vacationers. You didn’t take a much anticipated trip to America’s Favorite City only to land in a cut-rate, subpar motel. You wanted the best that San Diego has to offer. And that is what you will get at the following hotels:

Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina

Whether it is for the 7 restaurants, water sports rentals, bicycle rentals, the 3 heated pools, the stunningly beautiful view of the marina, the free airport shuttle, or the coveted location on Harbor Island, this is the first hotel you want to check for availability for business or pleasure. 

  • The Sheraton’s Address: 1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California 92101
  • Phone: (619) 291-2900 

Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island Hotel

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When you think Hilton, you tend to think business. At this hotel, you can also think about your dog as they are welcome, up to 75 lbs. This hotel is also located on Harbor Island and has an airport shuttle on demand. That means you will not have to be bound to a particular schedule other than your own. For San Diego hotels with jacuzzi in the room, check out the Gaslamp Quarter location.

  • The Airport Hilton’s Address: 1960 Harbor Island Dr., San Diego, California 9210
  • Phone: (619) 291-6700

Ramada San Diego Airport

Ramada San Diego Airport will be easier on the budget than others but it is still in a premium location. You have all the same access to the places you want to be and the things you want to do. The 24 hr laundry service is also a nice perk for the more active traveler. 

  • The Airport Ramada’s Address: 1403 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA, 92106
  • Phone: (619) 225-9461

Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport

This national chain is known for offering a clean room at an affordable price. Located in Old Town, it is convenient for visiting interesting places and taking the Old Town Trolley Tours. Check out the Old Town San Diego State Park while you’re at it. Don’t think of this as a cheap hotel near San Diego Airport. Think of it as affordable for its location.

  • The Holiday Inn Express Address: 1955 San Diego Ave., San Diego, CA, 92110
  • Phone: (855) 797-6733

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

This hotel features a business center that will nicely fit the bill when you have serious work to do. When you have serious play to do, conveniently rent a bike and visit the many, nearby attractions within easy walking, jogging, or pedaling distance. There are also excellent dining options within the hotel. You have everything you need for a great stay in San Diego. Oh, and feel free to bring a pet.

  • Wyndham Bayside’s Address: 1355 N Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA, 92101
  • Phone: (855) 516-1092

La Pensione Hotel

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Welcome to Little Italy. The La Pensione Hotel puts you right in the middle of it. The sidewalk cafes and shops will make you feel like you flew right past Sand Diego and landed in the heart of Europe. Don’t worry; no passport required. 

  • La Pensione Hotels’ Address: 606 West Date St., San Diego, CA 92101
  • Phone: (619) 236-8000

Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport/Liberty Station

Here are just some of the amenities: 

  • WIFI
  • Fitness center, 
  • 24 hour business center
  • Grocery shopping service
  • Airport shuttle
  • A real breakfast
  • Evening drinks and reception

This doesn’t even scratch the surface of what awaits you at this hotel. Best of all the above amenities are free. While not the least expensive choice on the list, it is one of the best values. Whether for work or play, you get value for every penny you spend.

  • Homewood Suites by Hilton’s Address: 2576 Laning Rd., San Diego, CA 92106
  • Phone: (619) 222-0500

Hotel Republic San Diego

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This boutique establishment is uniquely positioned to be more than a convenient airport hotel. It is also a magical portal to downtown shopping, Gaslamp Quarter entertainment, and Little Italy dining. Of course, you can always stay in for the night and enjoy the comfortable room or the various fitness and dining facilities in the hotel. 

  • Hotel Republic’s Address: 421 West B St., San Diego, CA 92101
  • Phone:  (619) 398-3100 

U.S. Grant Hotel

This is another Luxury hotel by Marriott. It is conveniently located in the Gaslamp Quarter and has a 100 years of experience welcoming visitors to San Diego. Balboa Park and PETCO Park beckon you to look around and get immersed in the countless entertainment options in all directions. 

  • The U.S. Grant Hotel’s Address: 326 Broadway, San Diego, California 92101 
  • Phone: (619) 232-3121

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station

Marriott is not just about business. Courtyard by Marriott is the perfect destination for a pleasure-filled San Diego vacation. Located along the waterfront at Liberty Station, you are just moments from the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and downtown. Hungry? You are within easy walking distance of dozens of shops and restaurants. There are not many San Diego airport hotels with free parking. But since so many activities are nearby, you don’t really need to rent a car.

  • The Courtyard by Marriott’s Address: 2592 Laning Road, San Diego, CA 92106
  • Phone: (619) 221-1900

The Pendry San Diego

The Pendry is the very definition of Gaslamp Quarter luxury. This is a theme for many of the establishments in the area. It is a place to go when compromise is not on the menu. Think of the Pendry as a luxury cruise without the seasickness. 

  • The Pendry’s Address: 550 J St., San Diego, CA, 92101
  • Phone: (619) 738-7000

Kona Kai Resort & Spa

This is beyond luxury territory. This is private beach territory. Yep, there is a Tiki bar and an adults-only pool. Do your own thing in a private cabana. Perhaps you just want to take it all in from your oversized balcony. It is not just a hotel. It is a resort and spa. Here, those words really mean something.

  • Kona Kai’s Address: 1551 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, CA 92106
  • Phone: (619) 452-3138

The Pearl Hotel

If you like to stay in hotels with an updated vintage Southern California motel look (think Ace Hotel in Palm Springs), you’ll love The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma. Once upon a time, this was a motel called Sportsmen’s Lodge. Now, this is just a taste of how they describe themselves:

The selection of 23 guest rooms are arrayed around the art moderne oyster-shaped pool and native plantings by Terremoto, which flows into onsite cocktail bar and restaurant Charles + Dinorah.

You will describe it in just one word: “Wow!”

  • The Pearl’s Address: 1410 Rosecrans St., San Diego, CA 92106
  • Phone: (619) 226-6100

Things to See and Do near San Diego Airport (SAN)

Looking for more to do in San Diego?
Click here to save over 50% on attractions like the USS Midway, Zoo, and more!


Once you unpack, there is plenty to do right in the same area of your hotel. Here are a few options to consider:

SeaWorld

Sloths, beluga whales, penguins, dolphins: Prepare to have an encounter with these amazing creatures most people only get to see on TV. A selfie with a sloth is not the only thing for which you will use your camera. There are rides and special events that will be a part of your forever memories from this once in a lifetime adventure. Of course, if you live in the area, you can experience it as many times as you like. SeaWorld is an adventure that never gets old.

  • Sea World’s Everyday Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Address: 500 SeaWorld Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
  • Phone: (619) 222-4732

San Diego Zoo

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You have seen it on the Discovery Channel and have been captivated by the many photo books it has inspired. Now, you can live the one and only San Diego Zoo experience for yourself. White-fluted bee-eaters have to be seen with your own eyes to be fully appreciated. South American green anacondas are the heaviest snakes in the world. If you want to see the living wonders of the world, you have to visit the greatest zoo in the world.

  • San Diego Zoo’s Everyday Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Phone: (619) 231-1515

Seaport Village

If you could travel back in time to 100 years ago, you would find a place a lot like Seaport Village. There are 54 unique shops, 4 fine dining restaurants on the waterfront, 13, casual restaurants, and so much more, all on a 14 acre time machine. We, Seaport Village is the next best thing.

  • Seaport Village’s Everyday Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Address: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
  • Phone: (619) 530-0704

USS Midway Museum

You already know how the gulf was won. The Gulf War was 30 years ago and a big part of that history is bound to the USS Midway aircraft carrier. It was the flagship of all carrier groups and flew more missions than any other. There were no fatalities. This stunning example of military mastery has never shirked its tour of duty. And that tour is yours to take when you visit this one of a kind museum. 

  • USS Midway’s Everyday Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Address: 910 N. Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101
  • Phone: (619) 544-9600

Conclusion

Your San Diego adventure begins the moment you leave the airport. There are more outdoor activities than you will have time to explore. The good news is that you don’t have to wait very long or go very far before arriving at your hotel. That hotel could be just a place to sleep at night while you enjoy the city during the day. Or it could be your main destination with one or two planned excursions while you are in town. Either way, the perfect room is already prepared and awaiting your arrival.

Looking for more to do in San Diego?
Click here to save over 50% on attractions like the USS Midway, Zoo, and more!


About the author: David Johnson is a professional writer whose relationship with La Jolla started with a family vacation at a young age. A former professional musician, he enjoys creating music in his free time.

About the banner photo: The photo of the airplane taking off from the airport behind a hotel is from Wikipedia.

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