With so many hotels near San Diego Airport, the only thing that should worry you is how to choose from the many options. The hotels range from luxurious suites to budget-friendly options. All of them offer convenient access to the airport and the finest of San Diego. These hotels near San Diego Airport cover you whether you need a place to sleep before flying out or a place to base a whole vacation.
San Diego offers a lot travelers, including stunning beaches, world-class food, vibrant nightlife, and one of the top zoos in the country. However, this California destination also has one key yet often overlooked selling point – its international airport is positioned near the city’s core.
Best Hotels near San Diego Airport (SAN)
Staying at one of the numerous hotels near San Diego airport allows you to experience the best the city offers without having to choose between airport convenience and a downtown location. With the airport, beaches, and main commercial districts all within a 15-minute drive, you don’t need to sacrifice convenience for proximity to the city. Furthermore, due to the city’s compact size, you’ve got more than the run-of-the-mill airport chain hotels at San Diego airport.
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Distance from the Airport: 0.3 miles
The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is a family-friendly hotel located across the street from the airport and just a few miles from downtown San Diego. The Harbor Island position provides stunning views of the sea. Make time to enjoy a magnificent California sunset. In addition, the hotel can arrange boat excursions for sunset cruises or whale viewing.
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can be rented. You can also try the Night-Ops program, where kayaks and paddleboards are outfitted with LED lights that attract marine creatures after dark. The main pool, with its own little basketball hoop, is popular with children. During the summer, life-sized chess and other activities are also available on the grounds. During the social hour, parents can enjoy sampling wines rated 90+ by Wine Spectator and other food options.
Hampton Inn San Diego Airport and Liberty Station
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Distance from the Airport: 0.6 miles
The Hampton Inn is a good midrange hotel, a mile (5-minute drive) from San Diego Airport. They offer onsite parking and a free shuttle to the airport. What’s more, you’ll enjoy a free, delicious breakfast every morning if you’re staying here.
The hotel also has a convenience shop and 24-hour coffee in the lobby. In addition to this, there are also other facilities, such outdoor pool, a spacious fitness facility, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. There are also several shops and restaurants near the hotel. Other nearby attractions are Liberty Station, SeaWorld, Fiesta Island Park, Little Italy, downtown, and the San Diego Zoo.
Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Distance from the Airport: 1.2 miles
The Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island, located only five minutes from the airport, is the best hotel in the immediate area around the airport. Onsite sailboat and bike rentals are offered, and the marina, which is only a short walk away, provides convenient access to the sea. Spend some time in the pool and get soaked up by the warm sun.
You can take in the gorgeous sunset from one of the best vantage points in all of San Diego, from the hotel balconies that overlook the lake. The hotel features a high-end restaurant called the Panorama Bar & Grill. The guests who have late or early flights are in luck and can make use of the hotel’s room service.
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Distance from the Airport: 1.4 miles
The Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station is not the typical, mundane airport hotel you are accustomed to staying at. Here, you may dine or swim right on the sea before sinking into a night of relaxation on high-thread-count sheets. This is the place to stay if you just have one night in San Diego since it has outdoor restaurants and activities, a big fitness facility, and easy access to lengthy waterside strolls.
It is also the place to stay if you want to make each night an adventure in and of itself. If you have the opportunity, you should try to have lunch at the waterside deli. Doing so is the quickest way to get the impression that you are staying at a remote beach resort (and take your mind off that upcoming flight).
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Distance from the Airport: 1.5 miles
This all-suite hotel is situated on the lake at Liberty Station in Point Loma. It is only a few minutes from San Diego International Airport, making it a perfect option for families. You can choose a studio suite, a one-bedroom suite, or a two-bedroom suite. All of these come complete with a fully-equipped kitchen that features a full-size refrigerator, a microwave, and a dishwasher. Both the Wi-Fi and the shuttle service to and from the airport are free of charge.
There is a basketball court, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a coin-operated laundry. The hotel provides high chairs, Pack ‘N Plays, and a DVD rental library for children. There is a complimentary supper, complimentary beverages, and the daily complimentary hot breakfast (Monday – Thursday). Families looking for a good deal will find it here. In addition, Liberty Station features a variety of comforts, such as eateries, a supermarket, and other shops.
The Pearl Hotel
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Distance from the Airport: 1.6 miles
This hotel caters to people who enjoy a throwback aesthetic, delicious cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. The Pearl Hotel takes pride in being a low-cost choice for guests who want to be close to Downtown San Diego and Shelter Island. There are 23 rooms at the hotel that encircle a vintage swimming pool where monthly “dive-in” movies are shown.
The freshly renovated rooms at The Pearl have a mid-century Palm Springs vibe. The guest rooms have free Wi-Fi, iHome, and 32-inch and 42-inch LCD televisions. Not only are the rooms cool, but the Restaurant at The Pearl serves California coastal cuisine in an upscale-casual setting, with unique drinks and beautiful wines offered in the lounge area. This hotel received TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for the trendiest hotel in 2012.
InterContinental San Diego
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Distance from the Airport: 1.7 miles
The InterContinental San Diego is a fantastic resort located in the center of downtown. It is about three miles from San Diego Airport and has spectacular views of San Diego Bay.
The hotel features in-house dining with the best of Southern California cuisine. It also has a rooftop bar for an evening of drinks under the stars. You may hire a poolside cabana to relax and bask in the views of San Diego Bay while enjoying the rooftop.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Distance from the Airport: 2.2 miles
TownePlace Suites is a good, pet-friendly, and moderately priced all-suite hotel. It is barely a five-minute drive from the airport. There is paid parking, two EV charging stations, and a free shuttle that runs to the terminal and nearby, from 5 am through 11 pm.
All of the family suites are roomy, soundproofed, and outfitted with a full kitchen. Rooms have drapes that block out light, and a combination bathtub/shower in the bathroom. The hotel offers free continental breakfast served hot and an onsite convenience shop. They also have an outdoor picnic and barbecue area. There is also a coin-operated laundry service, a heated outdoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness facility. You’ll also have access to a small business center with copy and fax service, and a 24/7front desk. The San Diego Zoo, Liberty Station, SeaWorld, Fiesta Island Park, Little Italy, and downtown are all within a 15-minute drive.
The Westin SAN Gaslamp Quarter
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Distance from the Airport: 2.3 miles
Book your stay at The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter to escape it all. Each day, you’ll wake up to the stunning city and sea views from your well-appointed rooms. You’ll be close to the Gaslamp Quarter, the city’s famed dining and entertainment hub.
All 450 rooms are decorated in relaxing tones with stone and wood features. Each room has a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, a coffeemaker, a work desk, Westin Heavenly linen, and a bath. In addition, the hotel has a fully-equipped spa, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and conference spaces. Furthermore, Wi-Fi is free in all public areas of the hotel.
Pinzimini Bar serves local San Diego beers and a wide selection of wines. Furthermore, Starbucks coffee and drinks are available at the Ingredients Grab N’ Go Café. It specializes in delectable morning fare. San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park are about three kilometers away from the Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.
Kona Kai Resort & Spa
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Distance from the Airport: 3.1 miles
Kona Kai disproves everything you’ve ever heard about airport hotels. Instead, this luxury beach resort sets an example that even a hotel close to an airport can provide a relaxing vacation for its guests.
You can unwind with a Balinese massage, bask in the sun on the hotel’s private beach, or hang out on the balcony of your suite. It will only take you a little time to reach the airport from the hotel, making it one of the most accessible hotels nearby.
Renée Martin is a travel and car expert who focuses on road and air travel in the U.S. For the past 6 years, she’s been helping make driving and trip planning easier and budget-friendly for everyday travelers.
