Kona Kai San Diego

Property class: 4

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Photo gallery for Kona Kai San Diego

A marina with boats, a yacht, and a balcony with two chairs and a table.
Property video
A pool area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, a bar, and a view of boats in the background.
A bar area with a curved ceiling, hanging light fixtures, and a large screen displaying a tropical scene.
A large, domed building with a central fountain, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and a calm reflective pool.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
The current price is $280
$243 nightly
$280 total
Total with taxes and fees
Sep 30 - Oct 1

Explore the area

View in a map
1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92106
  • Place, Shelter Island
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, San Diego Bay
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

Bayview King

7.4 out of 10
Good
(16 reviews)
  • Bay view
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Bayview Two Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(14 reviews)
  • Bay view
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Marina View King

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(7 reviews)
  • Marina view
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Marina View Two Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(9 reviews)
  • Marina view
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe King

8.2 out of 10
Very good
(31 reviews)
  • Resort view
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Two Queen

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(14 reviews)
  • Resort view
  • 344 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Deluxe Junior Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Resort view
  • 377 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Waterfront Fireplace Junior Suite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Bay view
  • 420 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Marina view
  • 420 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Bayview Junior Suite Two Queen

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Bay view
  • 420 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Marina View Junior Suite King

  • Marina view
  • 420 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Bayview Junior Suite King

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • Bay view
  • 420 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Fire Pit Junior Suite

  • Resort view
  • 420 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

Mobility/Hearing Accessible King

  • Resort view
  • 315 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Waterview One Bedroom Suite

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

Kona Kai One Bedroom Suite

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

DOUBLE TWO DOUBLE BEDS

  • Sleeps 4

DOUBLE TWO QUEEN BEDS

  • Sleeps 4

Deluxe Two Queen

  • 452 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Queen Beds and 2 Twin Beds

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

San Diego

Located in San Diego (Point Loma), Kona Kai San Diego is within a 15-minute drive of Old Town San Diego State Park and USS Midway Museum. .This beach hotel is 5.7 mi (9.2 km) from Cabrillo National Monument and 6 mi (9.6 km) from Balboa Park.

What's nearby

  • Shelter Island - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • San Diego Bay - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Vessel Restaurant - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Humphreys Concerts by the Bay - 19 min walk - 1.0 mile
  • San Diego Yacht Club - 3 min drive - 1.0 mile

Getting around

  • County Center - Little Italy Station - 10 min drive
  • Old Town Transit Center - 16 min drive
  • San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ketch Grill & Taps - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bali Hai Restaurant - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪Mitch's Seafood - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Point Loma Seafoods - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Kona Kai San Diego

Kona Kai San Diego offers 170 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and safes. 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 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.

Make yourself at home in one of the 170 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring refrigerators and minibars. Rooms have private balconies or patios. 42-inch flat-screen televisions with digital programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms have designer toiletries and hair dryers.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. After dipping into one of the 2 outdoor pools, you can spend some time at the private beach. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.
You can enjoy a meal at Vessel Restaurant and Bar serving the guests of Kona Kai San Diego, or stop in at the snack bar/deli. Wind down with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges or 2 poolside bars. Buffet breakfasts are served on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and on weekends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for a fee.
Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in San Diego? This hotel has 56000 square feet (5203 square meters) of space consisting of a conference center and 5 meeting rooms. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM and on weekends between 11:00 AM and 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. Open select days.
Paloma Pool 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.

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Self parking on site (USD 54.88 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 Pool 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 motorized 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 center
  • 5 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference center (56,000 square feet 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
  • Elevator
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible business center
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible gym
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible public washroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa

More

  • 3 floors
  • 8 buildings
  • Ballroom
  • Built in 1959
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Reception hall
  • Smoking not allowed
  • 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 movies

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 113 per accommodation, per stay (maximum USD 170 per stay)
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 65 lbs per pet)
Food and water bowls are available

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children, up to the age of 17 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 20.0 per night

Property payment types

  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Mastercard
  • Visa

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • 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 have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately USD 33.00 to 100 per person
  • Self parking fee: USD 54.88 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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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

We should mention

Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
Guests under 18 years old are not allowed in the spa

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

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 529 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 210 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 130 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 68 out of 1006 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 69 out of 1006 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a very pleasant stay! Beautiful views! If we ever are in the area again, we will likely stay here again.Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Pools were nice.. Staff was friendly and view were great!
Stayed 1 night in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This place is great. Excellent and very clean. The fire pits with s’mores were fun.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a wonder visit from the moment we step into the resort. The Front desk staff help out us out with checking in, they even waived the parking fee. The rooms were clean and very comfortable. the views of courtyard and boats were great to see. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to book another visit.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyed the service at check-in provided by Bino. After checking in, he help us with the location for our dinner plans . The following evening he provided suggestions for dining on Shelter Island. Service at breakfast was also excellent. Our valet at check in and check out was also excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Resort and staff were nice. Paying to park is annoying. I’m staying at your hotel why am I getting charged to park my car.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They charge $48 for overnight parking for each night on top of so many fees. The breakfast buffet was delicious though. The bonfires were great too.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice property. not so convinient location at end of Shelter Island
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

2/10 Terrible

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Overall very bad experience. Room was very dirty and old. Front desk staff were very rude especially Jesse. Will not recommend this hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
The hotel is in a beautiful location, and some of the newer rooms are much more comfortable than the older ones. However, the price is higher than what the overall experience justifies. The common areas could be better maintained, particularly the hot tub, which was not as clean as expected. The service was average and did not consistently meet the standards one would expect at this price point.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Premium location for a laid back vacation with lot's of walking around. Just 10-15 minutes from GasLamp district -San Diego. Friendly staff and clean premises and room
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
had a wonderful time for our honey moon here
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great room. Helpful staff. Fabulous location
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything it was great
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
If you are there midweek before June 1, plan for the advertised amenities to be closed. Unfortunately, I was unaware of this and so the adult pool did not have food and beverage service, and similar issues throughout my stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is very good clean!!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Amenities
The bed was terrible. The bathroom door did not work or close properly. The outlets on the lamp were broken. There were very few USB ports. A document was provided that they wouldn’t clean every and was upon request, yet kept getting interrupted with housekeeping. The private beach, pools, and fitness center were top notch.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Amenities
Great hotel - just clearly understaffed. Basic needs cant be met - like the front desk being able to answer the phone, or handoff door dash in under 20 minutes. Also, paying for a suite and being given a mobility suite where you cannot hang clothes up to not be on the floor or have 2 people in the bathroom because the shower cannot be contained should be an option at the price. The staff was gracious and the views are great. The bed was very comfortable
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness
The beach view is good but everything else is kind of meh. Overall I thought the resort was very overrated for what it is. There are many other better resorts in SD. That being said shelter island is awesome
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wond
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The property is old and the front desk clerk was the worst very poor customer service.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was okay
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had such a wonderful stay at this resort! Everything was beautiful, peaceful, and very well taken care of. The staff were kind and welcoming, and the whole atmosphere made it easy to relax and enjoy every moment. My favorite part was spending the evenings by the fire it was so cozy and calming under the night sky. It truly made the experience feel special. I would definitely love to come back again
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property reminded me of an aging debutante who owns the family castle and reputation but cannot keep up with modern times…think Downton Abbey on a marina. From the reading room loft that you see when you walk into reception but the walls aren’t lined with old tomes; instead it’s just wall paper. The spa has limited, overpriced services- all co-ed. I heard someone say the bicycles you can rent aren’t well maintained and the restaurant, while it had good food, isn’t open on Sunday or Monday dinner. For the exceptional price, there was nothing exceptional except the location.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026