STYLISH & QUIRKY BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Looking for quirky boutique hotels in San Diego that are anything but ordinary?

Whether you love design-led spaces, themed rooms, or hotels packed with personality, San Diego has some seriously unique places to stay but with everything, you just need to know where to find them.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best quirky boutique hotels in San Diego, from retro-inspired gems to stylish hidden hideaways, so you can book a stay that’s as memorable as the destination itself. We’ve included hotels from all the best locations, we think that you’ll love to stay in including, the Gaslamp District, Coronado, La Jolla and Little Italy.

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A couple of the hotels featured in this article are ones that we have stayed in personally like the Moxy, Horton Grand Hotel and Pendry, located in the historical Gaslamp district. The others are those we had on our lists when researching the options in La Jolla and Coronado before settling on our final choices. 

San Diego truly has a great list of hotels to offer, to suit all kinds of travellers and the fair majority are situated in the main tourist hubs making them really accessible.

What Do We Mean By A Quirky Boutique Hotel?

We are often asked this question when recommending hotels. Boutique hotels are usually a lot smaller than the usual hotels you expect especially in the USA. I know in Europe, we are used to smaller boutique hotels but here we mean they have around 100-200 rooms or so. This may sound odd if you haven’t travelled to the USA before.

We opt for boutique hotels to experience a more individualised, intimate style of service and surroundings. If you prefer the small details, personalised concierge services and to feel more looked after, then boutique hotels generally deliver on these. 

In our experience, many of the hotels are located along the coast, near a beach or in the downtown area of San Diego.

This line up of boutique hotels, features quirky and cool touches that make them a little bit more special than your general boutique hotels. It can be in the form of unique decor, what they offer, views, service or simply that they cater for families including dogs. Some of them may be a little larger but the list we’ve compiled is based on the unique and personal feel of the hotel that you’d typically get in European boutique hotels which are far smaller.

So whether you’re in San Diego for business or pleasure, we hope you find this useful

A Map of Featured San Diego Hotels.

How to use map: Click on the graphic to reveal an interactive Google Map of featured hotels in this article,

The Gaslamp District

Located in downtown San Diego, The Gaslamp Quarter is 16 square blocks packed with a plethora of Victorian heritage buildings standing amongst contemporary skyscrapers. The area is where hundreds of San Diego’s finest vegetarian-friendly restaurants, pubs, shops, nightlife as well as offices and residential lofts and housing is located. 

It’s a popular location with business travellers as well as holiday makers. It is home to Petco Park, Baseball stadium as well as being ideally placed close to the San Diego Convention Centre as well as museums. Seaport village, East Village, Balboa Park and Little Italy are also within walking distance. 

The Gaslamp District is a great base to access our most loved tours and activities and is our personal preferred place to base ourselves as we it has the greatest concentration of wonderful hotels and all places of interest in San Diego can be accessed by either walking, self driving, taking an uber, or using public transport like the bus, trolley or tram. 

Gaslamp District/Downtown Quirky Boutique Hotels

The Moxy San Diego Gaslamp

Style: Good value/ Mid-range

Part of the Marriott group, the Moxy San Diego is nestled in a prime location right in the heart of downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp District.

It’s not a hotel that you walk by without being inquisitive, the bright colours, neon lights and playful feel want the average passerby to take a peek inside. 

Enter the hotel and be met by the bright and open lobby’s stylish design with features such as ‘Plug & Meet’, gathering areas areas equipped with ergonomic tan sofas and 56″ HDTVs, a state-of-the-art video wall with helpful travel tools and Bar Moxy! The lobby is scattered with games like connect four and noughts and crosses as well as some board games. 

Take the stairs up to the industrial looking mezzanine floor which has more of an office vibe and is perfect for working around. The opposite side has a row of chairs which overlook Bar Moxy on the ground level. The bar is a central meeting point of the hotel and is busy most nights. There is also a DJ on the decs here during the weekend which provides a fun club-type vibe. Oh and there’s a little hidden cocktail bar at the back behind some very clever hidden doors.

There’s a Grab and Go snack bar near the bar come reception where guests can buy food like snacks, drinks and fruit 24/7.

The cosy guest rooms are more like a clubhouse with comfy beds, 42’ TVs, with a high quality sound system and fast WIFI. Queen rooms are pretty spacious and come with a city view or internal courtyard view. All rooms have cool, fully tiled bathrooms with toiletries, and towels replenished daily and serviced every other day. Rooms also come with a steamer for your clothes. Spot the retro telephone artwork and desk in rooms.

Every morning complimentary tea and coffee is available near the bar/reception until 11:00am and breakfast can be ordered as per menu from the bar. The pancakes are a great shout!

The Details

• Location: 831 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 6192396699
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 16:00 Check Out: 11:00
• Breakfast options: Choose from the  is served daily available from the bar.
• Family Friendly: Yes although more suited to adults
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Parking: underground valet parking is available

Quirky Hotel Features: Guests can check in at the bar and receive free drink tokens. There’s a great range of house cocktails, beers and other beverages available. Guest rooms also have mini steamers as well as the hotel having a communal ironing room. Note the small room accessories like the retro telephone, artwork and desks. The decor is cool, as are the neon signs and the very cool trendy vibe of the place, making Moxy a popular choice for all age ranges. A hotel that oozes quirky form the moment you step in.

The Horton Grand Hotel 

Style: Mid-range

Set in an elegant brick 19th century building, The Horton Grand Hotel is a Victorian-styled boutique hotel. It is particularly popular with those who love historic buildings and appreciate this kind of period property. We experienced wonderful service and some great dining recommendations here.

On the ground floor there is a pretty courtyard illuminated with fairy lights, where guests can relax. The area is also popular with wedding parties due to its beautiful aesthetics.

All guest rooms come with Victorian-style dark wood furniture with courtyard or city views. A lovely feature is the gas-burning fireplace in each room that gives rather a romantic feel. All rooms are equipped with toiletries and the usual in-room amenities as well as WIFI.

The Salt & Whiskey restaurants serve breakfast, lunch and dinner with a fantastic menu. Evening cocktails and drinks are a must at this swanky bar. They also have a wide range of Bourbons if that’s your tipple of choice.

The Details

• Location: 311 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. I Tel. +1 6195441886 
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 15:00 Check Out: 12:00
• Breakfast options: Served in the hotel’s Salt & Whiskey restaurant daily 07:00-11:00
• Family Friendly: Yes 
• Dog Friendly: Yes (fee of $75 per stay)
• Parking: The closest car parks charge around $15-$25 (ask hotel for recommnedations)

Quirky Hotel Features: The courtyard, a ground floor art exhibition as well as Salt & Whiskey make this hotel pretty unique. Another draw for guest is the Victorian aesthetics and history associated with the building.

The Pendry San Diego

Style: Luxury

One of Downtown San Diego’s most beautiful luxury hotels in terms of it’s spacious, light and airy rooms as well as impeccable service. The building is beautifully constructed to highlight remnants of its history and that of the historic Gaslamp district surroundings. 

Rooms and suites at The Pendry are appointed over 12 floors and are thoughtfully finished with floor to ceiling windows, and all the luxury amenities you’d ever need during  stay here. 

We had a king size comfortable bed with quality linen, a large writing desk for working plus  wardrobe including a safe for valuables, plenty of hangers and floor space to store baggage as well as an iron and ironing board, which was welcomed as not all hotels go to this level of detail in the US. We were also pretty happy to see white fluffy bathrobes in the wardrobe which always come in hand when you want to visit the spa or pool.

With outdoor views the rooms also featured a blue and white chaise longue, perfect to relax in after a busy day of sight seeing.

The Pendry provides 2 large glass bottles of filtered water per room a day for guests cutting out the need for single use plastics. 

The room is split into the bathroom area with a huge glass shower cubicle in the centre with a rain shower and Pendry inhouse toiletries including shampoo, conditioner and body wash. The vanity area is large and has plenty of room to store personal wash bag item as well as fluffy towers and hairdryers plus more inhouse amenities.

The WC is a separate unit with the whole bathroom area being enclosed for privacy with sliding doors. 

Guests have the option to not have their rooms serviced daily by means of a hanging card on the door handle plus  enjoy the daily chocolates that house-keeping drop off each afternoon. Additionally guests can choose when they have their linens and towels changed to help conserve energy and water.

The food and drinks station included a fridge with extensively stocked mini bar and the unit top tray was filled with local snacks incase of the munchies, which are added to the room tab. The Nespresso machine comes with a number of pre filled coffee pods.

We opted for an entry level double room but it was impressively spacious 

Guests at the Pendry are granted priority access to it’s social club, Oxford. The hotel also has a large pool and spa on Level 3 with sun launchers, a bar and dining area plus a beautiful  living wal. The area is perfect for relaxing but does get pretty busy during the weekends and holidays. There is also a wellness spa and fitness centre on the same floor. 

Downstairs the lobby has a cosy yet stylish feel about it, with it’s fire and leather sofas in the entrance and railway waiting-room style seating.

The hotel also has some meeting rooms and a grand ballroom on the room above reception, plus quiet spaces which are great to work in if you want to leave your room for a change of scenery during a business stay. 

There are also some great restaurants on the ground floor such as Lion Fish (seafood spot), Provisional Kitchen which serves breakfast daily and brunch and lunch with an Italian-inspired menu. This has to be one of our favourite places to eat at the Pendry and when it comes to drinks, head to Fifth & Rose next door, where they knock up some great cocktails. 

Additionally at the either end of the hotel, keeping things a little casual, there’s a cool German-style beer hall perfect for local brews and sports watching. 

For those who would like something a little more fancy, Sabre Champagne & Wine Bar is known for its intimate atmosphere, focusing on bubbles, ranging from Cava and Prosecco to Grand Cru Champagne as well as some champagne-based cocktails.

The Pendry allows guests staying with them to hire out their Cadillac for a few hours per day on a first come-first-serve basis. We weren’t so confident in driving it around but upon check-in it’s best to reserve a date as soon as possible. The don’t provide  a chauffeur driven service so that’ s something to take into consideration if you’re not that familiar with the cars.

We love that the Pendry is making way for more sustainable focus within their brand little by little. 

The Details

• Location: 550 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 7387 000 
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 16:00 Check Out: 12:00
• Breakfast options: in-room dining available 06:00-23:00. Breakfast (+all food) menu items at extra cost  
• Family Friendly: Yes (adjoining rooms available)
• Dog Friendly: Yes (no extra fee)
• Parking: Pendry has a valet parking lot for guests charged at $59 for 2 hours.

Quirky Hotel Features: Most definitely the architecture and redevelopment of the building, The decor is sleek, modern and minimalistics whilst oozing all the luxurious charm you’d want from an upmarket hotel without being stuffy. Also note the champagne vending machines in the hallway to Provisional where you can get mini bottles of Moet et Chandon.

Andaz San Diego

Style: Mid-range

A concept by Hyatt hotel, situated perfectly in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, The Andaz is very trendy and hip, with modern bedrooms decorated in neutral tones and contemporary bathrooms. 

Staying at the Andaz also gives you access to enjoy certain complimentary perks and even discounted experiences in the city.

The Andaz Suites and certain other room categories have huge windows and come with a great seating area and mod cons like flatscreen TV’s. 

Head to the rooftop where you’ll find the hotel’s long pool as well as cabanas and sun loungers. The views from up here are phenomenal. The Rooftop by STK restaurant is a great place to spend the evening or head to the ground floor, STK restaurant which is more of a steakhouse.

The Details

• Location: 600 F Street, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +16198491234 
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 16:00 Check Out: 11:00
• Breakfast options: Yes for an extra fee (in-room dining menu or STK rooftop has classic all day menu)
• Family Friendly: Yes 
• Dog Friendly: Yes ($50 per night fee)
• Parking: 24 hour valet parking. $65 overnight 

Quirky Hotel Features: The decor in the communal areas, as well as the rooftop vibe during the day and especially in the evenings. There’s also a great view of the sunset here over the harbour.

The Guild Hotel

Style: Mid-range

A Tribute portfolio Hotel, the Guild is a historic boutique hotel located in downtown San Diego. Originally built as a YMCA in 1924 for the armed services but has now been lovingly restored to a modern standard with 162 rooms, many featuring beautiful high ceilings.

The range of rooms are from cosy standard category right up to spacious suites. The hotel offers a great level of luxury for an affordable price. There are a number of dining options in the form of the Guild Cafe,  as well as an onsite barber, lobby bar and courtyard to relax in.

The Details

• Location: 500 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101  I Tel. +1 619 795 6000
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 16:00 Check Out: 11:00
• Breakfast: Yes for an extra fee at teh Guild Cafe
• Family Friendly: Yes 
• Dog Friendly: Yes (if the room is left dirty a $250 cleaning fee will be added)
• Parking: 24 hour valet parking. $54 per day

Quirky Hotel Features: The courtyard, the high ceilings and the monochrome, teal and tan leather room decor. The barber’s sho[ is also  pretty cool touch.

Hotel Republic San Diego

Style: Mid-range 

Part of the Autograph Collection by Marriot, Hotel Republic, fuses contemporary style with a flair of sophistication. Bright fresh modern rooms equipped with workstations, flat-screen TV’s and sweeping views of the Gaslamp District. Room options include a presidential suite, city views or even corner executive abodes. There is an onsite 24 hour fitness centre for guests. Dining options come in the form of the Traders restaurant, serving on-the-go snacks,  coffee and quick meals in a fun, communal setting. The other option is  the Topside terrace kitchen and bar, which has a lively evening atmosphere and caters for happy hour.

Want to bring a furry companion along with you? Book the Pups & Paws Package, and hotel staff will treat your pet like royalty.

The Details

• Location: 421 W B Street, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 398 3100
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 16:00 Check Out: 11:00
• Breakfast options: Yes, breakfast can be purchased from Traders Restaurant 
• Family Friendly: Yes 
• Dog Friendly: Yes, there’s a ‘Pups & Paws’ Package or $100 per day.
• Parking: 24 hour valet parking at a fee o $60 per day. No onsite parking.

Quirky Hotel Features: Pets package where your poochie friends are given the VIP service, the Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar for great evening  vibes. The exposed brickwork in the open spaces.

Kimpton Alma, San Diego

Style: Mid-range

The Kimpton Alma has the true So Cal vibes you’d expect in this part of the US. Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, with a lobby oozing rich Mexican heritage and a relaxing vibe. The hotel itself is chic yet urban and a very relaxed atmosphere ensures pure relaxation. Cool, spacious rooms with quirky touches like hooks and all rooms featuring an impressive over-sized bath.

The rooftop pool is a good spot to spend your free time, topping up your tan or soaking up the San Diego sun and cooling off with a dip.

A fun culture, and no pet size or weight policy, your poochie companions can be right there with you! Dining options include, The Desmond (Fine dining), Leave of Absence (Outdoor + rooftop restaurant), The Cafe (chilled coffee and breakfast vibes), private dining or in-room dining. 

Be-lavie Tip: The Kimpton Alma is one of the most sustainability focussed hotels in San Diego. Their efforts include, all light fixtures in guest rooms, corridors and public spaces use energy-efficient LED bulbs, all faucets, shower heads and toilets utilise low flow water systems to help conserve water usage, guest room HVAC units filter fresh outdoor air to create a comfortable atmosphere. Units are motion activated, which limits unnecessary energy expenditure, all paper, plastics, glass, cardboard, crates, pallets and other materials are recycled and not sent to landfill and lastly non-toxic in room cleaning supplies, low VOC paint, sealants, and stains are used throughout the hotel.

The Details

• Location: 1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 515 3000
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 16:00 Check Out: 11:00
• Breakfast Options: Yes for an extra charge. Breakfast is served at The Cafe at Kimpston from 07:00
• Family Friendly: Yes 
• Dog Friendly: Yes (no pet weight restrictions as with all other hotels in San Diego)
• Parking: 24 hour valet parking at a fee $60 per day. No onsite parking.

Quirky Hotel features: The rooftop pool, the dining spaces are decorated beautifully and ooze almost Nordic charm with Mexican accents. The huge bathtubs in rooms and tiling spec are nice touches as well as the city views from the rooftop!

Hotel Z: A Stay Pineapple Hotel

Style: Good Value 

Truly one of the best quirky boutique hotels in San Diego, Hotel Z’s exterior is painted in bright blue and yellow, with a bright sparkling pineapple – it’s hip, it’s cool and it’s popular for it’s good value and excellent service to match. Hotel Z is located in the most perfect location of the Gaslamp district and has free WIFI, bikes to hire for free, 24 hour front desk service, a dry cleaning service as well as a water bar to full up your bottles. 

Rooms are decorated in neutral whites with a flurry of Pineapple motifs scattered around the room. The pineapple branded yellow robes and slippers area welcome touch for the incredible value offered at Hotel Z.

We stayed in the hotel Stay Pineapple and loved the service, the cool vibes and excellent value for money. The service is truly commendable considering this is a hotel priced so so competitively.

Be-lavie Tip: Look out for the afternoon delights in the form of a cup of coffee and a couple of their pineapple shaped sugar cookies. 

The Details

• Location: 521 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 I Tel. +1 619 330 6401
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 16:00 Check Out: 12:00
• Breakfast Option: No (coffee each morning in the lobby as well as in room coffee machines)
• Family Friendly: Yes -larger 2 bed Queen rooms available.
• Dog Friendly: Yes (check out their pup package)
• Parking: Valet parking is available for a small fee

Quirky Hotel Features: Absolutely everything about this hotel is hideously cool and infectious. The bright exterior, the yellow bicycles, the robes, pets packages and of course those sugar cookies.

La Jolla

Located around 15 miles (25 minutes drive) from the Gaslamp district, is La Jolla, a coastal village boasting stunning views and is one of the most popular beach spots in California. La Jolla’s three sides are surrounded by the sea and is home to a very upmarket village lifestyle. It’s commonly referred to as ‘the jewel’ of San Diego.

There are very luxurious coastal hotels, museums, art galleries, antique spots as well great restaurants. We love the amount of activities available in La Jolla such as golfing, kayaking, walks, spotting wildlife like sea lions and pelicans just to mention a few. 

This very a very popular area for family holidays as well as couples retreats and the area has some of the most expensive real estate in the USA.  

La Jolla Quirky Boutique Hotels

La Valencia Hotel

Style: Luxury

A member of the Preferred Hotels and Resorts Hotel group, La Valencia Hotel is located just across the street from La Jolla Cove, on Prospect Street. It has been at the centre of hospitality here for over 95 years. It’s known for its pink exterior and Spanish tiled tower and is quite the landmark in La Jolla. We’d refer to it more as old world luxury.

Guests can choose form vintage rooms to suites and villas which are beyond spacious and have ocean, garden or village views. 

The hotel has amongst its amenities, an outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa pool. La Valencia’s prime location in La Jolla makes it perfect for shopping, eating out and discovering the area in more detail.

Food and drinks at the hotel represent the flavours of the Californian coast and include, Mediterranean room (inspired by the California coast with seasonally driven, locally sourced ingredients), La sala (a beautiful cocktail bar with stunning ocean views), poolside dining as well as in-room dining options.

The Details

• Location: 1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 I Tel. +1 855 4766 870
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 16:00 Check Out: 11:00
• Breakfast Option: Yes, served in the Mediterranean Room for an extra fee
• Family Friendly: Yes, Suites and villas are perfect for families
• Dog Friendly: Yes,a $50 fee per night fee applies to all poochies
• Parking: Overnight valet parking is offered to guests for $30 and day time is charged at $18    

Quirky Hotel Features: The pink distinct decor of the exterior is this hotels signature features. The Valencia Hotel also has a wonderful Spanish tile presence on walls, tabletops and other areas that gives the Mexican heritage, from just over the border!

Pantai Inn

Style: Mid-range

Pantai Inn, a member of  Small Luxury Hotels of the World,  is a unique boutique hotel which offers a taste of Balinese style accommodation literally steps from the Pacific ocean and many of La Jolla villages amenities. 

Hospitality is said to be very welcoming and reminiscent to that in the East, at Pantai Inn, with the decor offering Balinese serenity and a great place to relax. Think spacious suites, equipped with full kitchens, rain shoes as well as large balconies. Handcrafted furnishings and textiles add a touch of relaxation to the atmosphere of the property.

There is no restaurant service, except for breakfast but guests are in a great location to sample all the restaurants in La Jolla village and the in-suite kitchens are great for cooking. WIFI is fast and parking is complimentary which is a bonus.

The Details

• Location: 1003 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037 I Tel. +1 858 2247 600
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 15:00 Check Out: 12:00
• Breakfast: Yes, included in daily rate
• Family Friendly: Yes, Suites are large enough for small families.
• Dog Friendly: No, dogs are not permitted here.
• Parking: Complimentary 

Quirky Hotel Features: The Balinese decor of rich textiles and colours is such a unique touch as are the excellent views over La Jolla Cove. Some suites have ocean views and the villas are perfect for families.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Style: Mid-range

This resort style boutique hotel with 210 guest rooms, a little over the room count we’d usually include but the service and vibe is quite unique,  starting at deluxe rooms right up to estate and presidential suites. Some room classes also come complete with ocean views.

The resort puts emphasis on wellness with its serenity spa and activities on offer.

All guest rooms are bright and spacious, decorated in neutral tones with blue and stone accents. Some have balconies allowing the outdoors in with garden views, with others having views of the pool.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa has two restaurants; Mustangs & Burros is the resort’s signature restaurant, featuring Baja coastal inspired cuisine with a Southern California twist. The second restaurant is Greenfinch, where breakfast and lunch are served. It has a open air balcony overlooking the resort’s lush garden courtyard.

The Details

• Location: 9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037  I Tel. +1 858 4120 500
• Map: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 15:00 Check Out: 12:00
• Breakfast Option: Yes, extra fee, served at the Greenfinch Restaurant between 07:00-22:00 (brunch)
• Family Friendly: Yes, Suites are large enough for small families and kids menus available
• Dog Friendly: Yes, dog friendly rooms are available and they even do special menus as well as dog sitting services.
• Parking: Yes. Valet parking is $48 per night and self-parking is $40 per night for overnight guests.

Quirky Hotel Features: The lush green gardens are beautifully landscaped and guest rooms facing the ocean have a great view. The Baja restaurant has a cool vibe. 

Coronado

Located right across the bay from San Diego, Coronado, meaning ‘The Crown City’ in Spanish, has been voted consistently best beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach, which encompasses 50 specific beach criteria.

Wide sandy beaches, palm trees, a gentle surf, charming main streets, lined with a range of trendy restaurants, boutiques and other shops. Coronado also has brilliant hotels, including the famous Hotel del Coronado, which was featured in the 1959 Hollywood movie, ‘Some Like it Hot’ starring Marilyn Monroe.

Coronado has an array of activities to partake in with a laid back historic charm and vibe. Thinkelegantly manicured gardens, old-world mansions, cute shops and wonderful ocean front hang outs. The sunsets are noteworthy plus head to the ferry pier and get some fantastic views of the cityscape of downtown San Diego. Coronado Island is perfect for family getaways as well as romantic couples retreats.

Coronado Quirky Boutique Hotels 

1906 Lodge Coronado

Style: Mid-range

If it’s a beach hotel with quiet, calm romantic vibes you’re looking for, 1906 Lodge Coronado is the best choice for you. It has been beautifully restored and has been on Coronado Island for over a century. 

It’s just a block away from the main shops of Orange Avenue, restaurants and galleries and a short walks away from the beach and the world renown Hotel del Coronado.

1906 Lodge Coronado is more along the European boutique system of only having 17 guest rooms, with each being individually designed. There are seven room categories including Historic lodge King room but we love the idea of the Grand King Spa Spa rooms as they have a spacious living area and a spa bath. 

Some lovely things that the hotel does is loan guests bicycles, beach chairs, bags as well as umbrellas in case of the odd shower.  The WIFI is pretty brilliant. There is a complimentary happy hour as well as filtered water, coffee, and tea available throughout the day

We LOVE that, again another feature of European style boutique hotels, the breakfast is complimentary with stays. It’s a daily buffet style set up and bottomless mimosas are served from 08:00-09:30. We also heard every afternoon, there are freshly baked biscuits for guests. There is no restaurant but, there’s  a great choice of local places located a block away.

The Details

• Location: 1060 Adella Ave, Coronado, CA 92118   I Tel. +1 619 4371 900
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 15:00 Check Out: 11:00
• Breakfast Option: Yes, complimentary breakfast daily with bottomless Mimosas
• Family Friendly: Yes, Suites are large enough for small families.
• Dog Friendly: Yes, An advance dog reservation is required prior to your trip, with a refundable fee.
• Parking: Yes. Parking is complimentary throughout your stay.

Quirky Hotel Features: 1906 Lodge Coronado feels a lot more intimate than many of the featured hotels in terms of service, decor, ambiance and a lot quieter with only 17 rooms. The wonderful thing with this hotel is the complimentary guest parking and small touches like breakfast, wine and tapas and cookies that are all included and add that memorable special touch to stays.

Hotel Marisol Coronado

Style: good value/mid-range

Hotel Marisol is another Coronado gem that oozes true boutique hotel style and the most personalised service you’ll encounter when it comes to this genre of hotels in San Diego. This family owned and managed hotel is tucked away down a quite street but within great proximity to walk to shops, restaurants and points of interest in La Jolla. 

The exterior of Hotel Marisol is bright and airy with a Spanish flair. There are only 15 guest rooms here ranging from, four Junior Suites, nine Deluxe King Rooms, two Queen Rooms (including an ADA accessible room). They are all decorated in a fresh white and light grey palette with colour splashes in the form of soft furnishings. 

This hotel is a perfect retreat style hotel for couples. It’s possible to loan bicycles, beach chairs and beach towels and all rooms have in-room fridges with chilled bottled waters. There is also a private secluded courtyard to relax in. Complimentary WIFI is available throughout the property.

There is no onsite restaurant but access to restaurants is within walking distance. There’s free public parking on the street as well as on other locations close by.

The Details

• Location: 1017 Park Pl, Coronado, CA 92118 I Tel. +1 619 3654 677
• Find it Here: Map Location
• Details: Check in: 15:00 Check Out: 11:00
• Breakfast Option: Yes, served daily from 07:00 -10:00. No hot food items included.
• Family Friendly: Yes but better for couples than a family with young children
• Dog Friendly: No pets are allowed
• Parking: free public parking on the street as well as on other locations close by

Quirky hotel Features: The pristine decor, complimentary cold buffet breakfast as well as the very unique personal touches and the building is a designated Historic Coronado Building.

FAQ Boutique Hotels in San Diego 

Stylish Boutique Hotels in San Diego Round-Up

We’ve shown that San Diego’s boutique hotels are not just about somewhere to stay for a restful nights sleep but that they can make or break your stay in the area. They deliver beautiful design, character, personality and most importantly lead to an experience that’s memorable. Many of them reflect their location in the city, for example Little Italy chic, La Jolla, beachside flair or historic Coronado charm.

When it comes to selecting a hotel in San Diego we say narrow down your location first, then decide upon wheteher you’d like a calm, coastal, lively, design led vibe. Hotel rates in San Diego do rise rapidly as it’s a conference city (it has a twenty-thousand capacity convention centre) so book as early as possible to get good rates and also the hotel of your first choice. Ensure you factor in the kinds of activities you’d like to do from your base so you’re not staying too far away or that you’re not too remote to access them.

We truly think San Diego covers many bases when it comes to accommodation, whether you like a spot of luxury, a mid-range property or are on a budget so you can spend more on attractions, San Diego can offer something for everyone. After four visits we suggest, for city life, downtown San Diego is perfect, for families and beach time, La Jolla and Coronado is great for families as well as couples who want the serenity of very intimate boutique style accommodation.

Next Steps, Read Our Related Articles

• Great breakfast and coffee places in San Diego 
• The best Vegetarian-Friendly Food in San Diego
• How to spend one day on Coronado Island, San Diego
• How to best send one day in La Jolla
• How to Spend One day in Little Italy, San Diego
• The Ultimate Guide to The Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
• The Ultimate Visitors Guide to San Diego

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