San Diego's Best Hotels: Where to Stay in America's Finest City

The secluded Park Hyatt Aviara lies above a protected wildlife sanctuary called the Batiquitos Lagoon and enjoys spectacular ocean views. This AAA 5-diamond resort offers all of the luxury one might expect from a Park Hyatt. When not splashing around in the 3200 square foot pool, kids can stay busy in Camp Hyatt while parents enjoy a leisurely morning at the spa or golf at the resort's Arnold Palmer course, named by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine as one of the best resort golf courses in America. Better yet, improve your swing at the prestigious Aviara Golf Academy, located on the property. LEGOLAND and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are not too far away, though Downtown San Diego is about a 40 minute drive.

Just a quick walk away from one of San Diego's nicest beaches and Del Mar's finest restaurants, the L'Auberge Del Mar is an excellent vacation choice. The resort is reminiscent of a private, coastal estate, offering 112 plush guest rooms and 8 hotel suites with village, garden or coastal views. Some of the luxury hotel amenities offered at L'Auberge include a gorgeous pool overlooking the Pacific, private cabanas, a landscaped footpath to the beach, a state-of-the-art fitness center equipment, two lighted championship tennis courts and a tennis pro for instruction. Kitchen 1540 is onsite and highly regarded for it's Modern American cuisine with Southern influences. Breathe in the sea air at Spa L'Auberge while indulging in massages, body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures.

The luxurious Rancho Valencia, tucked away in the affluent Rancho Santa Fe neighborhood, is an all-suite property of 49 suites averaging 1000 square feet in size. The property just enjoyed a $30 million renovation. All suites boast a fireplace, private garden patio, spacious bathroom with walk-in closet, and wet mini-bar while some have a private whirlpool spa on the patio. Mediterranean-Spanish decor features colorful hand-painted tile work, open beam ceilings, plantation shuttered windows, and Terra Cotta tile floors. Tennis enthusiasts will love the 18 courts. Other amenities include a heated outdoor pool, two whirlpool spas, croquet lawn, fitness center, and easy access to nearby golf courses. Don't forget to book a spa appointment, either.

The over 100-year-old hotel is centrally and conveniently located on Broadway, the city's main boulevard. Directly across the street, guests can explore the many stores, theatres and restaurants of Westfield Horton Plaza or walk a few short blocks to the San Diego Bay, Petco Park, and the historical Gaslamp Quarter, which boasts a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment venues. The hotel's 270 guest rooms are fused with iconic architecture and classic empire-style furnishings with modern day amenities and contemporary features, including flat screen televisions, luxurious bath amenities and twice-daily housekeeping. The Grant Grill features fresh farm-to-table California cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. For seasonal craft cocktails, local brews and regional wines, The Grant Grill Lounge is a lively setting with daily happy hour and weekend entertainment.

Connected via a skywalk to the home of the Padres baseball team, PETCO Park, this 511-room, 21-story hotel is located in the heart of the historic and trendy Gaslamp Quarter and steps away from the San Diego Convention Center. Public transportation in the form of the red San Diego Trolley is right outside the door for access to all areas of downtown and beyond. In addition to beautifully outfitted rooms (each with bay, downtown, or ballpark views), the hotel also boasts a swimming pool and gym. The Omni hotel creates unique guest packages that can include everything from a wedding ceremony on the baseball diamond at PETCO Park to a brewery tour package.

Known as the pink lady, the luxurious La Valencia Hotel has been a La Jolla landmark since 1926. Its Prospect Street address is an ideal location for fine dining, shopping, browsing art galleries, and admiring the ocean just steps away. However, with the gorgeous pool and three critically acclaimed restaurants, it would be easy spend your entire holiday on the property. The recently-renovated hotel retains much of its original Mediterranean characteristics while integrating modern conveniences. Richly appointed custom furnishings, luxurious linens and amenities, WiFi and plasma TVs grace the 112 intimate guest rooms and suites. Panoramic ocean views can and should be enjoyed all over the hotel. Weekend brunch at the Mediterranean Room is popular with locals as is the brand new Cafe la Rue.

The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is located just a few miles from the beach in Carlsbad. In addition to its world-renowned spa, the resort boasts a newly-renovated golf course that is the site of several national championships each year. Situated on 400 lushly landscaped acres, La Costa offers the ultimate in resort activity. Its expansive water park, Splash Landing, features serpentine water slides, a kids' splash area, several pools, hot tubs, and a poolside restaurant. Excellent dining options, such as locally sourced fare at BlueFire Grill, help make it a resort that you do not ever have to leave. However, kids may want to visit LEGOLAND, just a few minutes away.

The iconic red roof has become one of San Diego's most recognizable symbols. The beachfront Hotel del Coronado is filled with over 120 years of history with guests including 11 Presidents, royalty and countless movie stars. Coronado island is actually a peninsula connected to Downtown San Diego by the famous Coronado Bridge. Attractions in Balboa Park are also just minutes away. This luxurious National Historic Landmark has unveiled several major enhancements including more ocean view dining, a state-of-the art fitness center with classes held on the beach, as well as a facility just for kids and teens. Beach Village is a new 78 room enclave that offers kitchens, private terraces, and larger living spaces. If you forget to pack something, the shops have a variety of amenities and are sure to fill any empty space in your suitcase.

Boasting stunning ocean and golf course views, The Lodge at Torrey Pines has established itself as one of Southern California's finest resorts. Often referred to as a hidden treasure, the post-and-beam construction throughout the resort pays homage to early 1900s Craftsman-style architecture. It is designed to look and feel like a residence. Inside are 170 generously-sized rooms and 8 suites with custom furnishings that contribute a historic but contemporary look. A world-class spa performs beauty services and restorative therapies, including massage, wraps, hydrotherapy, and time-honored wellness rituals. The Lodge is centrally located in upscale La Jolla near UCSD, the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, and major freeways that provide quick access to other San Diego attractions.

As Southern California's only triple five-star resort, The Grand Del Mar oozes with opulence. Nestled in a secluded canyon east of Del Mar, the sprawling property boasts an equestrian center, luxury spa, state-of-the-art fitness center, 5-star dining, golf, tennis and four heated pools. If the beach is calling, The Grand Del Mar can chauffeur you there and back with chairs, umbrellas and bottled water in tow. Kids can do crafts and play games in the Explorer's Club while parents take a pilates class or cherish a private dinner at the resort's award-winning French restaurant, Addison. The 249 hotel rooms are lavishly decorated with Pratesi linens and marble bathrooms to compliment tranquil canyon views.