11 Best Hotels in San Diego near La Jolla

With white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, La Jolla is one of the must-visit areas in San Diego. However, La Jolla is quite expensive. It offers a lot but the price we paid to stay in one of its exquisite hotels was too high to repeat over and over. Thus, we decided to stay in hotels in San Diego near La Jolla as a middle-ground solution. We had the best of La Jolla beaches and picturesque scenes. At the same time, we didn’t pay a million bucks to enjoy our vacation. If La Jolla is on your go-to list in San Diego, we have got you covered. We curated this list of the best hotels near La Jolla with their features, amenities, and services described to help you choose your next accommodation.

Holiday Inn Express Mira Mesa

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We loved staying at Mira Mesa, especially at the Holiday Inn Express Mira Mesa Hotel. It was a relatively cheap choice but very close to La Jolla. This two-star accommodation had more than what we expected. It didn’t look like a two-star hotel at all. The rooms were clean and very spacious. Plus, free towels, toiletries, and tea and coffee machines were offered in each room. The hotel has private parking but it isn’t for free. Yet, the rate is acceptable similar to everything else there.

The room we booked was standard with all the amenities mentioned and a cable TV. We also had a complimentary breakfast every morning and a hot drink. The breakfast was good with enough varieties. Moreover, we tried the outdoor pool and the fitness center, they were convenient to use. If your trip is a business one, the hotel has a professional business center with several facilities. More about the facilities and amenities is on the official website.

Sonesta ES Suites Sorrento

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Best for families. Get ready for a wonderful experience in one of San Diego’s best accommodation venues ever. It’s Sonesta ES Suites Sorrento Hotel, nestled in Sorrento, particularly in the Telecomm and Biotech Corridor. We had ultimate convenience in this hotel. The rooms included beds and sofas that were very plush and soft. We didn’t want to get out of the room. Also, they serve delicious breakfast meals that we could take on the go.
The hotel was family-oriented with different facilities to suit families. They offer large family rooms with huge beds, sofa beds, and cots upon request. They come with a full kitchen with all cooking equipment and utensils. Further, pets are allowed with some conditions and precautions to keep all the guests safe and content. A free airport shuttle service rounded up the services there. In addition, we had a nice time in the nearby shopping center where we could shop for all our needs.

Homewood Suites by Hilton

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Homewood Suites by Hilton is nestled in a quiet neighborhood with easy accessibility to the city center and La Jolla beaches. This all-suite hotel offers great facilities at a reasonable price. When it comes to the rooms, we can fairly say this was one of the best accommodations we had. The suite was very spacious with a full kitchen. We had a dishwasher in our suite but who would need a kitchen while having access to a fulfilling complimentary breakfast and delicious eateries steps from the hotel?

Moreover, they offered an evening reception throughout the days of the week. The snacks were very tasty. For leisure, we had a fully-equipped fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool. They also have BBQ facilities for groups. We could use the private parking though it wasn’t free. A $12 parking fee was acceptable for us in this area. To know more about the available facilities, check the official website here.

Country Inn and Suites by Radisson

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Best for business travelers. Here’s another great option for any travelers and business travelers in particular. The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson offers a wide range of business facilities including a professional on-site business center. Moreover, they had a free shuttle service to the corporate business offices close to the hotel. It took us a few minutes to reach this business center. Even if you aren’t there for business, you’ll love your stay. The pool and the lounge bar were enjoyable.

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The hotel’s location was perfectly on the freeway to reach other public transportation. Further, the breakfast was open-buffet with a wide selection of options. They also offer evening snacks and entrees in addition to drinks all day. Our room had a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee machine. We also used the laundry room to wash our clothes day after day. It was a full package with all the services we needed at a reasonable price.

“We felt convenient in this hotel as if we were in our home. The signature scent was so lovely. It’s an ideal accommodation where you’ll be willing to come back again.”

Courtyard by Marriott Sorrento Valley

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Courtyard by Marriott Sorrento Valley is similar to most courtyard hotels in San Diego. It has the same facilities and service standards. Also, the location is central, close to most tourist spots. We had a rented car, so, we used the free parking. However, transportation to and from the hotel is easy as it’s a walking distance from the freeway. It was a quiet stay with good amenities and on-site facilities including a fitness center and an outdoor pool.

Further, the rooms were modern and comfortable. They included basic furnishing and equipment. We had coffee and tea-making facilities in our room in addition to a refrigerator. We also had clean towels and bed linens that were changed every day. The room and bathroom were spotless. The staff were doing their best to make sure we were comfortable. They also offered paid breakfast, we tried it once and it was worth it.

Wyndham Garden San Diego

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Wyndham Garden San Diego is centrally located near La Jolla and Downtown. We loved the location, as we could reach every destination in minutes. The hotel is mediocre with most of the needed amenities and equipment inside the room. We booked a suite with a sofa bed, a microwave and a refrigerator. Some rooms come without a kitchenette but you can find an on-site restaurant if you need snacks or drinks.

The restaurant we’re talking about is the Garden Bistro & Bar. It serves local food and treats. We tried some pastries and they were freshly baked. We also swam in the outdoor pool and it was clean. You can park in the private parking for a small fee. They also offer laundry services at a reasonable price. If we want to sum up our stay here, we’ll say it was a value-for-money accommodation in a great location. On the other side, if you’re looking for world-class services, you need to check this list of the best luxury hotels in San Diego.

Comfort Inn Sea World Area

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Best value for money. Living up to its name, the Comfort Inn Sea World Area is one of the most comfortable hotels near La Jolla San Diego. Our room was huge. It included a huge plush bed, a refrigerator, and a coffee machine. The toiletries looked premium and of value. We had complimentary breakfast daily. It was mouth-watering with many varieties and hot dishes that satisfied our taste buds. We also used the free secure parking.
Despite the relatively low rate, we had many premium facilities in this hotel. It’s located near the highway where we could reach public transportation. Moreover, it didn’t take much time to reach the airport. Going to La Jolla was very easy from the hotel. The hotel doesn’t have a pool, so, we went to La Jolla beaches every day to enjoy the sun and the ocean.

Samesun Ocean Beach Hotel

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Samesun Ocean Beach Hotel is a completely different type of accommodation. It’s more of a hostel with hotel services. The venue offers different types of accommodation. You can book a standard room or a shared dormitory. We had a double room with a private bathroom. Our room included a bed, a small table, and chairs. The shared terrace and lounge were cozy and inviting to socialize with people.

The hotel offers a shared kitchen with all the needed equipment to cook food. We used it twice to prepare on-the-go snacks. There are vending machines to buy cold drinks or chips. We loved the funky style of the hotel. The colors, artificial plants, and lights contributed to these cool vibes. What’s more, it was a walking distance to the beach. The staff can arrange water activities such as boarding or surfing upon request. It was a very friendly stay.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

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Paradise Point Resort & Spa is a luxurious stay outside La Jolla. It’s on Mission Bay, too close to La Jolla beaches. Yet, it has a private beach and many more facilities making it one of the best hotels in San Diego. We felt we were secluded in this paradise. We enjoyed the privacy and the celebrity-like treatment they offered. The hotel combines tropical style with modern American design. The rooms are well-equipped with premium amenities for the comfort of the guests. Most rooms have a nice view of the ocean or the pool.

We had a special treatment in the full-service spa center. Further, we checked the fitness center and it was so professional. We didn’t have the chance to try it but it looked modern. The hotel offers several dining options. Our favorite was the Tidal Restaurant where we had a delicious seafood meal. We also enjoyed the pool bar drinks and craft cocktails. Check their official website to know more about the available dining options and other services.

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

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Best for activities. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina was nothing less than the luxurious hotels of La Jolla. We enjoyed every moment during our stay there as we had so many things to do. First, our room was huge with a balcony overlooking the bay. The view was wonderful. We could sit on the balcony for hours staring at the bay and the clear blue sky. We had a large working desk, an iPod docking station, and an LCD TV in our room. It was very clean and comfortable.

Once we woke up, we had our breakfast in the Red Marlin Restaurant. It had a very expansive menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The view was not to be missed either. We can speak for hours about the fun things we enjoyed there. The hotel had three pools with lounge chairs around for relaxation. Also, it had a marina where we could do different water activities such as kayaking, jet skiing, and excursions. If you aren’t into this kind of thrill, just enjoy a massage in the professional on-site wellness center.

The Wayfarer San Diego

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The Wayfarer San Diego is on top of all the best hotels in San Diego near La Jolla for a reason. It isn’t an expensive hotel. The rate we paid was pretty much similar to other hotels with no access to the beach or pool. Here, we enjoyed a beachfront stay with an outdoor oceanfront pool. We advise you to book a room with a balcony to enjoy the views.

The room we booked was of a moderate size. It included a bed, a coffee maker, a refrigerator, and an LCD TV. It was clean and matched our standards. We didn’t have breakfast on site but we believe we heard other guests mentioning it was good. What we enjoyed the most was the various entertainment options in the hotel. Aside from the pool, there was a hot tub, video games, and an outdoor picnic area. Moreover, we could rent bikes at a good price to explore the area at our own pace.

Our Verdict!

Can’t make up your mind yet? We can still help you. Here is another categorized list of the top hotels regarding a special feature. It might help you make a better-informed decision.

• Best for activities: Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
• Best value for money: Comfort Inn Sea World Area
• Best for business travelers: Country Inn and Suites by Radisson
• Best for families: Sonesta ES Suites Sorrento

Where to Stay in San Diego?

As one of the largest cities in the USA, we can recommend several areas to stay. One of which is La Jolla, with its impeccable beaches and cliffs. However, it isn’t the only stunning place to stay. San Diego is full of neighborhoods and areas to discover. We love Little Italy. It’s a very cozy area in the city center with unique architecture and buildings. The Gaslamp Quarter is also very vivid and it never sleeps. San Diego’s downtown in general is full of shops, eateries, and nightlife. It’s a perfect area for those looking for a nighty vacation.

The Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are the opposite. They’re quiet, relaxing, and suitable for those looking for an escape from the busy life of San Diego. This doesn’t mean they don’t have nightlife. They do have but it’s somehow hidden in the quietness of the areas. Del Mar and Mission Hills are good to go for something a little more reasonable. They include different accommodation options at a cheaper price. They have running public transportation, so, don’t worry about getting to other places in San Diego.

When is the best time to visit La Jolla?

La Jolla is better in summer when you can enjoy the water and the beach. You can stay in one of these beachfront hotels in La Jolla to get the best vacation. In fall, it sometimes rains but the weather is warm

What are the main neighborhoods in San Diego?

Little Italy, Gaslamp Quarter, and Balboa Park are the main areas in the city center. Coronado Island is a secluded island in the ocean. Also, La Jolla and Mission Bay are famous coastline neighborhoods.

Why is La Jolla so expensive?

The proximity to the shores, the abundance of water activities, and the stunning nature are reasons why tourists love to stay there. Thus, the neighborhood became expensive.