San Diego is one of those city that has so much to offer. No, though it’s big here, we’re not just talking about surfing. Whenever we want to spend our days somewhere surrounded by top-notch restaurants, perfectly walkable, and rich in history, there’s only one place in mind: Little Italy. One of the most historic and oldest neighborhoods in the city, Little Italy is an attraction in its own right, and choosing the right accommodation can enhance your experience of this dynamic neighborhood. Below, you’ll find our favorite hotels by Little Italy San Diego. The following hotels are if not in Little Italy, just a few minutes walk away from the charming neighborhood. Join us as we tell you about our experiences!
Table of contents
- Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
- The Sofia Hotel
- La Pensione Hotel
- Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy
- Pendry San Diego
- San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina
- Urban Boutique Hotel
- Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
- Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
- Hotel Republic San Diego
- InterContinental San Diego
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in San Diego Near Little Italy
- Why is Little Italy famous?
- Is Little Italy worth it?
- What is the best street to walk in Little Italy?
Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
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Kicking off this list is the Best Western Plus Bayside Inn, an urban oasis in the beating heart of downtown San Diego. The hotel’s prime location in Little Italy made it easy to explore the vibrant neighborhood. After a day of sightseeing, we would relax with a workout in the modern fitness center or have a refreshing swim in the heated pool, complete with poolside food and beverage service.
Our favorite part, though, has to be unwinding on our private balcony. Sipping on a nightcap while taking in the stunning bay views is truly hard to beat. The refreshing bay breeze was the perfect way to end the day. Speaking of which, all of the rooms here are modern and nothing short of comfortable.
What really impressed us was their “forget something” amenity program. We actually forgot our toothbrushes (it happens to the best of us!), and the hotel quickly provided replacements, saving us a late-night drugstore run. Meanwhile, the Grab & Go breakfast bags were perfect for our busy mornings, giving us a quick and convenient start to our days.
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The Sofia Hotel
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The Sofia Hotel in downtown San Diego offers the perfect blend of historic architecture and modern convenience. Located just four blocks from the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, we were perfectly positioned to explore the city’s highlights while maintaining easy access to the I-5 for our day trips. Meanwhile, Little Italy is only 6 minutes away by car.
Our room, though compact, was thoughtfully designed with all the essentials we needed – a 42-inch flat-screen TV, microwave, and mini-fridge. What really impressed us, though, was the hotel’s commitment to wellness. We took full advantage of the 24-hour fitness center and yoga studio, and even borrowed bikes to explore the city!
The on-site brasserie and bar became our go-to spot for meals, with its lovely terrace providing a perfect setting for evening drinks. While we did notice the daily resort fee (which covers Wi-Fi) and the breakfast isn’t included, we found the overall rates to be quite competitive for the downtown area.
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La Pensione Hotel
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The La Pensione Hotel is a charming 67-room boutique property. Our first impression walking in was how perfectly the hotel blends European elegance with local character – the rooms feature comfortable European-inspired designs alongside vintage photographs celebrating San Diego’s iconic landmarks. Throughout our stay, we would enjoy each morning with a free coffee and pastry from the downstairs Caffe Italia. Speaking of dining, having Mr. Moto Pizza right on the ground floor was a delightful convenience – their NYC-style pizza, wings, and salads satisfied our cravings without having to venture far.
Our favorite discovery was the hotel’s enchanting courtyard. This hidden gem provided us with a tranquil escape from the city bustle, and we spent several peaceful moments here sipping coffee and soaking in the California sunshine. It truly felt like our own private oasis.
For those booking a stay, you can choose between cozy Standard Queen Rooms or more spacious Deluxe Queen accommodations. We chose the former, and it was more than enough for us. A nice bonus that caught our attention was the free first Uber ride – a thoughtful offering that made exploring the city that much easier.
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Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy
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With a mid-century modern design and refreshing rooms, the recently renovated Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy is another option worth considering. During our stay, we really enjoyed the unique artwork curated throughout the hotel. It was like exploring an art gallery without leaving the comfort of the hotel.
As one of the best Little Italy hotels in San Diego, this place boasts a hidden gem in the form of a rooftop spool. The heated mini-pool with spa jets offered us a serene escape with unmatched views of the city. We also loved the on-site GlassDoor restaurant, where we indulged in delicious local fare and crafted cocktails while admiring the stunning skyline.
The hotel’s prime location in Little Italy was perfect for exploring the vibrant neighborhood and beyond. We were within walking distance of the Gaslamp Quarter, the USS Midway Museum, and the scenic Embarcadero waterfront. As pet owners, we were thrilled to discover the Amici Dog Park just across the street, making it easy to keep our furry friends happy and entertained. We happily ended each day in our King Suite, which came with a lovely private balcony.
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Pendry San Diego
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Best Suite. The Pendry San Diego is a modern oasis nestled in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, just a 10-minute drive from Little Italy. This trendy hotel, a brainchild of Montage Hotels & Resorts, successfully brings a much-needed breath of fresh air to this historic neighborhood. The 12-story property, which opened its doors in early 2017, stands as a testament to modern luxury, offering a sophisticated alternative to the area’s sometimes kitschy establishments.
We spent our nights in one of the luxe suites, which was a masterclass in modern design. The aesthetic seamlessly blends clean whites with warm woods and sophisticated metallic gold accents. The well-appointed wet bar and separate living area made our suite feel more like a stylish urban apartment than a hotel room.
Where the Pendry truly shines is its impressive array of dining and entertainment options. During our stay, we explored its many dining options. Our favorite is Lionfish, which is an upscale seafood restaurant that’s worth dressing up for. If you’re looking for a drink, we recommend heading to Nason’s Beer Hall. It’s a chillax spot with arguably the best soft pretzel in the city.
Psst! Have you read our list of the most haunted hotels in San Diego?
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San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina
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Did you know how the San Diego Marriott Marquis and Marina won us over? It’s the waterfront location! Nestled along San Diego’s scenic marina, we found ourselves perfectly positioned to explore the city’s vibrant Downtown district and Little Italy. When we ventured further out, Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo were merely a 10 to 15-minute drive from our doorstep.
The hotel had so much to offer us. We particularly enjoyed the outdoor recreational facilities, which include two swimming pools and two hot tubs. The Hideaway spa was a great discovery, and guests can enjoy the poolside massages during the summer months. Fitness enthusiasts in our group appreciated the expansive, modern gym equipped with a dedicated studio offering complimentary classes from yoga to spinning. And with five distinct dining venues, we were spoiled for choice.
Our Deluxe Suite was one of 1,360 on the property, and we were immediately struck by its spaciousness and sophisticated design. The neutral color scheme, abundance of natural light, and comfy bedding created a serene atmosphere. For those considering room selection, we highly recommend requesting a bay-view room overlooking Coronado Island – the views are absolutely stunning.
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Urban Boutique Hotel
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Another great addition to our list of the best hotels near Little Italy San Diego is the Urban Boutique Hotel. This is a delightful European-inspired gem overlooking the stunning San Diego Bay. This charming hotel offered us the perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern comforts, making it an ideal choice for our San Diego getaway.
Our room, which was the King Room, was actually a bit bigger than we imagined. It had plush bedding, a flat-screen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi – basically everything we wanted. The in-room coffee and tea facilities were great too, perfect for a morning pick-me-up. Some rooms here even come with a cozy sofa.
The hotel’s prime location was a major highlight. We were within easy reach of numerous attractions, including the historic Gaslamp District, Petco Park, and the San Diego Convention Center. A short cab ride was all it took to explore these vibrant neighborhoods. While the hotel doesn’t have its own on-site parking, there are several nearby parking lots that offer convenient and affordable options.
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Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
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Best Wellness Amenities. Nestled in the heart of the city, the Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown allowed us to be mere blocks away from the neighborhood’s renowned restaurants and boutique shops. But it wasn’t long for us to realize that this downtown San Diego hotel is special, mostly because of its wellness-focused amenities. What truly sets Carte apart is its extraordinary 28,000 sq ft Fit Athletic Club. The extensive fitness facility and outdoor swimming pool made maintaining our wellness routine not just possible but actually enjoyable during our stay. It’s clear that this hotel was designed with the health-conscious traveler in mind.
Apart from that, our Upper Level King Room also provided us with a sophisticated retreat with impressive city views. We especially appreciated the environmental consciousness shown through water bottle refill stations on every floor – a small but significant touch that aligned with our values.
Our culinary journey at Watercolors restaurant was a highlight. The sea-to-table concept delivered extraordinarily fresh flavors, whether during a casual lunch or an elaborate four-course dinner. We loved ending our days at Above Ash Social, the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge. Here, we found ourselves mesmerized by panoramic views of San Diego Bay while sipping expertly crafted cocktails. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated and relaxed.
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Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
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Best Pool. We just returned from our stay at the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside not too long ago, and we honestly can’t wait to return. One of the absolute highlights was the heated rooftop pool. We spent several evenings unwinding there, soaking in breathtaking views of San Diego’s cityscape. It’s especially magical during sunset! The 24-hour fitness center was also invaluable for maintaining our workout routine. However, if you don’t lift weights, you can exercise through walks around the vibrant downtown area.
“Staying near Little Italy was already a fantastic experience, but the rooftop pool at this hotel elevated our stay in ways we didn’t imagine.”
WOW Travel
What about the accommodation? Our King Room honestly was better than we expected. It was modern, well-appointed, and surprisingly spacious. It also came nicely equipped with the essentials: free Wi-Fi that actually worked well, a large 42-inch HDTV, and the practical combo of a microwave and mini-fridge.
For dining, the Bayside Kitchen + Bar handles breakfast and dinner daily. While we enjoyed the convenience of having an on-site restaurant, we also appreciated the Pavilion Pantry mart for quick snacks and drinks. The ready-to-cook meals came in handy for those nights we preferred to eat in our room.
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Hotel Republic San Diego
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Nestled in the heart of downtown San Diego, we were conveniently positioned between the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter and charming Little Italy at the 19-story Hotel Republic San Diego. Little Italy’s culinary scene, the bustling waterfront, and the Gaslamp Quarter’s entertainment district were all only a 10-minute walk away from us. We also loved the availability of OjO electric scooters for rent, which made exploring the neighborhood easier.
While we noticed the absence of a pool, the 24/7 fitness center was more than compensated with its state-of-the-art equipment and complimentary access. If you decide to stay here, you should explore the hotel’s dining options too. Trade, the lobby restaurant, offers an amazing California-inspired menu. Our favorite, though, is Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar. We were charmed by the outdoor terrace’s ambiance – blue banquettes, intimate cabanas, and desert flora created a coastal vibe despite being five blocks from the ocean.
We booked the Standard King Room and were pleased with it. The thoughtful design features impressed us: a built-in window seat, a firm and comfortable bed, and a desk equipped with easily accessible power outlets and USB ports. The cherry on top? It’s none other than the gorgeous city view.
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InterContinental San Diego
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Best Value for Money. Among all of the San Diego hotels near Little Italy, we think InterContinental San Diego offers the best value for money. When we were browsing for our accommodations, we were immediately captivated by its prime location on San Diego Harbor’s North Embarcadero waterfront. The 19-story hotel offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Its proximity to popular attractions like the USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, and Gaslamp Quarter made exploring the city a breeze and so enjoyable.
During our stay, we especially enjoyed relaxing by the pool with a refreshing cocktail in our hand while soaking up the sun. The state-of-the-art fitness center was also a great place to stay active during our trip. For food, Vistal, the hotel’s signature restaurant, impressed us with its innovative menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The combination of flavors from the Baja Peninsula, Pacific Islands, and Mediterranean was truly unique. The craft cocktails and curated wine list complemented the delicious food perfectly.
While there were so many rooms to choose from, we decided to go with the Premium King Room. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of the city, we couldn’t ask for anything better. If you prefer something fancier, the Executive Suite should be your go-to. It’s equipped with elegant decor and even more stunning views.
By the way, we have a feeling you’ll also love these best hotels near Pacific Beach San Diego. Check them out!
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Our Verdict!
Need help picking the right hotel for you? We’ve categorized some of the hotels above based on the following criteria. Take a look!
- Best Value for Money: InterContinental San Diego
- Best Pool: Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
- Best Wellness Amenities: Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
- Best Suite: Pendry San Diego
Where to Stay in San Diego Near Little Italy
If you’re looking for the best hotels by Little Italy San Diego, you’ll want to stay somewhere in downtown San Diego. In case you didn’t know, Little Italy is part of downtown. This means no matter where you stay in the area, you’ll be able to explore this unique neighborhood easily.
One of the many reasons why people love staying in downtown San Diego is because of its strategic location. Downtown San Diego is home to many popular attractions, including the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the USS Midway Museum. You can easily walk or take public transportation to these destinations.
Aside from that, downtown also offers a diverse nightlife scene with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. You can find options to suit all tastes and interests. Additionally, it has a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering a variety of cuisines from around the world. From casual street food to fine dining options, you name it all.
For more recommendations, check out our carefully curated lists of the best La Jolla San Diego hotels and the best hotels in San Diego near SeaWorld!
Why is Little Italy famous?
Little Italy, San Diego, is famous for its rich Italian heritage and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a popular destination for its authentic Italian restaurants, charming piazzas, and lively events like the annual Taste of Little Italy.
Is Little Italy worth it?
Yes, Little Italy in San Diego is definitely worth a visit. It’s a vibrant neighborhood with a lot to offer, from delicious Italian food and artisanal shops to beautiful architecture and a lively atmosphere.
What is the best street to walk in Little Italy?
India Street is the best street to walk in Little Italy. It’s the heart of the neighborhood, lined with shops, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries.
