Kona Kai San Diego

4-star hotel Great 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, 92106
Kona Kai San Diego

About Kona Kai San Diego

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, a Noble House Resort offers top-notch services and amenities, ensuring guests experience utmost comfort.Share your photos and respond to emails at your convenience, thanks to the free Wi-Fi internet access offered by resort.Visitors can take advantage of the accessible parking options directly at the resort.Reception services such as concierge service and luggage storage are available to accommodate your requirements.Should you desire access to the top entertainment in the city, assistance can be provided by the resort's ticket service. Relax and feel the warmth in the resort's inviting lobby, featuring an enchanting on-site fireplace. Traveling with minimal baggage is achievable at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, a Noble House Resort, as the resort's dry cleaning service and laundry service ensures your garments stay fresh. Room amenities feature daily housekeeping, allowing you to unwind and make the most of your visit. Minor items you neglected to bring won't cause major issues! Simply visit convenience stores to acquire what's necessary. The resort maintains a completely smoke-free zone, providing a breathable atmosphere. Each accommodation at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, a Noble House Resort is thoughtfully created and adorned to provide visitors with a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. In certain rooms, the resort offers linen service and air conditioning for guest convenience and satisfaction.At Kona Kai Resort & Spa, a Noble House Resort, the uniquely tailored rooms provide a configuration choice resembling a balcony or terrace. In select rooms, guests at the resort can enjoy top-notch in-room entertainment with television and cable TV available for their convenience. Rest assured, in a few chosen rooms, you will find the convenience of a refrigerator, a coffee or tea maker and mini bar at your disposal. Maintain your cleanliness and comfort using a hair dryer, toiletries and bathrobes available in select guest restrooms. Should you prefer not to venture out for a meal, the enticing culinary choices at resort are always available for your satisfaction.Experience an unforgettable evening with your fellow travelers just a short distance away, at resort's bar. Kona Kai Resort & Spa, a Noble House Resort provides a superb assortment of leisure amenities for guests to enjoy.Make certain to allocate time for discovering the shoreline, easily reachable right from the resort.Unwind after a long day by stopping by massage, hot tub, salon, steam room and spa to rejuvenate your senses.Each day at resort, immerse yourself in the invigorating waters of the pool, perfect for a rejuvenating plunge or a series of revitalizing laps. Bypass the formal attire and choose a laid-back mixed drink or brew at resort's waterside lounge.For individuals who don't want to skip their exercise routine, visiting the resort fitness center ensures you maintain your vitality and wellness.

Amenities

  • On-site parking
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Meeting space
  • Fitness center
  • On-site dining
  • Valet parking
  • Bar / lounge
  • Café / coffee shop
  • Breakfast available
  • Business center
  • Express check-in / check-out
  • Concierge
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Pool
  • Spa / sauna
  • Pet friendly
  • Family friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Smoke-free property
  • Air conditioning

Reviews

4.1 / 5
Great 1013 reviews

The hotel receives mixed reviews with guests appreciating the beautiful location, friendly staff, and clean rooms, but expressing dissatisfaction with the high resort and parking fees, outdated facilities, and poor service in the restaurant. Some guests also reported issues with cleanliness and maintenance in the rooms.

What guests liked
  • Beautiful location
  • Friendly staff
What could be better
  • High resort and parking fees
  • Outdated facilities
  • Jennifer Jun 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    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.

  • David Jun 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Pools were nice.. Staff was friendly and view were great!

  • Richard Jun 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Paying to park is annoying. I’m staying at your hotel why am I getting charged to park my car.

  • Robert Jun 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    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.

  • Jack May 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    This place is great. Excellent and very clean. The fire pits with s’mores were fun.

  • Tatia May 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    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.

  • Michael May 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    We had a wonderful time and can't wait to book another visit.

  • Joanne May 2026 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    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

  • Jamie May 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    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.

  • Cameron May 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    The property is old and the front desk clerk was the worst very poor customer service.

  • christine May 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    So beware of the bait and switch.

  • BORIS Apr 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Nice property. not so convinient location at end of Shelter Island

  • Anthony Apr 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    We came for the first time on our honeymoon and 10 years later we came back and it was just as incredible as the first time. Perfect location, gorgeous views, the staff is amazing. Love all yhe amenities from the pool, the spa, and thr fire pits, all of it. Our room was a tad dated but nothing to fuss over. Got hit with resort and parking fees but thats to be expected so budget accordingly. Otherwise its an incredible experience staying here. You're less than 20 minutes away from all SD attractions- downtown, Balboa Park, La Jolla, Coronado - all relatively close. We may come bacl for our 20 year!

  • Anonymous Apr 2026 · via priceline
    2/5

    Reserved a King room but told there wasn't any Kings & we got placed on the 1st floor facing the docks. It had extremely noisy A/C unit and a lady at the firepits shouting foul language. Herd of elephants above our room. Front desk had no alternatives.

  • Ulises Apr 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    There are NO ELEVATORS on the property!

  • Amir Apr 2026 · via hotels.com
    1/5

    Had an initial problem checking in with the self checkin and had to have 2 ppl help us checkin. When entering the room it was not clean. Cobwebs, cracked bathroom tub, bathroom door wouldn't close, dirty lamp shade, patio door stuck closed. Maybe OK issues if it was a motel or a 100-200 dollar location, but this was a 400 dollar room marketed as an upscale resort. Furthermore the advertising was deceptive. It only showed the upper level balcony view (we got the bottom floor and couldn't even access the patio) and the advertising seemed to show fully tiled showers, but they deceptively kept the camera above the bathtub area so you could not see there was in fact porcelain tubs, and on top of that the tub wasn't in the best shape). On top of all that there were only a couple towels when we entered so we ordered a few extra towels, and an hour later had not received them so called again to get extra towels. I was waiting to shower until the towels came so my wife wouldn't have to answer the door, and once they came i jumped in the shower, then the same person re-delivered the towels again while i was in the shower (assuming because of the 2nd call but it was the same person who delivered the first time...). In addition the electricity went out during our stay for a little while. It did come back shortly though. We left early the night before our checkout day because the pillows were very uncomfortable (got flat and hard) and we felt we would rather sleep in our own beds

  • Gina Mar 2026 · via hotels.com
    2/5

    I went there for a work conference and the food was bad- eggs were horrible and the bathrooms were a mess, tiles buckling on the dirty floor, 4 of the restrooms stopped working and it smelled bad. Check in is at 4pm but they do not have many employees so we did not get out room till 6:30pm which sucked cuz we had to change in the sauna changing area!! The price was outrageous and there is a best western nest door that is probably cheaper and prolly has a food served past 5pm. This is on a peninsula and they stopped serving food at 5pm and drinks 8pm- totally sucked! Worst venue I’ve been too for a conference. The only reason the for 2 stars is because both sides of the hotel have water and you can see boats and I saw dolphins and it was very peaceful. Other than that this hotel offers nothing worth stopping by for.

  • Appu Mar 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    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

  • Gari Mar 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Wond

  • Rhonda Mar 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Very clean comfortable room. Nice view of the Harbor. Enjoyed the private beach with the fire pits. 2 nice pools and 2 jacuzzis except 1 was down while we were there. Both pool bars were closed as well. Very nice restaurant and good food. My only complaint was the people on the private beach sitting at one of the fire pits were smoking pot. They were not being discreet about it at all and I’m pretty sure employees saw it and smelled it as well. There were families with kids all around. Should not have been allowed. Very annoying and disgusting! Went up to our balcony and the smell from the pot was coming up to our balcony. I’m pretty sure it’s posted everywhere there is no smoking on the property anywhere. We stayed at a hotel in LaJolla as well and had the same problem with the pot smell. I guess everyone seems to be smoking pot in CA. So tired of the disgusting smell and smoke!

  • Michelle Mar 2026 · via expedia
    2/5

    Run down

  • Justin Mar 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    It was okay

  • Paul Mar 2026 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    There was

  • Charlene Mar 2026 · via hotels.com
    3/5

    The first room had a bush in front of the view, so I moved. The second room was much older, the refrigerator had a loud sound so I turned it off and on. It froze everything. My water in the room was charged heavily. I will never stay here again and you shouldn't either!!

  • Claudia Mar 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    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

  • shilpa Mar 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    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

  • Martin Feb 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    Everything it was great

  • Brad Feb 2026 · via expedia
    1/5

    Upon arrival, our reserved 3rd-floor water-view room was not ready. After waiting over 40 minutes, we were told to accept a 1st-floor room instead. This is not what we booked, and no meaningful accommodation or compensation was offered at check-in. We were also surprised with nearly $100 per day in added fees: a $46/day resort fee and a $46/day parking fee. These charges were not clearly disclosed at the time of booking. If they were transparent, we would not have chosen this property. This felt misleading and excessive. In addition, the resort restaurant was closed, despite being advertised on the website. After a long day of travel, we were forced to drive elsewhere for dinner. This is not what you expect when booking a “resort” stay, especially for a special occasion. While the location is nice, the hotel itself feels worn and does not match the price point once the hidden fees are added. Between the downgraded room, undisclosed charges, and unavailable amenities, this stay fell far short of expectations. I would not stay here again and would not recommend Kona Kai to others looking for a special or romantic getaway. Be careful of the unmarked water bottles. They have hidden prices under the glass on the nightstand. $7.00 per bottle. Noticed it too late. Another loss for me.

  • Ivette Feb 2026 · via expedia
    1/5

    The room was not ready at 4pm and the hotel agent called to let us know it was ready at 4:50pm. The front desk agent was very rude and did not explain where to park and where the room was located. The hotel played very loud music in the morning and woke our family up at 7:00am. Will not return.

  • Juan Feb 2026 · via expedia
    5/5

    It is very good clean!!

  • Susan Feb 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Great room. Helpful staff. Fabulous location

  • Brittney Feb 2026 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    The staff was great. I got “stuck” an extra day due to east coast weather and they were so helpful!

  • Lindsay Jan 2026 · via expedia
    3/5

    The room had thin walls. Parking lot view

  • Jeff Jan 2026 · via hotels.com
    3/5

    Comfortable rooms and beautiful grounds. The hotel was understaffed from check in to the restaurant and quite rude. Check in took a while due to understaffed front desk (~15 minutes). I asked for a late checkout and the staff scoffed at me. At breakfast staff wouldn’t let me sit at any of the numerous open tables (it’s a buffet) and made me wait around 10 minutes for a table. All in all good property, sub par experience.

  • Erika Jan 2026 · via expedia
    4/5

    Nice staff

  • Sara Jan 2026 · via expedia
    1/5

    There was no clarification that you would pay a resort fee as well as a $50 parking fee. When we booked the hotel we were only aware of the resort fee. Very disappointing to have that thrown at us unexpectedly.

  • Donna Dec 2025 · via hotels.com
    1/5

    We booked this room specifically for the bathtub and the water pressure was so bad. The bathtub did not hold water. The drain didn’t work. The air conditioning was on stuck on. We had to call maintenance three times. The heater would not work. This was the worst experience I slept with my jacket and shoes on because the room was so cold.

  • Taylor Dec 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Toilet seat wasn’t attached to the bowl, and there was a lot of banging around in the morning. Other than that property was great and staff were all very kind.

  • Samantha Dec 2025 · via hotels.com
    2/5

    I paid $38 each for the brunch buffet. However, the restaurant actually ran out of food! Isn't that amazing? On top of it, there wasn't any plates available. This is first time ever I encountered a buffet ran out of food. The room is also on the small side. It has a huge bathroom for some reasons but the rest is quite small.

  • Ernie Dec 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Checked in using the kiosk they had, and unfortunately got stuck while making my room key. I then stood in line to finish the process at the front desk. Was told a room number, and even double checked what he wrote on the card sleeve, and walked to that room to open it up, and encountered a do not disturb sign hanging. Figured I do my due diligence and try a different room that had the first and last 2 of the same numbers and it worked. However, when I walked in, I was a bit confused as to why it wasn’t the layout I requested and book (but was never communicated regarding the change at the front desk). I decided to go back to the front desk and addressed the issue with another employee, and asked him about the room number first since I was confused why I was told different. I then asked why didn’t the other employee tell me when checking me in, and he said so the guests don’t walk away. Honestly, I would rather be told up front rather than walk into a surprise. I asked if the room layout I requested is available, and he said unfortunately they’re all sold out after trying to accommodate my request. I just dealt with the change and went back to the room since I was already exhausted. Room was mediocre at best for the price, and the parking at $50. I would’ve been nice to get accommodated for the change w/o notice!

  • Barbara Nov 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    I had a very enjoyable stay

  • James Nov 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great spot. Was a dream.

  • Sima Nov 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Good

  • Yolanda Oct 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    I didn’t like my room but overall the trip was great. The hotel was really nice.

  • Christopher Oct 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    The rooms were good sized. Their products smelled amazing. The property had a great courtyard with games and a variety of sitting areas. The breakfast was very expensive and they had 25% in additional surcharges. We won’t eat there again however we will stay there again.

  • Anna Oct 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    had a wonderful time for our honey moon here

  • Mary Oct 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    When we travel to San Diego, we always stay on Shelter Island because we like the area. The staff was very friendly and helpful. For the price, Kona Kai is not worth the amount of money you pay to stay there. The resort was nice, but the cost of the rooms and resort fees are excessive. I believe the other hotels on the island are just as nice and far more affordable. Other issues: the bar at the adult pool closed at 5pm on Thursday, the hair dryer in our room was sticking with hair on it, the bathroom door was a barn door and did not lock- very little privacy, and the room was a bit dusty. My family enjoyed the fire pits at night fall and our view of the marina was nice.

  • Bethany Oct 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Clean & updated , very pricey for what it is. Basically a hotel room with pool access in a nice area. Not with the price in my opinion. We had a good deal we thought but after the additional cost of parking and resort fees we won’t be back.

  • Noel Oct 2025 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    Fees were crazy...I have stayed at 4 star resorts in Hawaii where the resort fees were just over half of what they are here and the valet parking was included...Kona Kai gets you for an extra $100/Night for these 2 fees. Room was very comfortable, but probably not worth it in the end.

  • Todd Oct 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    We were on our Honeymoon and we fully enjoyed our stay. It was clean and convenient with so many amenities. We are totally going back for our next San Diego trip.

  • Guy Oct 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Room a bit small and bed not comfortable. Consider mattress replacement for room 123

  • Jeremy Oct 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    We were happy they accommodated our pet

  • Amy Sep 2025 · via priceline
    4.5/5

    No room service.

  • Stefanie Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    We enjoyed the beautiful views of the Marina and sitting at the Fire pit in the evening.

  • Rosario Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Staff was very accommodating beautiful location loved bombfire. Very clean

  • Selma Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    What a great facility! Really liked it.

  • Mitchell Sep 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    The property is amazing, clean and very safe. The dining option is mediocre at best, you will need a vehicle during your stay or plan to Uber. The $45 daily parking fee is pricey in my opinion. The new energy efficient rooms will shut off your AC and refrigerator when you aren't in the room. Our AC failed night two of our stay and the property was kind enough to credit our account $50.

  • Jose Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Lo único fue que no estaba incluido el desayuno . De resto excelente

  • John Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Very nice accommodations & a fun, relaxing, pretty property. Thank you!!

  • LOBATO, Sep 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Loved our stay, was very happy that it was pet friendly. Disappointed dogs are not allowed in the pool areas. The photos online show a dog at the pool which was one of the reasons I booked and to find out pups are not allowed in the area was a bummer.

  • Linda Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    I loved staying at this property on shelter Island in San Diego. The Bay trail that’s nearby overlooking the bay, and the city itself was just beautiful. The hotel property was well appointed love the amenities like the pool and spa. The food was very good

  • Debra Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    This location worked very well for us. Check in was a little strange, our room wasn't ready at 4pm and we had to remind them that we were still waiting at 5:30pm. Even though they said they would call us when the room was available.

  • Duane Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    The staff was fabulous and extremely friendly! Room was very comfortable and clean, but the bathroom could have had more storage/ towel hanging options (only one towel rack in the shower and one little hook on the wall; nothing near the sinks for hand towels), along with a working vent fan (it was so humid and muggy without a fan in the bathroom). Also, the coffee offered in the morning was a pretty ridiculous situation for a luxury resort; put out much later than advertised and gone before we could get any, even if we came to the lobby by the 7:00 AM timeframe. However, the good stuff at Kona Kai FAR outweighs the negatives. The pool areas were amazing and the views couldn't be beat. We would definitely stay at Kona Kai again.

  • Emma Sep 2025 · via expedia
    2/5

    This was an extremely disappointing stay. This property is way too expensive to be in this bad of quality. The room was old and run down looking, there were several holes in the curtains, there was hair in the shower and on the dresser, and there was also a massive spider in the room. There’s barely any beach and the pool also had bugs in it. The water was cold and dirty. We will not be staying here again.

  • armen Sep 2025 · via expedia
    1/5

    Not worth the price for that area hotel was old i felt like i was in a motel

  • Ernesto Sep 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    I read several negative reviews but figured let’s give it a second try regardless. The property is a little old could use a little TLC, but it’s beautiful view of the bay make it worth it. They were giving away away T-shirts at the pool bar, La Paloma. We had the drink. I asked the girl my wife could have a shirt and she said asked if she wears a small. I said yes and she said sure and then she placed a tray of drinks on top of the T-shirts. It made it awkward, so I left with no T-shirt. I could have been forceful, but I felt she really didn’t want to give me a T-shirt so I walked away. I think she could have handled this better. Not sure if we’ll be back But the bartenders of the pool will were great

  • Gloria Aug 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    The Kona Kai is a beautiful property - although not downtown it still offers a convenience to most attractions with some travel- with some opportunities for dining and music on the same avenue , however the hotel shop for amenities and snacks are very much overpriced - the staff is generally accommodating and I always appreciate a 24 hr desk and that's what Kona Kai provides

  • Wendy Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Staff treated us kindly. Property was beautiful, exceptional stay. We will be back. Thank you Kona Kai!

  • Desiree Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great front desk staff, beautiful facilities

  • Marissa Aug 2025 · via expedia
    2/5

    I booked a Bayview Junior Suite King months in advance, expecting the waterfront views and layout shown in the photos. What I got instead was a completely different room — different furniture, layout, and a parking lot view. The front desk even admitted the room didn’t match what was advertised. At over $400 a night, that’s unacceptable. After pushing back, they finally offered the correct room — but not until the next day. We had to cancel our anniversary plans just to pack, wait, and switch rooms. This wasn’t just about aesthetics — it was about getting what we paid for. I hope management does the right thing and refunds us for the first night. A resort advertising itself as luxury shouldn’t leave guests feeling deceived.

  • Ashley Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    One of our favorite, family friendly, beautiful, quiet resorts to sneak away to

  • Christy Aug 2025 · via expedia
    1/5

    Needs to be updated

  • Joseph Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    This is a chill relaxing place with a chill staff. I pretty much stayed at the resort the whole time

  • Terrence Aug 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    The hotel is in a beautiful area. It has a terrific gym, pool, and other amenities. There is a lovely walking path near the water. The staff was professional and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable. Most movies were on demand and generally it seemed that the hotel made most eating options geared toward using the rather expensive restaurant. Free coffee in the morning was only available from 4-7 am with no free pastry or fruit options provided in hopes you would pay for the $28 breakfast buffet in the restaurant. The coffee urn was removed promptly at 7:05 am. This seemed a little chintzy for an otherwise good hotel. The parking was an extra $45 per night unexpected expense and the use of the room key card to enter and exit the parking lot was a little inconvenient. Overall we enoyed our visit and would stay here again.

  • Jill Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Family friendly property, beautiful location with views of the water.

  • Gina Aug 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    The property was beautiful and amazing. The only downside was they didn’t have prices posted for dining and their prices were a little extra.! Also when booking through Expedia, we were charged an additional $46 a day resort fee that was unexpected. So the prices we got on Expedia we’re not the actual prices we ended up paying.

  • Alina Aug 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    No access to charge my phone , not clean

  • Barbara Aug 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Clean, comfortable bed, friendly staff.

  • Laurie Aug 2025 · via expedia
    2/5

    There was a room charge on my room that was not mine and it’s been impossible to get it resolved. The hotel did bot repond to my message for almost 2 weeks. Just been awful

  • Christina Jul 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    It is a beautiful area in and out and everyone is so friendly. I only gave it a 4 because its expensive and i didnt see the reason for it except I guess the view..

  • Rocio Jul 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    The restaurant view

  • Mitchell Jul 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Very poor front desk service. Many people trying to check in being told they did not have a reservation and that hotel was full. Poor menu choices for high end hotel. We walked to hotels nearby that offered much better menu choices. Looks like they are trying to be high end and kids hotel at same time. Overpriced compared to competitors.

  • Teri Jul 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Very nice place to go and relax.

  • Amaria Jul 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Best resort I've ever stayed in

  • Deborah Jul 2025 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    The first night the room we had did not have the view that was pictured. We talked to the front desk and we got the BEST room with the view of the harbor. Excellent!! We were disappointed that the only breakfast offered was a buffet for $26+. We are light eaters and a bagel with fruit would have been great. We found a place down the road. I really do like this resort and we will be staying again.

  • Danielle Jul 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    The room was beautiful and clean.

  • Jennifer Jul 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    The cost of the rooms plus the resort fees are NOT worth the hype. If you’re doing all the touristy attractions you spend little time at the resort. Would not stay here again.

  • Arash Jul 2025 · via expedia
    1/5

    I Didn't receive the room I paid for. I paid for a Marina View Junior Suite King. I had no view of the Marina. When I complained to the front desk I was told this was only room they had available. I would've been better off with a regular room.

  • Kreyshia Jul 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great place!

  • stephanie Jun 2025 · via expedia
    2/5

    It took 2.5 hours to get a fan delivered to the room to drown out a 10 hour rave/memorial across the street. The water main broke and the room had no water/no toilet. I asked if I should move hotels and they swore it would be fixed that night. It was not, but they did not offer to find a room for me in the hotel that I could move to, even though I watched them doing that for other guests. The next day they arranged for me to move to a sister property 5 miles away but I had to check in with them every hour until they finally gave me paperwork to move (almost 24 hours later). The new hotel was Mission Bay Resort which I heard was nice, but they checked my partner and I into a 2x queen room next to the boiler room that stank so badly of mildew we could hardly stand it. The bathroom was rusty and mildewed and the ceiling was low enough to touch. But hey, the water worked. So much for a romantic vacation.

  • JohnCarlo Jun 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Pictures were different than what I got,

  • marisol Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Amazing view, lots of outdoor activities, very kind personal, i would definitely consider it against.

  • Faris Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Nice place

  • Marisa Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Its beautiful

  • Lupe Jun 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Not as luxurious as it’s advertised. Rooms are basic and outdated, feels dusty inside . Housekeeping staff is friendly though . Place looks old and needs a lot of updating . Their breakfast buffet is overpriced. Our room had the ‘bay view’ however it viewed the parking lot and trees lol . The building we stayed at had no elevator so we had to go through the building next to us to get to our room. And With a toddler it wasn’t convenient. Views are nice , the pool was ok . We won’t stay there again though .

  • shauna Jun 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Really nice, relaxing. Beautiful views everywhere.

  • Christopher Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    I think i had the best view! Wonderful, peaceful place to relax.

  • james Jun 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great hotel, right on the water.

  • Sarah Jun 2025 · via expedia
    2/5

    The room was lovely and the resort amenities were amazing. I found the staff rude and unhelpful. I had to pay $47 a night for parking and most of the time I couldn’t get a spot to park or thru the gate- which was frustrating.

  • William Jun 2025 · via expedia
    2/5

    Was not worth the price at all. Great location is about it

  • Katie May 2025 · via expedia
    1/5

    This hotel looks like it’s under renovation there’s a makeshift lobby. No elevator. The A/C was a wall unit and room smelled like musty mold. My fiancé got a Sunny’s infection sleeping with the AC on. There’s no longer room service. The restaurant was closed Sunday/Monday on a major holiday weekend. Both pool bars closed by 6pm. I booked for 2 days and checked out a day early.

  • Verified May 2025 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    Great pool and location but wish they would’ve notified us that they are under construction. Also they didn’t offer lunch which was odd

  • Sasha May 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    We have been to this resort before, but the service and amenities, and just the cleanliness of the resort has gone downhill since we were last there. It’s unfortunate, because we really loved this place. For example, the pool was disgusting with food inside of the pool and dirty cups everywhere. There were no clean towels at the pool so you had to go to the gym to get towels which did not used to be the case. The staff were really nice and tried their best but it it’s clear that they’re not sufficiently supported. Too bad again this used to be our favorite resort. We might consider coming back, but I’m more likely to try a new place next time. The cleanliness issue at the pool for me was a really big deal.

  • Megan May 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    I wish they would have mentioned the construction and a Bridal Expo at the hotel when we made the reservation. Probably would not have stayed at hotel had we known.

  • Yongjin May 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Wish more dinning options available

  • Morgan May 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    We had an amazing time. The rooms were super clean. All of our needs and desires were met.

  • Harold May 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    The staff was very helpful & got me a nice clean room on the second floor.

  • Jessica May 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    I had an incredible stay at Kona Kai Resort, and a huge part of what made it so special was the gorgeous location and exceptional service from Manager Joseph. From the moment I arrived, Joseph was incredibly welcoming, attentive, and went out of his way to ensure our stay was perfect. The resort itself is beautiful, with stunning views and top-notch amenities. Food was amazing and everything was priced extremely fair. The room was comfortable, and everything from the pool to the dining options exceeded my expectations. My son is disabled and being able to easily walk into a nice room with no complications made it really stress free to travel. Thanks to Joseph and the entire team for making my visit so memorable I’ll definitely be back!

  • Jonna May 2025 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    For work trip. They had construction in the main building and could not get my regular room. They had to shut off electrical one night

  • Joseph May 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Kona Kai is a beautiful resort. My family had a great time there. Definitely want to stay there again!

  • Heather May 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Enjoyed our stay at Kona Kai and really appreciated the great workout facility. Rooms could use some upgrade and repair, but overall were comfortable. One negative...the prices at the restaurant were extremely high and the food was just mediocre. Worst of all, they tack an automatic 18% gratuity on your meal which they do not point out. We ended up tipping 20% on top of that before realizing they already charged us the tip. Check your bill before tipping!!

  • Ramon May 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    They need to improve a bit in customer service.

  • sahithi May 2025 · via expedia
    2/5

    Unfriendly staff and not well maintained for the price

  • Trevor Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Property very well kept/staff friendly

  • Lupe Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Very nice property!

  • Mark Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Atmosphere was amazing

  • Nasra Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    The room service cleaning staff was amazing

  • Michael Apr 2025 · via hotels.com
    4/5

    The cons: Maybe it's just a difference of opinion when it comes to customer service, but if someone is waiting in line to pre-register at the front desk, and it's near the check-out time for existing guests, I think it's a bad look to 1. call the pre-registering guest up to the counter, 2. have them stand aside while you give priority to multiple departing guests. Fortunately, another front desk worker arrived--but as the line of departing guests started to arrive, it did make me wonder if I would be put aside again. Not a great first impression, frankly. It would have been better customer service if they'd taken the pre-registration (which probably took less than two minutes?) and given the departing guests a slight grace period (since they were already waiting in line at the time regardless). If they'd done that, everyone would be happy and I wouldn't be thinking about this days later. The only other major issue we encountered is that the private beach, which is heavily marketed as the "only private beach in San Diego," was booked for a private event on the one full day we had, 4/19. This was never mentioned to us at any point--we had to figure this out when we tried to access the beach in the morning and evening on the Saturday, which did put a damper on our plans. Overall, it was a nice hotel, but pricey for the availability of the amenities we stayed there to experience.

  • Charles Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Only negative was the spa, massage was way below average.

  • Desstinney Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Everything was great

  • Caesar Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    The stay was super relaxing

  • Kevin Apr 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    This is a great property and we enjoyed every minute.

  • Danny Apr 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Room not ready at check in time. Not notified it was ready until 6:30pm.

  • Christina Apr 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Wish more restaurants and shopping was around. Not walkable. Very pretty just not much around.

  • Joelle Apr 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    It was a nice place to stay for our first trip to San Diego but I wouldn’t stay there again. I wasn’t a shocked that I had to pay extra for parking and the breakfast buffet was delicious but so over priced. Also definitely not what the pictures look like online.

  • Thanh Apr 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Property seems clean. Staff are friendly. Room does not have a microwave, somewhat inconvenient. My family enjoyed roasting marshmallow on the beach, a plus. Pool and hot-tub were great, just the right depth, safe for non-swimmers to have some pool time without drowning concerns LOL. Yard with ping-pong table and cute sitting area. Suggest some aroma for the hallway and rooms as it has a slightly unpleasant odor. Otherwise, we enjoyed our stay.

  • Nathaniel Mar 2025 · via expedia
    1/5

    We spent 500 for a regular room and 50 for use of property amenities. No shuttle service. Hot tubs didn’t work. Rental website didn’t work for water sports ran through the resort. Pool had seagulls landing in the pool area eating peoples food that was left behind after they left. $16 liquor shots. Waste of money in my opinion. I am usually not a complainer but I couldn’t let this slide

  • VAROOJ Mar 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Very professional staff

  • Indriawati Mar 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Really loved it.

  • Brianna Mar 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    I have stayed at Kona Kai 3 times. All have been pleasant. The property is always clean. However, the most recent of my stays the swimming pool and jacuzzi were dirty. The jacuzzi jets stopped working. The key card I was given did not work to open my door.

  • Corinthian Mar 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Overall for the price we paid to stay it could’ve been better. Everything cost even the morning coffee parking lunch buffet was $100 for two people breakfast buffet was $75 for two people. All in all food was really good but it’s cheaper to eat off grounds.

  • Jeffrey Mar 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    We will be back

  • Jose Mar 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Our room was dirty. Bedding was full of hairs and dusty. Floors dirty. They changed us rooms and was on lower floor with no view.

  • Peter Mar 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Beds were comfortable, view great, restaurant great. No microwave which was a bummer.

  • Jessika Mar 2025 · via hotels.com
    1/5

    The room setup was cool but the bathroom had lots of hairs in the tub. A wash cloth has some type of red (looked like blood) satin on it. Also I was charged $197.88 for fees when I was told it would be $48.00.

  • Diana Mar 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great location

  • Jonna Mar 2025 · via hotels.com
    5/5

    Kona Kai made sure my request was provided with the same exact room I wanted. Amazing location, service is exceptional and the rooms are updated and clean!

  • Kelli Mar 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Beautiful Hotel! We were unfortunately right next to the building door, and would hear it slam every time it would open and slam shut. Was hard to fall asleep, and not wake up early due to this.

  • Verified Mar 2025 · via hotels.com
    3/5

    The bad- I traveled alone (female) and they assigned me a room that opened to outside instead of an indoor hallway. They gave me an accessible room without asking.There was no hair dryer and the TV didn't work, only stayed on the advertisement. The front desk didn't tell me the thermostat isn't operational, so it took me a bit to figure out there was a window heater/cooler. The baseboards in my room were filthy! The adults only hot tub is really way too small. There was no notice that the bar in the adults only area is closed until summer, we were counting on that bar. They charge $5 for a cup of coffee in the front lobby!!!🙄 Also, when they lock the pool area for the night it's difficult to get to the rooms in the other buildings without walking around the front of the hotel. The directions they gave me at the front desk, the door was out of order due to construction. I had to duck under a rope to use the stairs in the back pretty ridiculous. And no sound proofing! I could hear above and next door. I will say I met up with friends who had nicer rooms, hair dryers and their tvs worked. Overall the resort is lovely, but I feel pretty ripped off paying $300 for my room plus $46 for parking (in an open lot with no security).

  • Becky Mar 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    We loved our stay at the resort, I just wish there was an elevator. It was a girls trip and we had to carry our bags/luggage’s in multiple trips from the stairs. But overall, the stay was very peaceful!

  • Maisa Mar 2025 · via expedia
    1/5

    Was something broken in the restroom and we couldn’t sleep the whole night from the noise

  • Kevin Mar 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Nice views!

  • Shannon Feb 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Hotel restaurant was closed on the day we arrived. On the main resort lawn was a private event, which limited any one from using that area, not sure why they charge a resort fee when the areas are closed to guests.

  • Justin Feb 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Great place!

  • Sarah Feb 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    Pretty views of the Bay, and it has a man made private beach thats on the bay. The hotel could use a face lift, for the price you pay its not immaculate. Little things like my room was mossing a hair dryer and they never brought me one when i asked. The TV remote didnt work. The wifi kept giving us problems. Our key card didnt work one night because they didnt program it for the correct amount of days we wers staying. That said the staff were friendly and its in a great are for amenities.

  • Starla Feb 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Too pricey for what it has to offer. No elevators where our room was which was so inconvenient. I would never stay here again.

  • Desiree Feb 2025 · via expedia
    4/5

    The hotel serves as a local club so many teens hang at the pool. Hot tub broken, but very warm pool. Cups not cleaned up frequently at pool and rooms are a bit worn. Pretty grounds.

  • Chandana Feb 2025 · via expedia
    1/5

    1. They made us wait for an hour just because we booked on Expedia even though when we checked in late in the night. 2. After payment done on Expedia they charged extra 200 for resort fees and parking. We checked in at 1 am. 3. Breakfast was not included, we paid approx 900 for 2 nights. It was last minute. They even charged for water bottles. When asked for kettle to heat water, they offered as a daily basis on rental. Probably they read my face and said no fees. 4. The cleaning was not up to the mark. The floor was still forty 5. I felt They only care about money The worst ever stay I ever booked feeling like we are nothing. I have had better places where they treated us to luxury for much lesser. After charging so much. They can’t provide a free breakfast ??? lol hilarious.

  • Camryn Feb 2025 · via expedia
    3/5

    Property was beautiful with great views. I don’t believe you get what you pay for. The rooms and pretty basic, it is not very clean and there’s a resort fee of almost $50 a day but then you still need to pay extra for everything, even a microwave

  • Brad Feb 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Loved our stay.

  • Jamie Feb 2025 · via expedia
    5/5

    Quiet room - very comfortable, great waterfront trail, onsite restaurant and nearby restaurants. The spa was wonderful and the staff were all great. Hope to visit again!

  • Adrienne Oct 2024 · via priceline
    4.5/5

    We love the location, heated pool, and fire pit access. The staff is very friendly, and the atmosphere is great for families.

  • Anonymous Jun 2024 · via priceline
    1.5/5

    $25 stuffed animal on the bed. Hotel wants you to take it without reading the fine print on the tag, and then they charge you. $7 bottles of water on each night stand. So gimmicky.

  • Verified Mar 2024 · via priceline
    3.5/5

    Even though the areas were kept clean, there was a horrible smell as we approached the main lobby area. I believe it was coming from the mulch, but I¿m not sure. also, the bathroom tile in our shower was painted over and some of the paint was peeling off.

  • Charmaine Feb 2024 · via priceline
    5/5

    Very quiet

  • Verified Sep 2023 · via priceline
    3/5

    The prices at the restaurant for 2 salads I Pais $70 that's crazy expensive, the parking is ridiculous, what's the point of going thru a website to get a good price at a hotel when the hotel charges you another amount to stay with them,being a 3 starhotel

  • Verified Aug 2023 · via priceline
    5/5

    The keys didn¿t always work. So we had to stop by the front desk to get straightened out.

  • Rebecca Jul 2023 · via priceline
    5/5

    The hotel is well appointed with beautiful grounds and rooms and friendly and accommodating staff. Our room had a lovely patio and was steps away from the hotels¿ private beach. Our room was very clean and had the most comfortable bed.

  • Crystal Jun 2023 · via booking
    5/5

    Exceptional

  • Jocelyn Jun 2023 · via priceline
    2.5/5

    location rooms were really old and need updating. the restaurant wasn’t that good and for the only one on the resort very disappointing

  • Jocelyn Jun 2023 · via booking
    2.5/5

    location rooms were really old and need updating. the restaurant wasn’t that good and for the only one on the resort very disappointing

  • Sapir May 2023 · via priceline
    1.5/5

    The room looked like a dungeon

  • Roxanne Apr 2023 · via priceline
    5/5

    Upon arrival I was greeted by friendly valet. was promptly greeted at front desk and Shannan was every so friendly. Room was not ready as we arrived early. I was able to check in, given access to facilities and parking. When room was ready received a text and given key to room. Family and Adult pools. Bar area by family pool was great. Food is wonderful and great portions. Stayed in newly renovated room so nice lounge chairs by fire pit area are infested with bugs. tried to enjoy some time in the sun and sat on the lounge chair and bugs came out eve rT little hole.

  • Susy Apr 2023 · via priceline
    2/5

    The mattresses and bedding are very uncomfortable. No room service. Housekeeping was rude. We asked him for two clean towels for my 5 and 8 year old on our way to the pool because they were freezing and he kept saying we have to get it by the pool. He eventually gave it but he acted like he was passing out gold. Very unpleasant. Also, restaurant told us we can do takeout on Easter Day. We got to pool and put our kids in pool and my husband went to get food and the hostess said we can’t do to go. They refused to serve us despite literally an hour before that telling us we can do it. It’s the only place on site where we could eat in the morning and that’s why I called in advance so if they don’t serve we could leave the property before getting out kids into the pool. So then we had to wait over an hour with hungry kids for the pool bar kitchen to open. Unbelievably rude and bad customer service. Will never go here and will never recommend it to anyone. It’s a pity because the property is nice.

  • Kelly Apr 2023 · via priceline
    4/5

    The location was perfect for our getaway. Loved the marina view from our private balcony and the firepits. The staff were all friendly and extremely helpful. Enjoyed that the resort had everything we needed and we never felt rushed. The difficulty we had accessing the bikes. I understand the hotel does not own the bicycles and it is an outside company, but the app only worked on some of the bikes. Fortunately, the staff member that worked in the fitness center came out to assist and we finally found bikes that would unlock. She was awesome!

  • Thomas Feb 2023 · via priceline
    5/5

    No

  • Steve Feb 2023 · via priceline
    5/5

    The beach is not an actual beach you can go swimming.

  • Alyse Dec 2022 · via priceline
    3/5

    They charged my card $--- for a prepaid room when they were supposed to take a $300 deposit for incidentals¿ and no one could tell me why. Also, our room smelt AWFUL! I had to spray perfume through the room and open the doors.

  • Eric Nov 2022 · via priceline
    5/5

    The AC unit was a little noisy. No screen door on the balcony.

Frequently asked questions about Kona Kai San Diego

Does Kona Kai San Diego have free Wi-Fi?
Yes, Kona Kai San Diego offers free Wi-Fi for all guests.
Does Kona Kai San Diego offer parking?
Yes, Kona Kai San Diego offers both self-parking and valet parking. Fees may apply.
Does Kona Kai San Diego have meeting spaces, conference centers, or conference rooms?
Yes. Kona Kai San Diego offers meeting spaces, a conference center, and dedicated conference rooms, making it well-suited for corporate events, team offsites, and group meetings. Banquet and reception facilities are also available.
Does Kona Kai San Diego have a fitness center?
Yes, Kona Kai San Diego features an on-site fitness center for guests. Additional wellness amenities include spa, sauna, pool.
Where is Kona Kai San Diego located, and how walkable is the area?
Kona Kai San Diego is located at 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106. With a Walk Score of 24, the area is rated Car-Dependent. A car or rideshare is recommended for most trips in this area.

What's nearby

  • San Diego Airport 3.0 mi
  • San Diego Convention Center 4.2 mi

House rules

Check in 4:00 PM
Check out 11:00 AM
Cancellation Not available
Children Not available

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