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From133US$ /night
Check-in
21Dec2025Select date
Check-out
22Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About Resort

1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, United States, 92106
-
Next to the Shelter Island Park Shoreline
Great
8.0
8.0
/10
4.2
/5

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort, is a 4-star San Diego hotel known for its private beach and full-service Shelter Island spa. Guests can unwind at the adults-only pool, enjoy resort dining at Vessel Restaurant + Bar, and participate in various recreational activities.

Rooms & Amenities

The hotel features elegantly-appointed rooms and suites, many with private balconies that offer views of San Diego Bay or the marina. Amenities include free WiFi, mini-bars, and flat-screen TVs to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests.

Dining Options

Dining options at Kona Kai Resort include the Vessel Restaurant + Bar, which serves New American cuisine, and the Tiki Bar for poolside cocktails. Guests can join the daily happy hour for sunset views over the marina.

Leisure & Activities

Leisure opportunities abound with a private beach, full-service spa, and adults-only pool alongside a family-friendly swimming area. Guests can rent water sports equipment from the onsite Action Water Sports, or join in complimentary fitness classes.

Services & Local Area

The resort offers event space for up to 500 guests, ideal for meetings and social gatherings. Additionally, complimentary cruiser bikes are provided for exploring the picturesque surroundings, including nearby attractions like Cabrillo National Monument.

Must-do experiences

  • Sip a craft cocktail at The Crack Shack for delicious fried chicken.
  • Stroll through Balboa Park and discover its hidden gardens.
  • Try the fish tacos at Oscar's Mexican Seafood for a local favorite.
  • Visit the USS Midway Museum for an unforgettable naval history tour.
  • Explore the unique shops and art at Liberty Station's Point Loma.
View all

Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Junior Suite Balcony
4 persons
36 m² 
2 King Size Beds
Bathtub
Balcony
Junior Suite
3 persons
36 m² 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Bathtub
Balcony
Standard King Room
2 persons
30 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
King Room Bay View
2 persons
32 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Balcony
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Paid parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Private beach
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Lift
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Water sports
  • Cycling
  • Yoga class
  • Fishing

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Housekeeping
  • Dry cleaning
  • Welcome drink
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Poolside snack bar
  • Outdoor dining area

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Heated swimming pool
  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Live entertainment
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Steam room
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pedicure
  • Manicure
  • Waxing
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Body wraps
  • Back massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage
  • Pool with view
  • Shallow end
  • Make up services

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Free toiletries

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Dining Onsite

Indulge in a delightful array of dining experiences at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, featuring a focus on local flavors and accommodating various dietary preferences. Embrace the serene atmosphere at both Vessel Restaurant + Bar and the Paloma Bar at Kona Kai, where memorable moments await against stunning backdrops.
Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort San Diego Restaurant photo
Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort San Diego Restaurant photo

Vessel Restaurant + Bar

Local, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free
Ambiance
Modern setting with a relaxed vibe, ideal for casual gatherings or special meals
Key Offerings
Dine on thoughtfully prepared dishes that cater to diverse dietary needs for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner; enjoy a vibrant cocktail hour
Reservation
Not needed
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Cocktail hour

Paloma Bar at Kona Kai

Cocktail Lounge
Ambiance
Stylish cabanas with breathtaking views, perfect for unwinding
Key Offerings
Sip on crafted cocktails while soaking in views that stretch for miles; a tranquil spot for enjoying evenings
Reservation
Not needed
Hours vary

Location

1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, United States, 92106
Map view
1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, United States, 92106
Nearby
1401 Shelter Island Dr Shelter Island
Japanese Friendship Bell
250 m
1500 Shelter Island Dr
Friendship Bell
270 m
1718 Shelter Island Dr
Tunaman's Memorial
500 m
Restaurants
Vessel Restaurant
70 m
1551 Shelter Island Dr
Fathom Bistro Bait and Tackle
480 m
1776 Shelter Island Dr
Explore San Diego
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Japanese Friendship Bell
Japanese Friendship Bell
4 minutes' walk
A beautiful gift from Japan, featuring stunning views of the harbor and intricate designs. Perfect for a quick visit.
Shelter Island Park Shoreline
Shelter Island Park Shoreline
7 minutes' walk
A scenic spot for picnics and strolls along the shoreline, offering picturesque views and a relaxing atmosphere.
USS Midway Museum
USS Midway Museum
14-minute drive
A floating museum displaying aircraft and exhibits from naval history. Family-friendly with hands-on activities.
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument
15-minute drive
Historical site with breathtaking ocean views and shoreline trails. Home to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
Water Sports at Shelter Island
7 minutes' walk
Kayaking and paddleboarding available at the nearby beach. Rentals accessible and perfect for adventure-loving guests.
Yoga on the Beach
10-minute drive
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions offered at nearby beaches. Classes accommodate all skill levels in a serene setting.
Vessel Restaurant
Vessel Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Modern American cuisine with an elegant atmosphere. Reservations suggested for signature dishes like seafood and steak.
Fathom Bistro Bait and Tackle
Fathom Bistro Bait and Tackle
6 minutes' walk
Casual waterfront dining with fresh seafood and local flavors. Great for families with a laid-back ambiance.
Live Music at Humphreys
10-minute drive
Renowned venue with outdoor concerts featuring various genres. Family-friendly and hosts weekly live performances.
Comedy Shows at The Comedy Store
15-minute drive
Popular comedy venue offering live performances. Great for a fun night out with a vibrant atmosphere.
Getting around
City Centre
San Diego11 min  ·  7.2 km
Airports
San Diego International Airport (SAN)10 min  ·  6.2 km
El Cajon (CJN)53 min  ·  34.7 km
Train
Coaster Santa Fe Station9 min  ·  5.9 km
Bus
Bus stop9 min  ·  700 m

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
74%
loved the resort and would return for another relaxing stay
Stunning views
Welcoming staff
Dining inconsistencies
Basic room amenities
7.4/10
Very good
Rooms
6.8
Location
9.0
Service
7.6
Dining
6.8
Guest reviews
7.4/10
based on 5 reviews
4/5 based on 1996 reviews
8.0
8.0/10 based on 11 reviews
#68 of 283 hotels in San Diego based on Tripadvisor
Sophia
United Kingdom, February  2025
9.0/10

I had a wonderful stay at this resort while hosting a corporate meeting. The location was beautiful with outstanding views and a relaxing atmosphere. The rooms were tidy and comfortable, but some could be a bit small for those wanting more space. The food was exceptional with a variety of choices that everyone enjoyed. Overall, a fantastic experience, but parking could be a bit challenging at times.

Rooms
8.0
The rooms were clean and comfortable, though some were on the smaller side.
Service
10.0
The service was incredibly accommodating and friendly, making everything run smoothly.
Location
8.0
The location offered stunning views and was nice for exploring, albeit slightly away from the main tourist spots.
Dining
10.0
The dining experience was fantastic, with every meal receiving high praise from our group.
Facilities
9.0
The facilities were well-maintained, including the pools and fitness area, providing a great variety for guests.
Alfred
United Kingdom, January  2025
8.0/10

I had a mixed experience at this resort. While the location is absolutely stunning with beautiful water views and plenty of activities, the rooms could really use some updates and better cleaning. The service varied quite a bit, but there were some standout moments. Overall, the experience was enjoyable, but it would benefit from improvements in several areas.

Rooms
6.0
The rooms were a bit tired and definitely needed better housekeeping; my feet got dirty pretty quickly from the floors. However, the views were fantastic from the balcony, especially overlooking the marina.
Service
7.0
The service varied; while the front desk was excellent and really attentive, I found the restaurant service to be slow and inattentive during breakfast and lunch.
Location
10.0
The location is just perfect, right on Shelter Island with beautiful views of the bay and easy access to the downtown area.
Dining
8.0
I was pleasantly surprised by the dining options; the food was delicious, especially at the Vessel restaurant with live music.
Facilities
9.0
The resort has some great facilities, including a heated pool, jacuzzi, and gas fire pits outside. It felt fun and cozy.
Angela
United Kingdom, November  2024
6.8/10

The resort has stunning views on both sides, and the landscaping is beautiful. However, the service at the restaurant leaves much to be desired, and the shower design causes water to flood the bathroom. Despite these drawbacks, one standout staff member made our stay memorable, showing genuine care and attentiveness.

Rooms
6.0
Our suite had a fantastic view, but the shower design was poor, leading to flooding every time we used it.
Service
7.0
Service at the restaurant was subpar, but one valet attendant, Gus, was exceptional, making us feel taken care of throughout our stay.
Location
9.0
The location on Shelter Island provides beautiful views, especially during sunset, making it a peaceful spot to relax.
Dining
5.0
While the food was good, the service during our dining experiences was disappointing, leading us to seek alternatives for the wedding event.
Facilities
7.0
The resort itself is beautiful, but the amenities could use some upgrades for a more enjoyable experience.
Jacob
United Kingdom, November  2024
7.0/10

Our stay at Kona Kai was truly memorable; the breathtaking views and the kind staff really stood out. While the rooms were pleasant, they could use some upgraded amenities, especially for the price we paid. The dining experience left a bit to be desired due to issues with reservations and wait times. Overall, it was a beautiful location but had some service hiccups.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were lovely and clean, but they felt a bit basic given the price. The views from the balcony were great, overlooking the beach, and the fresh air was a nice touch.
Service
8.0
The staff was incredibly welcoming and attentive throughout our stay, always eager to help. However, some service inconsistencies were present, like delays in fulfilling requests.
Location
9.0
The location is beautiful, with the water surrounding the area, and it's easy to explore downtown. It really felt peaceful and away from the hustle and bustle.
Dining
6.0
Dining had its highs and lows; while the food was delicious with stunning views, we faced issues with reservations and room service that were frustrating.
Facilities
5.0
The facilities included a nice pool area, but it was disappointing that the pool bar closed early and there were several maintenance issues.
Stunning views
Dining inconsistencies
Gerald
United Kingdom, October  2024
6.8/10

I had a lovely stay at the resort with a stunning location, just minutes from the airport and right on the beautiful Shelter Island. The atmosphere was perfect for relaxation, especially with a private beach and fire pits for making s'mores. However, my experience was marred by some issues regarding room noise and customer service that left some things to be desired. Overall, it's a great spot for a getaway, but some improvements could enhance the stay.

Rooms
7.0
The rooms were clean and spacious, with comfortable beds. However, the noise from neighboring rooms was quite disruptive, which affected our overall comfort.
Service
6.0
The service was hit or miss; while some staff were friendly and helpful, others seemed indifferent to our concerns, which was disappointing.
Location
9.0
The resort's location is absolutely beautiful, offering stunning views and a peaceful environment, making it perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Dining
5.0
Dining options were limited, and our experience at the restaurant was subpar, which is unfortunate considering the beautiful setting.
Facilities
7.0
The resort has fun amenities like corn hole and bike rentals, but the overall experience could be enhanced with better maintenance and customer service.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
from 02:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at USD 46 per day.
Internet
is available in for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2007
Number of rooms:
164
Former name
Kona Kai Resort
FAQs
About Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort
What are the check-in and check-out times at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is at 11:00.
How far is Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort from San Diego International Airport?
The hotel is located 5 km from San Diego International Airport.
Does Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort offer on-site dining options?
The hotel features Vessel Restaurant + Bar, which serves New American cuisine with waterfront views.
Are there any attractions near Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort?
Nearby attractions include Cabrillo National Monument (6 km), San Diego Zoo (15 km), SeaWorld San Diego (8 km), and Balboa Park (10 km).
What amenities are available for guests at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort?
Amenities include two outdoor swimming pools, a spa, a gym, free Wi-Fi, and direct beach access.
Is parking available at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort?
Private parking is available on-site for 46 USD per day, and no reservation is needed.
What is the pet policy at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort?
The hotel allows pets with a non-refundable charge of 100 USD for up to 3 nights or 150 USD for 4-7 nights.
What room amenities can guests expect at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort?
Rooms include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a private balcony or patio, and a desk.
Does Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort have facilities for business travelers?
The hotel features meeting and event spaces accommodating up to 350 guests.
What leisure activities are available at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort?
Leisure activities include beach access, a fitness center, water sports rentals, and complimentary cruiser bikes.
Does Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort offer spa services?
The on-site Shelter Island spa provides a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and access to a steam room.
Are there any facilities for guests with disabilities at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort?
The hotel is committed to meeting and exceeding all requirements for the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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