Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection

Housed in a simple, modern, cream-colored cement building with balconies enclosed by pale green glass, this Marriott property emits a cool, coastal vibe immediately. The open and airy lobby is beautiful and beachy, with natural light flooding through large windows, and decor combining pale ocean tones with stylish pops of lime green, bright blue, orange, and yellow. A friendly atmosphere emanates throughout the hotel, as do eclectic sea-themed art and panoramic ocean views. Free newspapers are also available in the lobby. 

Natural wood floors and reclaimed wood chairs and tables combine with cool grays and minimalist-industrial light fixtures for a casually upscale vibe at SEA180 Coastal Tavern. The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows offering marvelous ocean views, and an outdoor seating area with brown wicker chairs and strung lights. The Dames Spa is simply decorated with tan and green tile, bright green countertops, light wood furniture, and neutral-striped wallpaper. Up on the rooftop terrace, guests -- mainly tourists -- can relax and take in the panoramic ocean views from white wicker couches set amidst potted flowers.

The Pier South Resort, Autograph Collection is on Imperial Beach next to a park with a playground and basketball court. Several restaurants are within a five- to 10-minute walk. Other area attractions -- including Silver Strand Beach, Living Coast Discovery Center, Coronado Beach, the San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Convention Center -- are within a 15 to 25 minutes' drive. San Diego International Airport is around a 30-minute drive from the property.

All rooms are large suites decorated in a modern beach style that combines light wood furniture, wave-patterned brown carpet, crisp white bedding, and ocean-themed artwork and accessories. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow light into the living rooms, which have subtly patterned sofa-beds and armchairs in turquoise and gray. All rooms have 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, and iPod docking stations; the inclusion of minibars is free in oceanfront rooms, and available for a fee in rooms with partial ocean views. All rooms have balconies with seating and either oceanfront or partial ocean views. 

Large contemporary bathrooms combine white subway tile with pale green mosaic tiling, and include lighted mirrors, and attractive wood cabinets with square sinks; some have shower/tub combos, while others have glass-enclosed stall showers. Robes and slippers, and luxury toiletries are included. Some rooms do get quite noisy, and others have unattractive views of air-conditioning units, so guests wanting great ocean views should be sure to request them.

The direct beach access is a major plus for most guests and, unlike at other surrounding beaches, there is no seaweed on the sand here. Sun loungers are also available at the hotel. The modern, almost-L-shaped pool and rectangular hot tub offer exceptional ocean views. Local craft beers, cocktails, and Baja-Mediterranean fare are served at SEA180 Coastal Tavern for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to excellent reviews. 

Body scrubs, massages, facials, and mani/pedis are available at the full-service Dames Spa. Bike, paddleboard, kayak, and boogie board rentals are available on-site. Cardio equipment and free weights are provided at the 24-hour fitness center, while the 24-hour business center comprises a small office area with two computers, a printer, and a privacy wall. Room service is available from relatively early in the morning to later at night, and there is a marketplace with snacks, drinks, and sundries. Parking is valet-only and pricey.