2051 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, United States | (618) 248-8274
Next to Shelter Island marina and a three-minute walk to beach
Cozy rooms with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves
Suites offer kitchenettes, living rooms, and patios or balconies
Heated outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking the marina
Restaurant offers California cuisine and made-to-order breakfast, plus room service
Fitness center with mostly cardio machines
Coin-operated laundry machines
Two tennis courts and free bikes available
Six meeting rooms and public computers
Free Wi-Fi throughout
On-site parking (for a fee)
Breakfast and parking aren't free
Some cleanliness and maintenance complaints
Small fitness center
20-minute drive from downtown San Diego
Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina is a motel-style property that sits among a lush green landscape next to San Diego’s Shelter Island marina and is a three-minute walk from the beach. The 227 rooms are pleasant with lots of amenities from microwaves and mini-fridges, to kitchenettes and patios in the suites. A Californian restaurant, outdoor pool, and hot tub stay lively with couples and groups of friends, though policies like kids under 17 stay for free brings its fair share of families here, too. Both breakfast and parking cost extra, which take away from the value at this mid-range property. The nearby Kona Kai Resort is a good alternative with trendy rooms, a spa, and kayak and paddleboard rentals -- but nightly rates are higher.
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Scene
Chain hotel with lovely green grounds and nature-themed interiors
Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina catches the eye with its elongated gable roof. With policies like kids under 17 stay for free and amenities for business travelers and couples, this hotel has a little something for everyone. Structured like a motel building and with a budget chain name, travelers will be surprised to find that the property provides an experience and design that goes above what’s expected. The lobby, like most areas of the hotel, features a warm brown color scheme and a nature-inspired theme in the stone floors and rustic wood reception desk. Potted plants and greenery peppered around the exterior parts of the hotel invite guests to get outside and enjoy the views or take a walk among the many paths that lead from the hotel along the marina. Take note that not all buildings have elevators, which could be a problem for those with mobility issues or luggage.
Location
Sits on Shelter Island between a marina and beach; a 20-minute drive from downtown San Diego
Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina sits in the middle of Shelter Island between a marina filled with yachts and boats and Shoreline Park. It’s a short three-minute walk to the beach or Shelter Island Pier. There are a variety of restaurants within a 10-minute walk. For those with a car, it’s a 14-minute drive to SeaWorld and 19 minutes to the San Diego Zoo. It takes 20 minutes by car to get to the popular Gaslamp Quarter. The San Diego International Airport is close by at a nine-minute drive.
Rooms
Contemporary rooms with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and microwaves; suites with kitchenettes
Those familiar with Best Western’s style will be delighted to find that the contemporary room decor steps away from the streamlined chain design found in many properties. The rooms and suites have a warm brown color scheme featured in the carpets and sophisticated beds and armchairs with leafy designs. Standard rooms offer flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, safes, and free Wi-Fi. For more space and amenities, the suites are equipped with living rooms, patios or balconies, and kitchens with full-size refrigerators, stove tops, and sinks. Bathrooms are modern with showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. Some cleanliness and maintenance complaints have been made. Views are either of the bay or marina, though views of the bay can be marred by the parking lot for those on lower floors.
Features
Two pools and a gym to stay active, California restaurant for meals, and paid amenities like parking and breakfast
This Best Western has all the basics, plus a few extras. There's a heated swimming pool and adjacent whirlpool with marina views, perfect for year-round use. Guests can stay relaxed by booking a massage or working out in the small fitness center which has a handful of cardio machines. Two tennis courts with free racquets and free bikes are other great options for working up a sweat. There’s a restaurant that offers a daily made-to-order breakfast, but unlike some other properties under the brand, it costs a fee. California cuisine is available at the restaurant for lunch and dinner or through room service. Business travelers can take advantage of six meeting rooms, three public computers, and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include paid parking and a coin-operated washer and dryer on-site.
