Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa

The Spanish mission-style resort is graced by lush tropical landscaping, large palm trees, and numerous arches and covered walkways with many seating options to enjoy the bay views. The two-story lobby, like the rest of the resort, exudes a light-filled, casual elegance with soft blue walls, light gray and brown patterned rugs, upholstered chairs, and a wood-paneled front desk. The expansive back lawn is the center of activity. A winding pathway separates it from the narrow beach with fire pits and volleyball nets. Just beyond is the marina with several watersports options. Outdoor seating in comfortable wicker chairs overlooks the bay. The pool complex is bayside as well; it teems with families and couples enjoying the San Diego sun and laid-back lifestyle. Private cabanas with cable TV suggest this is no ordinary hotel pool. Steps lead down to an outdoor bar and grill.

The Hilton is centrally located in San Diego on the back end of Mission Bay, 15 to 20 minutes (driving) from the airport and only eight minutes’ drive from Old Town. Driving to the Gaslamp District, Petco Park, and other downtown attractions takes approximately 15 minutes. The University of San Diego, SeaWorld, and Mission Beach take 10 minutes by car, while Balboa Park is about 12 to 13 minutes. The resort’s location does not lend itself to walking to restaurants and shops, but with quick and easy access to nearby Interstate 5, plenty of both are within a five- to 10-minute drive. A path runs along the back of the property for leisurely walks, bicycling, or jogging.

Rooms reflect the property's upscale resort status, including the branded Hilton Bed by Serta; 300-thread count, Egyptian cotton linens; and designer-quality furniture. Some ground-level rooms even have a private patio with a fire pit, and every room has either a patio or small balcony. There are 16 suites with distinct layouts including a two-floor Presidential Suite. The rooms are spacious with views of either the bay, garden, or city. Decor is sophisticated and furnishings include work desks, Danish-style armchairs, and leather ottomans. Bathrooms are small with standard shower/tub combos; the modern chrome fixtures, magnifying mirrors, and Peter Thomas Roth toiletries are a nice touch. All rooms have 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, electronic safes, coffeemakers, turndown service, mini-fridges, and voicemail.

There are several dining options throughout the day with indoor and outdoor seating including a bistro, coffee shop, and lounge. Some packages include breakfast vouchers, but standard rates do not. Room service is available during daytime hours. The daily resort fee includes Wi-Fi throughout the property. On-site parking is available, but expensive. A free, scheduled shuttle takes guests to and from SeaWorld. A concierge staff is on-site to assist guests. There is 25,200 square feet of meeting space and a business center. The 7,500-square-foot, full-service Spa Brezza offers various massage treatments, body wraps, and facials, as well as salon services like hair and nail care. It has separate steam rooms and lockers. The connected fitness center is open 24 hours and features an impressive selection of free weights and PreCor cardio and weight machines. Yoga instruction and PaddleFit classes on the water also are offered. The pool complex includes a whirlpool, kiddy pool and private cabana rentals with cable TV, DVD player, snacks, and bottled water. The adjacent bar and grill provides poolside service. Equipment for several games as well as beach toys can be borrowed at the front desk, and Segways and bicycles can be rented to use on the winding bay-front path. The resort marina offers several watersports rental options including stand-up paddleboards, Jet Skis, sailboats, aqua bikes, and pontoon boats. The resort offers supervised activities for children, and evening babysitting during its free ‘dive-in’ family movie nights poolside. There is a gift shop and self-service laundry, and fire pits on the beach can be used by guests.