1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California, United States | (618) 248-8274
Close
proximity to airport with free shuttle
Most
of the nautical-inspired rooms have pretty water views
Full-service
marina with individual slips and water sport equipment
Three
pools and dual, 24-hour fitness centers with cardio equipment, weightlifting
equipment
120,000
square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space
Wi-Fi in public areas
Daily food credit for
children 11 and under
On-site
FedEx office
Inexpensive
shuttle to downtown area and rental bicycles available
Daily
social hour at Tapatini restaurant
Daily in-room Wi-Fi fee
Mini-fridges only
on request
Housekeeping can be spotty
Airport noise can be a
problem
Outside restaurants and
attractions not within walking distance
Pricey daily parking (standard
for area)
Expensive food and
beverages
This is a massive,
upscale hotel near the marina and airport but far from the convention center, Old Town, and Gaslamp Quarter. With 1,053 rooms in two lodging towers, the
property offers gorgeous waterfront views, water sports galore, three pools, and
tennis courts. There is also a full-service spa and each tower has a modern
fitness center. Dining options include fresh fish and steak, martinis and
tapas, pub fare, and Starbucks. Business travelers will likely appreciate the business
lobby, meeting spaces, and a FedEx office. Rooms feature nautical-inspired decor
and many offer waterfront views. Some guests complain of minor cleanliness
issues, however, and daily parking is pricey. Travelers may want to compare rates at the Hilton
San Diego Airport/Harbor Island or Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Airport.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Nautical-themed hotel reflects waterfront location
The Sheraton San Diego
Hotel & Marina is situated beside a private marina and bay waters. Tall
palms and flower-filled planters accentuate the nicely landscaped property. A
scenic walkway beside the bay, and across the street, goes from one end of
Harbor Island to the other end with grassy, park-like areas all around. Rental bicycles are helpful in navigating the
large property. Due to the airport proximity, many guests stay here
for business, and a lobby business area, 73 meeting spaces, and a FedEx office accommodate corporate travelers. The views and water sports draw families and couples on leisure, too. Rooms are separated between two towers, about five
minutes' walk apart, with a boat rental company and deli in between. With newer,
fresher decor, and larger accommodations, the Marina Tower offers more
restaurants and amenities than the Bay Tower does. It also has prettier outdoor surroundings. Guests
are greeted in a broad lobby filled with natural wood and nautical touches.
White walls complement comfortable deep blue upholstered seating in several
conversation areas. All in all, this is an excellent location for airport stopovers, or for
those who care most about being on the water, but it's inconvenient as a home base
for sightseeing. Those overwhelmed by the Sheraton’s size may prefer staying at the Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island, which only has 211 rooms.
Location
Waterfront location by the airport, but a 15-minute or longer drive to popular restaurant and shopping areas
The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is a five-minute drive from the airport, but a 15-minute or longer drive from the restaurants and shops in Old Town or the Gaslamp Quarter. There are only two restaurants on Harbor Island: Tom Ham's Lighthouse on one end (a 19-minute walk) and Island Prime on the other (an 11-minute walk). Business travelers should note that it's also a 15-minute drive to the San Diego Convention Center. Those seeking a marina, water sports, and airport proximity should be happy here, but those looking to sightsee may find the location inconvenient. However, families willing to drive may appreciate that the hotel is halfway in between Sea World (a 12-minute drive away) and Seaport village (a 10-minute drive away), though if Sea World is the primary destination it's also worth considering staying at Paradise Point. Comparable hotels near the convention center include Hard Rock Hotel San Diego or the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.
Rooms
Bold, nautical decor and waterfront views characterize the rooms at this enormous hotel.
Navy and deep red
accents complement white and dark wood furniture in the more than 1,000 rooms.
Pin-striped wallpaper in each bath accentuates white countertops, floors, and
tiled tub/showers. All guest rooms include 37-inch flat screen TVs,
coffeemakers and safes; some King Deluxe Rooms feature upholstered seating and coffee
tables. Rooms and baths in the Bay Tower are smaller and seem less updated, so it's worth requesting a room in the Marina Tower. All
beds feature pillow-top mattresses and goose down comforters/pillows.
Refrigerators must be requested in advance. Some guests have complained of
airport noise.
Features
Outdoor activities and multiple restaurants
Water sports abound at
the marina. Activities at the Lagoon Pool include table tennis and special
programming such as movies; two additional pools (one with water views) and a
hot tub are available as well. There are bikes for rent and tennis courts,
while pool and ping-pong tables encourage indoor fun. Two bright and airy
fitness centers offer weight training, cardio and other equipment and the small
spa pampers guests. Restaurants include upscale contemporary American cuisine; classic
pub fare; Latin-inspired martinis and tapas; a Starbucks; and light breakfasts
or cocktails in the lounge (some guests have found food and adult beverages
expensive). Targeting business travelers, the hotel features 73 meeting spaces, a large business center and a FedEx office. The
expansive gift shop offers accessories for water activities and snacks. There’s
a daily food credit for children too.
