Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Your luxury island escape in the center of San Diego. The newly transformed and expanded Kona Kai San Diego welcomes you to modern luxury. Laze the day away on your oversized balcony looking out over San Diego Bay while enjoying local food from our Point Loma restaurant. Spend a day on our private beach, sipping specialty drinks from our Tiki Bar or relax near our new adults-only pool.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Nestled in a tranquil yet central location, Kona Kai San Diego Resort attracts guests with its serene ambiance and proximity to local attractions. While some guests have called out the resort for unexpected fees and the occasional outdated room, many have praised its cleanliness and the diversity of amenities, ranging from pools to dining options.
The resort's atmosphere earns rave reviews for its coziness and cultural events. However, service experiences vary, with some noting room for improvement.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Mixed
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Noise level
Peaceful
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Abundant
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We have stayed at this resort several times and it is always been an absolute pleasure! It’s very peaceful, yet there’s lots to do. There’s a quiet adult pool and wonderful bar plus a family pool and hot tub. They have paddle boards, kayaks and jet skis to rent, a well equipped gym, a ping-pong table, and free bikes. We have stayed in different parts of the resort and they’ve all been beautifully appointed with soft sheets, very comfortable beds, and fluffy towels. There are many spaces to sit and lounge such as the lobby with a piano and fireplace, marina side beach fire pits and two pools. We enjoy eating at the Vessel restaurant and bar and highly recommend it! The service is excellent at the restaurant and throughout the resort. The resort is centrally located, yet also peaceful and away from all the airplane noise, which can be loud in San Diego. Whether you choose the Bayside or a marina side room you will have a great view and lots to see. We appreciate the thoughtful touches too - such as s’mores kits for the outdoor fire pits and coupons for local restaurants. We received a free appetizer at Ketch restaurant and recommend it for a meal or drinks with a very cool view of the nighttime San Diego skyline. Highly recommend this beautiful resort for both couples and families.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott Ostrander, General Manager at Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Responded Dec 26, 2024
Dear Stephanie, I am thrilled that you had a wonderful visit to Kona Kai and appreciative for your detailed review of your experience. I very much look forward to warmly welcoming your return visit in the near future. Thank you for the recommendation and kind words. With sincere regards, Scott Ostrander General Manager Kona Kai San Diego
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Overall, my experience at this location was pretty good. The hard product of room, private beach, marina/bay walking paths, courtyard and others were very worth the value.
You can park near the front entrance before checking in (the back parking lot is kind of far) depending on your room/location. I recommend to figure this out first. I booked via Amex The Hotel Collection and had additional credits which allowed me to sample the on-site restaurant for breakfast. I really did appreciate it as the views from the restaurant was the Marina and a beautiful large Yacht.
The room was quant, well maintained, but we were near an exit door so we heard that all night. Not a huge issue, but that was unfortunately out of our control. The sliding door lead to the courtyard near the pool which was nice because we could open it, get a breeze and walk out there.
The private beach with bonfires was probably one of the best things to do but its First Come First Served. Make sure you get there around sunset when they light them up.
If you own a Tesla, be sure to ask about charging (I forgot).
Pros: Great Location Amenities were good Value per Dollar if you have Amex Plat + Hotel Credit Complementary Breakfast at Vessel Restaurant All hotels on Shelter Island follow a Polynesian/Hawaiian theme Hotel is at the end of the island so very quiet during our stay
Meh: Parking is $45/night with no other parking option as the Marina has some weird parking rules between 1 - 6 AM.
Con: Only 1 wifi device connected per day Hallways have a strong scent dispenser in closed hallways (wife's nose was not happy, but we were near the exit) Travel + Dining Credits may not apply correctly (Review your bill and speak to the front desk manager if available)
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott Ostrander, General Manager at Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Responded Feb 22, 2024
Dear Guest, I cannot thank you enough for your candid and constructive pros and cons. Your "analysis" and review is most helpful to us in making things better. Overall, I am happy you had a wonderful stay and look forward to your return visit in the future as I take your comments to heart and have ideas to enact improvement. With kind regards in hospitality, Scott Ostrander General Manager Kona Kai San Diego
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From the advice offered by Peter Genovese at booking through to checking out, we cannot say enough good things about this brilliant Hotel. The booking was made to celebrate a birthday and Peter ensured we had the best possible Marina view junior suite and also prepared a surprise in our room on arrival. Thank you! 😃 The team were all welcoming and helpful. Our room was serviced daily by a lovely team who always left the room looking like we had just arrived. Our junior suite was located in block 7 which was recently renovated to a high standard. These rooms are superb featuring a sitting area and large bathroom which is separated from the main room by an oversized bathtub with slatted doors which opens onto the bedroom. The resort is surrounded by beautifully maintained tropical gardens which along with the location on shelter island makes for a quiet and relaxing location. Refurbished Block 7/8 offer the most tranquil experience and are adjacent to the adult pool. On returning to the hotel each night it was so nice to spend time unwinding at the fire pits located on the private beach. We usually opt for upscale high rise hotels in city centres though needed a more restful break on this occasion and Kona Kai and their amazing team made for the perfect holiday. However, there was one thing we did not like…..Checking out! 😔
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Book block 7/8 second floor junior suites for the best possible experience. Use uber to go back...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott Ostrander, General Manager at Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Responded Oct 15, 2024
Dear Guest, You are always welcome at Kona Kai when making the journey across the pond. I am thrilled and joyful that Peter played such an instrumental role in ensuring you had a wonderful stay and that your expectations were met/exceeded. On behalf of Peter and our entire team, I look forward to welcoming you back to Kona Kai should your future travels call for a return visit to Southern California. With the kindness of regards and appreciation, Scott Ostrander General Manager Kona Kai San Diego
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I stayed here in March 2023 with my mom and enjoyed it enough to bring my husband for a weekend. The parking this time was much easier than in the past by being able to scan a card instead of scan a QR code and be locked out.
The amenities were really great for relaxing. I did learn though that they have local memberships so locals can come use all the amenities so it can be quite hoppin’ and noisy. It’s nice to have the adults only pool but also enjoy the lawn games and fire pits. No smoking is allowed and there was no signage that we seen regarding it and ended up with the neighboring balcony lighting up. The office was very good about taking care of the situation. In her defense there was no signage. There should be signage so no one is being called and asked to leave the property to smoke, and the sidewalk between balconies always had smokers. We felt bad calling but we booked specifically to sit and relax on the balcony. Some of the chairs however are really damaged and each balcony seems to have a mish mash of items.
Garbage, catering and room service items were left out for extended times. Down by building 4 there were plates of food left on top the garbages for over 24 hours. It attracted a lot of noisy and aggressive seagulls. It doesn’t seem that they have staff dedicated to walking the grounds throughout the day to keep it looking nice and picking items up.
Restaurant service was ok, not super personable or welcoming so only ate there once. Prices are a bit steep. Happy hour was confusing for drinks, they cannot do a margarita, it’s a single alcohol and one mixer which wasn’t mentioned readily. I don’t believe happy hour pricing was honored but if so it was $11 for the whiskey sour. Truffle fries were amazing.
Rooms for both stays had quite a bit of damage that was very shoddily repaired and made the room feel run down and cheap. The air conditioners all sound absolutely horrible and have to be turned off completely to sit outside as they sound like they’re going to blow up.
Location is good. We really enjoyed boat watching from the restaurant, balcony and marina area. The service was kind from all employees and attentive to most things. Parking and check out were a breeze. It’s a nice place but the photos and such do not show the true score of disrepair in some areas. It’s a little pricey doe the condition of the rooms and buildings, you really are paying for the amenities if you were to enjoy those.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
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Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott Ostrander, General Manager at Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Responded Aug 20, 2024
Dear Guest, I cannot thank you enough for your detailed feedback. Many of your comments can and will be easily corrected. Our upcoming renovations will certainly address all remaining items. I do hope we have the opportunity to serve you again. Again, I am grateful for your taking the time to post a review of your experience. With my best regards in hospitality, Scott Ostrander General Manager Kona Kai San Diego
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My wife and I recently stayed for our anniversary. We could not have had a worse experience. Winter hours? Seriously? Just an excuse to not provide guests with the experience they are expecting. Everything shuts down at 9pm. Nowhere did I see these details.
10/21/24 False Costco Descrition
"The newly transformed (with a rusted sprinkler head protruding from the ceiling and shower-tub from 1987) and (a non-)expanded Kona Kai San Diego Resort welcomes you to an island escape in the center of San Diego. Laze the day away on your oversized (tiny) balcony looking out over (our parking lot) San Diego Bay while nibbling on local food from the Point Loma (which doesn't exist or is now called Vessel that closes at 8:59pm) restaurant. Enjoy a day on the resorts private beach, sipping specialty drinks from the Tiki Bar (which not ever open) or relax near (far away) the new adults-only pool."
They nickel and dime you for everything. Complimentary internet for one device. $9.99 to listen to music through our TV. It's 2024!
Complimentary cruiser bike access* (for 2 hours after you download an app and pay $10).
Get to the lobby between 4-7am for free coffee* (or pay at the bar starting at 7:01am).
The front desk does not provide friendly support and has been well trained on how to respond to concerns and complaints. Reactive. NOT proactive.
$70 for 2 breakfast sandwiches and two cups of coffee.
Very slow Wi-Fi and one 'complimentary' device each day. Otherwise $9/day. (Current year 2024)
"You can expect a non-newly transformed room and a dirty tub-shower." The cleaning staff going out of there way to be load and wake up guests.
Fix marketing details to be accurate. Use the term "historic".
Built in 1954, this 3-story hotel is part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts chain. The Kona Kai Club, which opened in 1953, was one of the first developments on Shelter Island and is now considered San Diego's premier marina.
Overall a terrible experience. I'll do everything I can to promote the truth for future guests.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott Ostrander, General Manager at Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Responded Nov 19, 2024
Dear Matt, I am overwhelming disappointed in your experience. While your review is opposite of the greater majority of reviews we receive, I can only assume your stay was the exception and not the rule. I am saddened by your perception of Kona Kai and very much would like to learn more about your stay, especially in regards to the room in which you booked and stayed. My goal is not only take corrective action as applicable, in an immediate manner, but to make it right with the hopes of regaining your trust. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at sostrander@sdkonakai.com so not only can I learn more about your stay, but earn your loyalty. Your feedback is of utmost importance to me and I look forward to hearing from you. With sincere regards in hospitality, I remain at your service. Sincerely, Scott Ostrander General Manager Kona Kai San Diego
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Room not ready upon arrival, arrived after check-in, which was 4pm. Unexpected charge for parking and no complimentary water in the room. There was a cannister of water in the room that cost $7.00. Also, no complimentary tea, only coffee. Ridiculous!!!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott Ostrander, General Manager at Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Responded Oct 17, 2024
Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your valuable feedback. While we have five (5) water bottle refill stations throughout the resort that are complimentary and in-room tea service is available complimentary, upon request, I am so sorry that we fell short of your expectations. I truly hope you will give us another opportunity to demonstrate the true soul and vibe of Kona Kai in creating a great guest experience. Please feel free to reach out to me directly on your next visit to San Diego so that I may personally ensure your expectations are exceeded. With kind regards in hospitality, I remain at your service. Sincerely, Scott Ostrander General Manager Kona Kai San Diego
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I gave this location a 4 instead of 5 because we got off to a slow start with a luke warm first impression. We paid a $50 daily resort fee and got to the room to find a $7 bottle of water waiting for us and the ability to only sign up one of two guests for free WiFi. A trip to the desk rectified both these issues. Free coffee is offered in the lobby from 4AM -7 AM and when the canister was emptied it didn't appear that the staff member was too happy about making more. However there was also a Keurig in the room which was my preference but not my husbands We expected better amenities from a high quality resort with those types of fees. And FYI the self parking fee is $45 per day. As per other reviews there is some parking on the street On the bright side, the rooms were lovely, they appear to have been recently renovated We had a beautiful view of the sound from our balcony and the grounds were immaculate. The location provided great restaurants and easy access around town A majority of the staff were very friendly and helpful. Great visit to San Diego
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:There are water refill stations if you bring your own water bottle; check out the street parking
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott Ostrander, General Manager at Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Responded Nov 13, 2024
Dear Guest, I am most grateful that overall you had an excellent stay; however and moreover, I cannot thank you enough for your constructive feedback...all of which are valid feedback that helps us to improve and make positive changes, especially as we head into a new year. I am overjoyed you had a great visit to San Diego and very much look forward to welcoming your return to Kona Kai in the near future. With best regards in hospitality, Scott Ostrander General Manager Kona Kai San Diego
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I was nervous that this place would be too far from the rest of San Diego and that I would be trapped on the property, but it was such a nice location that we hardly ever wanted to go out to other parts of San Diego. The few times we did, it was so easy to go in and out of the secured parking lot that it was nice. I strongly prefer this option to valet. Just feels so much more free to access my own car.
The room we were in was updated and had great A/C that worked well. Bathrooms were clean and worked well. The shower water pressure could be improved but honestly the flow of water from the sinks, tub, and toilet were so perfect the shower water pressure is just nitpicking at this point.
The maintenance staff that was cleaning was always so friendly and there's an option to tip digitally, which is super helpful since we don't always have smaller bills in cash these days.
The restaurant food was pretty good and it was very peaceful to walk around the property and enjoy the balcony.
Check in and check out staff were the most friendly, capable, and proactive people. We had reserved this stay using Chase Travel, which had a promotion offer with extra amenities. I was nervous I'd have to address the extras during check in and check out because not all hotels give their staff the visibility to these kinds of things. But it was very clear that the man checking us in was fully aware of the extra stuff and addressed things line by line. The woman who checked us out was also fully aware and also went the extra mile to make sure we got all the promotion amenities and went through everything line by line with us without any prompting for it. She was efficient, quick, and super nice. Give these folks a raise or bonus!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2024
Value
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott Ostrander, General Manager at Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Responded Aug 21, 2024
Dear Krystal, I cannot thank you enough for your kind words and detailed review. As a Chase premier member, it was a pleasure to have you as our guest. Thank you for the Five Star rating and for recognizing our team members that helped to ensure a wonderful visit. Being that you are from the South Bay of LA, you are close...we hope to see you again soon! With best regards in hospitality, Scott Ostrander General Manager Kona Kai San Diego
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My wife and I were unexpectantly and pleasantly surprised during our recent first stay at this property. The property itself is fantastic. Rooms were in great shape and the resort facilities were excellent. The real surprise was the personnel/service/cuisine quality equally matched the facilities. The Shelter Island area is full of restaurants that are either a short Uber ride or walk away. In the past two months we have stayed at or visited several places - most recent at the Marriott Pier South Resort (Imperial beach closed due to sewage issues from Tijuana), Lowes Coronado Bay Resort (nice place, but rooms are expensive and the restaurants/bars even more so because management knows the place is in the middle of nowhere and no one is going to drive 10 miles and risk a DUI to dine or get a have a few drinks), Hilton San Diego Bayfront (room rates are astronomical is a convention is in town), etc. The Kona Kai strikes the best overall balance of price, location, dining, and activities. We are glad we found it!
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Date of stay: September 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott Ostrander, General Manager at Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Responded Oct 2, 2024
Dear Guest, I cannot thank you enough for your wonderful review based upon your recent Kona Kai experience. Furthermore, I am grateful for your providing us a Five Star rating. On behalf of our entire team, I look forward to warmly welcoming you back to Kona Kai soon...regardless of the LA heat. With my best regards in hospitality, Scott Ostrander General Manager Kona Kai San Diego
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The Kona Kai San Diego Resort, situated on picturesque Shelter Island, offers an idyllic retreat with stunning views of San Diego Bay. This luxurious resort is renowned for its serene setting and exclusive ambiance, making it a perfect escape for both relaxation and adventure.
The accommodations at Kona Kai are elegantly designed, featuring spacious rooms with private balconies that offer breathtaking water views. The resort’s emphasis on comfort and style is evident throughout, with well-appointed rooms that include modern amenities and plush furnishings.
Guests can unwind at the expansive outdoor pool area or indulge in a rejuvenating experience at the resort’s full-service spa. The lush, tropical gardens and private sandy beach enhance the resort’s tranquil atmosphere. For dining, the on-site restaurants serve a variety of fresh and flavorful dishes, providing options that cater to diverse tastes.
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the state-of-the-art fitness center, while those seeking leisurely activities can enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding in the bay. The resort’s location also makes it convenient for exploring nearby attractions and dining options in San Diego.
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Scott Ostrander, General Manager at Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Responded Sep 18, 2024
Dear Guest, I cannot thank you enough for your detail review. Moreover, I am thrilled that you had an amazing experience. With sincere appreciation on behalf of our entire team, I truly look forward to welcoming you back to Kona Kai soon. With best regards, I remain at your service. Sincerely, Scott Ostrander General Manager Kona Kai San Diego
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Lake Oswego, Oregon16 contributions7 helpful votes
The room you are renting is for you and your companion - if it is booked for double occupancy. Doesn’t matter who - and you don’t have to say who he is - just walk on in! It’ll be fine. Watch the parking and resort fees tho’ - it’s $100 on top of the room fee!
There is a restaurant onsite at the hotel and a few restaurants nearby within walking distance. However, if you have a chance, the Fiddlers Green is super yummy! Short 5 minutes drive.
There are more places to choose from in the San Diego area.
PRICE RANGE
C$369 - C$524 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
kona kai hotel san diego, kona kai resort san diego
LOCATION
United StatesCaliforniaSan Diego
NUMBER OF ROOMS
170
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including any mandatory fees. Taxes not included. Please see our partners for more details.
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