$118 Avg/night
Rate and special offer based on Check-in: Jun 2, 2013 Check-out: Jun 5, 2013

Kona Kai Resort Hotel

3 stars
1551 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, CA 92106
Hotel Overview
Reviewer score
3.6
out of 5
101 reviews
Harbor view setting

You can 't get a better view and location in San Diego. The hotel is not too far from the airport.... See full review

  • Bob H M
  • Apr 10, 2012
Good Hotel

it is very good hotel, but the problem is the private beach you only can sit and enjoy the view you... See full review

  • Ya87
  • Mar 16, 2013
Waterfront resort offers a taste of Hawaii in San Diego

Crystal waters, watercolor skies and rows of yachts in the harbor -- this is Kona Kai Resort Hotel. This resort's spectacular waterfront location at the tip of San Diego's Shelter Island is just one item on a long list of impressive amenities. Other great features include tropical island ambiance, fantastic California cuisine, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access, and guest rooms with garden, marina and bay views. Kona Kai Resort Hotel is convenient to numerous attractions including the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Museum of Art.

Highlights
  • Outdoor pool with line lanes and a Jacuzzi tub
  • Summer Hawaiian luaus (fees apply)
  • On-site spa offers luxurious massage and body treatments
  • Marina restaurant and lounge
  • Enjoy on-site recreation including a sunning beach with a volleyball court, fire pits, bicycle rentals and children's playground
Rooms

Charming rattan furnishings and floral print bedding give Kona Kai Resort Hotel guest rooms a distinctive tropical feel. Expect private balconies or patios, great views and free Wi-Fi Internet access, along with cable TV, coffee-makers and hair-dryers. Pets are welcome (fees apply).

Features

Situated on eleven acres of lush tropical gardens, the Kona Kai Resort Hotel offers a scenic, peaceful atmosphere just minutes from San Diego's top attractions. Enjoy a couples massage or deluxe body treatment at the resort spa. A spacious fitness center features cardiovascular and weight equipment, as well as fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, karate and aerobics (fees apply).

Of course, it's perfectly acceptable to skip the workout routine and just spend the day at the Kona Kai Resort Hotel private sand beach. Have a picnic while the kids play at the playground.

Dining

California fresh cuisine and fantastic views of the Kona Kai Marina are the highlights of breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Kona Kai Resort Hotel. Happy Hour is scheduled every day from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Stay for dinner and try favorites like the lobster bisque and Hawaiian salmon salad.

Transportation
  • San Diego International Airport (2.5 mi/4 km)
  • Free shuttle service to the airport, train station and cruise ship terminal
Attractions
  • USS Midway Museum (3.3 mi/5.3 km)
  • SeaWorld (3.8 mi/6 km)
  • San Diego Air & Space Museum (4.6 mi/7.4 km)
  • San Diego Zoo (5.2 mi/8.3 km)          
Business
  • 56,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor function space
  • Outdoor venues include courtyards, gardens and a private beach
  • Banquet and catering services
  • Free Wi-Fi Internet access
Policies and Fees
  • Complimentary shuttle is available for arriving and departing guests only to the San Diego airport, Amtrak, and San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal. Airport shuttle service is limited, based on availability, and is subject to change.
  • Parking is available at a charge of $15 USD/night.
  • Pets allowed with non-refundable deposit.
  • Authentic beach luaus are offered on most Friday night's in the summer at an additional charge.
  • The hotel charges a $10 resort fee inclusive of wireless Internet access, business center access, health club access, private beach access, beach chairs and towels (when available), local calls, long distance calls within the US and Canada and courtesy airport shuttle service (based on availability).

This is not a comprehensive list of fees. Any amounts listed above may not include taxes and are subject to change.

Kona Kai Resort Hotel Rooms

Traditional
All accommodations feature bright island-style dcor and are complemented by a private patio or balcony. Many guestrooms offer sweeping views of the San Diego Bay and Marina. Our in room amenities include refrigerators, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons and boards and work desk with telephone/data port and free internet access.

Amenities

  • Wireless internet
  • Pool
  • No smoking rooms/facilities
General
No smoking rooms/facilities
Concierge
Pets allowed
Elevators
Activities
Pool
Fitness center or spa
Health club
Spa services
Dining
Bar/Lounge
Restaurant
Room service
Services
Business center
Laundry service
Safe deposit box
Meeting/Banquet facilities
Conference facilities
Internet
Wireless internet
Parking
Parking
Accessibility
Handicapped rooms/facilities

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Hotel Map

32.7089 -117.2321
Area served
San Diego
Nearby airports
International Airport: 3.5mi Domestic Airport: 3.5mi Closest Public Transport: Bus 1mi
Area description
The Kona Kai Resort Hotel is situated on eleven acres of lush tropical gardens at the tip of Shelter Island on San Diego's own Hawaiian Isle.The Kona Kai is uniquely located to allow easy access to all the exciting area attractions while providing a relaxing retreat from the intensity of dynamic San Diego. The Kona Kai Resort Hotel is only five minutes from Sea World, downtown San Diego, Convention Center, Gas Lamp area, Seaport Village, Horton Plaza and the USS Midway.

Nearby points of interest

  • Sunset Cliffs: 1.8 mi
  • Port of San Diego: 2.5 mi
  • Hospitality Point: 3 mi
  • Whaley House Museum: 3.7 mi
  • Old Town San Diego: 3.8 mi
  • Sea World: 3.8 mi
  • Bazaar Del Mundo: 3.9 mi
  • Heritage Park: 3.9 mi
  • Firehouse Museum: 3.9 mi
  • Childrens Museum of San Diego: 3.9 mi
  • Junipero Serra Museum: 4.2 mi
  • Gaslamp Quarter: 4.2 mi
  • Belmont Park: 4.4 mi
  • PETCO Park: 4.4 mi
  • San Diego Museum of Art: 4.7 mi
  • Sunset Cliffs: 1.8 mi
  • Port of San Diego: 2.5 mi
  • Hospitality Point: 3 mi
  • Whaley House Museum: 3.7 mi
  • Old Town San Diego: 3.8 mi
  • Sea World: 3.8 mi
  • Bazaar Del Mundo: 3.9 mi
  • Heritage Park: 3.9 mi
  • Firehouse Museum: 3.9 mi
  • Childrens Museum of San Diego: 3.9 mi
  • Junipero Serra Museum: 4.2 mi
  • Gaslamp Quarter: 4.2 mi
  • Belmont Park: 4.4 mi
  • PETCO Park: 4.4 mi
  • San Diego Museum of Art: 4.7 mi
  • San Diego Aerospace Museum: 4.7 mi
  • San Diego Automotive Museum: 4.7 mi
  • San Diego Museum of Man: 4.9 mi
  • San Diego Zoo: 5 mi
  • Timken Museum of Art: 5 mi
  • Botanical Building: 5 mi
  • Casa De Balboa: 5.2 mi
  • San Diego Natural History Museum: 5.2 mi
  • Spanish Village Art Center: 5.2 mi
  • Fleet Space Theater and Science Center: 5.2 mi
  • Mission Bay Park: 5.6 mi
  • Pacific Beach: 6.2 mi
  • Qualcomm Stadium: 7.1 mi
  • Chula Vista Nature Center: 9 mi
  • Family Fun Center: 9.3 mi
  • Sorrento Valley: 12.8 mi
  • Legoland: 29.4 mi
  • California Center For The Arts Museum: 29.5 mi

Meeting facilities

Meeting Info
Flexibility is the hallmark of the Kona Kai Resort Hotel, with 8,000 square feet of indoor space to accommodate your San Diego meeting or banquet room needs. And with 23,000 square feet of outdoor space encompassing courtyards and gardens, as well as a private beach, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Dining

Kona Kai Dining Room
The Kona Kai Dining Room and Lounge offers a pleasant guest experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner or beverages with a casual, informal ambience featuring "California Fresh" cuisine artfully prepared and graciously served. Relax and enjoy the sunset and tropical breezes of San Diego Bay in our beautiful restaurant overlooking the marina. Outside waterfront dining and bar menus are also available. Happy hour everyday from 4:30-7:00 p.m.

Hotel Policies

Check-in:
1600
Check-out:
1200

Terms and conditions

Rates quoted in currencies other than the hotel's base currency are subject to the rate of the international exchange. Rate may change throughout stay. Rate may reflect average nightly rate. Extra charges may apply. Incidental charges, such as room service, are not included in the rate.

The amenities and/or facilities may not be located at the hotel, but within a reasonable distance, and additional charges may apply for use.

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Guest Reviews (101)

Ratings and reviews for Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Overall score

3.6 / 5
101 out of 101
Amenities:
3.4
Room cleanliness:
3.9
Hotel staff:
3.7
Room comfort:
3.7
Location:
4.4
Value:
3.6

74% would recommend to a friend.

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Review this hotel
Review of Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Reviewer score

4
jdt2
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Oct 26, 2012

Very nice part of San Diego

This hotel is located off the marina. Lots of boats and water. Great walking/jogging paths nearby.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
3
Location:
5
Value:
5
Dining tip: Short drive from hotel

Phil's BBQ for dinner Hash House A Go Go for breakfast

Review of Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Reviewer score

1
Anonymous
Atlanta, GA
Jan 13, 2010

The worst customer service and they lie

1. Their airport shuttle service did not begin until 5:00 am and I had to leave for the airport at 4:30. 2. The desk manager, Chrissy, said when I checked in that she would call a cab to be at the hotel at 4:30 the next morning. She NEVER called a cab at all. 3. I asked for a wake up call at 3:30 am and it came at 4:05. If I had not had a back up alarm set I might have missed my plane.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
1
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
1
Room comfort:
4
Location:
3
Value:
1
Review of Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Reviewer score

1
Anonymous
l.a.
Jun 30, 2010

ok for the price

hotel clerks rude condescending

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
3
Room cleanliness:
4
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
4
Location:
5
Value:
4
Review of Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Reviewer score

1
Not a huge Vegas fan
Yuma, AZ
Oct 24, 2010

Not worth the money!

This hotel was an extreme disappointment. It was advertised as a Hawaii-like experience. It was, however, not anything like Hawaii. The hotel is older and not in pristine condition. Our room had old water spots on the ceiling where there must have been flooding in the past. Our bed sagged horribly making it one of the most miserable night's sleep I have had in a long time. The dining room did not have alot of choices for food. It was not served hot. I don't feel this hotel is worth the money. There are other equally priced hotels that are probably worth the money.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
2
Hotel staff:
3
Room comfort:
1
Location:
4
Value:
1
Review of Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Reviewer score

1
Anonymous
Spearfish, SD
Jan 17, 2011

Don't

Room smelled musty. Shabby. Loud party made it impossible to sleep. Clerk was rude. No room service because "too late." I have stayed at Super 8's that were much nicer.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
1
Room cleanliness:
1
Hotel staff:
1
Room comfort:
1
Location:
2
Value:
1
Review of Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Reviewer score

1
Disappointed in San Diego
Sacramento, CA
Feb 14, 2011

Disappointment followed with disgust!

I was very disgusted with the hotel. The comforters were torn with large stain spots on them. The bathroom door from bottom up was peeling and cracking. I booked a package that included breakfast, however they charged my children for their breakfast meals. I would not book this hotel again! I am so disappointed [...]

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
2
Room cleanliness:
1
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
2
Location:
3
Value:
1
Sightseeing tip: Not Applicable

Disappointed!

Review of Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Reviewer score

1
Anonymous
Phoenix AZ
Mar 20, 2011

Kona Kia

We did not enjoy this hotel, the staff in afternoon was unfriendly, they gave us a room with king bed when we asked for 2 queens. Got that fixed and then the room was dirty, black long hair everywhere! gross. Had to go back to same angry hotel clerk who took forever to give us a new room. 15 dollar a day charge for parking! Had tea sent to room....oops wrong tea got charged nine dollars!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
1
Room cleanliness:
2
Hotel staff:
1
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
1
Nightlife tip: Long walk from hotel

GO to Humphreys to listen to band! Appears to be beautiful hotel and great music venue.

Review of Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Reviewer score

1
Sam LA
LA
Aug 15, 2012

Uncomfortable Bed* rude staff

The staff treated us so bad because we booked through price line. They tried to give us a room without a view when we paid for one with a view. She was the front desk superviser and did not look up at us once let alone smile or welcome us to the hotel. Bad experience. would not return. The second night we went next door to the Ramada INN, very nice place, much newer, friendly staff, better restaurant, pool..everything was way better.

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
1
Room cleanliness:
1
Hotel staff:
1
Room comfort:
1
Location:
5
Value:
1
Review of Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Reviewer score

1
ann12345
arcadia
Feb 17, 2013

vacation

The room is too small ,All things are very old inside. It feels like a motel rather than a hotel!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
1
Room cleanliness:
1
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
1
Location:
1
Value:
1
Review of Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Reviewer score

2
Comi-Con
Los Angeles, CA
Jul 6, 2009

NOT a "Resort"

Not my definition of a "resort" foam pillows $15 per day for parking room service never answered the phone in room movie did not work and cost $16.99 we got a great room rate of $108; don't pay more than that because it is not worth it

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
1
Room cleanliness:
3
Hotel staff:
4
Room comfort:
3
Location:
4
Value:
3
Time-saving tip: Short drive from hotel

close to everything

Review of Kona Kai Resort Hotel

Reviewer score

2
Anonymous
San Francisco
Aug 21, 2009

Stay somewhere else

This is really not a "Resort". The place is in a beautiful location but there were just too many things that are not good at this place. There were a number of times when NO ONE was at the front desk or when calling the front desk NO ONE answered the phone. They were short on towels for the pool and kept telling us that some will be available soon (why were they short towels? there wasn't that many people at the pool...) The rooms were balmy (no windows to open, just the patio door). This place is somewhat run down. Carpets are old and the walls are all marked up. The price for this place was WAY OVER PRICED! But the biggest problem is the NOISE. The walls are paper thin. You could hear the conversations from the neighbors and water running down the pipes inside the walls. Anytime someone closed a door on a floor it was loud and our door moved as if someone was trying to get in our room. Employees' were loud too! The employees' early in the morning would talk loudly in the halls and the gardener started working at 8:00 am. scrapping the walls. Seems liked they had no consideration at all. Out of a 3 night stay we got maybe one good nights rest. Unfortunately I am one not to complain, but I felt I got ripped off and felt that the pictures for this resort are deceiving. My advice: Stay somewhere else!

Hotel features (5 = best, 1 = worst):
Amenities:
1
Room cleanliness:
2
Hotel staff:
2
Room comfort:
2
Location:
5
Value:
1
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