Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort San Diego, San Diego - Reviews, Rooms Options & Prices 2025

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About the Resort

1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, United States of America, 92106

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort, is situated on Shelter Island in San Diego, offering a blend of luxury and a unique history within one of California's most picturesque coastal settings. The resort features newly transformed guest rooms and expansive outdoor event spaces that provide sweeping views of the San Diego Bay and skyline. With a commitment to sustainability, it boasts a green certification while providing top-notch amenities such as the full-service SpaTerre and multiple on-site dining options. Its strategic location allows guests to easily access nearby attractions, making it a prime destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Location

Located less than 10 minutes from San Diego International Airport, the resort is in close proximity to popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. The surrounding area features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural landmarks, enhancing the experience for visitors looking to explore. Easy access to public transportation options allows seamless travel to and from the resort.

Rooms

The resort offers a wide range of guest rooms and suites that showcase vibrant colors and elegant design elements. Guests can enjoy private balconies with views of either the ocean or the marina, transporting them into a relaxing state filled with the beauty of the surrounding nature. The spacious ADA rooms are equipped with wheelchair accessibility and thoughtful features to enhance comfort for all visitors.

Eat & Drink

Kona Kai features the on-site Vessel Restaurant + Bar, which serves New American cuisine in a chic atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant emphasizes locally sourced ingredients while guests can unwind with signature cocktails at the Paloma Bar or relax with poolside bites from the Tiki Bar. Dining experiences are enhanced by stunning marina views and numerous outdoor seating options.

Leisure & Business

The resort encourages outdoor activities with complimentary cruiser bikes available for guests to explore the beautiful Shelter Island. SpaTerre, the full-service spa, offers rejuvenating treatments and wellness facilities, while guests can relax at the adults-only pool or enjoy evening bonfires by the beach. Numerous water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, are also accessible from the resort’s Action Water Sports rental center.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Junior Suite

Max:

4 persons

36 m²

Bed options:

2 King Size Beds

Bathtub

Balcony

room details

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Junior Suite

Max:

3 persons

36 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Bathtub

Balcony

room details

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King Room

Max:

2 persons

30 m²

Bed options:

1 King Size Bed

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Getting around

Explore available ways to reach your dream destination

City Center

San Diego 4.5 mi

Airports

San Diego International (SAN) 3.9 mi

El Cajon (CJN) 21.6 mi

Train

Coaster Santa Fe Station 3.7 mi

Bus

Bus stop2300 ft

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Heavenly Relaxation!

“The spa experience was rejuvenating, with a serene atmosphere and great treatments that melted away all my stress.” view full review

Delicious Dining!

“Dining at the resort was a delight; the food was flavorful and beautifully presented, making every meal nice.” view full review

Stunning Views!

“Our room offered amazing views, with large windows that allowed us to enjoy amazing sunsets right from our balcony.” view full review

General

Non-smoking property
Free Wi-Fi
Paid parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Baggage storage
Private beach
Elevator
Gift/Newsstand
Hairdresser
Fireplace

Sports & Fitness

Fitness center
Tubing
Fitness studio

Guest Parking

Refrigerator

Services

Paid valet parking
Room service
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Wedding services
Bell staff/Porter
Computer connection

Dining

Paid breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area

Business

Business center

Children

Cribs
Kids club
Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Beach umbrellas
Beach towels
Sun loungers
Ballroom
Garden area
Paid cabanas
Spa & wellness center
Turkish bath
Steam room
Treatment room

Room features

Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Balcony
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Bathtub
Free toiletries

Self-catering

Refrigerator

Media

Flat-screen TV
Telephone
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Location

1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, United States of America, 92106

Map view

1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, United States of America, 92106

City landmarks

Island

Shelter Island

2200 ft

Parks

Shelter Island Park Shoreline

1800 ft

Church

Saint Agnes Catholic Church

5000 ft

Museums

USS Midway Museum

3.3 mi

2200 Shelter Island Dr

Shoreline Park

4200 ft

Laurel Street

Sefton Plaza

4000 ft

University

Point Loma Nazarene College

1.2 mi

North Harbor Island Drive

Spanish Landing Park

2.0 mi

Monuments and Landmarks

Cabrillo National Monument

2.5 mi

2558 1/3 Laning Rd N Harbor Dr

USS Recruit

1.6 mi

Parks

Harbor Island Park

1.8 mi

Amusement Park

SeaWorld San Diego

3.8 mi

Parks

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

2.2 mi

Beach

Smuggler's Cove

1.7 mi

Sunset Cliffs

2.0 mi

Zuniga Point

1.9 mi

Gallery

Visions Art Museum

2.2 mi

Museums

Women's Museum of California

2.3 mi

North Island

2.1 mi

Point Loma

2.4 mi

Lighthouse

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

2.7 mi

Parks

Ingram Plaza

2.2 mi

Cushing Road at Roosevelt

52 Boats Memorial

2.2 mi

Gallery

San Diego Comic Art Gallery

2.4 mi

Beach

Breakers Beach

2.2 mi

Museums

New Americans Museum

2.2 mi

Market

Liberty Public Market

2.4 mi

Nearby

1401 Shelter Island Dr Shelter Island

Japanese Friendship Bell

900 ft

1500 Shelter Island Dr

Friendship Bell

900 ft

1718 Shelter Island Dr

Tunaman's Memorial

1700 ft

Restaurants

Blue Wave Bar & Grill

2200 ft

2051 Shelter Island Dr

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience

60%

liked the resort and would come back again

6.0/10

Guest rating

Rooms

5.0

Location

7.8

Service

6.5

Dining

6.0

4/5 based on 1996 reviews

#68 of 283 hotels in San Diego based on Tripadvisor

Kelly

United States of America, October 2024

6.6/10

The hotel had beautiful amenities and excellent service, making for an enjoyable stay. While the food was good, it felt pricey for what was offered. I did face some issues with room suitability and additional promises that weren't honored, which certainly impacted the overall experience. Unfortunately, the value for what I paid didn’t quite meet my expectations.

Rooms

5.0

The bay view junior suite left much to be desired, as our view was blocked by the parking lot and the room felt cramped for four people. It was mostly clean aside from some stains on the chairs. Additionally, the noisy headboards made it difficult to sleep.

Service

9.0

The service was commendable, with staff being courteous and attentive. They resolved my initial room cleanliness issue by moving me to another room and even surprised us with celebratory decorations and chilled Prosecco.

Location

8.0

The location was a standout feature, situated near the water with easy access to downtown without much traffic noise. However, it could be tough for those without a car to find dining options.

Dining

5.0

The restaurant experience was disappointing; the menu lacked variety and quality. Although we were expecting something special for a birthday celebration, nothing complementary was offered.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel had lovely amenities, including beautiful outdoor spaces, but they became less appealing when not all activities were accessible, such as the fire pits.

George

United States of America, October 2024

5.0/10

This hotel has a mixed bag of experiences. The rooms I stayed in were lacking in cleanliness and amenities, which was disappointing for the price. However, I did encounter good service from one staff member regarding my lost items. The location offers some nice views, but not without its challenges, especially with events closing off areas. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this place based on my experience.

Rooms

5.0

I found the rooms in a sad state of disrepair. The first 'marina view' room was obstructed by a cabana, and the second had mold and holes in the linens.

Service

5.0

While one manager was helpful in retrieving my lost items, the overall service left much to be desired, especially at the front desk.

Location

5.0

The views could be stunning, but with events blocking access to areas, it was frustrating. It’s also close to the airport but has its noise issues.

Dining

5.0

The dining experience was underwhelming, with long wait times that really tested my patience.

Facilities

5.0

Facilities like the pool were closed off during my stay due to a wedding, which was quite inconvenient.

Johnny

United States of America, October 2024

6.4/10

My stay was truly a mix of paradise and frustration. The hotel had stunning views and offered a variety of activities to enjoy right on the property. However, my experience was tainted by some major issues with the room service and cleanliness, which really wasn’t ideal. The location is picturesque, providing a beautiful escape, but be mindful that it’s somewhat remote from downtown attractions.

Rooms

5.0

The rooms needed better attention to cleanliness and had some maintenance issues.

Service

5.0

There were significant problems with room service and the responsiveness of management.

Location

8.0

The location is beautiful and perfect for a relaxing getaway, but quite far from the city center.

Dining

6.0

Dining options were okay, but we opted to eat out most days due to limited breakfast options.

Facilities

9.0

The resort offers a great range of facilities like pools and fire pits, which were well enjoyed.

Russell

United States of America, September 2024

5.2/10

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

Facilities

John

United States of America, August 2024

8.6/10

My stay at Kona Kai was lovely overall. The staff was very friendly and accommodating, and the food was quite tasty. I enjoyed a beautiful view of the bay from my room. However, there were some concerns with cleanliness, as my feet got dirty shortly after entering my room, and there were issues with housekeeping that were disappointing. Overall, it had a nice vibe but could improve on maintenance.

Rooms

7.0

The room was bright and nicely decorated, offering a lovely view of the bay, but cleanliness was definitely an issue.

Service

9.0

The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the head of housekeeping made an effort to resolve my issue.

Location

10.0

The location was beautiful and relaxing, with a view of the bay that was truly enjoyable.

Dining

9.0

Dining was exceptional, with delicious food and a lovely atmosphere to enjoy while watching the boats.