Kona Kai San Diego Resort

I have no clue where the positive reviews of this hotel have come from. There are a myriad of issues that I wouldn't expect from a 2 star motel let alone an alleged luxury resort. But my expectations are also pretty high as i have stayed at quite a few actual luxury resorts.||Some things to be aware of:|| - The rooms are small, the beds are hard and the pillows are floppy. But who knows because every room is laid out differently so it could just be the luck of the draw. Our more expensive bay view room looks out on the bay for sure - and also a parking lot with people going right past our window.|| - There were no lifeguards on duty at the disappointingly small pool. ||- The front desk is two small desks where you check-in. Which is fine, but it gets very congested. They would likely prefer you just check-in at the multiple computer terminals.||- Which perhaps is why the front desk staff's service is so inconsistent. Some people were very friendly while others don't listen and then are outright rude to you.||- There are no real bell services. There is someone who will store your luggage, but they won't help you to your room with luggage and they don't seem to have any luggage carts you can use.||- The communication and reservation system at the hotel is poor. They sent us an email to extend and when following the instructions (because I didn't really want to deal with "bell services" again, they acted like i was crazy - and they were also sold out. So who knows why they sent that email out.||- There was hair COVERING the hand soap bottle and sink in the bathroom in our room. Absolutely unsanitary and disappointing to see that lack of quality.||- The resort facilities are so disappointing that the high resort fee is difficult to justify.||Some positives:||- I had to modify my reservation multiple times due to dynamic plans, and the staff assisting were always helpful.||- There are some beautiful views from various points in the property.||I would never waste $500+ per night here. I truly think the nearby Best Western would have been a similar, but less expensive experience.

a week ago

I stayed at Kona Kai Resort while visiting San Diego for my brother’s Marine Corps graduation, and it was the perfect home away from home! I wanted somewhere comfortable to rest and have fun and Kona Kai delivered on every front.||First off, the peace and quiet of the resort was amazing. The bed was incredibly comfortable and super clean; I slept like a baby every night.||There was never a dull moment, either. I loved making s’mores, swimming, and walking along the beach. It was really cool to see fish and clams in the water. it’s the little things like that that make a trip memorable. Plus, seeing all the Navy planes overhead added a unique touch.||For seafood lovers, this place is heaven. There are tons of fantastic restaurants nearby, all within easy reach. And the location couldn’t be better—just about 15 minutes from the base, which made for an easy Uber ride that let me skip the hassle of car checks.||The staff were so friendly and accommodating; they really made me feel at home. I highly recommend staying here—and I know I’ll be back. Any time we’re in San Diego, Kona Kai Resort will be our go-to!

3 weeks ago

On the positive side, the grounds are lovely, the staff friendly and helpful. We stayed in the basic guest rooms, which were nice and were similar to what you would get in a Marriott or a Hilton. Each has a patio or balcony. Half the rooms face the marina, separated by a sandy area (“beach”, but no water access) dotted with nice firepits that they light every night. The other half face a parking lot. We had one of each and the experience was definitely better on the marina side. The pools are nice and are heated. The food was decent, albeit expensive. Unless you have a car the hotel is the only convenient location for food. The main negatives: They nickel and dime you. There is a “resort fee” tagged on to every room for things that are free at other hotels—-basic internet (you pay extra for an upgrade), use of the pools, use of gym equipment. $7 for the water bottles in the room, $7 for coffee at the breakfast buffet on top of the buffet cost. There is plenty of parking but it is expensive. Two things were very annoying and would be easy for them to change: The rooms have no microwaves so you can’t heat up leftovers. We had two rooms and both coffee pots were bad—-barely heated the water.

2 weeks ago

The room is elegant, spacious and clean. The bed comfortable and great pillows. Wonderful view of the Marina, food is amazing. Very elegant and relaxing overal experience . Marina at the Vessel restaurant was very attentive and offered great suggestions. I love the fire pits on the sand, and all the landscaping in the hotel. Very well kept and beautiful.

3 weeks ago

Very clean and comfortable. Nice view, although it was foggy and cold. They have no control over that. Housekeeping and front desk staff were wonderful. Many families having a great time, even in the cold. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. Beds and bedding soft, heavenly!

a week ago

I was a little nervous when reading reviews on trip advisor- some were great and some were not. We spent 3 nights with our chase credit card points and had a delightful time. The room and grounds were lovely and the staff was top notch- we had a few snaphews initially but ultimately several things were comped. I think the biggest thing is to communicate when you have an issue or concern because there are so many staff that are needed to help run such a big resort. So YOU need to follow up if something isn’t done. Food was delicious and way better than the nearby places on shelter island- though those were still good if needed. Marina views are great, but bay views show more helicopters and sailing boats if you have young kids…. You overlook the small parking lot but have a great balcony so still worth it either side. There is also a park~ 200 feet away and so many people - locals and not- walk along the shoreline and it’s awesome. We will absolutely come back

a month ago

The bedding smelled like a teenager's room, and the TV didn't work well. The location was beautiful. Wishing the weather would have been better for my stay. I will probably not stay at this hotel again if I visit San Diego again. The staff was very friendly.

a week ago

Wonderful resort located in Shelter Island in San Diego. Outdoor space and the view of marina was beyond beautiful! It felt like half Hawaii and half Amalfi. We had a great time making s’mores at the fire pit and relaxing at the beach cabana. Hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating. We upgraded second night to marina view (not the bay view) and it was worth it. Room and the bathroom can use little update, but it was comfortable. I already recommended this hotel to many of my friends and family. Airport was only 9 minutes away. Will definitely stay again here when I visit San Diego.

a week ago