We love San Diego for a lot of reasons. Think sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and a bustling downtown scene. However, the city is also a popular destination for travelers attending a major conference or business event. This is the main reason why many are looking for the best hotels near San Diego Convention Center. Lucky for you, we’ve explored San Diego many times before! The hotels we recommend below are only steps or minutes away from the Convention Center. In addition to that, you’re also only moments away from the historic Gaslamp Center, Seaport Village, and the city’s dynamic nightlife. Oh, and don’t get us started with the hotel amenities. Our recommendations not only offer cozy rooms but also waterfront views, rooftop pools, and fantastic restaurants. Read on to learn more about them!

11

The Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Gaslamp/Convention Center might be what you’re looking for! We’re huge fans of the location. Everything from the Convention Center to the bay was just a short walk away, and we never broke a sweat. The neighborhood has such an electric vibe, packed with great food spots, nightlife, and that classic SoCal energy.

Since we want the best, we decided to book the Executive King Suite. The room was spacious, super quiet thanks to the soundproofing, and had a comfy seating area where we could kick back and relax. Of course, there was a flat-screen TV, strong free Wi-Fi, and even a nice little coffee setup to help us start the mornings right.

If you decide to stay here, make sure to grab a drink or two at The Nolen, the rooftop bar. The view of the bay from up there was

gorgeous, especially at sunset. We also popped into the Bistro downstairs for a quick bite, and the seasonal menu had some nice surprises.

10

The Horton Grand Hotel gave us a charming experience. During our stay, we loved to spend hours just wandering the surrounding streets, soaking in the gorgeous Victorian architecture and hopping into quirky little shops. Everything was walkable! We even made it to the Convention Center and PETCO Park without needing to call a ride.

The hotel itself has this wonderful old-world feel, but with all the modern comforts you’d want. Our Standard King Room had this cozy vibe, complete with a gas fireplace that made it feel extra special. We also loved looking out at the city through the windows. The furniture had this vintage flair that matched the building’s historic character, but nothing felt outdated.

One of our favorite parts of the stay was hanging out at Salt & Whiskey, the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar. We happened to catch some live local music one night, which made the whole evening feel lively and relaxed. Great drinks, great atmosphere, and the kind of entertainment that makes you want to stick around instead of heading elsewhere.

9

Another great addition to this list of the best Convention Center San Diego hotels is the Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. The location is a dream, as it’s right in the middle of downtown with nightlife, speakeasies, and Petco Park just steps away. Whether you’re into sports, concerts, or just bar-hopping, you’re in the heart of it all.

We spent our nights in the Studio Suite, which was spacious and super comfortable. It came with a king bed, a separate living area, and two TVs. The beachy, coastal decor gave it a fresh, relaxed feel, and the oversized soaking tub was easily our favorite thing the suite had to offer!

We also loved the extra perks. Think free happy hour cocktails, loaner bikes, and even pet beds and treats for our dog. Moreover, the rooftop pool with cabanas, on-site restaurant, gym, and business center gave us everything we needed for both fun and downtime.

8

The San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter checked a lot of boxes for us. Situated right in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the location couldn’t have been better, especially if you’re catching a game at Petco Park, which is literally just across the street. We were also just a short drive from Balboa Park and the Convention Center.

Our room was modern and comfortable, with all the amenities we needed for a relaxing stay. The flat-screen TV made it easy to unwind, and we appreciated having a good coffee maker right there in the room. The view of the bay from our window was a nice addition, too. For something fancier, book the suite. It comes with access to a private lounge where you can grab breakfast and evening bites without having to think too much about where to go next.

One of our favorite parts of the hotel is the rooftop bar. It has amazing views, and the atmosphere is perfect for winding down. Meanwhile, the on-site restaurant served up solid Californian dishes, and the lounge was great for a quick drink. The fitness room also came in handy for a quick workout.

Looking for more hotels in the area? Check out these 11 best hotels near Gaslamp San Diego!

7

San Diego hotels by Convention Center don’t always cost a lot. Take a look at Staypineapple Hotel Z! The location put us just a quick 8-minute stroll to the Convention Center, a 10-minute walk to Petco Park, and we even made the mile-long walk to the USS Midway Museum without breaking a sweat. The neighborhood is full of life, with cool spots to eat and explore just steps from the lobby.

Our room exceeded expectations. It was spacious, immaculately clean, and had some thoughtful touches that made our stay extra cozy. We especially loved the loveseat! The mini fridge and microwave were also big wins since a lot of hotels are phasing those out lately. Moreover, we were also greeted with individually wrapped sugar cookies. Even though the hotel is pet-friendly, the room was so spotless you’d never know a dog had been there. And how cute is it that they provide beds, bowls, and treats for furry guests?

While the hotel doesn’t have a gym or pool, it makes up for that with charm and thoughtful service. They offer complimentary bright yellow beach cruisers, which we happily used to explore Downtown San Diego. Honestly, with everything going on in the neighborhood, we didn’t even miss the usual amenities.

For other similar hotels, take a look at these 11 best boutique hotels in San Diego!

6

The Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is set right in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter. As one of the best Hilton hotels in the San Diego area, it’s surrounded by buzzing bars, great restaurants, and just steps away from the San Diego Convention Center and Petco Park. We loved how walkable everything was and were able to explore downtown easily, especially in the evenings when the neighborhood comes to life.

We went with the Deluxe King Room, and it was everything we wanted. The space was stylish and polished, with a sleek design and a comfy custom-designed bed that we melted into. The 60-inch TV was a nice bonus for winding down with some Netflix, and everything was spotless and well-maintained. For a more luxurious experience, consider the suite or loft-style room.

One of our favorite parts was grabbing breakfast at the Wild Hare Bar Garden downstairs. It’s not included, but totally worth it for the fresh California-style dishes. Meanwhile, the heated outdoor pool was a relaxing spot to chill, and we appreciated having access to a solid fitness center to balance out all the good food we indulged in. Would we stay here again? Yes!

5

Rock ‘n’ roll, you said? Why don’t you stay at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego? First, the location was a big plus for us, just a quick walk to the Gaslamp Quarter and not far from Seaport Village for more food and shopping. From the moment we arrived, the place had a cool, energetic feel that made it more exciting than your average hotel.

Our studio room was super comfy, especially the king bed with that plush signature bedding. The workstation with fast Wi-Fi and an ergonomic chair made it easy to get work done, and we definitely made use of the mini bar when it was time to chill. It felt like our own little hideaway.

The amenities were just as impressive. We grabbed dinner at one of the stylish restaurants and loved the rooftop pool area with fire pits and a bar. Apart from that, the hotel also has a gym, spa, and a 24/7 business center. If you’re into a lively scene with legit comfort, this place nails it.

4

Want to stay at 5-star San Diego hotels close to Convention Center? Enter Pendry San Diego! Being right in the Gaslamp Quarter meant we could easily walk to Petco Park and the Convention Center in just a few minutes. It was super convenient for exploring and catching a game. The staff was consistently warm and helpful, too, which made us feel truly welcome from check-in to checkout.

There are over 300 rooms on the property, and we booked the King Room with a city view. While the view was breathtaking, it was the bed that surprised us the most. Seriously, during our trip, we had some of the best sleep of our lives! The bed was large and way beyond comfortable. Oh, the macarons for nightly turndown were delicious!

One of the coolest surprises? There’s a Moët & Chandon vending machine in the lobby! We couldn’t resist grabbing a mini bottle just for the experience. Better yet, every night we found chocolate macarons waiting for us during turndown, which felt so indulgent and sweet. The rooftop pool was also a highlight for us. We lounged in a cozy cabana, ordered drinks from the bar, and soaked in the skyline views while dipping into the whirlpool. Also, don’t forget to have a massage at Spa Pendry.

Read also: 11 Best 2-Bedroom Suite Hotels in San Diego

3

The Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina sits right by the bay in a sleek, modern building. Staying here, we were only a short walk from the Convention Center and a quick drive to the zoo. Getting around was truly a piece of cake.

We booked the Superior King Room, and the bay views from our window were absolutely stunning. The room was spacious and had everything we needed: a super comfy bed, a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, and even cozy robes. Also, the desk and ergonomic chair came in handy when we needed to get a bit of work done.

Food-wise, we were in heaven. Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion served fresh, flavorful Asian-inspired dishes, and Marina Kitchen’s breakfast buffet was a daily highlight. Plus, having a Starbucks in the hotel was a nice perk. We also made time to enjoy the outdoor pool and bar, the 24/7 gym, and a relaxing walk around the marina.

2

The Omni San Diego Hotel could be the perfect spot for your little getaway. It’s right in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, so everything felt super walkable. One of the coolest things? It’s literally connected to Petco Park by a skybridge. Baseball fans, take note! We were also just a few minutes from the trolley and the Convention Center, which made exploring the area and getting around super easy.

For our stay, we chose the Deluxe King Room and were placed on the 21st floor. What a view! The floor-to-ceiling windows gave us an epic look over the city, especially at sunset. We also loved the crisp white linens and comfy bed that made it hard to get up in the morning. Our room had all the essentials, and it felt like we had a little sanctuary up high above the buzz of the city.

Of course, we checked out Ace Porter, the hotel’s upscale spot for cocktails, and it didn’t disappoint. It had a fun, energetic atmosphere with a hint of luxury. During the day, we relaxed by the outdoor pool on the 6th floor terrace, which was a total vibe with the Tortuga Pool Bar. And if you’re like us and try to squeeze in a quick workout while traveling, the gym had solid equipment and was never too crowded.

“With a beautiful pool, a chill pool bar, and beautiful views, we’re sure you won’t mind spending the whole day without leaving the hotel.”

WOW Travel

1

If you’re heading to the Convention Center, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is the best spot. It’s literally just 100 steps away from the hotel! We also loved how close everything else was. Petco Park was just across the street, and the Gaslamp Quarter was right there too, which made exploring downtown super convenient.

While there were so many rooms to choose from, we decided to go with the Bay-City View King Room. Waking up to a panorama of the San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and downtown was such a treat. The room itself was modern and comfy, with all the essentials: a big flat-screen TV, a coffee maker, and a work desk.

During our downtime, we hung out by the outdoor pool, which had an awesome, laid-back vibe. The Pool Club bar and lounge served up fresh, coastal-inspired bites. We also took a dip in the hot tubs and saw families enjoying the Kid’s Splash Zone. One night, we had dinner at Hudson & Nash, the hotel’s waterfront restaurant. The food was vibrant and fresh, like a fun twist on classic coastal dishes.

For some family fun, check out these 11 best hotels near LEGOLAND San Diego!

Each of the hotels in San Diego close to Convention Center listed above is unique in its own way. Thus, which one is for you? If you haven’t made your decision and need a more curated list, take a look at the categories below!

If you want to be near the San Diego Convention Center, there are two areas in the city that you’ll want to consider, and both are primarily located in the downtown area. Within it, you’ll find the Gaslamp Quarter and the Marina District.

The Gaslamp Quarter is a vibrant and historic neighborhood directly adjacent to the Convention Center. It’s renowned for its lively atmosphere, featuring numerous restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and shops housed in beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings. Staying in the Gaslamp Quarter means you’ll be within easy walking distance of the Convention Center, Petco Park, and a variety of dining and nightlife options.

The Marina District, located just west of the Convention Center and the Gaslamp Quarter, offers a slightly more relaxed but still very convenient setting. This area boasts beautiful waterfront views, parks, and easy access to the Embarcadero, Seaport Village, and the USS Midway Museum. Travelers staying in the Marina District can often find hotels with stunning bay views and enjoy a pleasant stroll along the waterfront to reach the Convention Center. It provides a good balance of proximity to the convention activities while offering a slightly quieter ambiance.

To truly experience the highlights of San Diego, including its beaches, parks, and cultural attractions, a stay of at least three to five days is recommended. This allows for a balanced itinerary without feeling rushed.

Absolutely! San Diego offers a fantastic array of attractions, from beautiful beaches and Balboa Park’s museums to a vibrant downtown and delicious food scene, making it a wonderful destination for tourists of all interests. Its pleasant climate year-round is another big draw.

The months generally considered best to visit San Diego are September and October, as they offer warm, sunny weather with fewer crowds compared to the summer months. Additionally, the spring months of March through May also provide pleasant temperatures and blooming scenery, making them a great time to explore the outdoors.