Photo: Booking.com

Bookend Your SoCal Trip at These Top San Diego Airport Hotels

Epic Stays
by Tim Wenger Mar 24, 2022

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is just north of downtown, easily accessible from all points of the city. Due to its proximity to popular attractions like the San Diego Zoo and beach towns like Mission Beach and Ocean Beach, it’s feasible to spend an entire trip at a hotel near the San Diego Airport without missing a beat of the city. It’s also super easy to bookend a trip at one of the below hotels, making your flight schedule a breeze.

We hope you love the San Diego airport hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.


Headliner San Diego airport hotels

Hampton Inn San Diego Airport and Liberty Station

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

The closest hotel to San Diego International Airport is the Hampton Inn. Located just over the water from Liberty Station NTC Park, a stay here puts you in prime position to avoid a long check-in line for that morning flight (or an expensive Uber ride upon a late arrival). Onsite, swim a few laps in the outdoor pool, have a drink on the terrace, or simply relax in your well-trimmed room. With a convenient shuttle, nice fitness center, and — despite its proximity to the terminal –quick city center access, you can’t go wrong here, making it Matador’s top pick for a quick one-night stay or bookend.

Airport shuttle: yes
24-hour front desk: yes
Fitness center: yes

Price: From $176 per night

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Top Hilton Honors hotels near San Diego Airport

Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Just five minutes from the airport, the Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island is the nicest hotel in the airport vicinity. Sailboat and bike rentals are available onsite, with easy water access at the marina just a couple of minutes’ walk. Inside the hotel, crash out on the brand’s trademark Serenity Suite Dreams mattresses and be sure to spend some time poolside soaking in the Southern California sun. Balconies overlook the water, making for one of the most iconic places in San Diego to watch the sunset. The hotel has a top-tier restaurant, the Panorama Bar &amp Grill, onsite, with room service available for late and early flights.

Airport shuttle: yes
24-hour front desk: yes
Fitness center: yes

Price: From $158 per night

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Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Each suite at Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport has plenty of lounge space, a work desk, and at least a queen-size bed. Two-bedroom suites are available if you have the family in tow. Located right on the North San Diego Bay, take a stroll along the waterfront or relax over a drink on the hotel’s outdoor terrace. This is the spot for business travel, as it offers room to breathe and easy access to downtown.

Airport shuttle: yes
24-hour front desk: yes
Fitness center: yes

Price: From $193 per night

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Traveling to San Diego? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay in Southern California:

Top Marriott Bonvoy hotels near San Diego Airport

TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

There’s a reason why all-suite hotels hold such a strong place in airport hotel villages. They’re designed for the frequent traveler, the family traveler, and any who want guaranteed comfort before or after a hectic day. TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station epitomizes this for SAN. Each room boasts an apartment-esque vibe, without the need to cook — the hotel’s breakfast buffet is worth a stay in itself. With gorgeous views out over the bay and easy access to the entire central city, this is a sure-bet for a relaxing stay.

Airport shuttle: yes
24-hour front desk: yes
Fitness center: yes

Price: From $188 per night

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Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Dine or swim right on the water, before tucking into a high-thread-count night of comfort — the Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station is not the standard, boring airport hotel you’re accustomed to. With outdoor dining and events, a massive fitness center, and easy access to long waterside strolls, this is the place to stay if you only have one night in San Diego — or if you want to make each night an experience in itself. Grab lunch from the waterside deli if you have a chance — it’s the easiest way to feel as though you’re at a far-flung beach resort (and take your mind off that upcoming flight).

Airport shuttle: yes
24-hour front desk: yes
Fitness center: yes

Price: From $185 per night

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Top IHG Rewards San Diego airport hotels

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Diego Airport

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Holiday Inn Express is what happens when a chain hotel reinvents itself and succeeds. Rooms are bright and clean, the front desk runs all night, and you’re just a few miles from Old Town in one direction and the beach in the other. As far as continental breakfasts go, this is a good one — with fresh omelets and one-minute pancakes headlining the show. If flying out of SAN because you live between here and LA, or otherwise are venturing to the city to fly out, this is the spot for you.

Airport shuttle: yes
24-hour front desk: yes
Fitness center: yes

Price: From $144 per night

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Top Wyndham Rewards San Diego airport hotels

Ramada by Wyndham SeaWorld/Mission Beach

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

A staple near airports nationwide, Ramada by Wyndham San Diego Airport offers mid-level comfort and a quiet night’s sleep. This one offers the benefit of also being near two of the city’s top attractions. If in San Diego for a weekend and looking to do the highlights without stressing about your flight home, this is the place to stay. Be sure to check out Ocean Beach while you’re here.

Airport shuttle: yes
24-hour front desk: yes
Fitness center: yes

Price: From $97 per night

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