Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina Overview

First Impressions

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina sits right on Harbor Island, and honestly, the location hits you before you even check in. I mean, you’re literally surrounded by water on three sides — it’s this man-made island that feels like you’ve stepped into a postcard of San Diego. The four-star property has that classic Sheraton vibe, but what really gets you is walking into the lobby and seeing those floor-to-ceiling windows framing the marina. You know what? The boats bobbing outside actually make you forget you’re at a chain hotel.

The Harbor Island Advantage

Here’s the thing about Harbor Island — most tourists don’t realize it exists until they stumble onto it. You’re five minutes from the airport (which is amazing when you’re dragging luggage), but you feel completely removed from the city chaos. The island has this walking path that loops around the entire perimeter, and I’ve done that walk at sunset more times than I can count. Couples absolutely love it here, and I get why — there’s something romantic about being surrounded by water with downtown San Diego twinkling across the bay. Parking is available right at the hotel, which honestly saves you a headache since most downtown spots charge you an arm and a leg.

The Room Experience

The room I stayed in faced the marina, and waking up to sailboats and yachts never gets old. The beds here are actually fantastic — I’m talking sink-into-them-and-not-want-to-leave comfortable. The rooms aren’t huge, but they’re smartly laid out with those big windows that make everything feel more spacious. What I really appreciated was the balcony (if you get a marina view) — it’s perfect for morning coffee or an evening drink while watching the harbor activity.

Dining and Amenities

The breakfast situation is pretty solid with continental options, plus they’ve got vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices that actually taste good. The hotel’s restaurant overlooks the water, and while it’s not groundbreaking, the setting makes up for it — especially if you snag a table outside. There’s also a pool area that feels like a resort, which is nice when you want to relax without leaving the property. The marina right outside means you can walk to other waterfront spots or just sit and watch the boats come and go.

Why Guests Love It

Look, this isn’t the fanciest hotel in San Diego, but it’s got something special going on with that water-on-all-sides thing. You’re close enough to downtown that Uber rides are cheap, but far enough away that you actually get some peace. The staff seems to genuinely care about the place, and there’s this relaxed marina vibe that makes you want to slow down a bit. If you’re the type who likes falling asleep to the sound of water lapping against boats — and honestly, who doesn’t? — this place delivers in a way that surprised me.

Facilities