Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina catches the eye with its elongated gable roof. With policies like kids under 17 stay for free and amenities for business travelers and couples, this hotel has a little something for everyone. Structured like a motel building and with a budget chain name, travelers will be surprised to find that the property provides an experience and design that goes above what’s expected. The lobby, like most areas of the hotel, features a warm brown color scheme and a nature-inspired theme in the stone floors and rustic wood reception desk. Potted plants and greenery peppered around the exterior parts of the hotel invite guests to get outside and enjoy the views or take a walk among the many paths that lead from the hotel along the marina. Take note that not all buildings have elevators, which could be a problem for those with mobility issues or luggage. 

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina sits in the middle of Shelter Island between a marina filled with yachts and boats and Shoreline Park. It’s a short three-minute walk to the beach or Shelter Island Pier. There are a variety of restaurants within a 10-minute walk. For those with a car, it’s a 14-minute drive to SeaWorld and 19 minutes to the San Diego Zoo. It takes 20 minutes by car to get to the popular Gaslamp Quarter. The San Diego International Airport is close by at a nine-minute drive. 

Those familiar with Best Western’s style will be delighted to find that the contemporary room decor steps away from the streamlined chain design found in many properties. The rooms and suites have a warm brown color scheme featured in the carpets and sophisticated beds and armchairs with leafy designs. Standard rooms offer flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, safes, and free Wi-Fi. For more space and amenities, the suites are equipped with living rooms, patios or balconies, and kitchens with full-size refrigerators, stove tops, and sinks. Bathrooms are modern with showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. Some cleanliness and maintenance complaints have been made. Views are either of the bay or marina, though views of the bay can be marred by the parking lot for those on lower floors.

This Best Western has all the basics, plus a few extras. There's a heated swimming pool and adjacent whirlpool with marina views, perfect for year-round use. Guests can stay relaxed by booking a massage or working out in the small fitness center which has a handful of cardio machines. Two tennis courts with free racquets and free bikes are other great options for working up a sweat. There’s a restaurant that offers a daily made-to-order breakfast, but unlike some other properties under the brand, it costs a fee. California cuisine is available at the restaurant for lunch and dinner or through room service. Business travelers can take advantage of six meeting rooms, three public computers, and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include paid parking and a coin-operated washer and dryer on-site.