Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is situated beside a private marina and bay waters. Tall palms and flower-filled planters accentuate the nicely landscaped property. A scenic walkway beside the bay, and across the street, goes from one end of Harbor Island to the other end with grassy, park-like areas all around.  Rental bicycles are helpful in navigating the large property. Due to the airport proximity, many guests stay here for business, and a lobby business area, 73 meeting spaces, and a FedEx office accommodate corporate travelers. The views and water sports draw families and couples on leisure, too. 

Rooms are separated between two towers, about five minutes' walk apart, with a boat rental company and deli in between. With newer, fresher decor, and larger accommodations, the Marina Tower offers more restaurants and amenities than the Bay Tower does. It also has prettier outdoor surroundings. Guests are greeted in a broad lobby filled with natural wood and nautical touches. White walls complement comfortable deep blue upholstered seating in several conversation areas. 

All in all, this is an excellent location for airport stopovers, or for those who care most about being on the water, but it's inconvenient as a home base for sightseeing. Those overwhelmed by the Sheraton’s size may prefer staying at the Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island, which only has 211 rooms. 

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is a five-minute drive from the airport, but a 15-minute or longer drive from the restaurants and shops in Old Town or the Gaslamp Quarter. There are only two restaurants on Harbor Island: Tom Ham's Lighthouse on one end (a 19-minute walk) and Island Prime on the other (an 11-minute walk). Business travelers should note that it's also a 15-minute drive to the San Diego Convention Center. Those seeking a marina, water sports, and airport proximity should be happy here, but those looking to sightsee may find the location inconvenient. However, families willing to drive may appreciate that the hotel is halfway in between Sea World (a 12-minute drive away) and Seaport village (a 10-minute drive away), though if Sea World is the primary destination it's also worth considering staying at Paradise Point. 

Comparable hotels near the convention center include Hard Rock Hotel San Diego or the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. 

Navy and deep red accents complement white and dark wood furniture in the more than 1,000 rooms. Pin-striped wallpaper in each bath accentuates white countertops, floors, and tiled tub/showers. All guest rooms include 37-inch flat screen TVs, coffeemakers and safes; some King Deluxe Rooms feature upholstered seating and coffee tables. Rooms and baths in the Bay Tower are smaller and seem less updated, so it's worth requesting a room in the Marina Tower. All beds feature pillow-top mattresses and goose down comforters/pillows. Refrigerators must be requested in advance. Some guests have complained of airport noise.

Water sports abound at the marina. Activities at the Lagoon Pool include table tennis and special programming such as movies; two additional pools (one with water views) and a hot tub are available as well. There are bikes for rent and tennis courts, while pool and ping-pong tables encourage indoor fun. Two bright and airy fitness centers offer weight training, cardio and other equipment and the small spa pampers guests. Restaurants include upscale contemporary American cuisine; classic pub fare; Latin-inspired martinis and tapas; a Starbucks; and light breakfasts or cocktails in the lounge (some guests have found food and adult beverages expensive). Targeting business travelers, the hotel features 73 meeting spaces, a large business center and a FedEx office. The expansive gift shop offers accessories for water activities and snacks. There’s a daily food credit for children too.