Much like the rest of the world, San Diego lights up during the holidays. Unlike the rest of the world however, San Diego’s transformation is unique unto itself, with beachy and bright ice-rinks, sunny days mid-December, and sandals with scarves trending among us locals.
No wonder San Diego is a top travel destination for the holidays. Who wouldn’t want to leap feet first into our shorelines when Christmas to New Years sees more swimsuits than any other city? Here, sunburned Santas are embraced, and kids and adults alike can find an ideal destination to vacation.
There’s not much time to spare in holiday vacation planning. From some of our towering downtown hotels to boutique-y beachside inns, visitors can expect great festivity along with great specials and packages. It’s the season to give, so naturally the top San Diego resorts have decided to grant guests deals worth voyaging to.
Discover the best deals for holiday hotels in San Diego
Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado
Calling all figure skaters and masters of the triple-axel! Hotel Del boasts arguably one of the best skating rinks by the sea. The icy grounds on the water’s edge add a boost to the long-standing tradition of holiday-fun at Hotel Del. The Sea & Skate hotel package embraces the magic of the season by including hotel accommodations and one free ice-skating session for up to two adults and two kids, starting at just $279 per night. There’s plenty of holiday activities to partake in around Hotel Del as well, including elf tuck-ins, holiday bike tours, ornament decorating, plus Christmas dining at the lavish restaurants. To book this special promotional package, please call 800-HOTELDEL or visit Hotel Del Coronado.
The Grand Del Mar in Del Mar
To accommodate top-notch travelers, North County offers the premier resort destination of The Grand Del Mar. The Grand Del Mar has been awarded the prestigious Forbes Five-Star Hotel honor. As the first hotel in San Diego to receive such high marks, The Grand Del Mar is a Five Star property and the only one in California to earn three 2012 Five-Star awards for Lodging, Spa and Dining. Each of the 249 guestrooms offer golf course or nature preserve views as well as the creature comforts of an exceptionally well-appointed home. The holidays are packed with specials at The Grand Del Mar, such as the Holiday Grandeur Package, available from Nov. 16 to Dec. 30. This deal includes overnight accommodations for two, $100 resort credit per guestroom stay and $200 resort credit per suite stay. Rates start from $395. To book your package, please call 858.314.2000 or visit The Grand Del Mar.
Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine in La Jolla
For guests looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve with more glitz, glam and amenities than you can dream up, don’t think twice about Café Japengo’s Dine and Stay Package. The all-inclusive package kicks off with a welcome bottle of champagne. Guests can then head to a New Year’s Eve feast at Café Japengo, where they can select from the specialty three-course New Year’s Eve Menu or receive a $59 per person credit towards the regular dinner menu. After dinner, head down to Michael’s Lounge for dancing, a late night dessert buffet and a midnight balloon drop. Once morning rolls around, dig into a buffet breakfast served in Barcino from 7am to 12pm. To book your New Year’s Eve package, please call 858.552.1234 or visit Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine.
US Grant Hotel in Downtown
Downtown class and San Diego accessibility make this staple hotel a ritzed-up part of our community. The US Grant offers a relaxing stay with 270 rooms and 47 suites laced with 300 count linens, marble bathroom flooring, stone basin sinks and LCD TVS. This year, make the season special with the Blue Holidays Package. The Blue Holiday includes a $50 Tiffany & Co. gift card per night and two holiday cocktails at Grant Grill Lounge. Book three or more nights to receive roundtrip car service for a luxury shopping excursion at Fashion Valley Mall. Valid for stays through December 30; mention promo code: LCV. Rates start from $229. To book your holiday package, please call 866.716.8136 or visit the US Grant.
Marriott Gaslamp in Downtown
New Year’s Eve is meant to be spent in style. When your party winds down for the night and you need a place to crash, it is equally convenient and fabulous to already be celebrating within a hotel. As part of the Bottoms Up NYE 2013 Party, Marriott Gaslamp is offering discounted hotel rates of $299 per night with the purchase of a separate party ticket ($150 per person including hosted food and drinks all night). Accommodations include complimentary valet parking for one car, and the ability to add on another night at the best available rate. To book your New Year’s Eve package, please call 619.696.0234 or visit Marriott Gaslamp Quarter.
Palomar San Diego in Downtown
What’s been known in the past as the Se Hotel, Palomar San Diego has taken over, inviting visitors to experience the updated hospitality in downtown. Palomar differs from the rest because of its art-filled rooms, surrounded by award-winning theaters and nightlife. This season, Palomar San Diego is raising a glass with their All the Trimmings Holiday Promotion designed to spread cheer and save money. Stay one night and receive 10% off plus two holiday cocktail upon arrival and $25 off any 60-minute spa service; stay two nights and receive 20% off, two holiday cocktails, $25 off a 60 minute spa service and complimentary in-room movie. Offer is available from Dec.21-28. To book your vacation package, please call 888.288.6601 or visit Palomar San Diego.
Rancho Bernardo Inn in Rancho Bernardo
Rancho Bernardo Inn, the luxurious and spacious resort, offers a picturesque area to spend the holidays. Between the luscious spa and the elegant restaurant, it’s a top hospitality choice for the holidays in San Diego. In time for the season, Rancho Bernardo Inn invites the whole family to enjoy December Days & Nights. The package includes a one-night stay with s’mores for the kids, along with breakfast and activities for two adults and one kid. Don’t forget about the photos with Santa, storytelling, gingerbread cookie decorating, caroling, hot cocoa, a life sized gingerbread house and the all new synchronized musical light show all showcased at the Inn. To book your holiday getaway, please call 866.928.3859 or visit Rancho Bernardo Inn.
Hard Rock Hotel in Downtown
Famed by its name and its long legacy of housing guests in rock-star inspired accommodations, the Hard Rock Hotel is a perfect plunge into San Diego’s high-energy nightlife scene. And they want everyone to be a part of it this year. The Hard Rock Hotel is offering major savings for their 2013 New Year’s Eve Party. Once you’re done dancing to the beats of world-class DJs across multiple venues, stay the night with this exclusive New Year’s Eve Package. Each package provides VIP access for two to the most in-demand party of the year. Rates start at $539 per night. To book your New Year’s Eve stay, call 866.359.3519 or visit Hard Rock Hotel.
Omni Hotel in Downtown
Omni Hotel is prized for its convenient placement next to the Convention Center, but is also prime for anyone who’s not necessarily in town for a conference. The luxurious and contemporary style of the Omni invites visitors from afar to stay this season, exclaiming “Say no to the snow!” in promoting our sunshiny city of San Diego. They’re asking guests to put away their winter coats and enjoy the San-ta Diego Holiday Package. It includes luxurious accommodations, a San Diego holiday postcard, homemade eggnog and banana ginger cake welcome amenity, complimentary valet parking and a guide to holiday happenings in San Diego. The package is available from Nov. 18th to Jan. 1st and starts at just $149 per room, per night. To book your holiday package, call 619.231.6664 or visit Omni Hotel San Diego.
La Costa Resort and Spa in La Costa
La Costa’s charming grounds make for a carefree destination spot that takes on California coastal lifestyle and puts a little luxury in it. The guest rooms and suites are stocked with high-tech amenities that allow guests to play, relax and rejuvenate while away. While staying at La Costa Resort and Spa, enjoy holiday inspired activities and amenities in the Holiday Experience Package. The package includes hotel accommodations, $180 daily dining and holiday activity credit, $45 daily spa credit per sulte, $90 daily golf credit and self parking. Rates start from $346 per room. To book your package, call 800.854.5000 or visit La Costa Resort and Spa.
Discover more of the best San Diego hotels and follow our San Diego holiday guide
