The hype
Travelers love the renovated Marina Tower rooms and pool but hate the exorbitant parking fees and isolation.
Sheraton San Diego Resort
$180-280/ night
Book this if You need a polished, resort-style layover near the airport or are attending a conference on-site.
Why People Love It
- Stunning marina and downtown skyline views
- Free shuttle to/from San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Newly renovated Marina Tower rooms feel fresh and modern
Quick Take: A massive, corporate convention machine disguised as a resort—convenient for flights, but isolated from the actual city.
Reviewed by @jillsfoodtravels: I stayed here before my cruise and it was perfect. Waking up and spotting my ship from the balcony got me so excited! The room was super clean, the bed was huge, and being minutes from the airport made arrival a breeze. Highly recommend for cruisers.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You can't really walk to anything off-property; you are trapped on Harbor Island unless you Uber or drive.
- You have an early morning flight and want to sleep near the runway
- You love watching boats and planes from your balcony
- You are a Marriott Bonvoy loyalist looking for a predictable standard
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though high turnover means occasional missed details like dust on lamps.
- Bathroom hygiene: Renovated bathrooms (Marina Tower) are sparkling with glass showers; older Bay Tower bathrooms have tired grout.
- Maintenance: Marina Tower is pristine; Bay Tower shows age with scuffed baseboards and slower drains.
- Linens & towels: Standard Marriott quality—crisp white linens, towels are plentiful but not luxury plush.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of signature 'white tea' scent; older rooms can have a faint musty/sea air smell.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- San Diego International Airport flight path (direct overhead noise)
- Construction drills in/near Bay Tower (during day)
- Thin walls between connecting rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The airport shuttle runs 4:45 AM to Midnight; call 619-291-2900 for pickup
- Resort fee (~$44) includes 1-hour rentals for bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards—use them to get your money's worth
- Self-parking is ~$49/night; there is no free street parking nearby
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine (essential for airport noise)
- Running shoes for the waterfront path along Harbor Island
Room Genie
Best picks
- Marina Tower, High Floor, Bay View (renovated, best views, furthest from construction)
- Lanai Townhouse Suites (quieter, direct pool access, feels more residential)
Rooms to avoid
- Any room in the Bay Tower (until renovation is 100% complete)
- Low floor rooms facing the parking lot
- Connecting rooms if you aren't booking both sides
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room in the renovated Marina Tower, preferably on a high floor facing the marina/city skyline. Please avoid the Bay Tower due to ongoing renovations.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the main lagoon pool in the Marina Tower is heated and open year-round.
Can I walk to the Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy?
No. It looks close on a map, but it's separated by highways and water. It's a 10-15 minute Uber ride.
How much is the breakfast buffet?
Expect to pay around $44 per person for the full buffet at the on-site restaurant.
Is the hotel pet friendly?
Yes, dogs up to 40lbs are welcome for a non-refundable fee of $150 per stay.
Does the resort fee cover parking?
Absolutely not. Parking is a separate charge of ~$49 (self) to ~$67 (valet) per night.
Which tower is better?
The Marina Tower is far superior—it's recently renovated, closer to the main pool, and hosts the main lobby.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Walk 10 minutes east to 'Coasterra' for happy hour—the skyline views are better than the hotel's and the margaritas are stronger.
- ✨
The 'Lanai' rooms are a weird, forgotten category that offer a motel-style direct entry near the pool—great for families who hate elevators.
- ✨
There is a hidden path behind the hotel that leads to Spanish Landing Park; it's the only real walking destination.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Resort Fee' includes 1 hour of tennis/pickleball, but good luck finding an open court on weekends.
💡The Bay Tower is so far from the Marina Tower (lobby) that they run a shuttle between them.
💡You can watch the SeaWorld fireworks from the marina-facing rooms in the summer.
💡The 'Starbucks' in the lobby often has a line 20 people deep in the morning due to conference crowds.
💡Room service adds a hefty delivery charge + service charge + tax, turning a burger into a $45 investment.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Sheraton San Diego Resort is located and what's nearby.