We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
All 246 San Diego hotels »

Kona Kai Resort

3.0 of 5
1551 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Hotel amenities
Kona Kai Resort
Ranked #135 of 246 hotels in San Diego
3.5 of 5 stars 283 Reviews
Show the lowest price for this hotel*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

283 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this hotel
  • Shelter island(18)
  • Very nice(10)
  • Front desk staff(5)
  • Friendly and helpful(4)
  • First floor(4)
  • Best Western(4)
  • Ice machine(3)
  • Rooms are clean(3)
  • Great time(3)
Traveller rating
    82
    75
    56
    36
    34
Only show reviews for Family (68) | Couples (86) | Business (45)
Date Rating
Selden, New York
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2012 NEW

The hotel is located on an island away from San Diego City..not had to get to..there is a yacht harbor behind the hotel and the bay is in front. Both have beautiful views ..the pool and hot tub also share the view of the yacht harbor. There is a bar on site with happy hour specials. Several good restaurants are... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Santa Barbara, California
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2012 NEW via mobile

Don't waste your money on this resort....The front desk needs to take a course in customer service. The rooms are dingy for the price. The whole place needs a renovation. At least the maiss were friendly.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Samantha Vernon, Guest Relations Manager at Kona Kai Resort, responded to this review
28 May 2012

We appreciate taking the time to share about your experience here at the Kona Kai. Thank you for acknowledging our friendly maids! We love to pass along complements!! Is is also to correct what may not be working. I am truly sorry you had a poor experience with our front desk staff; as the posts below exemplify, guest service at... More

Travellers are raving about these San Diego hotels

Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites
4 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d119730?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
The Inn at Sunset Cliffs
4.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d115613?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Bay Club Hotel & Marina
4.5 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d79868?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
The Dana on Mission Bay
4 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d83646?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
BEST WESTERN PLUS Blue Sea Lodge
4 of 5 stars
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d79907?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_RavingAboutButton
Anaheim, California
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

It was a relaxing, quiet atmosphere, a great get away spot. Our room was spacious and tastefully decorated. the staff were friendly and helpful. Highly Recommend without reservation!

Was this review helpful? Yes
Samantha Vernon, Guest Relations Manager at Kona Kai Resort, responded to this review
28 May 2012

Being on the bay does have its advantages! “A relaxing, quiet atmosphere” is a wonderful description! We are happy that you enjoyed your experience here at the Kona Kai, please come back and stay with us again. More

Oceanside, California
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012

A group of 10 friends got (8) rooms here. The price was resonable for the location. This hotel offers a terrific view of the harbors and the San Diego bay. The pool area is clean and quite. The room decor and funiture looks outdated, but it was clean and each room had it's own patio. The mattress was springy and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Samantha Vernon, Guest Relations Manager at Kona Kai Resort, responded to this review
28 May 2012

It sounds like you were really able to take advantage of our great amenities! Our pool is wonderful, made better by the view over looking the Marina! At our Gym & Spa we do have bike rentals to enjoy the path along both the bay AND the marina. Our property is in the planning stages of a remodel that will... More

2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2012 via mobile

This was the first time I have ever stayed in this hotel. I was a little concerned because I thought the location might be a little out of the way and inaccessible but was pleasantly surprised of the close proximity to everything. Just make sure you have a vehicle....will make it easier. Check-in and check-out was quick and painless and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Samantha Vernon, Guest Relations Manager at Kona Kai Resort, responded to this review
28 May 2012

Being met with an “infectious” smile and wonderful attitude sure makes a long car ride seem worth it! Tina is a wonderful personality at our front desk, she brings sunshine where ever she goes, thank you for personal recognizing her. I will be passing it along to her supervisor as we LOVE to provide positive feed back to our staff.... More

West Kankakee, Illinois, United States
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2012

The first week of May we stayed at the kona Kai ,there were several problems that came up before we left Illinois, I called the front desk and Tina, Jessica and Patrice went out of there way to make sure my firends that did not have a room were able to stay with us ,this was 2 hours before we... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Samantha Vernon, Guest Relations Manager at Kona Kai Resort, responded to this review
28 May 2012

Challenges before the vacation can set off anyone. We are very pleased that our front desk staff handled each of your last minute concerns with efficiency and excellent guest service. We greatly appreciate knowing which of our staff helped out as we LOVE to acknowledge a job well done. Our views are priceless, we hope you will come back and... More

New Haven, Illinois, United States
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I have read some of the reviews on this site and have come to the conclusion my review is not going to matter. It is impossible to satisfy everyone. I can tell you this....If you have a problem the folks at Kona Kai will go out of their way to make it right. Thanks Kimberly, Andrea, and Chrissle for making... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Samantha Vernon, Guest Relations Manager at Kona Kai Resort, responded to this review
28 May 2012

Thank you for taking the time to recognize our fabulous staff here at the Kona Kai! In today’s world all we get caught up on where our money is spent, thank you for bringing a fresh perspective to it all! As the quote goes…”the ocean is made up of single drops of water”, so your review DOES matter and we... More

Pueblo, Colorado
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2012
2
people found this review helpful

Let me start this review by saying that in this tech-no age it seems the "peer pressure " thing to do is to BASH places that don't just WOW you to no end or give you stuff for FREE!!! People LOVE to write BAD things about evrything and everyone. STOP !!! Now lets give you some USEFUL information about Kona... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Samantha Vernon, Guest Relations Manager at Kona Kai Resort, responded to this review
28 May 2012

Lovin’ the humor, it always makes “the medicine go down”. Thank you for taking the time to review our resort. We welcome you to stay with us next time you are in San Diego. More

Orlando
1 review
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2012

More
Was this review helpful? Yes
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2012

Stayed for a wedding that was here. Was a nice hotel just felt dated for some reason. Breakfast was pricey and not bad but def not great. Shelter Island had some great views but was covered in a haze the 4 days I was there and a lil chilly. They call it the May grey and said it rolled in... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travellers who viewed Kona Kai Resort also viewed

Pacific Terrace Hotel
4.5 of 5 stars 833 Reviews
San Diego, CA
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d112273?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
The Grand Del Mar
5 of 5 stars 351 Reviews
San Diego, CA
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d781627?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
BEST WESTERN PLUS Island Palms Hotel & Marina
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d79954?&src=Hotel_Review&fromServlet=Hotel_Review&Action=QC_AlsoViewed
View all 246 hotels in San Diego, ranked by popularity »

Been to Kona Kai Resort? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about Kona Kai Resort

  • Kona Kai Hotel
  • Kona Kai Resort San Diego
Address: 1551 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Price range (per night):* 118 AUD - 243 AUD

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Kona Kai Resort, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
Kona Kai Resort
Show the lowest price for this hotel (from our partners)
Show Prices