20+ Hotels Near San Diego Cruise Port For 2025!

If you’re cruising from the B Street & Broadway Piers in downtown San Diego, arriving a day early guarantees a stress-free embarkation morning.

“America’s Finest City” delivers vibrant neighborhoods, world-class fish tacos, and a bay-front promenade that sits steps from the cruise terminals.

Whether you’re hunting for bargain digs with free breakfast, spacious suites with shuttles, or splash-out waterfront resorts, this guide will help you find the perfect place to stay before you sail.

Best Budget-Friendly Hotels Near San Diego Cruise Port

A comfortable pre-cruise stay doesn’t have to be expensive!

These budget-friendly hotels near the pier offer great value, free breakfast or parking, and convenient transport to reach the terminal hassle-free.

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Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown

📍 1531 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $150–$200 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.5 mi (~10-minute walk)

• Shuttle Service: Fee-based to pier; free airport shuttle
• Perks: Free hot breakfast, rooftop pool, bay-view rooms
• Why Stay Here? Reliable brand comfort within suitcase-rolling distance of the ship.

This popular pre-cruise hotel delivers clean rooms, a sunrise-view rooftop pool, and complimentary waffles—perfect for travelers who prefer to walk to boarding.

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Best Western Plus Bayside Inn

📍 555 W Ash St, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $160–$210 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.6 mi (~10-minute walk)

• Shuttle Service: Limited; ask about cruise packages
• Perks: Free breakfast, balconies with skyline views, heated pool
• Why Stay Here? Excellent value a stone’s throw from Waterfront Park.

Guests love the bay-view balconies and the grab-and-go breakfast that lets you hit the terminal early without fuss.

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Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport–Old Town

📍 1955 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
💰 Estimated Price: $140–$190 per night
🚗 Distance to Cruise Port: 2.5 mi (~10-minute drive)

• Shuttle Service: Free to airport & cruise terminal
• Perks: Free breakfast, outdoor pool, free parking deals
• Why Stay Here? Ideal if you’re flying in late and want a one-stop shuttle to both hotel and ship.

The property’s complimentary shuttle covers airport pickups, Old Town, and the cruise pier—making transfer logistics a breeze.

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Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center

📍 660 G St, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $130–$180 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 1 mi (~5-minute drive)

• Shuttle Service: None
• Perks: Free hot breakfast, vintage-brick charm, walkable nightlife
• Why Stay Here? Sleep in the heart of the Gaslamp and cab five minutes to the pier.

A solid choice if you want nightlife at your doorstep yet still reach the ship in under 10 minutes.

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Motel 6 San Diego Airport / Harbor

📍 2353 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $100–$150 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 1 mi (~12-minute walk)

• Shuttle Service: None (free parking)
• Perks: No-frills rooms, pet-friendly policy, microwaves & mini-fridges
• Why Stay Here? Bare-bones price for travelers who just need a bed near the pier.

Budget cruisers appreciate the short stroll to boarding and the savings on nightly rates.

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Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Airport Harbor View

📍 1919 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $110–$160 per night
🚗 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.9 mi (~5-minute drive)

• Shuttle Service: Seasonal cruise shuttle (inquire)
• Perks: Outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, on-site café
• Why Stay Here? Great harbor-view rooms at a wallet-friendly rate.

Grab a coffee on the terrace while watching your ship pull in—then hop a quick rideshare to the terminal.

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Mid-Range Hotels with Shuttle Service to San Diego Cruise Port

For travelers wanting a little more elbow room (and often a view!), these mid-range San Diego cruise port hotel picks pair solid amenities with easy access to the ship.

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Wyndham San Diego Bayside

📍 1355 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $180–$260 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.2 mi (across the street)

• Shuttle Service: Free airport; walk to cruise pier
• Perks: Balconies in every room, waterfront pool, three on-site restaurants
• Why Stay Here? Roll your suitcase straight across Harbor Drive and board.

Its unbeatable location and balcony views make this the quintessential “wake-up-and-walk-aboard” hotel.

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SpringHill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront

📍 900 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $220–$290 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.3 mi (~5-minute walk)

• Shuttle Service: None
• Perks: Free hot breakfast, rooftop pool with ship views, spacious studios
• Why Stay Here? Modern design and free waffles five minutes from check-in.

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Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayfront

📍 900 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $230–$310 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.3 mi

• Shuttle Service: None
• Perks: Full kitchens, complimentary grocery delivery, free breakfast
• Why Stay Here? All-suite comfort for families who like extra space before boarding.

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Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown

📍 601 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $240–$320 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.5 mi (~10-minute walk)

• Shuttle Service: None
• Perks: Two-room suites, made-to-order breakfast, nightly reception
• Why Stay Here? Stretch out and sip a complimentary margarita before sail-away.

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Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Downtown Little Italy

📍 1617 First Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $180–$250 per night
🚗 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.8 mi (~5-minute drive)

• Shuttle Service: Seasonal cruise shuttle (check schedule)
• Perks: Free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, walk to Little Italy eateries
• Why Stay Here? Ideal mix of downtown access and quieter nights.

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Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport / Liberty Station

📍 2576 Laning Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
💰 Estimated Price: $170–$230 per night
🚗 Distance to Cruise Port: 3 mi (~10-minute drive)

• Shuttle Service: Free airport; inquire about cruise add-on
• Perks: Full kitchens, free evening socials, bayside walking paths
• Why Stay Here? Park-like setting with restaurants in renovated Navy barracks.

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Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

📍 1380 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $200–$300 per night
🚗 Distance to Cruise Port: 2 mi (~8-minute drive)

• Shuttle Service: Free airport; taxis to pier < $15
• Perks: Three pools, marina views, multiple dining options
• Why Stay Here? Resort atmosphere minutes from boarding.

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Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown

📍 530 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $200–$280 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.8 mi (~5-minute drive)

• Shuttle Service: None
• Perks: Historic 1920s bank building, craft-cocktail lobby bar
• Why Stay Here? Character-filled stay two trolley stops from the pier.

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Luxury Hotels Near San Diego Cruise Port for a Pre-Cruise Treat

Want to start your cruise voyage in style?

These high-end hotels near San Diego cruise port boast rooftop pools, bay-front terraces, and white-glove service—yet remain within a 15-minute ride of embarkation.

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InterContinental San Diego

📍 901 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $350–$550 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.2 mi (~5-minute walk)

• Shuttle Service: Private car service available
• Perks: Floor-to-ceiling bay views, rooftop speakeasy (Garibaldi), saline pool
• Why Stay Here? Modern glass-and-steel icon practically on the gangway.

Sip an Italian-styled Negroni at Garibaldi while your ship glows at sunset across the harbor.

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Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

📍 1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $350–$600 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.7 mi

• Shuttle Service: None
• Perks: Twin-tower skyline views, rooftop bar, family-friendly pool complex
• Why Stay Here? Resort-level amenities steps from Seaport Village.

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Hilton San Diego Bayfront

📍 1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $330–$520 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.9 mi

• Shuttle Service: None
• Perks: Spa, splash-zone pool, direct pedestrian bridge to Gaslamp restaurants
• Why Stay Here? Iconic glass tower with unbeatable harbor panoramas.

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Pendry San Diego

📍 550 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $400–$650 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.9 mi

• Shuttle Service: None
• Perks: Rooftop pool club, six buzz-worthy bars & restaurants, chic design
• Why Stay Here? Trendy Gaslamp hotspot perfect for a celebration sail-away.

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Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

📍 333 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $320–$500 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.6 mi

• Shuttle Service: None
• Perks: Twin free-form pools, private marina, Spa by the Bay
• Why Stay Here? Feels like a resort yet you can still walk to the gangway.

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The US Grant (Luxury Collection)

📍 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
💰 Estimated Price: $300–$480 per night
🚶 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.7 mi

• Shuttle Service: None
• Perks: 1910 Beaux-Arts grandeur, art-filled lobby, craft cocktail lounge
• Why Stay Here? Gilded Age elegance for history-loving cruisers.

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Hotel del Coronado

📍 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
💰 Estimated Price: $500–$800 per night
🚗 Distance to Cruise Port: 4 mi (~15-minute drive via bridge)

• Shuttle Service: Private car service available
• Perks: Iconic Victorian architecture, beachfront bonfires, surf lessons
• Why Stay Here? Turn your pre-cruise night into a classic California beach holiday.

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Best Areas to Stay Near San Diego Cruise Port

Not sure where to book?

These neighborhoods offer distinctly different vibes—choose the one that matches your travel style.

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Waterfront & Little Italy

⭐ Best for: Walk-to-ship convenience, casual eateries, and bayfront parks
📍 Distance to Cruise Port: 0–0.5 mi

Little Italy’s boutique cafés, craft breweries, and weekly Mercato Farmers Market sit steps from the terminals.

🛏️ Recommended Hotels: Wyndham San Diego Bayside (Mid-Range), SpringHill Suites Bayfront (Mid-Range), InterContinental San Diego (Luxury)

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Gaslamp Quarter / East Village

⭐ Best for: Nightlife, live music, and Padres baseball
📍 Distance to Cruise Port: 0.6–1 mi

Historic brick façades meet rooftop bars, buzzing restaurants, and Victorian architecture.

🛏️ Recommended Hotels: Pendry San Diego (Luxury), Comfort Inn Gaslamp (Budget), Omni San Diego Hotel (Mid-Range)

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Harbor Island

⭐ Best for: Resort vibes and yacht-dotted sunsets
📍 Distance to Cruise Port: 2 mi (~8 minutes)

Peaceful marinas and jogging paths pair with panoramic skyline views.

🛏️ Recommended Hotels: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina (Mid-Range), Hilton Harbor Island (Mid-Range)

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Liberty Station

⭐ Best for: Family suites, park-like grounds, and craft-brew food halls
📍 Distance to Cruise Port: 3 mi (~10 minutes)

Repurposed Navy buildings house restaurants, art studios, and a public market.

🛏️ Recommended Hotels: Homewood Suites Liberty Station (Mid-Range), Courtyard Liberty Station (Mid-Range)

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Coronado Island

⭐ Best for: Beachfront luxury and iconic sunsets
📍 Distance to Cruise Port: 4 mi (~15 minutes via bridge)

Miles of golden sand, charming shops, and a postcard-perfect backdrop for vacation photos.

🛏️ Recommended Hotels: Hotel del Coronado (Luxury), Glorietta Bay Inn (Mid-Range)

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Final Thoughts: Best Hotels Near San Diego Cruise Port

From bargain beds with free toast to five-star suites with infinity pools, San Diego offers the perfect pre-cruise stay for every traveler. 

Book early—especially during spring break and late-fall cruise peaks—and confirm shuttle times with your hotel a week before embarkation. 

Then sit back, enjoy a sunset over the bay, and look forward to a seamless sail-away!

FAQs About Staying Near the San Diego Cruise Port

How far is the San Diego cruise terminal from the airport (SAN)?
Both the B Street and Broadway Piers sit just 2½ miles from San Diego International Airport—about a 7-minute taxi or rideshare ride in light traffic.

Do any hotels offer free shuttles to the cruise port?
Yes. Budget and mid-range properties such as Holiday Inn Express Airport–Old Town and Homewood Suites Liberty Station will transport guests to the pier at no charge (though you should confirm and reserve your shuttle seat in advance).

Is it worth booking a hotel within walking distance of the terminal?
If you pack light or plan to roll your suitcase, absolutely. Hotels along Pacific Highway (e.g., Wyndham Bayside or Hampton Inn Downtown) let you stroll to check-in and skip shuttle queues.

Which hotels include “park & cruise” packages for long-term parking?
Several properties—Best Western Plus Bayside Inn, Wyndham Bayside, and Sheraton Hotel & Marina—bundle cruise-length parking (7–14 nights) with one-night stays. Always book the dedicated package; standard rates rarely cover extended parking.

What’s the average nightly rate near the port?
Expect $120–$190 for true budget picks, $180–$300 for mid-range favorites, and $320–$600+ for bay-front luxury (prices are highest March–May and September–October).

When should I reserve a pre-cruise hotel?
Book three to six months ahead for peak spring and fall sailings; holiday weekends and Comic-Con (late July) can sell out a year in advance.

Do any hotels guarantee an early check-in for cruisers?
Early check-in always depends on availability, but suite-style brands such as Residence Inn and Embassy Suites will often hold luggage and priority clean rooms for loyalty members. Calling the morning of arrival helps.

Is breakfast usually included?
Yes for most budget and select-service chains (Hampton, Holiday Inn Express, Best Western, SpringHill, Residence Inn). Full-service and luxury hotels generally charge extra or operate à-la-carte cafés.

Can I walk to restaurants from my hotel?
Virtually every property downtown is within a 10-minute walk of eateries in Little Italy, the Waterfront, or the Gaslamp Quarter. Harbor Island and Liberty Station have their own clusters of restaurants but require a short rideshare for Gaslamp nightlife.

Are there hotels with kitchens?
Suite-style brands—Residence Inn Downtown/Bayfront, Homewood Suites Liberty Station, and many units at Pendry—offer full kitchens or kitchenettes, ideal for families and special-diet travelers.

Which hotels have the best bay views?
Top panoramas come from upper floors of InterContinental San Diego, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Hilton Bayfront, Wyndham Bayside, and Marriott Marquis.

Do hotels charge resort fees?
A few upscale properties add nightly “destination” fees (usually $25–$45) covering Wi-Fi, bike rentals, or pool access. Always read the rate breakdown before booking.

Is public transportation an option from hotels to the port?
The San Diego Trolley’s Santa Fe Depot and County Center/Little Italy stops sit two blocks inland from the terminals. If your hotel is near any trolley station, you can reach the pier for $2.50—but rideshares are faster with luggage.

Do any hotels store luggage after checkout?
Yes—every hotel in this guide offers complimentary same-day luggage storage, so you can explore the city while waiting for your boarding window.

What’s the best neighborhood for families?
Liberty Station is quiet, park-like, and peppered with playgrounds and casual eateries. Downtown hotels with suites (Embassy Suites, Residence Inn) also work well.

Are there pet-friendly hotels near the cruise port?
Many—Best Western Bayside, InterContinental, Hotel del Coronado, and Homewood Suites welcome dogs (pet fees and size limits vary).

Is Coronado Island too far away for embarkation morning?
Not at all. The drive over the Coronado Bridge averages 15 minutes; taxis/rideshares run ~$20–$25 depending on traffic.

Will my cell service work on Coronado and Harbor Island?
Yes—coverage is excellent across all major carriers, though signal can dip briefly on the bridge.

Which hotels have the largest pools?
Hilton Bayfront boasts a resort-style pool with slide; Manchester Grand Hyatt and Marriott Marquis each offer two expansive free-form pools overlooking the marina.

Can I rent a car and drop it near the pier?
Yes. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz have depots on Kettner Boulevard and inside nearby hotels. Many allow pier drop-offs for a small fee.

Do hotels near the port charge for Wi-Fi?
Budget and mid-range brands include Wi-Fi. Luxury hotels often roll it into a destination fee or offer it free to loyalty members.

How early should I arrive at the pier on embarkation day?
Plan to reach the terminal 30–60 minutes before your assigned check-in window. Showing up too early may mean waiting outside security.

Is downtown San Diego safe for an evening stroll?
Yes. The waterfront and Little Italy are well-patrolled and lively until late. Standard city awareness applies—stick to lit streets and keep valuables secure.

Which hotels are best for nightlife?
Gaslamp-area properties—Pendry, Andaz, Omni, The US Grant—place you within blocks of rooftop lounges, speakeasies, and live-music venues.

What’s the closest grocery store to load up on cruise essentials?
A full-service Ralphs sits at 101 G Street (0.7 mi from the pier). Little Italy’s Mercato farmers market (Saturdays) is a fun option for snacks if you’re in town early.

Do any hotels offer day-use rooms after the cruise?
Yes—Wyndham Bayside and InterContinental sell “use-until-4 p.m.” day rooms when ships return, perfect for late flights. Call directly to book.

Is tipping expected for shuttle drivers?
It’s customary to tip $2–$3 per bag to drivers loading luggage and $1–$2 for short courtesy rides.

Can I see my ship from the hotel?
From bay-view rooms at InterContinental, Wyndham Bayside, Hilton Bayfront, and Manchester Grand Hyatt, yes—you’ll watch pier operations right from your balcony.

Do ride-share prices surge on embarkation days?
They can between 10 a.m. and noon. Expect $8–$12 for a 1-mile hop downtown; surge pricing may double that. Book early or walk if you’re nearby.

What time is hotel check-out and cruise check-in?
Most hotels check guests out at 11 a.m. Cruise check-in windows span noon to 3 p.m., leaving a gap you can use for brunch or waterfront exploring.

What’s the dress code at luxury hotels?
Resort-casual (collared shirt and neat shorts/jeans). Swimsuits must be covered away from the pool. No formal wear required unless dining at upscale in-house restaurants.