With so many neighborhoods and suburbs in the greater San Diego area, there are lots of options for where to stay. After a record snowfall in my home near Boston, Massachusetts, I wanted my vacation hotel to be near the beach, with kid-friendly amenities for my family. We stayed at the Bahia Resort Hotel, which is conveniently located on Mission Bay in San Diego, and would definitely recommend a stay there for those with and without kids.
The Bahia Hotel San Diego is located on a 14-acre peninsula, right in the Mission Bay area. Belmont Park (a waterfront amusement park), as well as the popular Mission Beach are just a short walk away. So there are plenty of great San Diego photo spots nearby. There are several restaurants, bars, and shops within walking distance as well. Sea World San Diego is a quick 5-minute drive, and downtown San Diego and the San Diego airport are about 15 minutes away.
The view from our room at the Bahia Hotel
This San Diego Beach resort offers several different room types, including standard hotel rooms, suites, and studios. Views of the lush gardens, the marina, or the bay are available. Our suite had a beautiful view of the bay, as well as a large balcony that was the perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee or an evening beverage. In-room amenities include complimentary WiFi, a refrigerator, hairdryer, HBO, and ironing board/iron.
Suites and studios also offer a microwave, range, and cooking utensils – great for families on a budget who want to prepare some meals at the resort. Room service is available, and is reasonably priced. While we definitely saw other families staying nearby, it was really quiet within our suite.
- Search for Great Tours HERE
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Get a Car Rental
The Bahia Resort Hotel is located on a private beach and offers covered beach chairs on a first-come, first-served basis. We were always able to find chairs when we walked down. Because the beach is in a protected inlet, the water is very calm. For those looking for larger Pacific Ocean waves, Mission Beach is about a 5 minute walk away.
In addition to the beach, the Bahia Resort Hotel also offers a heated pool, with a maximum depth of 10 feet, as well as a large Jacuzzi. Food and beverages from the resort’s cafe can be ordered and delivered to the pool. There’s also a small fitness room and an arcade within the pool area.
The Bahia Hotel in San Diego is home to a beautiful, friendly rescue seal named Gracie, who lives in a large pool by the resort’s entrance. Every day, at 9am and 2pm, guests can watch her feeding time. My kids especially loved Gracie, and every time we walked by the front of the hotel, they walked over to her pool to say hello.
I was most impressed with the service at the Bahia. Everyone, from the front desk clerk and bellman to the waiters and room service staff, were incredibly friendly and helpful. We would definitely stay there again.
To learn more about the Bahia Resort Hotel, visit their website. Rates start at $100. Make reservations directly online there or compare rates with Hotels.com, Expedia or Booking.com.
Disclosure: I received complimentary nights and a media rate for my stay.
