10 Best Hotels near the San Diego International Airport

The Pearl Hotel prides itself on being a budget-minded option for people who would like to be close to Downtown San Diego and Shelter Island. There are 23 swanky rooms surrounding a vintage swimming pool where weekly "dive-in" movies are played. The Pearl's newly renovated rooms have that mid-century, Palm Springs style. Guest room amenities include free Wi-Fi, iHome, and 32-inch and 42-inch LCD televisions. Not only are the rooms cool, but Restaurant at The Pearl features California coastal cuisine in an upscale-casual environment with specialty cocktails and exquisite wines that are also served in the comfortable lounge area. This hotel won TripAdvisor's 2012 Traveler's Choice Award for trendiest hotel.

Another hotel with free shuttle service to the airport, Ramada Limited San Diego Airport is close to Point Loma and the cruise terminals. Rooms come with free continental breakfast (including make your own waffles) and WiFi a well as a microwave, mini refrigerator, bath tubs, in-room coffee and tea, safes and televisions. Adjoining rooms are available, a big convenience for large families. Burn calories in the outdoor pool and fitness center. Grab cash at the onsite ATM. Guests may also upgrade to a harbor view or balcony room for extra space. This hotel also won't break the bank as the price point is low.

Onsite amenities at this Holiday Inn Express include plush new bedding, a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, free wired and wireless internet, business center, fitness room, 24-hour deli and convenience store, outdoor heated pool as well as a 24-hour whirlpool. There's free breakfast, free parking and complimentary shuttle service to the airport, Convention Center, Cruise Ship Terminal, San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, the Amtrak Train Station, as well as the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD). Guest may also walk to the shops and restaurants of historic Old Town, a nice perk. Cribs and rollaway beds are available for the kids. The latter has a $10 fee per night.

A big bonus of this comfortable hotel is location. Not only can you walk to Old Town and the trolley, it's pretty close to SeaWorld (though you'll need to drive). Rooms at this Hampton Inn have a number of conveniences including free WiFi, comfortable beds, a desk, and in-room coffee. Some suites have small kitchen areas with mini refrigerators and microwaves as well as sofas and separate showers and whirlpool tobs. In addition, there's onsite coin laundry, room service and a free hot breakfast. Guest can also enjoy the outdoor pool, business center and complimentary shuttle to the airport. Guests rave about thoughtful amenities, helpful staff and value for money.

Located in the heart of Little Italy and about .5 mile from the cruise port, La Pensione is in walking distance to some of San Diego's best shopping and restaurants. Amenities include two on-site restaurants, Caffe Italia and Na Pizza, a relaxing courtyard area, free public area WiFi compliments of Caffe Italia, 24 underground parking spaces, meeting space and a workout facility. The 68 newly renovated, European-inspired rooms include free wired Internet, air conditioning, cable TV, and private bathrooms. La Pensione also takes pride in their excellent customer service as their staff is available to answer questions around the clock. Little Italy is a bit more low-key than downtown or the Gaslamp.

Courtyard by Marriott is another great kid-friendly option in the Liberty Station area within walking distance of shops and restaurants. The hotel is located adjacent to a 46-acre park and has rooms with free high-speed internet, in-room coffee and tea, cotton-rich linens, iHome docking stations and 32" HDTVs. Rent bikes or go swimming in the pool, which has a view of the water. The harbor is nearby for plenty of photos with a scenic backdrop. The airport shuttle is also complimentary as is onsite parking. A deli, convenience store and full-service restaurant (breakfast and dinner) are also on site. Cribs are available.

An excellent choice for families, this all-suite hotel is located on the water at Liberty Station in Point Loma, just a few minutes from the airport. Choose between studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites that include a fully-equipped kitchen with full-size refrigerator, microwave, and dishwasher. WiFi is complimentary as is the shuttle to and from the airport. There's a fitness center, outdoor pool, coin laundry, and a basketball court. Kids' amenities include high chairs, pack and plays and a video rental library. There's a daily complimentary hot breakfast and complimentary drinks and dinner (Monday - Thursday). Families looking for value are in luck here. Plus, Liberty Station is full of restaurants, a grocery store and other conveniences.

Located on Harbor Island, the Hilton San Diego Airport is an excellent choice for travelers seeking convenience to downtown and the airport. The airport shuttle, in-room coffee and WiFi are complimentary. Guests have access to the seasonal Big Bay Shuttle that takes guests to various points of interest between the hotel and downtown. Rooms also have mini fridges, furnished patios and contemporary decor. Other hotel amenities include a fitness center, pool and spa, as well as harbor or marina views from some rooms. Sailboats and bicycle rentals are also nearby. It's a fairly large hotel with amenities you'd expect at a Hilton.

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina is a family-friendly resort across the street from the airport and few miles from the action in downtown. The hotel offers boat charters for sunset cruises or even whale watching. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent. Try the Night-Ops program where the kayaks and paddleboards have LED lights that attract sea life after dark. Kids love the main pool with its little basketball hoop and nearby games. Life-sized chess and more activities are on offer around the property during summer months, too. Parents will love sampling wines rated 90+ by Wine Spectator during social hour as well as other dining options.