One of the most popular events of the year, San Diego Comic-Con International has been held annually since 1970, dedicated to increasing the general public’s awareness and appreciation for comic books and related art forms. It takes over the entire San Diego Convention Center, hotels, and various outdoor spaces for four days in July as the largest pop culture and comic event in the country. Thousands of artists, celebrities, and fans of movie memorabilia, comic books, and everything related to pop culture gather here, so if you want to attend and don’t live in the area, you’ll need to book a hotel well in advance.
All these hotel options in San Diego are highly rated and will put you within a mile, and often much closer, to all the fun.
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
One of the closest hotels to the San Diego Convention Center, The Hard Rock Hotel is where it’s at for the total Comic-Con experience. It’s just a five-minute walk from the convention center and hosts Comic-Con parties at the Float Rooftop Pool and Lounge. Of course, it also includes all the chain’s other well-known features like rock ‘n roll decor and music memorabilia. There are multiple swanky bars, two restaurants, and a full-service spa with treatments complemented by music vibrations. When you’re in need of a little pampering, perhaps try the Rock Spa Signature Spa. There are designated “420” rooms, and all are stylish, featuring halo-illuminated beds to make it look as if they’re floating. Some of the ultra-chic VIP suites have a wraparound deck with a private outdoor Jacuzzi.
Key Amenities:
-
Full-service spa
-
Multiple restaurants
-
Comic-Con parties at the on-site Float Rooftop Pool and Lounge
-
A 5-minute walk from San Diego Convention Center
Hilton Gaslamp Quarter Hotel
The Hilton Gaslamp Quarter Hotel is five minutes on foot to the convention center and was recently renovated to ensure a great stay. It has an outdoor pool surrounded by loungers and a fitness center with cardio machines that include individual TVs. The on-site Wild Hare restaurant has gotten rave reviews for its menu, which features fresh produce grown at the hotel’s organic herb garden alongside other locally sourced products. It’s a great place to come for cocktails too. Rooms at this popular Hilton hotel in San Diego come with comfortable Hilton Serenity beds, and if you book the King Whirlpool Room, you’ll get a deep whirlpool tub for relaxing soaks.
Key Amenities:
-
Outdoor pool with loungers
-
Upgraded rooms with balconies
-
Popular restaurant on-site serving locally-focused cuisine
-
A 5-minute walk from San Diego Convention Center
Omni San Diego Hotel
The Omni San Diego is a luxury property that sits right across the street from the convention center. It hosts over 500 rooms and provides spectacular views over the Gaslamp Quarter. Popular with baseball fans, it’s connected by a sky bridge to the Padres’ baseball stadium, PETCO Field, and includes a lot of baseball memorabilia like glass displays with signed uniforms and baseballs. Everyone will appreciate the massive terrace, which has a sunbathing deck, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. The concierge service is excellent – there’s a gym and a sophisticated seafood eatery too. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, robes, and flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, DVD players, and video game systems.
Key Amenities:
-
A large pool terrace
-
Seafood eatery on-site
-
A fitness center and massage therapy services
-
A 6-minute walk from San Diego Convention Center
Pendry San Diego
The chic Pendry San Diego infuses Southern California cool into an elegant, modern space that caters to a young, hip crowd. It has a rooftop pool with private cabanas, a lavish spa, and a fitness center, although the focus is on dining and nightlife. The Nason’s Beer Hall is a casual spot for a cold brew and a soft pretzel, while the Oxford Social Club is all about Vegas-style partying, Fifth & Rose is the place to go for classy cocktails, and Lionfish serves high-end seafood. There’s also a coffee bar and a small boutique with jewelry, leather items, and luxe home decor. Rooms have huge flat-screened TVs, Bluetooth speakers, ultra-comfy robes, and fully stocked minibars with snacks, kombucha, and alcoholic drinks.
Key Amenities:
-
Rooftop pool with private cabanas
-
Multiple bars and eateries on-site
-
Luxurious spa and fitness center
-
A 7-minute walk or 3-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
If you want to be right on the waterfront and just a short walk from the big event, the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina is the place to book. It’s just six minutes on foot to the convention center, and every suite boasts a picturesque view of the city, ocean, or bay, along with the usual Marriot features. The enormous main outdoor pool is a highlight, winding around a patio with umbrella and lounge chairs, and there’s a Jacuzzi for soaking after all the day’s fun. The day spa is the place to go for more pampering, and there’s a gym so you can keep up with your workout routine. An outdoor grill is available for cookouts, and you’ll find multiple dining venues serving Asian fusion, Mexican, and American fare.
Key Amenities:
-
Huge outdoor pool and Jacuzzi
-
Suites with city views
-
Multiple on-site dining venues + grills for cookouts
-
A 6-minute walk or 2-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center
San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter sits at the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter adjacent to Petco Park while being just over a five-minute walk from the convention center. It’s popular with baseball fans and perfect for those attending Comic-Con, complete with a rooftop terrace for soaking up the Southern California sunshine. There’s a restaurant with a menu that pays homage to California Wine Country serving Napa Valley fare, along with a lounge where you can gaze out at a panoramic view of the city skyline, the bay, and Coronado Island. Rooms include flat-screen TVs with premium channels, iPod docks, and coffeemakers. It’s worth the splurge to book a room at this top-rated Marriott hotel with a bay view.
Key Amenities:
-
A rooftop terrace
-
On-site restaurant serving California Wine Country cuisine
-
Select rooms with bay views
-
A 7-minute walk or 4-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is just 0.2 miles from the convention center, seamlessly blending the Caribbean-inspired Margaritaville aesthetic into Southern California surf culture. Its crown jewel is the vibrant rooftop retreat with a pool, which is the largest rooftop pool deck in the city. When you aren’t at the convention center, it’s a perfect spot to sip cocktails at the poolside or enjoy live entertainment along with spectacular views of downtown and Petco Park. Shareable appetizers, tacos, bowls, sandwiches, and of course, cheeseburgers can be enjoyed at the LandShark Bar and Grill. Rooms and suites are beach-inspired with surfboards hanging on the walls, while amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, and designer toiletries. Book a suite for special perks like a soaking tub, whirlpool tub, or even a private patio.
Key Amenities:
-
Large rooftop pool deck
-
Bar and grill
-
Gym
-
A 9-minute walk or 4-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
One of the swankiest hotels in San Diego, the Manchester Grand Hyatt will put you within walking distance of many attractions, including the convention center while its height ensures panoramic ocean views. This icon on the city skyline has two rooftop pools for swimming and relaxing with that vista, a luxe spa, and multiple dining venues, including a buffet eatery and a seafood restaurant. For evening drinks, head to the Top of the Hyatt and enjoy them with a skyline backdrop. The best rooms have views facing the water, along with all the essentials.
Key Amenities:
-
Two rooftop pools
-
A luxurious spa on-site
-
Multiple eateries
-
A 10-minute walk or 2-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center
Hotel Z, A Staypineapple Hotel
Hotel Z has a fun, hip vibe that’s quirky yet elegant while ideally located 10 minutes on foot or a 3-minute drive or pedal from the convention center. There are dog-friendly rooms, and if you want to catch the game as well as attend Comic-Con, Petco Park is a short walk away too. It hosts an espresso bar for coffee and snacks, and while there are no restaurants on-site, you’ll find many just steps away. Free pineapple cupcakes and flavored water are complimentary and beach cruiser bikes are available to borrow at no cost. Rooms are retro-style and include amenities like Keurig coffeemakers and flat-screen TVs.
Key Amenities:
-
Espresso bar with coffee and snacks
-
Complimentary beach cruiser bikes
-
Free pineapple cupcakes and flavored water
-
A 10-minute walk or 4-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center
THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Not far from the convention center, THE US GRANT offers five-star elegance that will immediately impress, starting with the magnificent exterior of the lobby, which is filled with sparkling chandeliers. A historic landmark, it was opened in 1910 by the son of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, and today it combines Old World glamour with modern amenities. Guests enjoy a complimentary drink daily, and on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, the bartenders make Vieux Carré cocktails at the tableside. On Fridays and Saturdays, drinks are enjoyed with live music. Dining is available at the highly acclaimed Grant Grill restaurant, while spacious rooms include marble bathrooms with plush towels and robes. Room service is provided 24/7.
Key Amenities:
-
Complimentary daily drink
-
Popular Grant Grill restaurant and bar
-
Live music in the lounge
-
An 18-minute walk or 3-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center
Andaz San Diego
Andaz San Diego is a boutique Hyatt hotel renowned for its rooftop pool and bar that’s been named one of the world’s best. In fact, the Andaz wine bar is known for drawing VIPs like Prince Harry. Weekend DJs are hosted here on weekends too. There’s also a 24-hour fitness center and a popular steakhouse. Rooms are minimalist and include extra-comfy beds, large flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and Keurig coffeemakers. Some come with city views.
Key Amenities:
-
Rooftop pool and wine bar
-
24-hour fitness center
-
Steakhouse on-site
-
A 15-minute walk or 4-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center
Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection
The Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection is sophisticated without being pretentious and hip, but not exclusive. While it’s located downtown, a five-minute drive or bike ride away from the convention center, the decor is inspired by the coast, with chandeliers made of driftwood. The rooftop terrace is the place to be in the evening for Baja-inspired cuisine and cocktails, while the Trade Restaurant offers reimagined fast-casual dining for lunch, dinner, happy hour, and late-night bites. There’s a fitness center with a variety of cardio and weight equipment, plus both outdoor yoga classes and bike rentals are included in the rates. Rooms are comfortable and bright with a nautical vibe and amenities like flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers.
Key Amenities:
-
Rooftop terrace for dining on Baja-inspired cuisine
-
Fitness center
-
Bike rentals and outdoor yoga classes included in the rates
-
A 15-minute light rail or 4-minute drive from San Diego Convention Center
