Kona Kai San Diego Resort - San Diego, California

Dareesa W.

This hotel is very nice. It smelled amazing when you walked in. It’s like the most amazing bath salt smells because of the spa. My room was on the second floor. There were no elevators in the main building, but it was not too many stairs, which was good. The view was nice. The room was clean. I like the fact that you can set the temperature in the room. Eating on the patio was lovely. The only thing that I did not enjoy was the $26 breakfast buffet at Vessel. There were not a lot of choices of food. They seem more like a continental breakfast that you usually get for free the staff was very nice. The host sent us promptly and the server checked in on us frequently in the buffet they had oatmeal but with no toppings like cinnamon or sugar or honey we did ask for those things and we were given them, but it would’ve been nice if they were out on the table with the buffet. A lot of the buffet food was cold and my husband left feeling like he paid $70 for muffins, which were the best tasting food in the whole buffet line. It would also be nice if they had an adult only building so that you don’t always have to be placed next to crying children, but overall it was a good experience. Also, the Internet did not work very well while we were there.

Mary M.

Reviews on this hotel were pretty good, so we thought we would give it a try. I would say it’s a medium level stay. It’s a hotel that strives to be upper scale but is not quite there. Beds are comfortable, room smelled musty. Restaurant was pricy and good, but not great food. Waitstaff in the restaurant was very good. At check-in, we were not told about water stations and complementary coffee (only 5-7 am). After 7 am you will be charged $3.00 per cup.
This place missed the mark in so many ways to be a great hotel.
Watch your bill when you check out. We were charged for breakfast at the restaurant! Evidently all people need to do, is say their room number and that’s the room that is charged for food! They don’t ask for proof of your room number. The manager said this has happened before. I hope they fix this issue soon before more people are charged for services they didn’t use. Overall, 2.5 out of 5 stars. Hotel staff was helpful, but need to work on communication with their guests about services offered.

babs4316

Overall a big disappointment. Our Marina View Junior Suite overlooked the pool pump house - ALL of those rooms overlook that facility and get to listen to the machinery involved. |There was a strange limitation to food and bar availability… some days breakfast but no lunch. No bar if restaurant is closed except at one pool and only on weekends (no food available tho’ ) Dinner is limited and closes early. We stayed 5 nights and only managed to buy two beers at the desk - every other time we tried to get food everything was closed (2:00 pm on Saturday is apparently a crazy time to eat something). Your only option onsite is a small cooler by the front desk… |For a “resort” this is crazy. And it must be a resort, since you’ll pay almost $100 a day for parking and “resort” fees. The whole place looks good from far, but far from good… wallpaper peeling (in the new wing), outdoor areas need paint and upkeep, parking gate was a problem. |The pillows were great. Location is very nice, allowing for lots of walking along the bay. Steam rooms. Close to sport rentals as well. So there’s that.

Cody D.

This is a vacation my family and I have been looking forward to for some time but we were very disappointed. First off, even though you are paying for a room, that does not include parking. Parking is $46.00 more a night!! They don't tell you this until checkout which is crazy!!! Next our sink drain was clogged when we got into the room, maintenance came the next day and it drained better but still sucked. Our TV didn't work at all, when you tried to watch ANYTHING it said unavailable, only thing that would show up was the Kona Kai home screen. Maintenance said all tv's weren't working in our building. Overall I would not recommend this place. Good luck if you have already made the mistake.

Reply:
Your TV service was down all weekend. From Friday night to Monday afternoon it did not work. You hide your overnight parking fee and disguise it as a resort fee. What I mean by this is you explain your resort fee is 46.00 so when signs for parking display 46.00 we believe it's the resort fee (they both being 46.00 isnt a coincidence), many others agree with my beliefs from what I see with previous reviews. It's insane to have a price to stay per night plus a 46.00 resort fee plus a 46.00 parking fee. I've wrote a review on trip advisor and will continue to find areas to write reviews so as to warn people about your dishonest practices.

CryptRocket

This was my second stay at the Kona Kai for work meetings that I helped arrange. If you’re considering a stay in San Diego, for business or pleasure, and appreciate incredible service, a well maintained property, beautiful views, and a peaceful atmosphere, then quit shopping around and book with the Kona Kai.||I love the Kona Kai for so many reasons. The Shelter Island location offers gorgeous views and a peaceful escape from the downtown area (but downtown and everything else San Diego has to offer is just a short car ride away). The property is beautiful, the rooms are comfortable (amazing pillow top bed!), and every night you can walk out your door to peaceful fireside chairs on the private beach which overlooks the marina.||The staff—oh, the staff. Some of the friendliest people you will meet anywhere. When is the last time you stayed somewhere and the front desk staff remember your name when you stop by? The event staff are very professional and well prepared, and the banquet staff are incredibly attentive and friendly. To me, the staff are really the heart of the Kona Kai and they are what makes this a top tier hotel.||If you’re looking to hold a meeting (as I have done twice now) the Kona Kai is a perfect location. The airport is very close by, the meeting rooms (both large and small) are perfect, and let me suggest: setup your breakfast and lunches on the beautiful courtyard. Your attendees will rave about it.||Stop looking and give the Kona Kai a call. Tell them Matt Clark sent you, you won’t regret it.

Natalie F.

My daughters and I stayed at KK to attend a nearby concert. Not only was the view amazing, the property beautiful and the rooms clean and cozy, but we were also blown away by the customer service. Rudy at the front desk was particularly helpful. It was my daughter’s birthday and he gifted her a s’mores kit to make her day extra special. We will definitely be back to celebrate! Thanks!

Sarah R.

The fire pits, complimentary bikes, the shower, the hot tub! All wonderful! Also loved the scallops dinner! Worth the $$$. ||Highly recommend coming here as a single person or with a lover. Also family friendly! Epic area to explore, I had a blast and really enjoyed Kona Kai.||My only recommendation is that the buffet breakfast is not worth the money- go off site!

Ana Q.

Ray and JP were welcoming and so helpful on our trip! We will definitely be back and can't wait for our next family trip! ||The amenities were great! The pool and bonfires were the kids favorite and I also loved the sauna/steam room! Thank you Kona team for the hospitality!