Best Hotels near University of California--San Diego

The Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa can easily be judged by its cover: The hacienda-style property sits on 10 acres of well-manicured gardens. The hotel's 210 rooms keep up luxury appearances, boasting Turkish cotton linens and private furnished balconies. Recent travelers describe this La Jolla hotel as "stunning" and praised the in-house spa for its long list of treatments and additional facilities, such as the Eucalyptus steam room and the outdoor saltwater whirlpool. Mustangs & Burros treats diners to savory Southwestern cuisine, and the Trinitas Cellars Wine Bar makes a great spot for an evening drink. The hotel is a 15-mile drive northwest of downtown San Diego, so it may not be the best choice for sightseers.

The Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine offers visitors a convenient home base near the beaches of La Jolla and away (but not too far) from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Diego. Many visitors agree that it has a great location, though there are some that say the hotel itself falls a little short in terms of atmosphere. Some travelers complain that the rooms leave much to be desired, even though each accommodation does come with trendy blue and gray decor, high-speed internet and flat-screen TVs. Other visitors mentioned that the customer service staff members weren't always at their best. Still, there are perks to staying here besides location, including access to the hotel's pool and fitness center, as well the in-house sushi restaurant, Cafe Japengo. What's more, if you're a member of the brand's loyalty program, you can earn or redeem points for choosing to bed down here.

If you're hoping to make La Jolla your home base while in San Diego, this Marriott outpost may be for you. Though the hotel is about 14 miles north of downtown San Diego, it's surrounded by a bevy of attractions, all located within a 7-mile radius of the property. Shoppers can head across the street to the Westfield UTC shopping center, sun-seekers can retreat to La Jolla Shores, adventurers can traverse the trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and animal lovers can gawk at the vibrant sea life showcased at the Birch Aquarium. After a long day of exploration, travelers can retreat to well-equipped rooms, which recent visitors described as quiet and comfortable. Accommodations are outfitted with king-sized beds (a guest favorite), flat-screen TVs, minifridges and floor-to-ceiling windows, and some rooms travelers say you can see the ocean from. There's also a 24-hour fitness center on-site, as well as a rooftop swimming pool and two dining options, one of which specializes in California cuisine. And because of its family ties, this hotel allows visitors to earn or pay with Marriott Bonvoy points.

This hotel near Torrey Pines State Reserve offers all the amenities you'd expect in a Hilton, including flat-screen TVs, Hilton Serenity beds and high-speed internet access (for an extra fee). But guests reserve the most praise for the hotel's proximity to the Torrey Pines Golf Course. Guests can enjoy views from the rooms, most of which put the golf course and the Pacific Ocean in plain sight. The hotel also earns praise for its expansive outdoor pool and its three in-house restaurants. However, some guests complain that parking on hotel premises can be a headache: The garage can fill up quickly, and even if you can get a spot, it'll cost you $30 to $35 per night. However, members of the Hilton Honors rewards program can use rewards to cover some nightly expenses.

Set near popular local shopping areas and less than a mile from the University of California, San Diego, the Sheraton La Jolla Hotel is a tropical getaway in the heart of a busy neighborhood. For those looking to relax, there is an outdoor pool with a waterfall and a koi fishpond. And when it’s time to eat, there’s an on-site restaurant and a bar and grill. Sleek rooms feature flat-screen TVs, refrigerators and microwaves. Dog beds are also available for pets. Marriott Rewards members can earn and redeem points here, and they receive complimentary breakfast and afternoon snacks in the club lounge as well. The hotel also features an on-site fitness center. Recent guests celebrate the hotel’s customer service, but reviewers have bemoaned the fee for parking.

Residence Inn San Diego La Jolla boasts a convenient location 2 miles from the University of California, San Diego. Accommodations come with a kitchenette (a favorite among recent visitors) that includes a refrigerator, a stovetop and a microwave. What’s more, all guests at this Marriott hotel can enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi access and a complimentary breakfast buffet. There is no on-site restaurant for dinner; however, there are numerous restaurants nearby. The hotel also organizes regular weekly social events, called Residence Inn Mixes, which provide food and beverages. Guests can break a sweat at the fitness center, or they can take a dip in the outdoor pool. This hotel is near both the La Jolla beaches and the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. What’s more, members of the Marriott Rewards program can earn and use points by choosing to stay at this Marriott hotel.