Pros

  • Relaxed location on Shelter Island sits on a sandy beach
  • Private marina has speedboat, kayak, and paddleboat rentals
  • Colorful rooms feature views of the marina or bay
  • All rooms are ADA compliant
  • Outdoor lap pool and hot tub are large and well-maintained
  • Trendy restaurant and bar serves coastal cuisine
  • Attractive meeting spaces available
  • Large indoor and outdoor event venues on-site
  • Full-service spa and salon offers various treatments and services
  • Well-equipped fitness center with modern equipment
  • Free Wi-Fi
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Cons

  • Resort fee
  • Rooms have mix of dated and modern decor
  • Fee for parking
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Bottom Line

With its own beach, private marina, and updated spa, the Kona Kai feels more like a vacation resort than anything else. It's also farther down on the Shelter Island strip, making for a quieter, more relaxing spot than other area hotels -- with little to spoil the views from the gorgeous outdoor pool. Outfitted with small private balconies or patios, rooms are colorful enough to cover up the fact that some furnishings are worn. Still, boating enthusiasts, couples, and families willing to overlook a pesky resort fee can find plenty of amenities here, and business travelers will be close to the airport.  

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Amenities

  • Fitness Center
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pets Allowed
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort

Scene

Old Spanish Colonial on the outside, trendy and airy on the inside

Many of the hotels on Shelter Island have a dated look compared to the more timeless exteriors of the Kona Kai. A big 2014 renovation left the Spanish Colonial-style red tile roofs and archways intact while completely updating the interiors with trendy, colorful decor. The fully outfitted, spacious lobby has a tranquil, balanced vibe. Bright white and blue furnishings stand out against faux vintage-looking wood backgrounds and dark floors. Artwork is hung above the area fireplace and abstract sculptures inconspicuously inhabit the terrain. Outside, the seagulls are as much of a constant as the sailboats docked in the marina.

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Location

On Shelter Island, close to the airport and area attractions

Located at the southern end of Shelter Island, Kona Kai Resort sits on the main drag between the marina and the broader San Diego Bay. A jogging path runs along the waterfront nearby, with a playground and several restaurants within walking distance. The resort is about 20 minutes by car from major attractions like Balboa Park and the National History Museum, as well as a couple of beaches (including Coronado Beach) and the lively bars and restaurants of downtown's Gaslamp Quarter. San Diego International Airport is only a 10-minute drive northeast. 

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Rooms

Punchy island decor with iPod docks and large flat-screens

The property’s 2014 renovations carried over into its rooms, where brown and cream palates were updated with leafy, bright teal wallpaper. A mix of older furnishings remain, varying widely in style, from mundane beige bedside tables to dark wood desks to chairs with wild blue and white prints. Lamps shaped like pineapples and occasional bamboo headboards add to an overall island vibe. All units also have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and mini-fridges. Small private balconies or patios have views overlooking the bay, marina, or pool. The blue and white tiled bathrooms have striped yellow wallpaper and average shower/tub combos.  

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Features

Private marina, sandy beach, and outdoor pool -- along with a restaurant and event space

Kona Kai Marina has 520 boat slips that accommodate a range of boats from 30 to 250 feet. Guests can rent sailboats, speedboats, kayaks, and paddleboats right from the hotel. A sandy beach fronting the marina has cushioned sun loungers with fire pits spaced between them, accompanied by wicker pod-style chairs near the water's edge. The outdoor pool area also has captivating views of the marina from its sun deck, which is covered in lounge chairs and thatched-roof cabanas. The big, oddly shaped pool has three lap lanes, with a hot tub available as well. 

SpaTerre offers a wide range of treatments and massages, while the spacious fitness center has free weights, machines, towels, and locker rooms. For travelers with an agenda beyond being pampered, the hotel has 11,000 square feet of indoor event space, including a beautiful ballroom. That excludes its expansive outdoor venue space with views of the water. For foodies, Vessel Restaurant serves New American and coastal cuisine with local and seasonal ingredients. The venue has a chic 360-degree bar with a glowing marble top and outdoor terrace seating.

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort

Scene

Old Spanish Colonial on the outside, trendy and airy on the inside

Many of the hotels on Shelter Island have a dated look compared to the more timeless exteriors of the Kona Kai. A big 2014 renovation left the Spanish Colonial-style red tile roofs and archways intact while completely updating the interiors with trendy, colorful decor. The fully outfitted, spacious lobby has a tranquil, balanced vibe. Bright white and blue furnishings stand out against faux vintage-looking wood backgrounds and dark floors. Artwork is hung above the area fireplace and abstract sculptures inconspicuously inhabit the terrain. Outside, the seagulls are as much of a constant as the sailboats docked in the marina.

See More Scene

Location

On Shelter Island, close to the airport and area attractions

Located at the southern end of Shelter Island, Kona Kai Resort sits on the main drag between the marina and the broader San Diego Bay. A jogging path runs along the waterfront nearby, with a playground and several restaurants within walking distance. The resort is about 20 minutes by car from major attractions like Balboa Park and the National History Museum, as well as a couple of beaches (including Coronado Beach) and the lively bars and restaurants of downtown's Gaslamp Quarter. San Diego International Airport is only a 10-minute drive northeast. 

See More Location

Rooms

Punchy island decor with iPod docks and large flat-screens

The property’s 2014 renovations carried over into its rooms, where brown and cream palates were updated with leafy, bright teal wallpaper. A mix of older furnishings remain, varying widely in style, from mundane beige bedside tables to dark wood desks to chairs with wild blue and white prints. Lamps shaped like pineapples and occasional bamboo headboards add to an overall island vibe. All units also have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and mini-fridges. Small private balconies or patios have views overlooking the bay, marina, or pool. The blue and white tiled bathrooms have striped yellow wallpaper and average shower/tub combos.  

See More Rooms

Features

Private marina, sandy beach, and outdoor pool -- along with a restaurant and event space

Kona Kai Marina has 520 boat slips that accommodate a range of boats from 30 to 250 feet. Guests can rent sailboats, speedboats, kayaks, and paddleboats right from the hotel. A sandy beach fronting the marina has cushioned sun loungers with fire pits spaced between them, accompanied by wicker pod-style chairs near the water's edge. The outdoor pool area also has captivating views of the marina from its sun deck, which is covered in lounge chairs and thatched-roof cabanas. The big, oddly shaped pool has three lap lanes, with a hot tub available as well. 

SpaTerre offers a wide range of treatments and massages, while the spacious fitness center has free weights, machines, towels, and locker rooms. For travelers with an agenda beyond being pampered, the hotel has 11,000 square feet of indoor event space, including a beautiful ballroom. That excludes its expansive outdoor venue space with views of the water. For foodies, Vessel Restaurant serves New American and coastal cuisine with local and seasonal ingredients. The venue has a chic 360-degree bar with a glowing marble top and outdoor terrace seating.

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Beach

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Children's Pool

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.