Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

This beachfront hotel sits on pretty green grounds full of palm trees, lush plants, trim lawns, ponds with colorful fish, and even exotic birds flying about. The greenery creeps inside as well -- a rock waterfall and koi pond in the lobby is skirted in ferns, small palms, and tropical greenery sprouting here and there beneath the sloped roof. Though dated, it somehow works, bringing a kitschy dose of the natural world inside. The place has a Polynesian vibe, with bamboo and rattan furniture, wooden art hanging on the walls, and teak wood elements. Though many spaces could use an update -- like the drab carpeting and beige walls in the lobby and hallways -- the resort is a fine choice with a great location and a good selection of amenities, garnering terrific ratings and reviews from guests.

The hotel is situated across the road from a beach in San Diego’s Pacific Beach community. The immediate area is residential, with private homes and vacation rentals, but there are a variety of shops and restaurants within walking distance. Nearby attractions include Belmont Park (five-minute drive), SeaWorld San Diego (10-minute drive), San Diego Zoo (17-minute drive), Cabrillo National Monument, (22-minute drive), and Legoland California (35-minute drive). Downtown San Diego is about a 15-minute drive from here, while the historic Gaslamp Quarter is 20 minutes away. San Diego International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel, or around an hour by public transportation. The nearest bus stop is a two-minute walk away.

Rooms are plain and simple, and though they could use an update, they're clean and offer a decent set of amenities. Decor is dated, with beige walls and carpets, wooden furniture, and beds topped with striped bed runners. They're spacious, though, and have large glass doors that open onto private balconies or patios with views over the surroundings or onto the hotel's green grounds. Studios and suites have kitchenettes with four-burner stoves, ovens, microwaves, sinks, toasters, and full fridges, as well as living/dining space with blue couches, coffee tables, and chairs flanking small round tables. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges (full fridges in units with kitchenettes), iHome docks, laptop safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are equally bland decor-wise and quite small. They're outfitted with shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers; bathrobes can be found in the closets.

The hotel offers two on-site dining options: Oceana Coastal Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving Californian fare in an waterfront setting (outdoor seating overlooks the beach), while Moray's is the more casual option serving light bites and drinks, with a fun outdoor space with fire pits and tiki torches. A Sunday Champagne brunch is also available, as is room service. For an alternative dining/drinking experience, guests can hop onto the Bahia Belle, the hotel's classic sternwheeler that offers family hour and cocktail cruises on Mission Bay. Drinks, snacks, and family activities are available during the evening, while at night, there is music and dancing, and on the weekends live DJs.

The hotel's lovely, green grounds include a pretty outdoor pool and hot tub surrounded by loungers and tall palm trees, plus there's a poolside bar and grill. The resort has direct access to a beach, where guests can use the free beach chairs and umbrellas. Various water sport rentals and lessons are available here, including surfing, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Bike and Segway rentals are also available.

The hotel has a spa that offers massages, body wraps, hydrotherapy treatments, facials, and other treatments. There's also a salon that offers hair styling, makeup, and nail services. The fitness room offers a handful of cardio and strength training machines as well as weights. Family-friendly facilities include a game room with a good selection of arcade games. Other facilities include 14 on-site meeting rooms available for various events, as well as a gift shop stocked with souvenirs, snacks, and drinks. There is a fee for both self-parking and valet.