San Diego hotel recommendations

Question

We will be traveling as a family group of 14, including 6 children, to San Diego this summer. We haven't been able to find a rental that meets our needs so I'm looking for hotel recommendations. I'm wondering of any places that offer good outdoor spaces for our group to gather, other than pool areas. Places with something like fire pits, playgrounds or grassy areas would be great. Anyone know of anything like this that doesn't break the bank?

Answer

For a family group of 14 visiting San Diego in the summer, finding accommodations with ample outdoor space beyond just a pool is key for comfort and enjoyment, especially with 6 children in the group. While large vacation rentals can sometimes be limited, several hotels offer family-friendly amenities such as fire pits, playgrounds, and grassy areas where your group can gather.

Here are some hotel options to consider:

Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Airport-Liberty Station – Spacious suites with kitchenettes, a grassy courtyard, and fire pits. Good for larger groups since you can book multiple connected rooms. Includes complimentary breakfast.
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego La Jolla – Offers suites with kitchenettes, large outdoor patios, grassy areas for kids to play, and barbecue spots. Central location allows easy access to beach excursions and local attractions.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront – Family suites with some rooms connecting, rooftop terrace and outdoor seating areas. While not a playground-focused property, the open areas can accommodate casual gatherings for your group.
Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego/Pacific Beach – Smaller grassy courtyard areas and nearby public parks. Offers family-friendly suites and breakfast included.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa (Mission Bay) – A resort setting with a large grassy area, fire pits, and easy beach access. Although slightly higher-end, it has plenty of outdoor space for family gatherings and kids to roam.

Additional tips:

Book as early as possible, especially for summer, as larger groups need multiple rooms.
Consider hotels with suites or connecting rooms for flexibility and convenience.
If none of the hotels provide sufficient outdoor play areas, check nearby public parks or beaches that can be used in combination with your hotel stay.
Verify the outdoor amenities directly with the hotel since fire pits, playgrounds, and grassy areas may have seasonal availability or restrictions.

With these options, you should be able to find a San Diego hotel that provides comfortable accommodations, adequate outdoor space for your family, and a reasonable budget-friendly option for a large group.

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