Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina San Diego Exterior photoBest Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina San Diego Kitchen photoBest Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina San Diego Amenities photo
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From100US$ /night
Check-in
30Apr2026Select date
Check-out
01May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

2051 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, United States, 92106-3105
-
Steps from the waterfront
Great
8.4
8.7
/10
4.3
4.0
/5

Waterfront Accommodation Options

The Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina offers three accommodation styles including guest rooms and one- or two-bedroom suites. Rooms feature private patios or balconies, refrigerators, microwaves, and sitting areas. The 600-square-foot marina view suite includes one king bed, two full bathrooms, a living room with queen sofa sleeper, and two 42-inch flat screen HDTVs. Mobility accessible rooms have wide doorways, lowered counters, transfer bars, and removable shower heads.

Blue Wave Dining

The hotel's Blue Wave Bar & Grill serves California coastal cuisine with tropically inspired dishes by Executive Chef Andrew Mroz. Guests can dine indoors or on the al fresco patio overlooking the marina. The restaurant offers views of the deep blue waters of San Diego's Big Bay.

Recreation Facilities

The property features two tropical pools, private tennis courts, an outdoor heated pool, spa, and outdoor fireplace overlooking the water. Biking paths run along the bayside just outside the hotel. The 6,500-square-foot meeting space includes marina-view courtyards and gardens for events.

Shelter Island Location

Located on Shelter Island in Point Loma, the hotel is 0.3 km from Shelter Island Park and 5 km from USS Midway Museum. Point Loma features Cabrillo National Monument with trails and tide pools. The area is known for seafood eateries with harbor views and is 5.5 km from SeaWorld San Diego.

Guest Services

The hotel provides high-speed Wi-Fi throughout, cable TV hookups, and metered electricity. Staff offer restaurant recommendations including the onsite Blue Wave Bar & Grill. The property accommodates events for up to 200 guests in its waterfront meeting spaces.

“What struck me most is the hotel's surprisingly peaceful tropical island setting, ideal for families, along with the variety of suites that feel like mini-apartments; the multiple outdoor pools and bayside paths create a resort atmosphere. With its proximity to the airport and diverse venue space, it's a practical choice, but ultimately, it's the strong management and focus on guest satisfaction that I believe sets it apart.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
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Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
King Room Bath Tub Disability Access
2 persons
280 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
King Room Roll Shower-Disability Access
2 persons
280 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Air conditioning
Queen Room Two Queen Beds Disability Access or Non-Smoking
2 persons
280 sq. feet 
2 King Size Beds
Air conditioning
King Studio Suite Sofa Bed Disability Access or Non-Smoking
2 persons
455 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Air conditioning
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Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • ATM/Cash machine
  • Fireplace

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre
  • Tennis court
  • Fishing

Services

  • Room service
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Outdoor swimming pool
  • Sun loungers
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Jacuzzi
  • Massage

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Media

  • AM/FM alarm clock
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Dining Onsite

At Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina, guests can indulge in delightful dining experiences at the Blue Wave Bar & Grill. With its stunning views and expertly crafted California coastal cuisine, this family-friendly venue caters to all, providing a blend of vibrant flavors in a warm and inviting setting.
Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina San Diego Restaurant photo
Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina San Diego Restaurant photo
Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina San Diego Restaurant photo

Blue Wave Bar & Grill

California coastal cuisine
Ambiance
Family-friendly with options for traditional, modern, and romantic settings, boasting beautiful waterfront views.
Key Offerings
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring tropically inspired dishes created by Executive Chef Andrew Mroz, alongside a cocktail hour to unwind.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open daily from 06:30 to 21:00.

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina Location

2051 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, United States, 92106-3105
Map view
2051 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California, United States, 92106-3105
Nearby
Island
Shelter Island
100 ft
Event hall
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay
1500 ft
Event hall
Humphreys Backstage Live
1900 ft
Park
Shelter Island Park Shoreline
500 ft
Shelter Island Yacht Basin
700 ft
Bubble Bath
1500 ft
1718 Shelter Island Dr
Tunaman's Memorial
1600 ft
Harbor Parade of Lights
2000 ft
Restaurants
Pearson Deli
3200 ft
2435 Shelter Island Dr
Point Break Cafe
4300 ft
2743 Shelter Island Dr
Marvelous Muffins
5000 ft
2907 Shelter Island Dr Ste 101
Pacific Coast Chinese Food
5000 ft
2907 Shelter Island Dr
Explore San Diego
Explore the Local Scene
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Shelter Island
Shelter Island
1 minute walking
A beautiful island perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and waterfront views of San Diego Bay.
USS Midway Museum
USS Midway Museum
13-minute drive
A historic aircraft carrier turned museum, offering interactive exhibits and stunning harbor views.
Spanish Landing Park
Spanish Landing Park
8-minute drive
A scenic waterfront park featuring picnic areas, walking paths, and beautiful views of the bay.
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument
14-minute drive
Offers panoramic views of the Pacific, tidal pools, and a lighthouse, celebrating Juan Cabrillo's arrival.
Kayaking in San Diego Bay
13-minute drive
Enjoy kayaking with rental services nearby. Perfect for thrill-seekers wanting to explore the bay.
Yoga on the Beach
16-minute drive
Relax with beach yoga sessions at nearby Ocean Beach, promoting wellness and tranquility.
Point Break Cafe
Point Break Cafe
16-minute walk
A casual cafe with a surf vibe serving hearty breakfasts and fresh seafood. Reservations recommended.
Pacific Coast Chinese Food
Pacific Coast Chinese Food
18-minute walk
Authentic Chinese cuisine featuring delicious dim sum. Great for families or casual dining.
Old Town Mexican Cafe
10-minute drive
Vibrant spot with live Mariachi music and traditional Mexican dishes, perfect for all ages.
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego
11-minute drive
Thrilling rides and aquatic shows for fun-loving families at this renowned marine park.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
San Diego10 min  ·  4.1 mi
Airports
San Diego International (SAN)11 min  ·  4.3 mi
El Cajon (CJN)51 min  ·  21.1 mi
Train
Coaster Old Town Station8 min  ·  3.3 mi
San Diego Old Town Transportation Center8 min  ·  3.3 mi
Bus
Bus stop10 min  ·  2700 ft
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site at USD 25 per day.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of US$15 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2011
Number of rooms:
227

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the hotel's location on Shelter Island, noting its proximity to the bay and boardwalk for enjoyable walks. The spacious rooms, some featuring well-equipped kitchens and marina views from the balcony, contribute to a relaxing stay. The pool area is frequently mentioned as clean and inviting, with comfortable sunbeds, and the availability of free parking is appreciated; some guests have occasionally noted noise issues in certain rooms.
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Review score
Based on 1150 verified reviews
8.5/10
Great
83%
Recommend
Location
9.3/10
Breakfast
9.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Marina location
Comfortable beds
Great views
Old Fashioned drinks
Cons
Small room
Cold pool
Bad smell
Guest reviews
based on 1150 reviews
8.5/10
based on 1312 reviews
8.4/10
evelyn from united kingdom
Couple
deluxe king room water view
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:November 08, 2025
9.0/10

admirable shelter island retreat

helpful staffprompt deliverylively atmospherelimited coffee
The front desk staff were efficient and helpful. lucio was particularly attentive. He promptly delivered extra towels and body wash to our room. i especially enjoyed the dj's music. It created a lively atmosphere (he played great music!).
I found that the coffee situation could be improved. Coffee makers are absent from the rooms and the lobby coffee is only available for a limited time in the morning.
Rooms
8/10
the room offered a lovely view of the marina and was generally clean with adequate space. a pungent smell in the bathroom was noticeable when the room had been closed, but it dissipated quickly. the fixtures was well kept.
Location
9/10
the hotel enjoys a quiet location directly on the water near the marina. the setting allows for nice morning walks watching sea lions. the site provides easy access to main routes.
Service
10/10
the restaurant staff were pleasant and helpful. the blue wave's hostess maria stood out, remembering us from a previous visit. staff demonstrated a genuine commitment to ensure guest comfort.
0 Helpful
|
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Ella from United Kingdom
Family with children
Standard King Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 09, 2025
6/10

Acceptable Stay with Some Disappointing Aspects

good locationconstant noisebroken coffee machine
The location was good.
The room was smaller than expected though it was ok at first. The in-window AC's continuous fan mode didn't work, and despite three visits from maintenance, it couldn't be fixed. The constant noise made sleep difficult. It was a real issue. The coffee machine in the lobby was broken, and there weren't any towels at the pool.
0 Helpful
Hannah from United Kingdom
Deluxe King Room Marina View
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:August 25, 2025
9/10
good foodfree parking
i found the restaurant provided very good food and excellent service it made dining there a charm. the hotel included plentiful free parking across the street and that was a nice perk.
my room did open to the outside it felt a bit like a basement room but i did not have the energy to switch rooms
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
What is the distance from Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina to San Diego International Airport?
The hotel is located 10 km from San Diego International Airport, approximately a 13-minute drive.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina?
Check-in is at 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
What dining options are available on-site at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina?
The on-site Blue Wave Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with outdoor dining options available.
What are some nearby restaurants to Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina?
Nearby restaurants include Humphreys Restaurant, Fathom Bistro Bait and Tackle, and Vessel Restaurant + Bar, all within 0.5 km.
What amenities does Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina offer for guests?
The hotel features free Wi-Fi, outdoor heated pools, a fitness center, and a spa & wellness center.
Is parking available at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina?
Private parking is available on-site for a fee of 25 USD per day.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina?
Guests can enjoy tennis, fishing, and access to two outdoor tennis courts.
Does Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina have any special accessibility features?
The hotel offers accessible accommodations with features such as wide doorways and roll-in showers.
What type of views can guests expect from their rooms at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina?
Rooms provide stunning views of the marina or San Diego Bay.
What is the approximate distance from Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina to the Gaslamp Quarter?
The Gaslamp Quarter is located 10 km away.
What room amenities are available at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina?
Rooms include air conditioning, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, and a flat-screen TV.
Is breakfast included during a stay at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 USD.

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