Over the 2 years we lived in San Diego we would often pass the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa as we cruised the bike path. Wooden sun chairs fill the green grass and palm trees line the rooms that lead directly out to the water. As one of the best properties in San Diego, we stayed here on our last visit and it was just as wonderful as we always imagined! Check out our experience at the Catamaran Resort as we share why it’s one of the most unique hotels in San Diego.
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Arriving at the Catamaran Resort Hotel
When you first arrive at Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in San Diego it’s impossible not to be impressed by the lobby. We felt like we were walking into an exotic location with beautiful wooden decor and a waterfall jungle setting.
Yes, you read that right! A waterfall streams down into a pond filled with koi fish right in the entrance. It wasn’t long after this moment that we realized the Catamaran Resort in San Diego isn’t your average hotel.
Our Room at the Catamaran Resort San Diego
We stayed in the Bay Front Suite which is a beautiful room that leads directly out onto the sandy shores of Mission Bay. The suite had modern amenities, but also a comfortable and welcoming feel to it. Typically, we judge most hotels by the beds because lets be honest… No one wants to have a horrible night’s sleep while they’re on holiday!
The bed was soft and comfortable which was just what we needed after some long days of travel. While we stayed in one of the higher-end hotel rooms, Catamaran Resort in San Diego offers a range of different options and suites. Many of the rooms that aren’t facing Mission Bay have views of the pool or lush palm trees that fill the grounds.
About the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
When we checked in we were given a map and it’s best to keep this handy. The Catamaran Resort Hotel is large and spacious which means there is plenty of different areas to explore. One of our favorite things about our stay was walking under the gorgeous palm trees on our way to the swimming pool and breakfast. It really feels like you’re strolling through a tropical jungle!
Dining at the Catamaran Resort Hotel
Enjoy a meal at the Oceana Coastal Kitchen or grab a drink at Moray’s which are both on-site. There is even the Lava Java Cafe if you’re in the mood for a tea, coffee, or quick smoothie on the go.
This is a great option if you don’t want to leave the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa! For breakfast, we highly recommend the stuffed french toast. It was so lovely being seated overlooking Mission Bay to start our morning.
Pool & Spa Time
Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the spa during our visit! This was a big regret and is definitely something we will be looking to do next time. However, we did get plenty of pool time in. The swimming pool is located right in the middle of the Polynesian setting and is the perfect place to relax on a sunny San Diego afternoon.
Getting Out Onto Mission Bay at the Catamaran Resort Hotel
While you could easily spend the entire stay on property, Mission Bay is sure to be calling! One of the best parts about the Catamaran Resort Hotel in San Diego is its awesome location right on the water.
Mission Bay and its calm waters make it ideal for a variety of water sports. The best part is they’re all available right at your doorstep with Action Sports Rentals!
SUP: If you’ve never done stand-up paddle boarding we can’t recommend it enough. Mission Bay was the perfect place to casually glide through the water from end to end.
Kayak: Another great option is to paddle around the bay in a kayak. This was definitely one of our favorite water sports we tried at the Catamaran Resort Hotel!
Sailing: Ready for a sailing adventure? You can pick from 4 different size boats to sail around the bay.
Fun Cat: These unique paddleboats are nicknamed the “floating loungchairs” for a reason! Such a fun and relaxing way to get around.
Power Boats: Choose from the slower pontoon boats or one of the faster rinkers to cruise along the waters of San Diego.
Bicycles: Grab a bicycle and head down the path around Misson Bay. You can easily cut over to the Pacific Beach boardwalk and ride for miles!
Catamaran Resort Hotel San Diego: 5 Things That Made Our Stay Unique
So what made our stay at the Catamaran Resort in San Diego different from other hotels we have stayed at? Here are the 5 things we absolutely loved most about our visit!
Harbor Cruise: The Bahia Belle Harbor cruise takes off right from the end of the dock at Catamaran and brings you on an awesome 45-minute sightseeing cruise of Mission Bay. Double-check the dates and times of sailing when you arrive at the hotel.
Sunset Wine: We loved having wine with a view on the outdoor patio of our room! One night we took in the calm golden hour over Mission Bay. For our second day, we walked just a few blocks away to watch the sunset over Pacific Beach.
Movie Night: Three nights a week during the summer a big projector screen is set up on the bay. The family-friendly movies start up at dusk and are played right under the stars!
Animals Adventures: At the Catamaran Resort in San Diego they have various animals around the property that add to its jungle allure. See parrots, koi fish, and more on your strolls through the hotel grounds.
Sunrise Coffee: While we know many travelers sleep in on their vacations, it’s totally worth it to set your alarm! Make some coffee and enjoy the early morning hour as the sun rises.
Adventure to Pacific Beach From the Catamaran Resort Hotel
Another one of the great benefits of staying at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is its close proximity to Pacific Beach. This fun area is just minutes walking from the Catamaran and full of beach bars, restaurants, and more!
In fact, if you walk out the front entrance and cross the road you’ll literally be at the beach. While we loved staying on the quieter Mission Bay side, it was so great to be this close to the Pacific Beach area.
→ 13 Fun Things to do in Pacific Beach San Diego
Should You Stay at Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa?
100% yes! As a couple, we LOVED the Catamaran Resort in San Diego. It was a unique and romantic stay, with so much to do within walking distance of the property.
While it was just us, we could tell how great it was for families with children of all ages as well. From the fun tropical theme to the endless activities on Mission Bay, there is so much to love about the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa!
→ Book the Catamaran Resort here with our code NFTRAVEL for 20% off!
Have any questions about our visit to the Catamaran Resort San Diego or want to share your own experience? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
This experience was made possible in collaboration with the Catamaran Resort Hotel. As always, any opinions and recommendations remain our own.
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USA Travel Planning
Flights: We always find great flights using Skyscanner and Kayak. This way you can plan your trip around the cheapest and most direct routes.
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld can be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for tours all around California. Visit the San Diego Zoo, skip the line at the USS Midway Museum, or go on a Sea Cave Kayak Tour in La Jolla!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
