The Catamaran Resort and Spa, San Diego

The Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa is situated between Sail Bay and the Pacific Ocean where San Diego’s Scripps family once had their summer home. The elegant hotel at the corner of Mission Boulevard and Pacific Beach Drive was designed with a 1950s Polynesian vibe. The lobby’s dramatic island Mulberry Tapa (barkcloth) that hangs behind the Tahitian Black Koa wood welcome desk, an exotic stone waterfall and koi pond, hand-crafted Mexican Cantera floor tiles, and dark Honduran mahogany finishes welcome guests to a private tropical paradise. Imported traditional Pacific Island artworks adorn the lobby and other shared spaces in the hotel, and complement the colonial Hawaiian architecture.

Catamaran Resort Rooms

There are seven kinds of guest accommodations at the Catamaran that are divided between bay front and garden view choices. Bay front rooms provide a king or two double beds, a sitting area, and a small fridge. Bay front suites have separate bedrooms and couches in the living areas that fold out to beds, plus wet bars and fridges. Bay front suites are between the Tower and Sail Bay. Bay front rooms are in the building next to the suites facing Sail Bay.

Deluxe bay front and garden suites have separate bedrooms and fold-out couches in the living area, but also have kitchens with stoves, ovens, and full-size refrigerators. Bay front and garden studios have full kitchens, two double beds, and dining areas. All deluxe suites and studios are located in the Tower where you can enjoy epic views of either Coronado Bridge and beyond to Mexico, or Crystal Pier and north to La Jolla, depending on your room location.

Many bay front accommodations open to the sandy shores of Sail Bay, separated only by a grassy area. Garden view rooms open to the lush tropical plants and trees throughout the property; some open up to the pond or pool areas. To choose the room location that’s right for you, check out the property map. All rooms have patios or balconies, free HBO, hi-speed wireless Internet (paid upgrade for larger bandwidth), an iPod docking station, coffeemakers, laptop size room safe, irons and ironing boards, and hair dryers.

Room Tips:

If you want a little more privacy away from the action combined with epic views, choose a room on the upper floors of the Tower. The best bay front rooms and suites are the ones facing Sail Bay. This area is in the heart of the action and convenient to the water, so if you want to watch passersby on the bike/walkway that encircles Sail Bay, get in on one of the many resort activities, or catch an occasional wedding, this is the place to be. Some guests have expressed concern that rooms at the Catamaran are dated, so if aesthetics is your primary reason for choosing this hotel, check out the accommodation videos on their site before making a reservation.

Catamaran Resort Amenities

Ah, amenities. This is where the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa really shines. You will never run out of things to do here. Adults will love Atoll Restaurant, Moray’s Lounge, the Bahia Belle, and the Catamaran Spa. Kids will go wild for the Kids’ Club and Arcade.

There are many wonderful places to eat near the hotel, but if you only eat one time at Atoll Restaurant at the Catamaran, make it Sunday Brunch with bottomless mimosas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weather permitting, take your brunch on the outdoor patio. It’s a little pricey, but oh so worth it.

Moray’s Lounge features local seasonal craft brews as well as a full bar. Happy Hours are daily from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Appetizers are $10, craft brews are $5, well drinks are $5.50, and house wines are $6. Inside, enjoy their 800 gallon saltwater aquarium and outside enjoy the late afternoon ambiance.

Bahia Belle hour-long cruises on Mission Bay are complimentary for Catamaran guests. Choose from family or cocktail sternwheeler cruises. Seasonal dining options are also available aboard the Bahia Belle, and often cocktail cruises feature DJs or live music.

Get your Zen fix at the Asian-inspired Catamaran Spa. Take a few minutes to yourself in the relaxation room with a fruit-infused water, work out in the fitness room, get a facial and make-up for a night out, or enjoy the steam room, sauna, or outdoor hot tub. Go all out and ask about the 2-hour Ritual.

Kids are important at the Catamaran. They’ll love the Kids’ Arcade with Dance Dance Revolution, air hockey, pool, arcade games, and more. Check out Kids’ Corner for more great activities for kids around the resort, the neighborhood, and out and about in San Diego.

These are just a few of dozens of activities at the resort and in the area. Hang out bayside on the beach, walk across the street to the Pacific Ocean for an entirely different beach experience, catch one of Catamaran’s complimentary Movies on the Bay or one of their famous luaus. Try yoga on a standup paddle board or learn to surf. Rent paddle boards, Funcats, kayaks, sail boats, Segways, bicycles, ski boats, you name it. If it says outdoor fun, the Catamaran can hook you up with a great time again and again.

Amenities tip:

Some guests have expressed concern about the costs of equipment rentals at the Catamaran, including steep deposits as much as $100 to $500. The suggestion is to stop by Mission Bay Sportcenter where many of the same rentals can be obtained at cheaper prices. Another frequent guest concern is the $18 per day self-parking fee, so be aware. Parking is tough anywhere in Pacific Beach and Mission Beach and the city does not hesitate to tow away your vehicle; be careful and read all street signs if you try to avoid this fee.

Catamaran Resort San Diego Neighborhood

The Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa is central to Mission and Pacific beaches. Just a four-minute walk away is World Famous, a wildly popular beachside restaurant. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert; check out their menus. If you can only get there once, make it breakfast. Rent bikes and hit Ocean Front Walk (bike/walkway along the beach) after breakfast. There are a ton of shops between World Famous and Crystal Pier, or ignore the shopping and simply enjoy the view. Go the opposite direction and ride down to Belmont Park for a nostalgic ride on the Giant Dipper. Across the street from Belmont Park ia Sandbar Sports Grill where you can get a refreshing mid-afternoon adult beverage. Across Mission Boulevard is lovely Bonita Cove Park; here, you can lie in the grass and relax before getting back on the bikes, crossing West Mission Bay Drive, and taking Bayside Walk (bike/walkway along the bay) back to the Catamaran.

Catamaran Resort Promotions

There are abundant free activities and events going on at the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa all the time. The Bahia Belle cruises are also complimentary for Catamaran guests. Happy Hour in Moray’s Bar is every day of the week from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Catamaran Spa often has Groupon deals, as does the resort.

Catamaran Resort TripAdvisor Reviews.

We thought you might want to read some impartial reviews from people who have stayed at the Catamaran Resort and Spa.