Catamaran Resort - Mission Bay

Catamaran Resort is a charming, family-friendly hotel, directly overlooking San Diego’s stunning Mission Bay. It boasts a lovely outdoor pool and a whirlpool, a games arcade, a fitness centre and an on-site spa providing a range of treatments. Water sports are available from two on-property outlets; there’s even a classic sternwheeler boat hosting sightseeing cruises. Rooms are incredibly spacious – many offer breathtaking views of the bay, plus there’s a beachfront restaurant and outdoor lounge. Pop to the seasonal snack bar or the grill for light bits, the cafe provides grab-and-go options.

If water sports tops your list of things to do, you won’t be disappointed. The hotel sits on the vast aquatic park and water sports hub of Mission Bay, connected to the Pacific Ocean. Choose from any number of ocean activities or stroll along the two-mile boardwalk to Mission Beach. It’s the quintessential Californian beach experience – where you can ride the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, go roller skating, or hang out at a beachside bar and watch the world go by. Approximately nine miles away is the sprawling Balboa Park, home to many museums, beautiful gardens and theatres. Be sure to catch the annual Shakespeare Festival during the summer months. North of the hotel is LEGOLAND California Resort and south is Sesame Place – a life-sized version of the famous children’s TV programme – both within 30 miles. San Diego International Airport lies just under ten miles from the resort.

The hotel itself is Polynesian-themed, and it’s easy to see why. It’s surrounded by lush vegetation, tropical birds and lovingly maintained gardens, waterfalls, streams and koi ponds. Although rooms and suites are a little dated, they are spacious and feature a balcony or patio with breathtaking views of Mission Bay, the Pacific Ocean or the property’s gardens. Standard facilities include a HDTV, a Bluetooth speaker, a laptop-size safe, a mini-fridge, bathrobes, an iron and ironing board, and free Wi-Fi. Upgrade to a suite for a walk-in closet, a full-size bath with shower, a separate living area and a pull-out sofa, an additional HDTV, a dining area and kitchenette with a full-size fridge, microwave and toaster oven.