Old-School Family Fun at Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

A recent long weekend at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina engaged the SoCal beach girl in me that had been dormant for many years and introduced my teenage niece to the good life by the beach. This popular hotel is a wonderful destination for families who are looking to get away from it all and spend time at the pool, at the beach, and have close proximity to a city.

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina Family-Friendly Review

Location

Conveniently situated adjacent from the airport, with a shuttle for easy transport, the Sheraton San Diego Marina is a large property with two towers and over 1,000 rooms, many with sweeping panoramic views of either the bay or marina.  The property is about 4 miles from downtown San Diego so if you plan to explore around the city or visit local attractions a car is necessary.

If your idea of vacation is hanging at the pool and beach the property can be done without a car – and if you decide to go downtown, a shuttle is available.  Jump on/off for $3 around the San Diego area all day.

Accommodations

The Sheraton San Diego Marina has a casual, nautical style. Given the plethora of rooms, it’s busy with business meetings and families alike. All rooms feature the comfy Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™  Bed.  Rooms overlooking the Marina or Bay have beautiful views.

There are multiple room configurations, adjoining rooms and several family suites to accommodate the needs of all family sizes. An Executive Club level is in both towers and features complimentary breakfast and hors d’oeuvres.  WIFI is available at an additional cost

Activities & Excursions

With the launch of the Summer Play program in June, activities abound for kids of all ages — at the pool and in “fun zones” around the property.

Old school games like life-size chess, bean bag toss, croquet, Frisbee golf, mini golf, the list goes on, are scattered around the grounds for everyone’s enjoyment.  It is heartwarming to see grandpas teaching their grandkids chess, watching kids play the bean bag toss with each other or seeing a whole family competing on the Frisbee golf course!

New friends are made participating in a pick-up game of basketball or volleyball or grab a racket and head to the tennis courts.

There is more than just swimming going on at the pool … the super poolside staff organizes games of Simon Says, Marco Polo and Water basketball throughout the day. “Dive in Movies” on weekend nights feature popular current and classic family movies at the pool.

For those who prefer an arcade, pool tables, foosball, ping pong and other arcade games are available.

Find your path and explore! Beach cruiser bikes, both the traditional as well as new multi-speed mountain options, are available to rent and toodle around the marina and beyond.

The Sheraton San Diego Marina works in close partnership with SD Adventures to offer a range of water sports activities ranging from Paddle Boats that will hold a family of four, to jet skis that zip around the bay. One highlight is the night-time kayaking and paddle boarding with LED lights that attract fish right up to the side of the board.

For those looking to put their feet up to relax, there is plenty of opportunity for that in a comfortable lounger poolside or in a strategically tied between the palm trees hammock or around the flaming fire pits at night.

The perfect way to end the day is with a sunset cruise on the Jada sailboat with Sail Jada Charters — this 76 year old beauty has a fabulous crew who regales guests with stories about the history of the boat and the San Diego Bay area.  Not to mention there’s nothing better than a sunset view from sea. Be sure to bundle up as it can get breezy and chilly on deck.

Amenities

The Island Breeze Spa offers a full complement of spa treatments and is connected to the fitness center

Restaurants

There are six restaurants plus room service at the Sheraton SD, to ensure that is something for the pickiest eater’s tastes.

Our favorites were Shoreline which offers dining al fresco next to the pool and marina.  It also provides the poolside service.  The menu features casual favorites such as burgers, sandwiches and salads.  The smoothies are delicious and you can create any type of fruity flavor combo!

The Harbor’s Edge is the main dining room featuring contemporary American Cuisine with views of the marina.  Weekend mornings it transforms for brunch which includes a made to order omelet and waffle station!

The casual Marina Market & Café is a staple for that morning Starbucks Coffee and grab-and go lunches or snacks.

Rooms at the Sheraton San Diego start at $US 169 per night.

Want to Plan a Getaway at Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina?

We can help! Our Family Vacation Consulting Service can help book rooms at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Our accommodation booking service is free! And if you need someone to help with full trip logistics, we can also help plan activities and offer logistics advice (fee-based). Request assistance on our Connect with a Travel Advisor page.

Relevant Links:

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Experiencing SeaWorld with kids of all ages

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A grand California family road trip

Editor’s Note: Ciao Bambino participated in a media trip to San Diego Sheraton Hotel & Marina. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Lynda Zuber Sassi and Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina.