Name: Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
Address: 2051 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, 92106, US

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina

San Diego - CA · United States

2051 Shelter Island DriveView location

100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2026

Mark

Great Place to stay in San Diego

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2026

Merizari

Very nice stay. We get cancelation from our other hotel and we end up reserving here and was wonderful. Also the restaurant is great too

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jul 2026

Steven

The staff is extremely friendly and the rooms are clean and well stocked. The outdoor pools are nice and the food at the hotel restaurant was excellent.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2026

Helen

We stay here every time we are in San Diego. It is always very clean and the staff is amazing. Their on site restaurant also serves very good food. It’s a great place to take a morning walk along the water.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jul 2026

Cairon

You can find your zen at this place.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2026

Alan

Amazing location with sky line views and marina views. Close to restaurants and breweries.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

20 Jul 2026

Christopher

Have stayed here many times. Have always requested 2 queen beds with the marina view.
We got the view and the queen beds BUT!
the 2 beds were jammed into a small room that obviously was meant for at most a king. We could hardly move around the room and barely could get to the closet.
This facility has a strange way of charging. I was charged a large amount at check in then another larger amount that exceeded the total.
The desk explained sort of that the first amount was to verify that there was money available in the account (America Express) and that amount would be credited back on check out. At check out the statement was correct but did not show any of these charges that are to be refunded.
Bottom line this facility has really gone downhill and if it was not for the fantastic location on Shelter Island it wouldn't rate a second look
By the way the staff are excellent and my complaints are strictly focused on poor management.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2026

Kita

I went with my family of 7. Young kids as well and older ones. We all enjoyed our stay and all the nice amenities the site had to offer. The room was so nice. It was like a little apartment. Perfect for us. Also i want to add that the staff was amazing. We really enjoyed our stay and we will definitely be back in the near future.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2026

Austin

This hotel was absolutely beautiful! We originally booked a hotel that was not great… but this hotel still had rooms available and thank goodness we booked. !!
The view from the room was beautiful, the room was perfect for a family of 4.
Being able to walk down to a cozy little beach with fire pits and all kinda of picnic tables was a plus!
We had the best time! Will 100% be coming back next San Diego trip!

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

19 Jul 2026

Staci

We always stay at this hotel and love it! This time we didn’t even have soap to wash our hands, our door latch didn’t work (they fixed it on day of check out), the sink wouldn’t drain, and when they came to clean our room they only made one bed which we were so confused about. The hotel and staff are so nice and the location is great, but for the amount of money per night to stay I kind of expect more.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

18 Jul 2026

Laura

When we entered the room, there were 3 empty to go coffee drinks on the table, a can of Pledge furniture polish, and a banana peel in the bathroom trash can. It was late so we just set the items by the door in the hallway with Kaylee’s name on the cups. We stay there about once a year and enjoy the location and nice rooms so this was a disappointment.

8/10

Excellent

17 Jul 2026

Sandra

That toilets in room r too low & need to b replaced & carpet is old & needs to b updated. Mattress needs to b replaced.
Staff very helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jul 2026

Andrew

Had a great view of the bay. The room was clean, and the property was kept up nicely. Had a great stay.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

15 Jul 2026

Paul

No a/c and very thin ceilings, such that you hear every footstep of the people above you.
Also, pro tip, if someone says they don't need a parking pass that usually means they don't have a car. Either don't book them in a room that's a long walk away or offer a ride in one of those nifty golf carts.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2026

Carmen

Nice place, could use some lighter colors to look fresher and updated!! Lighter carpet, lighter hallways, better chairs in bedrooms! Great views!! I just prefer fresher looking hotels!!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2026

Bradley

I have never written a review for a hotel before but this property deserves it. The location is absolutely amazing and quiet the restaurant on property was delicious and the staff were super welcoming and helpful. The minute we walked into the lobby we felt like we were on vacation in the islands we had a issue with are TV and in less then 2 minutes they were there and fixed it we will definitely be only staying here anytime we come to San Diego and we go about every 6 months.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2026

Blanca

It was very nice to stay there for the weekend, friendly people customer service was good and clean was also very good

Family

6/10

Pleasant

13 Jul 2026

Charlie

Pros:
Adequate parking.
Easy, interior and exterior access to first floor rooms.
Great AC.
Great windows - love the shutters.
Good coffee machine in lobby, but…see below.
Great pools.
Great walking along the water and free airshow as F-18s take off from North Island. Always a thrill.
Walking distance to great restaurants and activities.
Quick drive to anything else.
Great room views no matter which side you’re on, but best from upstairs.
Great shower water pressure soap, shampoo, etc.
Comfy bed.
Big TV.

Cons:
The room towels were much lower quality than expected and not many in the room.
The pool towels were even worse - nearly threadbare.
The k-cup room coffee was terrible and coffee is only served in the lobby from 6 to 12 AM. Come on. For the price of these rooms, free, decent coffee should flow 24/7.
The cap on the water tank plug on the iron was missing. I added water to steam iron my clothes before an event and dumped water all over my pants thanks to the missing tank plug. Ugh.
The shower is great, but the door poorly seals and water gets all over the floor.
Finally, $25(!) extra to park in their lot, right outside my room over night. Ouch.
Tried to watch a couple of movies on DirectTV but they just kept buffering - impossible to enjoy.
This was my 3rd stay and we’ll likely give another hotel out money next time.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2026

carlos

Great time at the Best Western Island Palms. The room was very spacious and easily accommodated our needs. Cold AC. Strong shower head. The -only- glitch that we experienced was that at The Blue Wave restaurant inside the BW we were totally forgotten after we ordered our drinks. So we skipped dinner there and went next door to a competitor. But overall I would highly recommend this place.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2026

john

This place is awesome great for a couples or family vacation it's a hidden gem!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jul 2026

Haipeng

The receptionist was cold

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2026

David

Enjoyed the restaurant right on the property and the ability to watch the amazing fireworks

Pet

6/10

Pleasant

10 Jul 2026

Pete

Nice place and location, the staff kept the place clean and there were many activities. My biggest gripe is the paid parking and the completely uncomfortable bedding. Worst bed ever. My last time staying here

Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2026

Maurice

Great spot will be back soon!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2026

Donna

We always stay at this hotel when we are in San Diego. Love this hotel for the location and the surrounding area. The staff is always so helpful. The rooms are always clean and comfortable beds.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2026

Chi-Jung

The outdoor pool is a wonderful place; my son got some good friends over there and a great view there.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2026

luis

Solid stay

Friends

8/10

Excellent

07 Jul 2026

Irene

Service in the restaurant was excellent. I think our servers name was Ruth - very mindful and accommodating.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jul 2026

jeffrey

Very nice place would stay again

Friends

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2026

Mark

I enjoyed the quiet and the view of the marina.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2026

Sean

This property was really nice. The staff was incredible the facilities were very nice. We were only there for one night but was able to do a lot of stuff in that shot time. The area was so walkable great city views and of the ships coming in and out of the harbor. Only one problem was the mattress was not very comfortable. I have a really bad back and was not able to sleep really well because of the mattress. Would we come back again, probably.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2026

Roberto

The hotel is very pretty, the marina is across the hotel. The area is very nice,clean and quiet.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2026

Lidia

Everything was great!

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

Kelly

Beautiful atmosphere and very friendly staff

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2026

Maria

Stay was amazing, the suite was perfect!!! Very nice and quiet place! Great to rest and enjoy the area around! Staff was very helpful!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

29 Jun 2026

Richard

Staff were awsome and the blue wave restaurant was great

Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jun 2026

Lynn

Room was extremely clean
The low shower head and lack of water pressure were the only negatives

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2026

Roxanne

We stay here all the time and absolutely love everything about this property.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

28 Jun 2026

Lakecia

The rooms were a little smaller than expected and could be updated a little. Other than that, it was clean and comfortable

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jun 2026

Jonathan

Clean room amazing view of the harbor and yachts. Perfect spot to wake up to and walk to get coffee or fresh air. Staff was amazing and highly recommend

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jun 2026

Darby

Parking lot full when we arrived. Smooshed in like sardines. Too busy. Room was tired, worn—needed a refresh.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

LuAnn

This is a great place to stay. Love the grounds. Marina view rooms are along a walkway with great views of the boat activities and birds. Several hotels with awesome happy hours and restaurants that look at the marina. Fabulous rooms. Great decor and high quality bedding.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Susan

First stay here but was recommended by a family member. Great room which was the mini suite that was spacious and met our needs. We were in town for a family event do for but have time to use pool or jacuzzi but did get the Thursday Mai Tai special. Great view from hotel of San Diego and the bay.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Jun 2026

Thomas

Nice pool and good, hot, hot tub! Great views of water and Marina. Easy parking. Very good tapas at restaurant overlooking the marina.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jun 2026

Jen-Kuan

Clean room nice stuff and delicious breakfast

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2026

Emily

This was a great hotel with excellent staff. The views were amazing. Both pool areas were fantastic. The staff was excellent. And it was clean!!! Cleaning service every day!! The restaurant bar was great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2026

Tony

Location location location. Marina on one side fishing pier on the other. Navy base across the water.
Liked the vibe of an older property. Can’t beat Shelter Island location.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2026

Jose

Walk around the property along side the ocean on both side, it's pretty unique place to enjoy morning walks.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2026

AnaMaria

AMAZING! STAFF WAS GREAT! BEAUTIFUL POOL

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2026

Ladeana

Very clean room and quiet!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2026

Macriszen

Big room

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

20 Jun 2026

Mario

It was clean, but ac was falling off the wall. The bathroom didn't have fan.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

20 Jun 2026

Daisy

Good location

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

15 Jun 2026

Raja V

The room did not have coffee machine, and the bathroom door would not lock. The coffee machine near reception dispensed what I believe was just hot brown liquid, not coffee. I don't intend to stay at this place in the future.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Beach To

Clean room staff very helpful and friendly
Enjoyed pool and bar was great

Family

8/10

Excellent

13 Jun 2026

Michael

Great location across from bay. Bed was very comfortable. No coffeemaker in the room; only a coffee machine in the lobby that didn’t work well. Overall the property in the older area is not aging well.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2026

Nedra

We had a wonderful three day get-away to celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary.
The staff was wonderful and the location relaxing. We enjoyed the outdoor fireplace for a relaxing evening and were able to walk to the waterfront and dinner. We were given the option to upgrade when we checked in and we happy we did. Our room #164 had outdoor chairs and a little table that looked out onto the marina. We enjoyed breakfast overlooking the pool every day and one dinner at the hotel. We will be staying here the next time we come to San Diego.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2026

Sierrah

Room clean, bed comfortable. Super nice and it’s on the water 10/10

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Jun 2026

Philip

Wonderful location, will consider staying here again if needed. However parking is limited, no coffee maker in room. It was only two nights, but worked for my family of 4.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

chelsie

Great rooms and views! Parking was a little tight with our oversized truck but besides that it was a great stay

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jun 2026

Cindy

So, the room was nice & the view amazing!
The outlet in the bathroom didn't work. The dresser drawers were really in need of some work.
We had a full kitchen, but very limited supplies (no stem knifes only butter knifes)
Its a nice enough place to stay, just bring kitchen utensils for cooking.
You have to pay a fee for parking every day. Also they charge you to use there Hotspot for TV. Ice machine did not work either.

Partner

2/10

Poor

08 Jun 2026

Shelly

Horrible hotel, I asked for clean towels at the pool and they never brought any down. The ac in the room dis not work. The elevator was broken. Trash hotel for an expensive price.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jun 2026

Alexis

Great staff highly recommend

Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 Jun 2026

Teresa

Nice property, clean room, nice bedding

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Tiffany

We enjoyed our stay very much

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

Ashley

I’ve been coming to this hotel since I was a kid with my parents. I now have taken my own children a few times and it’s our favorite hotel in San Diego. It’s a beautiful property and in a great location.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

02 Jun 2026

Denise

Very nice “Resort type” property

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2026

Manu Mannethu

Location

8/10

Excellent

01 Jun 2026

Gilbert

The property is amazing, in a beautiful area. We used the fitness room, ate dessert in the restaurant which was delicious. I didn’t like the mattress or the $25 parking fee although these days I think is pretty standard. Also the glass door to enter into the rooms would not completely shut to lock. You had to pull it shut which most people didn’t do. For safety sake that needs to be repaired. I would still definitely stay again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Cipriano

Relax

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2026

Amit

Good

8/10

Excellent

28 May 2026

Beverly

This hotelf has a friendly, helpful staff. It's a great location with nice amenities. Overall, it is clean and well maintained. Unfortunately our room had a shower/bathtub combination. The bathtub stopper was stuck and the tub filled with water when you showered.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 May 2026

Alexandra

Room smelled musty. We think it was the carpet due to ocean moisture. Coffee machine kept breaking down in the lobby.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 May 2026

Steven

Property, staff and restaurant was great. Kept our boat in a slip in the marina they were awesome as well.

Only complaint is the toilets are a little low to the ground and low to its own water. Grown Men you know what i mean. The AC unit is a little loud but not horrible. And lastly the fancy coffee machine they offer in the morning at the front desk had issues every morning. Sometimes a basic coffee setup works just fine.

Overall we loved our stay, will stay again.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

Parris

Best travel experience ever! The food and drinks were AMAZING. Views were absolutely beautiful. The room was my favorite part!!! And all the staff, including the brother who drove the golf cart around, were fantastic and very kind. I wanna go back!!!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

26 May 2026

Tesia

Great location. Comfortable rooms and great views.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

26 May 2026

Deborah

Love the hotel but the room we stayed in this time was small and getting a little tired looking.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Genevieve

Both pools were clean and service was fantastic!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Joseph

Older hotel that has really been kept up.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 May 2026

Nancy Louise

It’s an excellent location within walking distance to lots of restaurants. The staff were super friendly and helpful and there is a fair quality restaurant on the property. The pools were lovely although the smaller pool definitely needs to be resurfaced and there’s issues with the doors getting into the pool and the fire pit was not operational so we couldn’t enjoy it in the evening other than that we had an excellent visit here and we look forward to coming back again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Susan

Loved the location. I had a room overlooking the harbor. Staff were terrific. I’ll be back!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Ali

I love it

Friends

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2026

Todd

We really loved this hotel, it felt like a resort and was in such an amazing location. Our only complaints were how dated the room was and the flicking switch in the bedroom at night. Our kids loved the pool, sitting outside smelling the beautiful floral was amazing and being so close to the water was really nice. Laundry is coin operated and they didn’t have any change available so be prepared if you’re going to do laundry, otherwise it was great. We stayed with kids varying in age and it was great for all. Close to the airport and cruise terminal!

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2026

Jason Paul

The staff were extremely nice and attentive. Great experience. Definitely recommend them for future stays.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2026

Melissa

Upon arriving we were delighted by the little fountain in the foyer. The staff at the desk was incredibly kind, I should have gotten the young man's name. He upgraded our room to a Marina View to give us a rare treat of enjoying the water. We spent a lot of time on that patio - we saw various birds and even a stingray when the tide was low. The shutters blocked out the light better than any hotel we've ever been to. It was incredibly quiet there. The beds were soft but admittedly a little hot underneath us. We still slept very well, though! As a short gal I can confirm the water pressure in the shower was actually good. I rarely get to say this so that was a great as well. We purchased drinks from the bar one evening and took them back to our room - they were well made. We walked the property and it was clean and felt safe. We were grateful for such a nice stay and would recommend them for a very quiet getaway, especially if you enjoy boating.

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Peter Paul

First time staying at a hotel in Shelter Island and I loved the place. Beautiful view of the bay and marina especially at sunset. Very peaceful and relaxing surroundings, perfect place for vacationing.

Family

8/10

Excellent

17 May 2026

James

Great place! Free parking across the street!

Family

2/10

Poor

14 May 2026

Heriberto

Room smelled really bad , like if the carpet was wet, also room looked old run down , staff came to the door with a loud knock at 9am to asked what time we were leaving.

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2026

Randy

Everything is awesome! A very homey feeling every time it’s our favorite place to stay in San Diego!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 May 2026

ANDREW

Location was amazing. Staff were very helpful

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 May 2026

Angelique

Great location & clean. Parking can be difficult. Rooms are older and could use an update. Staff was nice.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 May 2026

John

The Marina was 15 feet from our doorstep. Stay here. You won’t believe how cool this place is to stay and relax. Secluded, yet everything is still easily accessible. I can’t wait to return.

Family

8/10

Excellent

06 May 2026

lynne

This place is a great value for a marina view room. We did take advantage of the pool, but unfortunately the Jacuzzi was kind of slimy. We also used the Pickleball court, which was awesome. You are pretty far walking distance from anywhere, so it’s a bummer they don’t have some sort of coffee available in the room. The beds are a little uncomfortable, but the pillows are terrible. Like I mean, bring your own pillow terrible.

On the good side, all of the staff were super friendly. They do have an on-site bar and restaurant which is pretty good if you’re too lazy to go to town. The sort of tropical landscape environment is well-maintained.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

06 May 2026

Yoshiko

No coffee maker in the room and coffee is served at main building form 6 am to 12 pm only. No coffee is available when you check in. And only platic water cups are provided.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2026

Ruben

Went fishing in San Diego. This place is perfect if you own a boat and trailer. It’s right in front of shelters island boat ramp. Made this Gager’s convenient for me.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2026

Lezlie

Fabulous! Love it there!!!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 May 2026

Rebecca

This hotel is on Shelter Island, a perfect place near the airport and downtown, but away from the busy streets and noise of the city. A lovely park alongside the bay is across the street, with a small playground for small children. One side of the hotel faces the marina, while the other side faces San Diego bay. Second floor rooms have the best views!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2026

Art

Great location on the bay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2026

Katrina

We were upgraded to a suite and it was very comfortable. The pools are lovely.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Apr 2026

Kimberley

I liked that it was so close to the water... You can see the view of downtown and partial Coronado bridge... Whether you are by the pool, eating at Blue wave bar and grill, or using their free bike rental to scope out the area, you can rest assured THIS property feels very comfortable and inviting... I've been coming here for 18 years and it never disappoints...

Self