San Diego is a city brimming with incredible adventures. A cultural melting pot, it’s a pulsating waterfront destination that attracts tourists of all ages from across the world. While the entire city entices with its architectural, artistic, and touristy excursions, the neighborhood of Little Italy particularly stands out. Boasting myriad culinary offerings, wineries, art galleries, and an overall bohemian vibe, a stay here places you in the heart of San Diego’s liveliest experiences. As a result, Little Italy San Diego hotels remain much in demand, often adding a hint of their own distinctive personality to the city’s ever-growing vibrant hospitality landscape.
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Best Little Italy San Diego Hotels at a Glance
- Most Romantic Little Italy San Diego Hotel: Studio in Little Italy for Two
- Most Unique Little Italy San Diego Hotel: The Dutra Inn
- Best Family Little Italy San Diego Hotel: Sonder The State
- Best View Little Italy San Diego Hotel: Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
Read next: 12 Best Vacation Rentals in Downtown San Diego
Table of Contents
Little Italy San Diego Hotels – Best Of
Most Romantic: Studio in Little Italy for Two
Little Italy, San Diego, California
Packed with curios, this studio for two is a gorgeous couple’s retreat in the center of bustling Little Italy. At the same time, it is also small-kid-friendly with its king-sized bed, air-conditioner, and surprisingly large en-suite with shower. The kitchenette is convenient for tourists who love to cook. Everyone else can step outside and be among a host of excellent restaurants within minutes.
Features that give the studio some oomph include the private patio with a neon sign ripe for posting on your Instagram timeline. And then there’s the cutest fairy-light-adorned pyramid day bed that screams romance.
The dwelling’s many décor elements were also a delightful surprise. The beams on the ceiling and the white marble table for two are fashionable embellishments. The crème de la crème is the garage door that opens into the patio and the choicest of individually picked furniture, all statement pieces that complement the stay.
Most Unique: Room T at the Dutra Inn
Little Italy, San Diego, California
The Dutra Brown Building is a quaint escape in Little Italy Neighborhood Development Block with oodles of charm and a quirky temperament. Built by architect James Brown using salvaged elements from around the city, it’s previously been the site of a video game company and residence to eccentric personalities. Today, the five-room guesthouse is a testament to the city’s architectural heritage, promising a lively and unmatched holiday in San Diego.
The 300 sq ft Room T at the Dutra is a delightful abode for solo travelers or couples who are okay with a bit of a squeeze on the queen-size loft bed. The interiors are compact with trendy undertones brought about by curated knick-knacks that dot the living space. Boutique to its core, a stay at Room T comes with a welcome drink, local coffee beans, a two-stove kitchenette, a full bath, and shared cruiser bikes.
Our favorite accommodation aspect is that it’s not on the sometimes-noisy ground level but up a few flights of stairs. Also, the room’s private patio is optimal for an evening sit-down when the weather is pleasant.
Best for Families: Sonder The State
San Diego, California
Although Sonder has some fabulous apart-hotels dotted around the city, The State is by far one of the best. Close to the animated hustle of the restaurants, bars, and boutiques of Little Italy, this contemporary abode provides a relaxing sojourn in a relatively less-crowded neighborhood.
At The State, guests can choose between a studio or two-bed apartments. All come with standard features like contactless check-in, WiFi, artisanal coffee, and bath amenities. Additionally, air conditioning and a fully stocked kitchen help make every visit that extra bit comfy.
We especially love the curation of the apartments. You’ll find the décor to have unique furnishings, from four poster beds, retro chairs, and wooden flooring to accent walls and art that adds glimmer to the interiors.
Best Views: Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown
San Diego, California
A modern hip space, Carte Hotel’s main draw, surprisingly, is not just its downtown, center of Little Italy, site. Instead, it’s the über-cool Lily Pond-inspired heated saltwater pool with a jacuzzi on the terrace.
As part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, the hotel further impresses with its culinary offerings. Carte’s wine tasting room, 16th-floor rooftop restaurant, and sea-to-table Watercolors eatery serve the best epicurean delights, highlighting local produce and flavors.
The hotel’s 246 rooms and four suites are equally enticing, guaranteeing a restful lay-down after a day full of excitement around San Diego. All rooms have creature comforts, modern furnishings, and en-suites featuring glass showers. Our favorite is the corner Panoramic rooms. Showcasing oversized bathrooms, 55” TVs, and floor-to-ceiling windows, they grant some of the most astounding views of the city and the bay.
Read next: 17 Beautiful Luxury Vacation Rentals in San Diego
Other Stunning Vrbo Little Italy San Diego Hotels
Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy
San Diego, California
Arty, bursting with eye-popping color and downright chic, Porto Vista is arguably one of the most Insta-worthy Little Italy hotels. A sustainable family-owned sojourn with 190 rooms, the accommodation exudes a vintage appeal that seamlessly juxtaposes its contemporary features.
Our favorite hangout spot on the property is the “spool.” Is it an oversized jacuzzi or a mini pool? You can decide that during your stay. And once you do that, check out the art. The hotel introduces itself as a canvas where local artists can showcase their work, from large murals to sculptures and architectural features like sky bridges.
Porto Vista’s bright and hued theme flows into the rooms. Bold shades, mid-century-inspired furniture, and plush headboards give the bedrooms a definitive attractiveness. Furthermore, complementing the arty side of Porto Vista are embellishing features such as the hotel’s pet friendliness, complimentary airport shuttle, and Glass Door, an on-site restaurant with San Diego harbor views.
Sonder The Bungalows
San Diego, California
A short hop away from the liveliness of Little Italy, The Bungalows consists of a gorgeous Delux and a Superior studio on a quiet street. Aesthetically decorated, the cozy beach cottage-like abodes ooze a San Diego alternative vibe via their kaleidoscopic décor.
Hardwood flooring, air-conditioners, fully stocked kitchens, and the cutest patio ever accentuate the charm of this home-away-from-home.
We especially love the classic yet functional touches interspersed throughout the property. The turntable with LPs, Marshall radio speakers, wooden tea tables, and the Murphy bed are all elements that eventually give the space an alluringly singular character.
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
San Diego, California
Residence Inn is among Little Italy San Diego hotels that are equally appropriate for business and casual travelers. The pet-friendly residence promises carpeted spacious rooms, glorious city views, and all possible amenities to help coddle you into sleep after a busy day of exploring. Moreover, the Inn’s waterside location and proximity to San Diego Zoo make it a family favorite.
Rooms at Residence Inn live up to modern-day expectations creating a private sanctuary with soothing earthy color tones. In-room facilities such as equipped kitchens, HDTVs, free WiFi, and large living areas result in a contented stay.
We notably love the Inn’s little boutique touches, like complimentary grocery shopping service, free bicycle rentals, and the rooftop terrace. Of course, the year-round heated pool with sun loungers and parasols is an added benefit you simply cannot overlook.
Two-Bedroom Private Loft in Little Italy
Little Italy, San Diego, California
An abundance of space welcomes guests at this Little Italy gem with two bedrooms and two-point-five baths spread over three levels. The loft’s location near the neighborhood’s thriving restaurant scene will greatly please the gourmet in you.
However, it’s the loft’s floor-to-ceiling windows that we genuinely love. They liven up the interiors by allowing plenty of sunlight to seep in. Another surprise that many guests discover by chance upon arrival is that you can see the ocean from the living room couch.
The décor of the accommodation is stylish with a hint of 60s chic done up in eye-pleasing muted colors. The fully equipped kitchen is useful for breakfast or that rare occasion when you want to stay in. And when it’s time for that much-needed evening respite, the lit-up patio is pretty handy.
Found Hotel San Diego
San Diego, California
There are several eccentric hotels in Little Italy San Diego. However, we found, pun intended, Found Hotel to be a uniquely exclusive experiment among citywide accommodation options.
Offering both private rooms and shareable ones with bunk beds, it’s a residence that combines the otherwise broad divide between hotels and hostels. The 24-room hotel’s city center location is undoubtedly a significant draw, as is its budget-friendliness. But that’s not all. By staying in this 1910 building, you’re also immersing yourself in the architectural history of San Diego
The private rooms have an en-suite shower, kitchenette, WiFi, wooden flooring, and vintage design furniture. The dorms, accommodating up to six persons, are equally comfortable sans the amenities. Come evening, the hotel’s outdoor patio with a grass wall transforms into a dreamy space where you can mingle and share stories with other guests.
Double Tree by Hilton San Diego Downtown
San Diego, California
Pet-friendly and having family rooms, Double Tree by Hilton brings to San Diego Downtown the luxury and immaculate service associated with this world-renowned hospitality brand. The rooms at the hotel come with en-suite bathrooms, desks, ample space to move around freely, and the much-adored Double Tree cookie.
The décor is vivid but subdued, giving the rooms a toned-down but elegant appeal. We, though, love the travel-inspired black and white photographs throughout the rooms, bathrooms, and the hotel’s common areas.
Double Tree’s outdoor terrace pool with a jacuzzi, lounging area, and fire pit is an idyllic spot for an early swim or a late evening soirée. And if you are tired and not wanting to step outside, the staff is more than happy to provide room service from their in-house restaurant.
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
San Diego, California
A holiday at Homewood Suites places you in an incredible location that allows tourists, business travelers, and families to enjoy the many spoils of San Diego. Situated minutes from Waterfront Park, next to the revelries of Little Italy, and a short drive from the Convention Center and the airport, Homewood is all about hotel conveniences, albeit with a homely touch.
A total of 160 suites consist of studios, two-bedroom abodes, and several mobility or hearing-accessible rooms. While simple yet luxe in design, the pet-friendly spacious rooms come with essentials like streaming TVs, digital key, fully-equipped kitchens, and en-suite baths.
However, the highlights of a stay at this Little Italy San Diego Hotel are the all-year outdoor pool and included breakfast. Not to miss out is the expansive lobby with an on-site restaurant, the perfect spot for a drink, a meal, or a casual conversation with other guests.