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The 8 Best Hotels Near San Diego Zoo

AnnaMaria Stephens | April 18, 2018

You don't have to be a kid to love the most famous zoo in the country. Set in beautiful Balboa Park, the renowned San Diego Zoo is home to more than 3,700 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies, as well as the Skyfari Aerial Tram, in case you can't take another step after strolling the expansive grounds. The attraction draws more than three million visitors annually. Because the park is so large, you won't find any hotels right next to the zoo, but we've rounded up some options that get you very close.

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#8

Porto Vista Hotel & Suites

Why it made the list

Porto Vista Hotel isn’t perfect, but it does have a prime location and the price is right. Just steps from San Diego’s bustling Little Italy neighborhood, the contemporary hotel has a rooftop bar with bay views. The valet parking rates are also notably low compared to other hotels in the urban core. Balboa Park and the zoo are six minutes away.

Little Italy's Porto Vista Hotel isn’t perfect, but it's com Read More

#7

U.S. Grant

Why it made the list

If fabulous style is an essential part of your hotel stay, you can’t go wrong with the historic U.S. Grant, which is an 8-minute drive from Balboa Park and the zoo. The luxury property pairs opulent architecture with chic contemporary decor, from the striking Belle Epoque lobby to the airy guestrooms with high ceilings and custom furnishings.

Built in 1910, the U.S. Grant is straight-up eye candy, from Read More

#6

The Sofia Hotel

Why it made the list

Set on the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter, not far from the opera and symphony, the Sofia Hotel is housed in a historic 1926 gothic-revival building. With chic rooms, a serene spa, and a bustling brasserie, the boutique property is a sophisticated option in Downtown San Diego and a quick 9-minute drive from Balboa Park and the zoo.

Set on the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter, the Sofia Hotel is h Read More

#5

The Bristol

Why it made the list

Inspired by the 1960s and the era’s bold pop art, the property’s playful new look includes unique touches like retro TV cabinets and bed throw pillows printed with a replica of a 1965 concert ticket stub from the Beatles’ first and only San Diego appearance. The pet-friendly is close to the Gaslamp Quarter and a 7-minute drive to the zoo.

Fresh off a hip modern makeover, the Bristol Hotel is a styl Read More

#4

Hotel Republic San Diego

Why it made the list

The upscale Hotel Republic has an urban-meets-California-coastal vibe, from the rooms that feature beach-inspired accents like driftwood-clad walls and local photography to the hip bar with nautical flags and a unique bottle display that stretches to the second floor. Balboa Park and the Gaslamp are an 8-minute drive away.

Hotel Republic, part of the upscale Autograph Collection, is Read More

#3

Andaz San Diego

Why it made the list

Chic, modern, and filled with cool local art, this boutique property from the Hyatt is conveniently located in the city’s bustling Gaslamp Quarter. The hotel’s rooftop features a beautiful pool as well as a bar that’s seriously bumping on weekend nights. From the Andaz, it's an 8-minute drive to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.

The artsy and modern Andaz, a luxury boutique property from Read More

#2

Westgate Hotel

Why it made the list

Taking its opulent cues from Versailles, this high-rise hotel offers luxurious accommodations and access to an adjacent four-story fitness center with a spa and a rooftop pool. From the Westgate, it's an 8-minute drive or 15-minute bus ride from the Westgate to the San Diego Zoo, and the Gaslamp's many restaurants and bars are just steps away.

A modern high-rise near Horton Plaza hides San Diego's most Read More

#1

Inn at the Park

Why it made the list

Set on the edge of beautiful Balboa Park, the Inn at the Park offers spacious apartment-like suites with a full kitchen. It’s a short drive or leisurely 30-minute stroll to the San Diego Zoo and the museums at the scenic heart of Balboa Park, and nearby Hillcrest has lots of dining and nightlife options. There’s also a rooftop sundeck.

Set on the edge of beautiful Balboa Park, the Inn at the Par Read More

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