BEST WESTERN PLUS ISLAND PALMS HOTEL & MARINA, San Diego

The hotel's position on Shelter Island provides a quiet, park-like setting with direct access to the bay and marina. It is a short 15-minute drive from the airport (around $20 by taxi or ride-share) and about 20 minutes to the cruise ship terminal. The vibrant Gaslamp Quarter is 10 km away, and Ocean Beach is 15 minutes' drive away. Several restaurants, including a Bait and Tackle, are within a 0.5 to 1 km walk along the island. The location is also convenient for those attending concerts at nearby venues. A walking path, pier, and playground are right across the street, and free street parking is available across the road, avoiding the $25 on-site fee.

The property includes several buildings: the newer Casa Marina and Casa Del Mar sections (with elevators to upper floors) and the older Island Palms section (ground-floor access, no elevator). Full suites (Island Palms and Grandview) have a separate bedroom, living room, and a kitchen (no oven), while studio suites are a single larger room. Some rooms feature pull-out sofa sleepers to accommodate up to 5 people. Many rooms have a bathtub/shower combination, while some have showers only. Water-view rooms are on the first or second floor and come with a patio or balcony. Rooms in older buildings have been described as outdated, with musty odors, broken fixtures (blinds, fans), and thin walls that allow noise from upstairs or the hallway. Ground-floor rooms near the parking lot can be noisy. Requesting a room in the newer buildings is strongly recommended.

Blue Wave Bar & Grill is open daily from 06:30 to 21:00, offering a full-service restaurant for all three meals. Breakfast is available from 7:00 to 11:00 for around $16 per person. A breakfast coupon may be available if you book a breakfast package directly with the hotel. The menu includes fresh seafood, steaks, a popular burger and brew special, and a Dole Whip. The restaurant features a patio overlooking the marina and the pool. Lunch and dinner menus include a variety of options, and the bar serves cocktails, including notable Mai Tais. Kids' meals are available for an additional charge. The restaurant also hosts live music on occasion. Several other restaurants are within a short walk on Shelter Island.

The two outdoor pools are heated to 26.7 °C and open daily from 8:00 to 23:00. One pool is a larger lagoon-style design; both have sun loungers. The hot tub is situated with marina views, and there is an outdoor fireplace for evening relaxation. The fitness centre has well-maintained equipment and is free to use. Tennis courts and equipment are also complimentary. The spa and wellness centre provides massages for an additional charge. Fishing is available on-site, and the hotel offers complimentary bicycle rentals to explore the island. The property is across the street from a bay beach suitable for young children, and a walking path along the marina is ideal for strolls or runs.

Wi-Fi is free in all areas. A coin-operated laundry room is available 24/7 with a key from reception. The 24-hour front desk offers express check-in/out, an ATM, and a tour desk. Business facilities include a business centre, fax/photocopying, and meeting/banquet rooms. Room service is available. The property is wheelchair accessible, and accessible parking is designated. Cribs are available free of charge upon request. Housekeeping service is provided, though some stays have noted that room servicing can be infrequent. The front desk staff has been described as friendly and helpful, though some inconsistencies in service and billing have been noted. Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out until 11:00; late check-out is not guaranteed. Accepted payment methods include American Express, Visa, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, Carte Blanche, and MasterCard.