On a recent visit to the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina in San Diego, just before sunset on Friday, the talk around the hot tub revolved around two things: Sea World and water slides. While the adults compared notes about where to have lunch at San Diego’s famous marine theme park, the kids discussed the virtues of the resort’s three water slides.
To call the hotel family friendly would be an understatement.
Formerly known as the Hyatt Regency Islandia, the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina underwent a $65 million upgrade in 2008. The hotel is the closest property to Sea World and it features 430 guestrooms, including 140 suites. The design combines coastal- and island-inspired themes in an upscale setting. Furniture throughout the resort incorporates natural finishes and materials such as raffia, sea grass and teak in order to create a relaxed seaside vibe.
The focal point of the property is the 17-story tower (in addition to 76 marina-side suites). As the lone skyscraper in the Mission Beach skyline, the hotel is visible for miles around and every room has a view of the water. On our visit, my kids stared out at the ocean below, delighted to spy an actual peregrine falcon on a neighboring balcony.
Guestrooms are comfortable and feature a variety of modern amenities, including flat-screen televisions, iPod-docking stations, video on-demand and high-speed Internet access.
The public spaces are open and welcoming as well. The pool area is vast, with tiki torches and fire pits scattered about. There are three pools in total, as well cabanas, plenty of umbrellas and palm-tree-shaded lounge chairs. Two of the three water slides (for those 48 inches and over) are positioned side-by-side — a perfect set up for racing.
The Blue Marble Spa overlooks the pool area and is known for its eco-friendly focus and all-natural and organic products. In the summer, sunscreen concierge service is complimentary.
Taking advantage of its marina location, the property also offers easy access to jet-skiing, whale watching, sailing, sport-fishing and, depending on the season, there is even ferry service to Sea World.
Besides Sea World, other nearby family-friendly locations include the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, San Diego’s Mission and Pacific beaches, Legoland and the lively downtown Gaslamp quarter. Some kids, however, will surely refuse to leave the pool. (Note: For clients flying out of San Diego, the hotel offers a special guest taxi rate to the airport of only $18.)
The property boasts 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space as well. During my October stay there were two weddings held on Saturday alone, proving that the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is ideal for families just starting out as well.
The Details
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
Pet Friendly, Too
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina does not discriminate against the canine population: Pet-friendly room rates start at $189 per night with a daily $30-$50 service fee. Pets of up to 50 pounds are allowed, although multiple dogs cannot exceed 75 pounds in total.
