10 Best San Diego Hotels Near the Cruise Port

Boasting a classic 1960s Mediterranean vibe, the Porto Vista Hotel is located in a prime Little Italy spot. The hotel prides itself on being both vintage and modern, and is one of the more chic budget hotels on our top 10 list. Amenities include free WiFi and rooftop yoga on some days. There's a shuttle to the San Diego Airport for just $5 per person and an in-house restaurant, The Glass Door where guests and locals can order seafood-based cuisine and watch the sunset over the Marina. Enjoy a quick walk to the shops and restaurants in Little Italy from the hotel.

This hotel is an city extension option for those booking through Royal Caribbean. The Embassy Suites is located about five blocks from the cruise ship terminal, which also means that restaurants, shopping and nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter are within a short walk, too. The new Headquarters entertainment area in Seaport Village is across the street. The two-room suites with separate living areas suit families while any room comes with complimentary breakfast and access to the complimentary evening reception with wine and light appetizers. One of San Diego's only Dunkin' Donuts is in the lobby along with Baskin Robbins and a convenience store.

The Westin San Diego receives high marks as a well-rounded choice for cruise travelers at a usually reasonable price. The cruise port is about .8 mile away and they also run a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. The eco-friendly hotel also offers special PURE Rooms that are allergen-free for those who are sensitive to environmental or seasonal allergies with special filtering technology, bedding and cleaning methods. The hotel recently underwent a $15 million renovation, updating the entire property to a more contemporary vibe. There is lots to do within walking distance and the hotel offers cruise and other travelers packages year round.

The Best Western Plus Bayside Inn is located just three blocks away from the San Diego Bay, however, you'll still want to taxi to your cruise ship with multiple bags in tow. All guest rooms have microwaves, refrigerators, free WI-FI access and a coffee maker as well as a private balcony. Complimentary breakfast is part of the rate. Note that the hotel is going to renovate its first floor lobby from October 2014 through January 2015 so you may want to ask how disruptive it may be. In addition to the Bay, Seaport Village and other attractions are walkable as is the Amtrak station and trolley.

For the times when cruising to Europe is a bit too far, perhaps a stay at the elegant Westgate Hotel will scratch that itch. Find European opulence here with priceless antiques and appointments, rich wool carpeting, woven tapestries and wood detail. The boutique hotel is about a mile away from the San Diego cruise port and walkable to PETCO Park, restaurants, boutiques and nightlife. The award-winning French restaurant Le Fontainebleau is very popular for Sunday brunch and afternoon tea. The Westgate Hotel also offers an onsite bar, concierge services and complimentary coffee and newspapers in the lobby. A rooftop pool was recently added, too.

Located in the heart of Little Italy and about .5 mile from the cruise port, La Pensione is in walking distance to some of San Diego's best shopping and restaurants. Amenities include two on-site restaurants, Caffe Italia and Na Pizza, a relaxing courtyard area, free public area WiFi compliments of Caffe Italia, 24 underground parking spaces, meeting space and a workout facility. The 68 newly renovated, European-inspired rooms include free wired Internet, air conditioning, cable TV, and private bathrooms. La Pensione also takes pride in their excellent customer service as their staff is available to answer questions around the clock. Little Italy is a bit more low-key than downtown or the Gaslamp.

The new Wyndham San Diego Bayside is directly across the street from the cruise port and newly renovated. In its former life, the property was a popular Holiday Inn that offered numerous cruise-specific benefits that the current hotel does not. The Wyndham has a free shuttle to and from the airport. Rooms have free WiFi, in-room coffee, balconies (some with spectacular views) and comfortable beds. There is a small children's pay area, a heated pool, fitness center and plenty to do within walking distance. Dining is easy with Elephant and Castle Restaurant and Pub, Hazelwoods of the Bay Deli, and Ruth Chris Steak House all on-site.

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina is a good choice for cruise travelers with kids in tow, especially during the summer. The family-friendly resort is across the street from the airport and about 2.5 easy miles from the cruise port. The hotel offers boat charters for sunset cruises or even whale watching. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent. Try the Night-Ops program where the kayaks and paddleboards have LED lights that attract sea life after dark. Kids love the main pool with its little basketball hoop and nearby games. Life-sized chess and more activities are on offer around the property during summer months, too. Parents will love sampling wines rated 90+ by Wine Spectator during social hour as well as other dining options.

For the times when you're about to take a cruise or need a place to recover from one, the massive (there are over 1600 rooms) Manchester Hyatt is a hotel that you don't have to leave. But, you should because it's situated in a prime bayside location about a mile away from the cruise port and walkable to San Diego's Gaslamp shopping, restaurants and nightlife. The trolley stop nearby is a gateway to historic Old Town for trinket shopping and margaritas or even to the Mexico border for the real deal. Those choosing to stay hotel-bound can luxuriate in the award-winning, full-service Kin Spa or hang out by the pool.

The US Grant is both a luxury hotel and one of the city's most historic, dating back to 1910. Aside from the grand lobby with it's opulent chandeliers and high ceilings, the rooms ooze elegance with Empire-style furnishings, contemporary art, luxury bath amenities and twice-daily housekeeping. The US Grant Hotel is centrally and conveniently located in the Gaslamp Quarter, across the street from Westfield Horton Plaza and two miles from the cruise port. Walk to the city's best restaurants and nightlife. Or, choose to stay put in the hotel. The Grant Grill features fresh "farm to table" California cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The Grant Grill Lounge is a lively setting with daily happy hour and weekend entertainment.