After checking out from the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, we made our way Northward to Mission Bay to stay at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina (also in San Diego, California).
I’ve been curious to stay at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay because it’s one of the SoCal Hyatt hotels I’ve noticed frequently seemed sold out and often cash rates higher than the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (even though it was one World of Hyatt category lower).
We finally got the chance to check it out, and here’s our review.
Review: Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa And Marina (San Diego, CA)
Image: hyatt.com
About
The hotel features 438 rooms, 134 suites, a water playground (complete with two water slides), a full spa, and even a private marina.
Location & Parking
The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is located just West of Sea World, on a small peninsula known as Quivira Point.
Parking costs $42 for overnight parking, and strangely, the cost is the same whether you self-park or use the valet service. The parking fee is waived for Globalists.
Image: hyatt.com
World Of Hyatt Redemption
On the night of our stay, the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay went for $292.04.
However, because it was a World of Hyatt category 3 hotel, we opted to redeem a free night for 12,000 points a night.
This meant the [true] redemption value was 2.45 CPP, which is an excellent value for World of Hyatt points.
Lobby
We stayed during the holidays, and thus the lobby was decorated in full Christmas glory.
My first impression of the hotel was that it had a chill oceanic theme and laid-back vibe that made me feel like we were on a “real vacation”.
It reminded me why I fell in love with California in the first place.
Front Desk & Check-In
We were warmly greeted at the front desk and asked how our vacation was going and what brought us over to Mission Bay.
We were recognized for our Hyatt Globalist status and told (on the spot) that we’d been upgraded to a Corner Suite with an ocean view.
Image: hyatt.com
Welcome Package
After handing us our room keys, the front desk attendant gave us a small welcome package consisting of QR codes for the restaurants and spa services, a map of the hotel property, and a card good for a complimentary kayak or paddle board rental (only in California, am I right?).
Room Key
Elevator Area
Hallway
Artwork at the end of the hallway
Room Entrance
As we arrived to our room at the end of the hallway on the 15th floor, I was pleased to see we’d been given a “true upgrade” to a large corner suite (with awesome views).
Bedroom Area
The bedroom area was tucked away in a nook (that almost felt like another room) and had its own Flatscreen TV and small bench.
I counted 8 electrical outlets (4 standard and 4 USB) at bedside.
View from the bedroom area
Living Area
The living area was a great space, attractively decorated with reclaimed wood and wicker light fixtures. We ended up spending the lion’s share of our room time on the comfy couch.
There was a small dining table in the corner.
Room Amenities
Just outside the bathroom, was a small area for amenities that consisted of bottled water, a coffee station, a safe, and a mini-refrigerator – as well as a mounted bottle opener.
The room’s closet was opposite the amenities area.
A mounted bottle opener (it’s like they thought of everything)
Closet
Bathroom
The bathroom, like the rest of the room, was cleaned to a shine, well-lit, and in good shape, and came with Pharmacopia Argan Oil Collection-branded toiletries.
Balcony
Just beyond the living area was the room’s balcony, which is probably our favorite part of the suite. Our room had sweeping views of Mission Bay and the swimming pool and water slide area below.
It was the perfect place to catch the sunset and watch the stars over a couple of drinks.
View From The Room
Pelican’s On The Bay Menu
Pelican’s On the Bay was the name of the poolside restaurant and bar.
Red Marlin Restaurant & Dinner Menu
Image: hyatt.com
Image: hyatt.com
Red Marlin Breakfast Menu
Image: hyatt.com
Takeaway Breakfast At Red Marlin
We opted to use our complimentary Globalist breakfast benefit to pick-up breakfast at the Red Marlin restaurant.
The food was good, although slightly overpriced, but the portions were much larger than we expected (and truth be told, too much to eat in one sitting).
The Croque Madame ($18)
Steak & Egg Burrito ($20)
The Property Interior
The Property Exterior
The exterior of the hotel had a lush, jungle vibe. There was a fire pit and several tables to hang out.
Image: hyatt.com
Swimming Pool
One of the coolest features of the hotel was it swimming pool area, which consisted of three swimming pools and two water slides.
From the looks of it, it was paradise for both kids, teenagers, and adults.
Image: hyatt.com
Image: hyatt.com
FHOP Tip: What’s Nearby – Mission Beach is a great spot to vacation because it has so many things to do, including SeaWorld, booze cruises, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, island hopping, biking, and beach going.
There’s also the nearby Belmont Park (amusement park and the Mission Beach Boardwalk. You also don’t want to miss ice cream sandwiches from The Baked Bear (which we had delivered to the hotel) – trust me on that one.
The Bottom-Line Review: Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa And Marina (San Diego, CA)
The bottom-line was that we had a great time at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.
Fair warning, this is not the kind of hotel that you use for a home base to explore the rest of the city. Rather, this is a hotel you and the family vacation at to explore Mission Bay.
We were blown away by the service, the room upgrade we received, the room itself (especially the balcony and living areas), the overall laid-back vibe of the hotel, and [of course] the San Diego sunset.
There were really no negatives to speak of, other than the fact the hotel’s heyday was likely in the 1980’s, but that just gave it more of a bona fide California charm. It’s easy to see why this hotel often sells out (even as an older property).
I can easily recommend this hotel two families or couples looking for a vacation or a staycation, although I wouldn’t recommend it for business travelers or tourists looking to explore downtown San Diego or about Balboa Park.
Final Rating: 8.5 out of 10.
2 comments
Great review. Did the Globalist benefit cover the breakfast each morning? Were there any other perks for Globalist? Thanks!
Globalist will cover the breakfast benefit each morning. Globalist will also cover daily parking, waive resort fees on award stays, possibly get you a suite upgrade [if available], and get you a 4pm late check-out. It’s easily my favorite hotel status.
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