A golden sunset, warm offshore breezes, and the gentle barking of a seal lion greet us at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.
It’s the perfect location if you want to be on the water and close to many of the San Diego attractions. Yet tucked away in its own little area and not surrounded by other hotels. With 429 rooms, 134 suites, 3 swimming pools on 8 acres it’s almost a separate oasis.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Paradise for less
Photo courtesy: Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Living in San Diego we sometimes take it for granted. We take a staycation every now and then to remind ourselves. For this trip, we used my free anniversary night from the Hyatt credit card to stay at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.
You get a free anniversary night each year when you have the World of Hyatt credit card. The free night is good at any Category 1 to 4 Hyatt hotel worldwide. So you can use it at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, the Park Hyatt Saigon, or the Andaz Savannah.
There are Hyatt hotels in San Diego where you can use your free award night:
- Hyatt House San Diego/Carlsbad
- Hyatt House San Diego/Sorrento Mesa
- Hyatt Place San Diego/Vista-Carlsbad
- Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine
- Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Location
Ocean and bay views
The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina is bay front and offers amazing bay, marina and ocean views. The hotel is a six-minute drive to SeaWorld San Diego and takes only 12 minutes to reach the San Diego Zoo. The San Diego Airport is only 5 miles away, but the hotel doesn’t offer an airport shuttle.
Accommodations
There is a gas fireplace in the lobby for those infrequent chilly evenings in San Diego.
Check-in
Because of Zeke’s soccer tournament, we didn’t get to the hotel until almost 6 pm. Perfect timing for sunset views over the bay. Not so great if you want to use the free bikes.
The bikes are included in the $29 resort fees which also includes:
- Premium Wi-Fi
- Two bottles of water daily
- Bottomless Kids cup (unlimited drinks)
- Fitness center use
- Beach gear (chairs, umbrellas, sand and water toys)
- Activities (badminton, bocce ball, ping-pong, and bag toss)
- Use of the business center
- Free local and 1-800 phone calls
Getting there a few hours after check-in also meant we didn’t have to wait to check-in. There’s a separate check-in area for World of Hyatt Discoverists, Explorist, and Globalist members. Basically everyone except for members who have stayed less than 10 nights.
Corner Suite
Corner Suite minus the fancy bed linens and nicer desk facing the TV
I booked a regular King room but got a free upgrade to a Corner Suite on the 12th floor of the Tower building. The perks of being a Globalist. 🙂 A Corner Suite is a standard upgrade for Hyatt Globalists, even before the new World of Hyatt.
There’s a sheer curtain to provide some privacy between the bedroom and living room.
Living room
The large sectional couch with chaise lounge makes it easy to enjoy TV without having to watch from bed. When staying with the boys we play board games in the living room. You can fit a Pack N’ Play portable crib in the space between the desk and sofa.
The marina views were too enticing not to enjoy.
Can you see the Southwest plane taking off from the San Diego Airport in the horizon?
Sitting in the chairs and taking in the view, we used the Yelp app to figure out where to eat for dinner.
Rooms don’t include a minibar but there’s a small fridge tucked inside this cabinet. The fridge is roomy enough to store plenty of cold drinks or leftovers.
Bathroom
There isn’t a counter but the standalone island sink has a large surface area with room for toiletries. In addition to the standard toiletries (toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, conditioner, body ways, and body lotion), toiletries in suites include lip balm and foot lotion.
Amenities
Business Center
The business center, or more accurately, a computer and printer, is tucked away in a little alcove off the lobby, directly across from the registration desk.
Pool
The pool is divided into three sections and has three waterslides.
Garden Area
There are several uncovered gazebos in the garden next to the pool.
Fitness Center
Sadly, I have no clue what the Fitness Center looks like. Although I have good intentions of working out when traveling, it never seems to happen.
Valet
Valet parking with in and out privileges is available. Self-parking costs the same as valet parking ($38 a day). Either of which is free for Globalists when using a free night award or all points stay.
Food
Regency Club Lounge
The Regency Club is on the 17th floor of the Tower building and opens from 6:30 am to 9 pm daily. It’s closed between 1 pm and 3 pm for cleaning.
It’s been renovated since the last time I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina. The stuffy padded chairs and boring tables have been replaced with a more casual beach feel.
We arrived just in time to enjoy some hors d’oeuvres and drinks before heading out for dinner. Along with the new furniture, there’s more food both at night, during the dessert hour and at breakfast.
The breakfast is an expanded continental breakfast. In other words, in addition to pastries, cereal, and bagels, there’s an egg dish, hard boiled eggs, and oatmeal.
The balcony is a great spot to take in the sunrise or sunset.
Conclusion
The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina is an easy choice if you want a waterfront location, and close to San Diego tourist attractions. It’s perfect for couples, families, girlfriend getaways, and staycations.
You can use your free anniversary night to stay here if you have the Hyatt credit card. It’s a great use of your free night award because you’re close to the beach and all the fun things that San Diego offers.
And if you’re a Globalist in the World of Hyatt program, you get free access to the Regency Club and your resort and parking fees are waived.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
1441 Quivira Road, San Diego, CA 92109
Check rates and reviews: Booking.com | Expedia | Hotels.com | TripAdvisor
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Featured photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina.
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Ryan Biddulph
Thursday 18th of May 2017
Hi Debra,
Wow what views. Stunning spot.
San Diego - I have to be honest with this ;) - is the 1 place in the USA I need to visit. Great land for touring I know but SE Asia spoiled me to the point where the 1 spot I want to see has always been a dream vacay of mine. From the climate, to the natural beauty, laid back locals and rich surrounding, I gotta see the place. Oh yeah for the sea lions too :)
Ryan
Debra Schroeder
Wednesday 31st of May 2017
Hi Ryan,
It's not too shabby. :)
You should come visit. But you're right SE Asia is amazing and much more affordable. :)