A Stay at Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina is nestled on San Diego’s Mission Bay. Although it’s central to some of the city’s largest sights, the tranquility of the resort makes you feel further away from it all. Guests can enjoy all the grounds have to offer, from three pools, water slides, and multiple on-site dining options to a full range of pampering services at the spa.

The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

The sky-scraping Hyatt tower is clear to see as you approach the entrance. The staff is quick to welcome you to the resort. After a long drive, the complimentary bottles of spring water were also very welcome. Check-in was a breeze with hotel associate Caroline, who went above and beyond throughout the stay. The entire staff at Mission Bay are so hospitable. It’s clear that they take pride as a team and truly want their guests to feel taken care of.

Our 16th-floor tower balcony suite overlooked the ocean, and just below us were the pools and water slides. Despite the chaos of a traveling family, the mornings still felt slow. The sunrise over the water with its multi-colors and pink hues managed to make time stop just slightly. And that’s an absolute win for a hotel when there’s two young and rowdy kids in tow.

With the shining sun as motivation, it’s easy to rise early and start the day. Take a brisk walk over Mission Bay Road to the iconic Belmont Park or grab a Cafe Moto coffee from the nearby Market (which is right by the hotel fitness center) and walk along the harbor. I enjoyed the latter and appreciated the blend of community I saw. Some were clearly tourists while others enjoyed a stay on their boat, and many were preparing to fish for the day.  

Make a Splash at the Pools

Getting back to those pools, three await you plus three water slides. Goldilocks would enjoy trying out each one to find the perfect fit. Two are under four feet deep, which makes it great for the kids, while the third and largest pool is ideal for the experienced swimmer as it goes deeper. All three are heated. The small kid’s-oriented pool has a very small slide and is suitable for all ages. The main attraction is certainly the center pool that offers two traditional loop-de-loop water slides that give the similar thrill found at a water park.

In addition to all of the water play, end the fun and relax in the jacuzzi. It’s easy to see why the Hyatt’s pool playground has been a past recipient of Fodor’s Choice Gold award for “Top 10 USA Hotel Pools.” In the evening, enjoy the open fire pits and make some S’mores as you breathe in the ocean air and admire the bay. Everything you need for S’mores is available from both restaurants, Red Marlin and Pelicans by the Bay. Speaking of dining….

A glimpse of the gorgeous pool playground. (c) Mary Farah
Met a bird on our marina walk. (c) Mary Farah
Hotel tower in the distance from the harbor. (c) Mary Farah

Dine with a Bay View

The resort’s sit-down restaurant, Red Marlin, offers a memorable dining experience surrounded by views of the bay. The atmosphere is well crafted to accommodate date night, family dinner, even straight from the pool in your swimsuit or from your bed in your pajamas. The staff truly welcomes you as you are. We enjoyed dining in for dinner shortly after our check-in and grabbing breakfast to-go the next morning.

Pelicans on the Bay is a casual lounge next to the pools. They serve up all-American plates, beer, and cocktails that pair perfectly after a long play on the slides.

Enjoying the Suite

The breathtaking hotel tower boasts 429 rooms over 16 floors. Our ocean-view balcony suite on the 15th floor screamed “vacation mode” as soon as we walked in. We could sit on the balcony (but look down carefully if heights aren’t for you) and see the bay, pools, yachts, even Belmont Park’s Giant Dipper rollercoaster in the far distance. As I mentioned, the sunset and sunrise views were pristine.

Our room had two comfy Queen beds, a TV with plenty of channels to pick from (important with the kids), a bathtub, a refrigerator, and getting a Pack and Play was no problem. I will say that I was surprised to have a fridge without a microwave.

Our Double Queen suite. (c) Mary Farah
Room with a view. (c) Mary Farah
Dine at Red Marlin. (c) Mary Farah

Check into the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Resort makes it difficult to want to leave the grounds. Luckily, they make it convenient to both relax and see the sights. A lobby shuttle offers drop-offs to Belmont Park, Sea World, and Old Town San Diego. Not to mention the whale watching excursions that take off right outside of the pools.

Although time didn’t allow for me to check it out, the Wellness Lounge Day Spa is on-site for any and all pampering services. I love that the spa is nestled behind the pools. It looks a bit like a hidden oasis among the tropic vibes.

The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina Resort is a fantastic choice in San Diego when you’re looking to “splurge” and get that entire “on holiday” experience. Learn more and plan a visit HERE.

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