
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Best for convention groups, downtown sightseeing, and travelers who want immediate access to the convention center and Gaslamp Quarter.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is a large downtown bayfront convention hotel with marina views and extensive meeting space — good for business travelers, conference groups, and families who want downtown access. Catamaran Resort and Spa is a Polynesian-themed Mission Bay beachfront resort with a full spa and on-site water sports — ideal for beach-focused leisure travelers and families who prefer Mission Bay over downtown.
Updated · about 7.2 km (4.5 mi) apart

Best for convention groups, downtown sightseeing, and travelers who want immediate access to the convention center and Gaslamp Quarter.

Best for beach and bay leisure stays, water-sport activities, and guests seeking a resort-style property with Polynesian theming.
When Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina wins: choose the Marriott Marquis for large meetings, convenient access to the San Diego Convention Center and downtown attractions, marina-view balcony rooms, and a bigger hotel with multiple dining outlets and pools.
When Catamaran Resort and Spa wins: pick the Catamaran for a beachfront Mission Bay location, on-site non-motorized and motorized water activities, a full-service Polynesian-themed spa, and a smaller, resort-style layout steps from Mission and Pacific Beaches.
Bottom line: If your trip centers on conventions, business, or downtown nightlife and you need extensive meeting space, go with Marriott Marquis; if you want a beach/bay resort experience with built-in water sports and a spa, go with Catamaran.
| Category | Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | Catamaran Resort and Spa |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large downtown convention hotel with marina setting and business-oriented amenities | Polynesian-themed beachfront resort focused on leisure and water activities |
| Location | On San Diego Bay adjacent to the Convention Center; walkable to Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village | On Mission Bay beachfront near Mission and Pacific Beaches; close to Belmont Park |
| Size / rooms | Approximately 1,366 rooms across two 25-floor towers | 300 guestrooms |
| Ages / audience | All-ages; suits business travelers, families, and convention groups | All-ages; family-friendly beachfront resort |
| Pools & water access | Two heated outdoor free-form pools, separate kids' pool, two whirlpools, poolside bar and cabanas (surcharge) | One outdoor pool, hot tub, and direct beach access on Mission Bay with many on-site water-sport options |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple on-site venues including Marvela at the Marquis, Telltale bar, Agave poolside grill, Starbucks and M Club Lounge | Oceana Coastal Kitchen (beachfront) plus 2 bars/lounges and poolside bar |
| Spa & wellness | Boutique on-site spa (The Hideaway) with several treatment rooms and a yoga room; 24-hour fitness center | Full-service spa with massages and facials plus on-site health club and yoga classes |
| Known for | Convention space, marina views, downtown access | Mission Bay beachfront setting, Polynesian theme, water-sport program |
| Parking & fees | On-site self-parking and valet; mandatory destination/daily fee applies (destination-fee benefits listed) | Self and valet parking available (surcharge); mandatory resort fee applies (resort fee and inclusions published) |
| Typical use case | Business travel, conferences, families wanting downtown convenience | Beach vacations, active water-sport days, family resort stays outside downtown |
Marriott Marquis sits on San Diego Bay beside the Convention Center within easy walking distance of the Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village.
Choose Marriott Marquis for downtown access, convention proximity and easy links to downtown attractions.
Catamaran Resort and Spa sits on Mission Bay with direct beach access and is closer to Mission and Pacific Beaches.
Choose Catamaran for a beach-focused stay and quick access to Mission Bay and Pacific Beach.
Marriott Marquis has about 1,366 rooms across two towers, including multiple suite and balcony room types with bay or city views.
Marriott offers variety and capacity—handy for larger groups and travelers wanting bay or downtown views.
Catamaran has 300 guestrooms with standard resort amenities and private-bathroom configurations.
Catamaran’s rooms support a relaxed beach-resort stay with essential amenities and direct access to outdoor activities.
Marriott Marquis offers several on-site dining outlets covering breakfast, casual poolside fare and a bayfront restaurant and lounges.
Marriott gives more on-site dining variety and options that suit business and family guests.
Catamaran centers dining around a beachfront restaurant and multiple bars, with poolside and room-service options.
Catamaran focuses dining on the beachfront restaurant and casual pool/beach bars for a relaxed resort meal experience.
Marriott Marquis features a large downtown pool deck with multiple pools, family-focused water features and poolside dining.
Marriott’s pool setup is geared toward families and large-property resort days in a downtown setting.
Catamaran offers one outdoor pool and direct access to Mission Bay’s beach with many on-site water-activity options.
Catamaran is the better pick for access to open-water activities and a classic beach-day rhythm.
Marriott Marquis provides a boutique spa, a 24-hour fitness center with classes and nightlife-friendly bars.
Marriott mixes a small spa experience with a full fitness center and easy access to downtown evening entertainment.
Catamaran offers a full-service spa and on-property recreational programming including yoga and organized activities.
Catamaran focuses on spa and beachside relaxation with programming aimed at leisure stays rather than downtown nightlife.

Marriott Marquis — extensive meeting and ballroom capacity adjacent to the Convention Center.

Catamaran Resort and Spa — Mission Bay beachfront location with many on-site water-activity options.

Marriott Marquis — walkable to the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village and downtown transit links.

Catamaran Resort and Spa — Polynesian theme, full-service spa and a quieter resort layout near beaches.
Marriott Marquis is adjacent to the Convention Center and within easy walking distance of the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village and downtown transit.
Catamaran Resort and Spa sits on Mission Bay with direct beach access and beach loungers; Marriott Marquis is bayfront on the harbor rather than on the ocean beach.
Yes — both properties welcome families. Marriott Marquis has family-oriented pools and large rooms; Catamaran offers family-friendly beachfront activities and a resort pool.
Both recommend reservations. Catamaran requires reservations for spa services; Marriott’s Hideaway lists published hours and treatment options—book ahead when possible.
Explore how Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·