
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Best for conferences, large groups and guests who want direct access to the marina and downtown attractions.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is a large, contemporary bayfront hotel and convention property best for business travelers, families and groups who want marina and downtown access. La Valencia Hotel is a historic luxury hotel in La Jolla Village that suits travelers looking for classic coastal character and close access to La Jolla Cove.
Updated

Best for conferences, large groups and guests who want direct access to the marina and downtown attractions.

Best for a classic La Jolla stay with coastal character and easy walking access to La Jolla Cove and village shops.
When Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina wins: choose the Marriott Marquis if you need large meeting or event space, want on-site marina activities and larger pool facilities, or prefer a downtown base with easy access to the Convention Center, Gaslamp Quarter and harbor activities.
When La Valencia Hotel wins: pick La Valencia when you want a smaller, historic hotel experience in La Jolla Village, walking distance to La Jolla Cove, ocean-view rooms and a quieter coastal neighborhood feel.
Bottom line: both are upscale choices, but they serve different kinds of stays — Marriott Marquis for scale, meetings and bayfront marina access; La Valencia for classic La Jolla charm and immediate ocean proximity.
| Category | Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | La Valencia Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Large, contemporary bayfront convention hotel with marina focus | Historic, village-style coastal hotel with classic character |
| Location | On San Diego Bay beside the Convention Center; walkable to Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village | In La Jolla Village, about a short walk to La Jolla Cove and village dining |
| Size / rooms | About 1,366 guest rooms across two 25-floor towers | 112 guestrooms |
| Age / style | Built 1984; renovated 2023 — modern high-rise towers | Historic hotel (classic architecture and village setting) |
| Pools / outdoor | Two heated outdoor pools, separate kids' pool, two whirlpools, large downtown pool deck; cabanas available for a fee | One outdoor pool and one hot tub listed |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple outlets including Marvela at the Marquis, Telltale, Agave Bar and Grill, Starbucks and M Club Lounge | Two restaurants (THE MED plus a coffee shop/cafe) and two bars/lounges |
| Spa & fitness | The Hideaway spa (boutique spa with 4 treatment rooms) and 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes | Fitness facilities available; spa details not published |
| Known for | Convention and event space (dozens of ballrooms and outdoor event sites) and its 446-slip marina | Proximity to La Jolla Cove and historic hotel character |
| Family / adults policy | All-ages property; family-friendly with kids' pool and cribs available | Not adults-only; welcomes families |
| Parking & fees | On-site parking with published self and valet rates; daily destination fee with included activities and credits | Valet parking (surcharge) and a nightly resort fee (listed on supplier site) |
Marriott Marquis sits on San Diego Bay next to the Convention Center and within easy walking distance of the Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village.
Choose the Marriott for downtown access, harbor activities and proximity to convention and nightlife districts.
La Valencia is in La Jolla Village, a short walk from La Jolla Cove and village shops and restaurants.
Pick La Valencia for a stay centered on La Jolla’s coastal attractions and a village-style setting.
Marriott Marquis has multiple room types across two towers, including bay-view balcony rooms and family-friendly layouts.
Go Marriott for a wide choice of room sizes, bay views and family-friendly configurations.
La Valencia’s 112 guestrooms include vintage- and ocean-focused room types and several villa options.
Choose La Valencia for characterful room types and a strong selection of ocean-view accommodations.
The Marriott Marquis offers several on-site restaurants and bars covering Mediterranean, Mexican and coffee-house options.
Marriott is the pick if you want variety and bayfront dining tied to conference and poolside service.
La Valencia lists two restaurants (including THE MED) and a coffee shop/cafe, emphasizing sit-down meals and room service.
La Valencia suits travelers looking for a smaller, focused dining selection with village-style meal options.
Marriott Marquis has the largest pool deck in downtown San Diego with multiple water features and kid-friendly areas.
If a big pool deck and family-friendly pool hours matter, Marriott’s facilities are significantly larger.
La Valencia offers a single outdoor pool and a hot tub and is primarily valued for its proximity to beaches rather than large pool decks.
La Valencia is better when you want easy access to beaches and a quieter pool environment rather than a large resort deck.
Marriott Marquis provides a boutique spa, extensive fitness options and on-site entertainment options.
Marriott offers a fuller on-site wellness and after-hours activity program for active and social travelers.
La Valencia provides fitness facilities and a quieter nightlife scene focused on village restaurants and nearby bars.
La Valencia fits travelers who prefer neighborhood evenings and local wellness options rather than a large spa and in-hotel entertainment.

Marriott Marquis — vast event and ballroom capacity, adjacent to the Convention Center and many meeting rooms.

La Valencia — classic hotel in La Jolla Village a short walk from La Jolla Cove and village amenities.

Marriott Marquis — multiple pools, a separate kids’ pool and family-friendly pool features.

La Valencia — smaller size and historic styling give a more intimate, characterful experience.
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina — it sits beside the San Diego Convention Center and offers large ballroom and meeting capacities.
La Valencia — it’s in La Jolla Village and a short walk to La Jolla Cove; Marriott Marquis is bayfront on the harbor rather than oceanfront.
No. Both properties welcome guests of all ages; Marriott Marquis is family-friendly and La Valencia is not adults-only.
Marriott Marquis has more on-site outlets, including multiple restaurants, bars, Starbucks and an M Club Lounge; La Valencia has two restaurants and a cafe.
Explore how Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·