Catamaran Resort Hotel

NileGuide Expert tip:

Avoid New Year's Eve at the Catamaran - overpriced and filled with young college kids, it seems to only devalues the venue during the holiday season

Description:

• Right on Mission Bay, the Catamaran has its own beach, complete with watersports facilities. Built in the 1950s, the hotel has been fully renovated to modern standards without losing its trademark Polynesian theme. The atrium lobby holds a 15-foot waterfall and full-size dugout canoe; koi-filled lagoons meander through the property; and torches blaze after dark. Guest rooms -- in a 13-story building or one of the six two-story buildings -- have subdued South Pacific decor, and each has a balcony or patio. High floors of tower rooms have commanding views, and studios and suites have kitchenettes. A 9,300-square-foot spa was added in 2005, featuring a menu of South Pacific and Asian-inspired treatments. The Catamaran is within a few blocks of Pacific Beach's restaurant-and-nightlife scene; the resort's Moray's Lounge features live music nightly, as well. During the summer, kids can check out the daily Mad Science Kid's Camp, a hands-on, educational day camp.

  Facilities: Restaurant; 2 bars; outdoor pool; fitness room; full-service spa; Jacuzzi; watersports equipment rental; bike rental; children's programs; concierge; game room; business center; limited room service (5am-11pm); in-room massage; laundry service; dry cleaning

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Ciao Bambino Family-Friendly Hotel

•  Reviewed 2009

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2009
•  Highly Recommended 2010

Other features:

Bike along the bay, pool, boating and hot tub.