MISSION PACIFIC BEACH RESORT, part of JdV by Hyatt

The location is hard to beat, and having access to both resorts was great. All the staff were professional, helpful, and very kind. Check-in was smooth and informative, and the welcome drink was a nice touch included with the resort fee. Read what's included in that fee so you can make use of the offerings. As a guest, you can also use the restaurants, pool, and spa at the Seabird resort next door. I spent most of my time at the pool. There's plenty of seating, though it can get crowded quickly. Towels are provided, and you can order food and drinks from the rooftop restaurant, which has Happy Hour deals during the week. The umbrellas have heaters, handy on chilly roof mornings and evenings. There's also a lounge room for getting out of the sun, and several outlets around the pool for charging devices. The room was gorgeous and really comfortable, with Nespresso coffee and reusable water bottles provided. All around, a fantastic stay.

Jada made our five-night stay at Mission Pacific feel special from the moment we arrived. She checked us in, told us about Thursday’s sunset market, and helped us figure out the Coaster schedule for getting down to San Diego. We had my birthday, our anniversary, and a wedding nearby to celebrate, and she made sure we felt looked after. The other staff we met were wonderful too. We’d love to come back.

Being able to check in early was a lovely surprise, and the room’s oceanfront view was a treat every time we looked out. We could hear the waves in the morning and watch the sunset right from the room. The location also made it easy to walk to restaurants, cafés, and the boardwalk. Breakfast had plenty of fresh choices at the buffet, and the made-to-order dishes were delicious. Ibraham and Odalis at the front desk were welcoming and helpful, and the waiters were warm and attentive throughout our stay. A memorable, relaxing place to stay by the ocean.

The rooms are a dream, and the rooftop pool has hard-to-beat ocean and coast views. The place feels geared more toward adults, so families with kids under 12 might be happier at the Seabird next door. We had a fabulous stay, but breakfast was the weak spot: we waited 30 minutes in line, service seemed understaffed, and the food was lukewarm. Make a reservation if you go.