San Diego’s Catamaran Resort is calling all travelers

One of the iconic destinations dotting Mission Beach, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa attracts visitors from near and far for its location, beauty and abundant recreational offerings. Anyone who frequently visits San Diego has either stayed at — or is familiar with — the Catamaran, including my dad who recently shared his memories of lodging there in the 1960s, hitching a boat ride on the 74-foot, 3-story, Bahia Belle (still in operation today). 

The Catamaran’s musts:

• Order the Smoked Salmon Citrus Roll with crab at Oceana Coastal Kitchen
• Book a water adventure with Action Sport Rentals (two locations on property)
• Check out Catamaran’s entertaining parrot residents

The Catamaran has certainly evolved since its 1958 inception, but throughout its rennovations, has managed to maintain the intimate beachfront charm it was born with. Families, couples, outdoor sports enthusiasts and beach buffs have everything they need for an enjoyable stay. Many of Catamaran’s cozy accommodations offer shoreline access to — or a stunning view of — the bay. But even those suites that aren’t steps from Mission Bay, provide an island-paradise retreat with lush green and blooming pathways and ponds. 

And, tucked within Catamaran’s picturesque plumage, visitors are entreated to an outdoor aviary, the feathered occupants of which reside from 10ish to 3ish each day. These tropical birds all share big personalities, which their handlers happily showcase. Delivered a specific command and Catamaran’s macaws and cockatoos will talk, perform tricks and even show off their entire wingspan.

Catamaran’s Oceana Costal Kitchen

On property, guests can dine at the Oceana Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Oceana’s ceviche and fresh-made tortilla corn chips and Smoked Salmon Citrus Roll with crab, tobiko, serrano chile, cucumber and lemon are a must. During my stay, I was smitten with the breakfast brulee grapefruit Steel Cut Oatmeal with brown sugar and grilled banana!

For smaller meals, bites and cocktails, Moray’s welcomes diners seeking patio seating. Options for more grab-and-go meals and specialty coffees can be found in the lobby’s Lava Java kiosk.

Sports and recreation

In addition to plenty of places to eat, relax and take in the view, Catamaran also has an onsite spa. But for outdoor adventures, there’s Action Sport Rentals. With two onsite locations, sporting-activity curators — like the aptly named Ryan Gilligan — will arrange paddle board, kayak, bike, powerboat and sailboat experiences (Gilligan can also hook you up with a beach bonfire). I am happy to report that I successfully remained standing on a paddle board without falling — for an entire hour — on my first go.

While Catamaran has everything either on — or near — the resort, SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND California are all nearby destinations. 

Bonus highlight

The Catamaran and The Lodge at Torrey Pines (read our review here), are both owned by Evan’s Hotels, and it’s clear that Evan’s prioritizes its customer service training and knows how to hire the best in the business. Catamaran’s front-desk crew, like Layne and Morgan in Oceana went above and beyond to make sure my stay was a pleasant one, and everyone I encountered at both properties was eager to help, professional and personable. 

Check out this deal:

For a limited time, the more you stay at the Catamaran, the more you save. Stay three nights at the resort and receive 10% off. Stay five nights, and receive 20% off. Or, stay seven nights and receive 35% off. Readers can book online on the Catamaran website and use special Promo Code: STAYMORE.