I’ve stayed near the USS Midway Museum more than once—solo, with my husband, and with our two kids. We like planes and ships, so it’s kind of our thing. I also like a short walk. My knees say thank you.
While you’re mapping out your waterfront wanderings, consider visiting the USS San Diego Memorial a few minutes south of the Midway for another hit of maritime history.
Here’s what I learned, hotel by hotel, with real stays and little things that stuck. If you're curious about an even deeper dive into what it’s like to be literally steps from the carrier, you can read my full breakdown here.
Embassy Suites San Diego Bay Downtown — the family favorite
I booked this when we took the kids for a long weekend in June. We got a corner suite that looked right toward Seaport Village. If I leaned near the window, I could see the Midway’s tail. Not perfect, but close enough to make my son gasp.
- Walk to the Midway: about 10–12 minutes. We cut through Seaport Village, which kept the kids busy thanks to snacks and a carousel.
- Breakfast: free and hot—eggs, waffles, fruit. The line felt long at 8:30 a.m., but it moved. The chef joked with my daughter as he flipped her pancake. Small thing. Big mood lift.
- Room setup: bedroom + living room with a sofa bed. Fridge and microwave made life easy. We stored yogurt and leftover tacos. No shame.
- Downsides: valet parking stung my wallet, and the elevators were slow around 9 a.m. I also heard a bit of street noise from the bay side. Not crazy, just busy city sounds.
Would I stay again? Yep. Kids swam, I got coffee, everyone won. Need a second opinion? Browse real traveler experiences in the latest Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown reviews.
Manchester Grand Hyatt — views for days, energy for nights
This one felt big and bright. We stayed on a high floor facing the bay. When the light hit the water at sunset, I just stood still. I felt like I should clap.
- Walk to the Midway: about 15 minutes along the water. Easy and flat.
- Pool: huge deck, great vibe. Towels were always stocked. We went in late afternoon, and the breeze felt cool. Bring a light hoodie.
- Food: lots onsite. The lobby coffee line got long; I set my alarm and went early. Rookie move saved me time.
- Downsides: check-in took a while—a big convention crowd. There’s also a “destination fee” that covers basic perks. I used the credits, but still, it made the bill feel chunky. Parking is steep, too.
Perfect for a couple’s trip or a treat-yourself weekend. I slept like a rock. And if you’re curious how others felt about their stay, scroll through the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego guest reviews for more perspectives.
SpringHill Suites & Residence Inn Bayfront — clean, modern, so walkable
These two sit by the County building, close to Waterfront Park. I’ve stayed at both for quick work trips.
- Walk to the Midway: 10 minutes along the path. You’ll pass joggers, dogs, and kids in fountains. It’s lively, but calm.
- Rooms: clean lines, good storage, and big windows. My SpringHill room had a long desk, which was nice for a laptop and snack spread. The Residence Inn studio had a tiny kitchen. I heated soup at 11 p.m., which felt oddly fancy.
- Breakfast: included and easy. Not great coffee, but fine. I added a shot of espresso for a kick.
- Downsides: planes. You’ll hear some, since the airport is close. It didn’t wake me, but I heard them when I first lay down.
If you want simple plus a short walk, these hit the mark.
Wyndham San Diego Bayside — older bones, good price, better views than you think
We picked this for a budget night before a cruise. I asked for a high-floor bay view and got a balcony facing the water. Surprise win.
- Walk to the Midway: 12 minutes on a straight line, past the cruise terminal.
- Vibe: the room felt older, but clean. The balcony was the star. I sat out there and watched planes and sailboats. It smelled like salt and jet fuel, which sounds odd, but it felt real.
- Downsides: thin walls. I heard hallway chatter. Also, the lobby gets busy when shuttles show up.
Good if you want to save cash and still see the water.
Best Western Plus Bayside Inn — simple, quiet-ish, easy on the budget
I stayed here solo when I needed a calm night and a free breakfast.
- Walk to the Midway: roughly 15 minutes. A few blocks inland, then down to the bay.
- Room: nothing fancy, but the bed was comfy. I slept well. The AC was steady and not too loud. I’m picky about that hum.
- Breakfast: small buffet. Scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit. Quick and done.
- Downsides: view is mostly buildings. But that’s why it costs less.
If you want a clean place near Little Italy and the museum, this works.
InterContinental San Diego — polished, pricey, and pretty
We splurged here on a birthday trip. The bay view room made me want to stay in and just stare out the window. We still went to the Midway, of course. We’re not monsters.
- Walk to the Midway: about 12 minutes along the water.
- Room: big glass, crisp sheets, quiet hallways. The shower water pressure was strong—important detail.
- Food: the lobby bar made a solid Old Fashioned. We split fries and watched the sun melt into the bay.
- Downsides: it’s not cheap. Fees and parking add up fast.
Great for a special weekend. I wore real shoes and everything.
So, which one would I pick?
- With kids: Embassy Suites. Breakfast and space save the day.
- For romance or a view: Manchester Grand Hyatt or InterContinental.
- For walkers on a budget: Wyndham or Best Western Plus.
- For a clean, modern, close-to-everything feel: SpringHill Suites or Residence Inn Bayfront.
You know what? You can’t really go wrong if you stay by the water and face the bay. Ask for a higher floor if you can.
Little tips that helped me
- Bring a light jacket. The breeze off the bay can nip at night, even in July.
- Book a time slot for the USS Midway if you can. We went right at opening. Less crowd, more room to explore the flight deck. If you’re wondering whether the entry fee is worth it, I tallied every dollar in this price breakdown.
- Wear comfy shoes. Those carrier stairs are steep. My quads said hello the next day.
- Parking near the bay costs real money. If you won’t drive much, consider skipping a car and using rideshare or the trolley.
- Food near Seaport Village is easy but touristy. We grabbed tacos in Little Italy and took gelato for the walk back.
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Quick hits I wish someone told me
- Midway at sunset is magic. The deck lights up. Stay a few extra minutes.
- Planes fly low. It’s part of the charm—and the noise.
- Balconies feel fun, but wind can whip. Hold onto your hat.
- Early breakfast beats long lines. Coffee first, then ship.
- Confused about ticket options? I shared exactly what I bought (and why) in this no-fluff guide.
Would I stay near the USS Midway again? In a heartbeat. It’s one of those places where you wake up, step outside, and feel like the day is ready. The ship sits there, steady and proud, and you can’t help but smile. I did, every time.