Staying at cheap hotels in San Diego does not mean you’ll have to sacrifice. This is America’s Finest City, after all, and there are a ton of ways to save money in SD.
Of all the beautiful cities in California, San Diego is one of the easiest to find great hotel deals in, from downtown to the beachfront!
Here are the best cheap hotels in San Diego:
The Sofia Hotel
Gaslamp Quarter
Steps from the Gaslamp Quarter is an adorable boutique hotel opened in 1926, the very first sleep spot in San Diego to have attached bathrooms: The Sofia Hotel.
Although it certainly doesn’t look budget-friendly, with modern rooms, a spa, and perks like free yoga classes in the fitness center and bike rentals for all guests. The bikes are especially useful because The Sofia is close to the best of the Gaslamp Quarter.
Nearby Attractions
- USS Midway Museum 0.5 miles
- Balboa Park 1.5 mile
- San Diego International Airport 2.2 miles
- Coronado Beach 2.5 miles
- Silver Strand Beach 2.9 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 3.3 miles
- Coronado Beach 4.8 miles
- La Jolla Cove 11.2 miles
Porto Vista Hotel & Suites
Little Italy
Located within walking distance of everything in Little Italy, The Porto Vista is a family-owned hotel with all the amenities of a 5-star property.
Rooftop yoga, a modern fitness center, rooms with harbor views, two-level lofts for group stays, and The Glass Door, a top-rated Mexican restaurant with beautiful views of the city (pro-tip: sunsets at The Glass Door are phenomenal!) are reasons to stay at Porto Vista.
Bonus: Porto Vista has a complimentary airport shuttle for even more savings!
Nearby Attractions
- Balboa Park 1.3 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 2.7 miles
- Coronado Beach 5.4 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 5.7 miles
- La Jolla Cove 10.6 miles
Best Western Plus Island Hotel & Marina
Shelter Island
Tropical is the name of the game at the Best Western Plus Island Hotel and Marina. And when I say it’s right on the marina, I mean it’s right on the marina; nearly every inch of the hotel has a world-class view.
Amenities at the Best Western Plus Island Hotel include an outdoor fireplace overlooking the marina, an outdoor heated pool, a spa, private balconies, and the option for extended stays.
The hotel also has a casual dining restaurant, Blue Wave Bar & Grill, which serves up California cuisine designed by Executive Chef Andrew Mroz. Before or after, you stuff your face at Blue Wave, soak in the incredible views of the marina restaurant, and snap some travel pics with your phone.
Nearby Attractions
- Sunset Cliffs Beach 1.9 miles
- San Diego Amtrak Station 3.4 miles
- Balboa Park 4.8 miles
- Coronado Beach 6.4 miles
- La Jolla Cove 10 miles
The Pearl
Point Loma
The Pearl is another affordable stay in San Diego that you’d never think would make the list of cheapest hotels at all!
A (free) poolside theatre, themed pool parties, craft cocktails, and mid-century decor drive guests to The Pearl. The recently renovated rooms are clean and comfy with bright whites and clean, neutral colors, making you feel like you’re staying at an insanely upscale hotel, not one of San Diego’s most affordable hotels!
Palm Springs pool parties mixed with classic Southern California hotel vibes- that’s The Pearl.
Nearby Attractions
- Sunset Cliffs Beach 1.6 miles
- San Diego International Airport 1.9 miles
- Ocean Beach 2.1 miles
- Mission Beach 2.7 miles
- USS Midway Museum 3.3 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 3.8 miles
- Balboa Park 4.8 miles
- Coronado Beach 7.1 miles
- La Jolla Cove 9 miles
Beach & Neighboring Areas Budget Hotels
San Diego even has cheap hotels by the beach! These properties will have higher rates because they’re mostly waterfront but are still a great value.
Town & Country Resort
Mission District
Just miles from Balboa Park, the Town and Country Resort is yet another hotel that doesn’t look like it belongs on a list with the word ‘cheapest,’ especially after its recent updates.
Hotel amenities include 3 outdoor pools, a workout center, and a luxurious Mediterranean-themed spa. Rooms have patios with views of the bay, new beds, sheets, Keurig’s, and locally made art.
Town & Country’s Dining Options
Arlo. This award-winning restaurant and oversized outdoor patio are the perfect places to enjoy the Southern California weather.
Monkey Bar. The bar has small sharable plates, craft cocktails, local beer on tap, and fire pits to socialize at. Happy Hours and live music keep the Monkey Bar affordable and lively.
MRKT. This cafe has gourmet on-the-go, including wood-fired pizza, salads, sandwiches, and desserts, basically anything you’d want to take on a coastal picnic.
Nearby Attractions
- Balboa Park 2.5 miles
- San Diego Amtrak Station 3.2 miles
- USS Midway Museum 3.4 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 7.7 miles
- Coronado Beach 8 miles
- La Jolla Cove 8.6 miles
King’s Inn
Mission District
San Diego’s King’s Inn has nearly 3,000 positive reviews online, so you wouldn’t expect it to make a list of ‘cheap hotels in San Diego,’ yet here we are! The rooms are clean and spacious, with adorable 1950s mini-fridges and incredible rates.
King’s Inn has two highly-rated San Diego restaurants:
The Waffle Spot. This is a happy little retro dinner with purple chairs and whimsical murals. A giant waffle mascot reinforces that The Waffle Spot is famous for (you guessed it) waffles!
The Amigo Spot. An authentic Baja Mexican-style food joint with colorful walls and an impressive selection of tequilas.
Nearby Attractions
- American Presidents Museum 1.2 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 1.3 mile
- Divisionary Theatre 1.7 miles
- Balboa Park 2.5 miles
- Maritime Museum of San Diego 2.6 miles
- San Diego Amtrak Station 2.9 miles
- USS Midway Museum 3.1 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 7.2 miles
- Coronado Beach 7.8 miles
- La Jolla Cove 8.5 miles
Old Town Inn
Old Town
A 10-minute walk from all the popular sights in San Diego’s Old Town is a jewel of a budget hotel, the Old Town Inn.
Old Town Inn is family-owned and operated, which shows in the small touches included on the property: Free continental breakfast to start your morning, free parking, a massive swimming pool complemented by an outdoor barbecue pit, and an arcade room.
You can also book an extended stay and/or a jacuzzi suite, a blessing in a city with relatively cold beaches.
Nearby Attractions
- Maritime Museum of San Diego 2.7 miles
- USS Midway Museum 3 miles
- Balboa Park 3.4 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 6.1 miles
- Coronado Beach 7.8 miles
- La Jolla Cove 8 miles
The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & BungalowsNorth Park
North Park
Located in North Park, The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club, and Bungalows are absolutely as Old Hollywood as they sound.
Since 1946, The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows has been a secret celebrity destination in San Diego, especially beloved for the Weissmuller Pool, designed by Olympic gold medal winner Johnny Weissmuller.
The rooms have been designed to channel Old Hollywood: quirky décor, edgy textiles, unique touches like chalkboards, and spacious poolside bungalows that accommodate several people.
Hope 46 is the hotel’s trendy New American food joint serving craft drinks and gourmet eats.
Fun Fact: Top Gun’s “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” bar scene was shot at The Lafayette.
Nearby Attractions
- Divisionary Theatre 0.5 miles
- Balboa Park 1.6 miles
- Natural History Museum 1 .7 miles
- Old Globe Theatre 1.7 miles
- Maritime Museum of San Diego 3 miles
- San Diego Amtrak Station 3.1 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 3.3 miles
- USS Midway Museum 3.4 miles
- Coronado Beach 7.4 miles
Villa Capri by the Sea
Coronado Beach
Vintage neon signs and a palm tree-studded pool greet you at Villa Capri by the Sea.
Take the 9-minute walk to Coronado Beach and return to your comfy air-conditioned room. Actually, you can walk to pretty much all of the best food, bars, nightlife, and shops in Coronado Beach.
Bright white rooms with oversized beds, an adorable outdoor courtyard, and a shared kitchen with everything you need for cooking make your dollar go further.
Nearby Attractions
- Coronado Beach 950 feet
- Silver Strand Beach 3,100 feet
- Maritime Museum of San Diego 2.7 miles
- Balboa Park 3.9 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 3.9 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 5.2 miles
Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap hotels near San Diego Airport?
My top picks for budget-friendly hotels near San Diego Airport include the Harborview Inn & Suites and Pacific Inn Hotel & Suites. These hotels have good rates and essentials just a short drive from the airport.
What are the best cheap hotels in San Diego Downtown?
For an affordable stay in the heart of the city, I recommend the Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center or the Ramada by Wyndham Gaslamp Convention Center. These hotels are an excellent value and easy access to downtown SD. Check out my full list of the best San Diego hotels in Downtown.
What cheap hotels in San Diego have free parking?
There are plenty of nice yet affordable hotels for cheap in San Diego, but free parking is rare. My top pick for a budget hotel with free parking is the San Diego Downtown Lodge. You can also scroll through this full list of hotels with free parking in SD
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