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The best cheap hotels in San Diego

Check out our pick of great cheap hotels in San Diego

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Facing the beachfront, Samesun Ocean Beach Hotel & Hostel offers 2-star accommodation in San Diego and features a shared lounge and terrace. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides an ATM, and luggage storage for guests.

It is close to the ocean, in a fabulous street. Hostel was nice inside

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9
Superb
1,685 reviews
Price from
R$ 199
per night

Stay Classy is well located in the centre of San Diego, and provides a shared lounge and free WiFi. The property is located 1.4 km from San Diego Convention Center, 2.8 km from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot Amtrak Station and 3.1 km from USS Midway Museum. The accommodation features a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests.

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the hostel. Without a doubt, it is not just one of the best, but unequivocally the best hostel I've encountered in my 20 years of travel experiences. The gentleman at the reception was exceptionally professional and friendly. Regrettably, I forgot to inquire about his name, but I do recall he hails from Argentina. The bed curtains and lockers ensured a 100% sense of privacy. Fortunately, my roommates were incredibly quiet during my two-night stay—no snoring or disturbances. I managed to sleep a solid 16 hours on my first night after a grueling 15-hour flight. Thanks to the hostel for providing such a conducive environment for a restful stay. One of the remarkable features was the balance between socializing and privacy. You could easily connect with someone if you felt like it, yet maintain your solitude when not in the mood for socializing. For those seeking interaction, the common area was perfect, and for those feeling weary, the pods offered a cozy retreat. A grocery store conveniently located just around the corner proved to be a blessing. This meant that even if you needed to purchase something after dark, there was no need to venture into the downtown area, ensuring your safety. The well-equipped kitchen catered to all the needs of a traveler. Overall, I have a deep appreciation for this hostel. I would undoubtedly return if I find myself in San Diego again.

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9
Superb
1,061 reviews
Price from
R$ 295
per night

Facing the Pacific Ocean in Del Mar California, this beachfront motel offers guest parking, a picnic area and use of beach amenities. Each guest room includes a 60-inch cable TV. The Del Mar Fairgrounds are 7 minutes’ drive away.

Situated right on the beachfront, the location can’t be beat. The staff were very helpful and allowed us to store our luggage as we arrived early via Uber. Comfy bed and the room was quiet. Great features such as filtered water and espresso machines and an honesty bar too. The outdoor lounge area with music is such a nice touch. The nearby grassy knoll park to the south is gorgeous too.

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9.2
Superb
464 reviews
Price from
R$ 1,609
per night

Boasting pool views, La Playa Place Getaway features accommodation with water sports facilities, an infinity pool and a casino, around 4 km from Sunset Cliffs. The air-conditioned accommodation is 5.8 km from Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, the non-smoking apartment has a hot tub.

Best vacation home! Nice decorating, very clean and new, a lot of bed room for group. Has everything in kitchen from plate, pot utensil, very nice pool Host is very kind

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10
Exceptional
6 reviews
Price from
R$ 3,899
per night

3.9 km from San Diego Zoo, The Heron On Ivy is a recently renovated property set in San Diego and offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and parking on-site. There is a private entrance at the apartment for the convenience of those who stay. Guests can book themselves in for fitness classes or yoga classes.

The cozy quietness, the amenities, tv, bathroom, kitchen, refrigerator, microwave to name a few. Toiletries were also considered. Neighborhood is quiet and private.

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9.9
Exceptional
14 reviews
Price from
R$ 846
per night

Featuring a spa bath, Amazing big studio near Balboa Park Jacuzzi rooftop free parking! is located in San Diego. The air-conditioned accommodation is 2.5 km from San Diego Zoo, and guests can benefit from on-site private parking and complimentary WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 3 km from Balboa Park.

Size and location of the property was perfect! The property was very clean. It was also well stocked. There was coffee and eggs in the fridge which made breakfast easy on the 1st day.

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9.6
Exceptional
8 reviews
Price from
R$ 971
per night

Boasting accommodation with a patio, Pineapple Haven is situated in San Diego. Guests can benefit from a balcony and a terrace. Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, the non-smoking apartment features a fitness room.

Such a spacious apartment and great set up

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9.6
Exceptional
12 reviews
Price from
R$ 2,229
per night

Boasting sea views, Ocean view, two-level condo with stunning view, decks, fast WiFi & fireplace provides accommodation with a balcony, around 70 metres from Mission Beach. This holiday home offers accommodation with a patio. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Perfect location, property is perfectly set up!

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9.8
Exceptional
6 reviews
Price from
R$ 3,068
per night

Emerald Guest House is situated in San Diego, 7.4 km from San Diego - Santa Fe Depot Amtrak Station, 7.4 km from San Diego Convention Center, as well as 8.1 km from Balboa Park. This property offers access to a patio, free private parking and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 7.4 km from San Diego Zoo.

Loved property very clean and welcoming

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9.5
Exceptional
8 reviews
Price from
R$ 1,106
per night

Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Riviera Bay View Dream - Private patio with bay view and parking is set in San Diego. The property is situated 3.9 km from SeaWorld San Diego, 7.7 km from Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and 7.8 km from Sunset Cliffs. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Location! So cute inside everything was accessible!

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9.4
Superb
5 reviews
Price from
R$ 2,153
per night

Looking for a cheap hotel?

For those on a budget, these cheap and cheerful hotels still have a lot to offer, with most offering WiFi and convenient locations. Popular with backpackers, many properties can be found in central locations and include comfortable rooms with private or shared bathrooms. You’ll also find a number of options which feature a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.
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Most booked cheap hotels in San Diego this month

Enjoy breakfast in San Diego!

  • Samesun Ocean Beach Hotel & Hostel
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,684 reviews

    Facing the beachfront, Samesun Ocean Beach Hotel & Hostel offers 2-star accommodation in San Diego and features a shared lounge and terrace.

    One of the coolest places I've ever stayed in :)

  • ITH San Diego Adventure Hostel
    8.2
    Scored 8.2
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,051 reviews

    Set in a Victorian house in the heart of Central San Diego's Little Italy Neighbourhood of Downtown, this hostel offers dormitory rooms and private rooms with free Wi-Fi, breakfast and hosted social...

    Friendly staff, great location, safe neighborhood.

  • HI San Diego Downtown Hostel
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,371 reviews

    Situated in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, this non-profit hostel, has a fully-equipped kitchen and offers free coffee, tea, hot chocolate and filtered water 24-hours a day. Balboa Park is 4.8 km away.

    the location and that it's clean and organized

  • Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,274 reviews

    San Diego State University is just 4 minutes’ drive from this hotel, which features an outdoor pool and a game room. Every room offers a DVD player and cable TV with HBO film channels.

    lovely property every staff member more than helpful

  • Old Town Inn
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 4,062 reviews

    Located in the light industrial Midway area, this hotel is 8 minutes’ walk from Old Town. It offers an outdoor pool and serves a daily grab-and-go breakfast. Each spacious room has free WiFi.

    What went well? Everything, it's faultless, a wonderful treasure.

  • Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 4,607 reviews

    Located only minutes from San Diego International Airport, world-class sailing and whale watching, this hotel offers comfort and modern amenities.

    The only thing I can say everything was a great 😊 👍

  • Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport-Old Town, an IHG Hotel
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,038 reviews

    Located 4.8 km from San Diego International Airport, this hotel offers free shuttles to the airport, San Diego Amtrak Station and more. Free WiFi is available to guests.

    Gratitude to Art checked us in for his warm reception.

  • California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 696 reviews

    Situated in San Diego, 2.7 km from Ocean Beach, California Dreams Hostel - Ocean Beach features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

    The setup was great and everybody was friendly and helpful

Great access to the city centre! Check these cheap hotels in San Diego

Stay connected in San Diego! Cheap hotels with free WiFi

  • Sands Of La Jolla
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 2,469 reviews

    Situated in San Diego, 500 metres from Calumet Park Beach, Sands Of La Jolla features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. This 3-star hotel offers a concierge service.

    The person at the desk that was bald and had tattoos

  • Berkshire Motor Hotel
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,102 reviews

    Berkshire Motor Hotel is conveniently located on El Cajon Boulevard in San Diego. All rooms feature free WiFi. North Park, Park Boulevard and Adams Avenue are all less than 5 minutes' drive away.

    Perfect for visiting breweries I wanted to walk to.

  • Omni San Diego Hotel
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,582 reviews

    Featuring an outdoor pool and a spa, this San Diego hotel is 5 minutes’ walk to PETCO Park and 10 minutes’ walk to the San Diego Convention Center.

    The complete place is perfect, I love the location

  • Kings Inn
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,962 reviews

    Centrally located in San Diego’s Mission Valley, Kings Inn features a spacious outdoor swimming pool and rooms with free WiFi. San Diego International Airport is 15 minutes’ drive away.

    good view, clean, safe! good check in and check out.

  • Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 389 reviews

    Situated in San Diego, 3.4 km from Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a...

    Very clean and the staff and service was excellent.

  • TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Central
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 107 reviews

    Ideally located in the Kearny Mesa district of San Diego, TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Central is set 10 km from University of San Diego, 13 km from Old Town San Diego State Historic Park...

    Location clean room & facility Friendly staffs

  • Moxy San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 762 reviews

    Attractively located in the centre of San Diego, Moxy San Diego Gaslamp Quarter features air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk.

    Location and finish or building / room! Top quality!

  • California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 373 reviews

    Situated in San Diego, 100 metres from Pacific Beach, California Dreams Hostel - Pacific Beach features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking and a terrace.

    Literally a beachfront property, only a 2 minute walk .

FAQ about cheap hotels in San Diego








Cheap hotels that guests love in San Diego

  • Avg. price/night: R$ 1,144.97
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 3,331 reviews
    Not an ideal location. Too far to other meal choices for a family friendly visit.
    Nordvik-Carr
    Family with young children
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 572 reviews
    Located just off the board walk it couldn't have been in a better central location! Rooms were big and spacious and all felt very clean and comfortable. Parking was also super easy and accessible.
    Ruby
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: R$ 1,278.62
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,684 reviews
    The location was great. The hostel was very clean. The stuff was very helpful and nice. Nice experience!
    Ahmed
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: R$ 1,010.05
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 2,028 reviews
    Location first class, room very clean and bed comfortable
    Kenneth
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: R$ 1,900.89
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,440 reviews
    This hotel has an amazing location and the pool/ commons area is very clean and comfortable. The rooms were also nice and clean. Staff were all wonderful and took care of need we had. We would love to come back.
    Kristen Fortunato
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: R$ 2,550.18
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,625 reviews
    The location is great, right on the beach, and walking distance from good eating. I was in town for a conference at a resort about 2 blocks away, I’m happy I stayed at the Ocean Park Inn, it was way more affordable and the rooms were nicer. Bed was super comfortable, room spacious, nicely decorated and very clean. Staff were very friendly and super helpful.
    Roland
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: R$ 1,275.64
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 430 reviews
    Central location, comfy bed & sheets, shower with non slip bath mat provided. $10 vouchers X 4 for use over stay. Loved shower heads & toiletries provided. Was on floor 22 expected great views. Welcoming staff, attentive. Only stayed due to cheap package deal at the last minute.
    Jane
    Solo traveller
  • 8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,718 reviews
    The art everywhere is gorgeous! There are also lovely plants & good lighting. Definitely the prettiest hostel I’ve ever stayed in. Staff were friendly & professional. Breakfast is basic - cereal, fruit, and tea & coffee but better than what we were expecting. Beds were comfortable. There was a little shelf, light, plug & 2 usb ports at each bed. Location was ideal. Bathrooms were basic but very clean.
    A
    Anonymous
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: R$ 360.28
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 1,061 reviews
    My partner and I stayed in the double bed dorm room, cheaper than other options in the city and a great way to still have privacy with the sectioned/curtained bed areas. The hostel had great showers and a room providing hair dryer/straightener etc, good social areas, and was very clean. The location was great, close to Petco Park and lots of cafes/restaurants near the gaslamp area. Would definitely stay again if in the area.
    Eden
    Young couple
  • 6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 440 reviews
    Location next to Old Town is great! Staff was nice, it was clean. Its dated but that made it affordable for me. There is a tv, and mini fridge, coffee maker. Cant remember if there was a microwave. Big comfy bed. Breakfast wasnt anything special but a nice thing and had a wafflemaker. The towels and soap was fine. I would stay here again if on a budget and wanted something clean in this area mostly for sleeping.
    Sailor
    Solo traveller

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