With lofty mountains, gorgeous beaches and lavish neighbourhoods, California is the ultimate dream hideout for many a traveller. San Mateo, which has been home to the Ramaytush Ohlone people long before it became a city, is a worthy destination for your California bucket list. It has grown to become a large, well-developed city with many shops and restaurants for those looking to browse and dine. San Mateo is also a culturally mixed community offering many Indian restaurants, Japanese tea gardens and Mediterranean cafes. Historic buildings also line the city, many from the late 19th century, which would make intriguing visits for those who want to learn a bit more about the place. For a comfortable vacation in the city, check out the best Airbnb vacation rentals in San Mateo, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 06, 2024.
1. Urban apartment in Downtown (from USD 104)
Enjoy a peaceful retreat at this centrally located apartment in downtown San Mateo. Its prime location places you close to San Francisco International Airport as well as San Jose, making it incredibly convenient for travellers. If you’re in the mood for some coastal charm, Half Moon Bay is just 30 minutes away.
Nestled on the second floor, this apartment offers a private stay with a separate entrance. The kitchenette is equipped with essential appliances such as a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Step outside on the shared deck and patio area, perfect for enjoying the fresh air. Inside the apartment, you’ll find a TV equipped with streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon and Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
San Mateo, California, United States
4.71 km (3.0 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
so nice to be back so thoughtful air conditioner thank youthe bed and space was really comfortablei would definitely try to book this room again in the futurewe had a great stay and really enjoyed the roomnicely and well set up roomCleanliness:
great stay everything clean and just as advertisedthe room was very clean and spaciousnice clean place in san mateogreat spot the apartment was clean private and comfortablecomfortable cozy and clean roomHost:
eric the owner is great and very helpfuleric is a great host and very responsivenice place with a very accommodating hosterich is kind and a good communicatorapartment was comfortable and eric was very accommodating for any extra requestsRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is great and you can walk to all the surrounding restaurantsneighborhood is pretty quietdelightful spot that's walking distance to downtown san mateoa good place to stay very convenient locationeric’s place is in a great location in san mateo
2. Cosy unit with private entrance
If you’re wondering where to stay in San Mateo which is close to diverse restaurants and is centrally located, then this cosy guesthouse is perfect for you. The surrounding area offers a myriad of culinary delights, showcasing a variety of cuisines such as Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Lebanese, and more.
Despite its convenient location, the guesthouse is tucked away from the main road, ensuring a peaceful and quiet stay. The abode features a comfortable living room and kitchen combination, a separate bedroom, and a private bathroom. The entire unit is equipped with Wi-Fi so you can stay connected.
San Mateo, California, United States
3.95 km (2.5 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
excellent furnishings comfortable bedwonderful comfortable guest house with all the comforts of homeexcellent amenities for long stays - laundry and fully equipped kitchencomfortable quiet filled with all kinds of great amenities easy parking and great locationand the bed is amazingly comfortable for a queenCleanliness:
a very pleasant and clean cottagevery clean and felt like homeit is very very cleanthe space is very well maintained - clean and cozythe guest house was very clean and very functional for a 4 week stayHost:
not to mention the amazing hospitality from the hostshe is an excellent hostgreat space and even better hostsgreat hosts a lot of little touchesthe host michael sure thought of everything you needRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was greatgreat location quiet residential street close to san mateo downtownthe location was super convenientlocated in beautiful quiet neighborhood close to everything in san mateothe location is great caltrain station food market and some great restaurants are all in the walk distance
3. Contemporary stay with a private garden (from USD 150)
This house rental in San Mateo is great for couples and those seeking to explore the San Mateo area. Equipped with one bedroom and bath, a smart TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime, a refrigerator and mini-kitchen, this space will make you feel just at home. Privacy is another highlight of this guesthouse, as it has no shared areas and comes with fencing to separate the space from neighbours. Free tea is always available and a work-studio is accessible when you need to catch up on some projects. Not too far away are parks, restaurants and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
San Mateo, California, United States
1.69 km (1.1 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the mattress was comfortable and the heater in the bedroom works wellsome notable items : fast internet good tv with paid prime and netflixs coffee and tea quiet placethe bed is super comfortable and the bedroom has a nice electric fireplacethe space is more garage like than expected but it was very comfortableit’s like a one bedroom apartmentCleanliness:
very clean and comfortablesúper clean and quiet placevery clean and very comfortableclean place with easy checkinthe space is very clean and well equippedHost:
kenny was a great hostkenny was super responsivekenny is a very nice hostkenny is a super host for surekenny was kind and easy to communicate withRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is greatgreat location in san mateogreat location in san mateogreat location close to the freeway stores and the mallthis is a cute efficient space in a great location
4. Charming home surrounded by Redwoods (from USD 110)
Located in the quiet residential area of San Mateo, this lovely vacation rental in San Mateo is the perfect choice. It is part of a cul-de-sac property made for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy high-speed Wi-Fi, TV with Comcast, a cosy queen-sized bed, and a kitchenette to prepare snacks and small meals. Space for storing clothing and ironing essentials are accessible and self-check-in makes it easy to come in as you like.
San Mateo, California, United States
3.8 km (2.4 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkSuperhostAccommodates: 3
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lots of amenities and very comfortablethe place is as fan describesfan was easy to communicate withwe highly recommend fan’s guesthousefan was very communitive and we had a great stayCleanliness:
excellent and very clean roomvery clean and quiet placeclean and easy to accesscomfortable bed clean and privatethe guesthouse was very clean and decorated beautifullyHost:
host apologized and i explained we were there on vacationfantastic place and super great hostfan was a great host her place was very nice and we were quite comfortablepretty much as described fan and jason were great hosts and fast to respond to requestsfan and jason were wonderful hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
location is great near everything and safe neighborhoodsafe neighborhood and the mall was within walking distancethe location is ideal for getting to and from the citycute place in a great location everything was easy and smooththe location is quiet and residential with easy access to the hillsdale caltrain station
5. Delightful studio cottage in a quiet suburb (from USD 119)
This quaint cottage-style flat is located in a quiet area not far from downtown San Mateo. Enjoy a peaceful stay in a private space which includes a bathroom, private bedroom with a queen-sized bed, and a living room area. A kitchenette features a fridge, a microwave, a coffee maker and a convection oven that will allow guests to warm food, bake and have refreshments during their stay. A short drive from the flat will lead you to the San Francisco area.
San Mateo, California, United States
4.19 km (2.6 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkSuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there's a big comfy couch in the space plus a huge tveasy check in and out and good wifithere is a wall heater which we definitely needed in decemberadditionally on cold nights the heater will keep you nice and cozythe casita has all sorts of amenities to make your stay pleasant and comfortableCleanliness:
very clean and quietvery clean and quietvery clean and private spacevery clean and safegreat place clean and convenientHost:
hosts were very helpful and prompt to our requestsexcellent host and highly recommendcarla is a great hostgreat hosts great spot you can’t go wrong staying herecheck-in was a breeze and she was super responsive and accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
the location is excellentloved the locationgreat place in close walking distance to everythinggreat space walking distance to downtowngreat place in a great location
6. Comfy stay with modern features
This guesthouse comes with live-in ready amenities for couples, small families, or travellers traversing San Mateo alone. It comes with two bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen, living and dining areas and even a spare room for added space. Parking is made available and the house allows for self-check-in. Free refreshments and tea are provided to guests to make them feel even more at home.
San Mateo, California, United States
3.81 km (2.4 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkAccommodates: 1
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
amazing place superb amenities modern and comfortable interiorgreat amenities including a space heater in the room to keep you warm during the cold nightsthe room and other amenities are all well prepared for traveller's staysome issues with the wifi here and there but no place is perfectit was perfect place clean room and nice bed with all amenities you need also free wifiCleanliness:
clean and newly remodeledextremely clean and quietsparkling clean and very quietsuper clean room and common areanice and clean place to stayHost:
tony was such a thoughtful host and was always quick with his responsesthoughtful host everything provided to make your stay exceptionalhe was accommodating and very helpfultony is a very responsive hostother hosts should implement his super easy and secure checkin/checkout processRead more reviewsLocation:
such a great value and locationlocation is fantastic and is just off the 101 but still tucked in a quaint neighbourhoodalso slippers it was an easy walk to restaurants and storessuper clean stylish decor easy check in secure safe great location great showertony's place is the best value you can get in the bay area
7. Cherry guest house with cozy features
Guests can check-in at this convenient home at any time before 10pm to rest, rejuvenate and utilize the amenities supplied. The bedroom, bathroom, living area, and kitchen are all open to guests, though they may have to share some areas with other guests. Comcast Wi-fi is accessible for guests to watch shows, movies or the news and they can rest assured that the neighbourhood is quiet and safe. Just a drive away are the Sugarloaf mountain trails and Hillsdale Shopping Center.
San Mateo, California, United States
4.79 km (3.0 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place is a very comfortable stay with great amenitiesbathroom is a bit dated but shower sink and toilet are still goodthe bed is very comfortable and full orthopedicemily shares some great fruits with you room is bright in the morning and very quiet at nightthe bedroom was very big with the most comfortable bed that i’ve slept on in an airbnbCleanliness:
clean and quite as advertisedquiet and clean placesuper clean friendly and quiet at nighteverything is very cleanvery clean well lit and simpleHost:
emily is a very nice hostemily is a superb hostemily and jerry are lovely hostsemily was an excellent hostreally nice place; hosts are niceRead more reviewsLocation:
great location for my purposesi loved the location and it was very convenient to many things i neededthe bed is comfortable and the location is greatgreat location close to shopping center and food market and 101 highway is just a minute drivenice place to stay close to sfo and san francisco
8. Modern duplex with a garden
As you walk into this contemporary-style space, you will be mesmerized by its architectural details, including the professionally landscaped garden and amenities. Inside, guests will find a kitchen that comes with a stove, fridge food processor and microwave. Broadband internet and Wi-Fi are provided and will allow you to easily catch up on work and the latest news. This duplex is perfect for those who enjoy both indoor and outdoor living as the garden area includes a citrus tree, beautiful blooms, and a cosy patio area. If you’re in San Mateo for a vacation, nearby stops include restaurants and shops.
San Mateo, California, United States
6.18 km (3.9 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the living room has a comfy sofa and big tv which was great for relaxingCleanliness:
a warm exceptionally clean and well equipped spaceand burlingame is so clean and modern toovery clean and comfortable with everything you needhowever this was a super clean white spotless linens very organized spacei loved this apartment - both the sparking clean interior and the gardenHost:
host was friendly and accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
super cute space in a really convenient location to downtown burlingame and san mateovery comfy place and great locationgreat place to stay very conveniently located between two downtown areasthe location is nice and a comfortable place to stayamazing location quiet neighborhood and a cozy & comfortable house
9. Compact bungalow with private entrance
Though small, this private bungalow brims with modern amenities. With Wi-Fi, U-verse, HD TV, and an electric fireplace heater, there is much to keep your senses attuned. All these can be enjoyed on the flat-screen TV provided. Guests will also find a mini-fridge with complimentary snacks and refreshments awaiting them. You can also relax outside on the lounge chairs at night or have a family barbecue in the daytime while enjoying some cool lemonade. There are several places nearby to enjoy such as the marina and a wildlife centre.
San Mateo, California, United States
4.8 km (3.0 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkTop guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
a nice comfortable place with all the amenities you ever needit has a fan to cool off in the evenings and a heater to cut the morning chilli've never stayed in a more comfortable cozy air bnb spaceloved having a private place with fridge toilet shower microwave iron tv etcthe room is stocked with drinks and snacks and conveniences like toiletries and blow dryerCleanliness:
very clean and privateclean and quite highly recommendedclean quiet & comfortable & reasonably pricedthe bungalow is great and very clean and neatvery nice and clean place with a lot of snacksHost:
mary was the most wonderful hostmary is a great hostmary is a great hostmary was a really great hostthe hosts are wonderful and knowledgeable about the areaRead more reviewsLocation:
great location with easy parkinggood location and comfortable insidequite safe location with easy access to 101 freewayconvenient location close to the airport and clear directionsa great location and lots of privacy
10. Palatial house with an amazing host
With a nicely furnished space and spacious living areas, this guest house gives you a fair bargain. The flat is arranged in a clean, orderly fashion and provides fantastic views of the bay. Breakfast is served in the morning free of charge and guests are treated like royalty. Ideal for one guest, it comes with one bedroom, a shared living room, kitchen and two shared bathrooms. Wi-Fi is available for guests and free parking is provided on the premises. The host is also said to be very attentive and caring to guests, which makes the experience even more worthwhile.
San Mateo, California, United States
4.65 km (2.9 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkAccommodates: 1
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the kitchen and balcony are amazingwhat a lovely stay at kate's spacious home amazing bathroom/shower and the views were incredibleit’s a great place too huge spacious room with its own bathroom on a beautiful propertykate is very sweet she prepares dessert and breakfast for usCleanliness:
super clean and fancy bathroomclean sheets clean towels clean houseplace is clean and comfortableshe keeps a sparkling clean and tastefully kept homeher place was clean and beautifulHost:
lovely home and hostkate was a wonderful hostkate is a delightful hostkate is a wonderful hostnice place even nicer hostRead more reviewsLocation:
great location in the san mateo area and close to sfoin great location 15 minutes to sfo airport close to shops and restaurantsit is in a lovely residential neighborhood not a far walk to shops and restaurantswill definitely come back if i'm needing a place in the areathe location was excellent the neighborhood was safe and nice and free street parking was an added bonus
11. Cozy room in downtown San Mateo
Small, yet comfortable, this ranch-style room for two is located in the metropolis of San Mateo where you find the top restaurants and shopping areas. Suitable for couples, business persons and those looking for leisurely activities around San Mateo, this vacation rental has just the right amenities when you need to be on the go. A full-sized bed, a fridge with complementary knick-knacks, entertainment such as Youtube TV, Apple TV and cable ensure that you can have some downtime when you’re not exploring the city. Wi-Fi is also available and the kitchen and bathroom are shared.
San Mateo, California, United States
5.18 km (3.3 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
i also enjoyed the tv and wifiroom was spotless and kitchen amenities provided were perfectnice place great room right next to train tracks and shared bathroomloved having the fridge with water in my room - and coffee in the morningroom was clean with comfortable bed and tv with amazon fire tvCleanliness:
very clean as wellspotlessly clean nicely decorated roomthe place was clean and comfortablevery clean and bed was very comfortableeverything was very clean and comfortableHost:
the host is goodpeople are great and hospitablei highly recommend their place and them as hostscould not of asked for better hosts thank you so muchwhich is also provided by the host a very sweet and considerate gestureRead more reviewsLocation:
great place close to caltrain stationgreat location 2 minutes from san mateo train stationlocation was super convenient being near san mateo and the airportthe location is perfect being super close to downtown san mateocentral park is a ~15min walk away and is wonderful place to walk in some greenery
12. Lovely flat for two in the Bay area
Ideal for couples and business travellers, this cosy guest house is situated in the downtown district of San Mateo. It comes fitted with a full kitchen with a stove and refrigerator, so you can make your own meals for breakfast and dinner. A comfortable queen-sized bed, an airbed, and bath allow guests to have a great rest at night. Guests can freely use the Wi-Fi supplied by the host whether on their phone or use the laptop-friendly area for work or play.
San Mateo, California, United States
5.01 km (3.2 mi) from Leo J. Ryan ParkSuperhostAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
fully stocked kitchen comfy sleep number bed good wifi and space to workthe bed was very comfortable and i appreciated that the place had a fridge and other useful amenitiesthe shower is pretty small (narrow) but we are average size adults and didn't have any problemswe had a very comfortable staymy stay was great the room was private and had all the basicsCleanliness:
super clean and cozy spacebriana’s place smelled so clean and was very spaciousspace was clean and well keptabsolutely spotless inside and great communication and check-in instructionsreally nice clean and private apartmentHost:
the host is very welcoming tooresponsive host and comfy spacebriana was a great hostreally friendly and helpful hostbriana is a very nice host who is friendly and warm welcomingRead more reviewsLocation:
great studio close to airportgood location 10 minute walk to caltrain 15 to downtowngood location - convenient to downtown and airportgood location easy to go to downtown san mateogreat urban airbnb close to redwood preserves and the airport
Airbnbs in San Mateo that you'll have to check out
Whether you’re looking to vacay or you’re travelling for business, San Mateo has some great Airbnb to try. Some are your traditional homes, while others are small-scale properties suited for one. If you wish to go mobile, then you can opt for a RV rental which will provide you the added benefit of moving around.
Frequently asked questions about Airbnb vacation rentals in San Mateo, California
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