Set on California’s Pacific coast, San Diego is the perfect place for sun-seekers and adventurers. Located along the Pacific Ocean, it offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, watching the sunset, indulging in water sports, and relaxing with your travel buddies. If you’re on a budget, you still can enjoy it here as there are fun things to do for free in San Diego. The city is home to must-see parks, such as Balboa Park, which has lots of open space and beautiful vegetation. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to visit the lovely animals at San Diego Zoo. If you are looking to have some fun with the little ones, Belmont Park features plenty of rides. The range of places to stay in San Diego guarantees an enjoyable time for visitors. To help you stretch your expenses, book one of these best cheap resorts in San Diego, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host 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 April 12, 2024.
1. Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside, an IHG Hotel (from USD 226)
Reasonable rates for a convenient location near the airport and local attractions.
Comfortable rooms with multiple charging points, but lacking basic bathroom amenities. Additional motel building offers unexpected options.
Convenient location in Point Loma with easy access to downtown, beaches, and marina. Many restaurants within walking distance.
Great dining experiences at the Point Loma Cafe, but mixed reviews for the Bayside Bar. Breakfast and lunch options are enjoyable.
Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside, an IHG Hotel, features light-filled rooms with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. If you are in the city for business, each room also has a work desk. Plus, free WiFi is accessible throughout the resort. Fax and photocopying services are available for an additional charge.
You can spend your downtime playing a game of table tennis or billiards or working out in the fitness center. The inviting outdoor pool makes this property a great San Diego beach resort for couples looking to enjoy the sun in style. Free-to-use bikes are available on-site, should you wish to explore the nearby beaches. Feeling hungry? Point Loma Cafe serves American dishes that will make you full and happy. End the night by grabbing a drink at Bayside Bar.
Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside, an IHG Hotel
Address: 4875 North Harbor Drive
4.3 km (2.7 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
Other cheap accommodations in San Diego, California
2. Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station (from USD 199)
Reasonable rates with paid parking and EV chargers available
Clean, spacious rooms with EV chargers, heated pool, and free airport shuttle
Conveniently close to airport, Liberty Station, and marina with easy access to attractions
Delicious and varied breakfast options, though some guests found the coffee selection lacking
A short drive from San Diego International Airport and less than 1 km (0.6 mi) from Liberty Station, this 3-star hotel allows visitors to explore the city with ease. Maritime Museum of San Diego, SeaWorld San Diego, and Sunset Cliffs are just some of the many attractions that are easily accessible from here.
Start your vacation with a buffet or American breakfast at the hotel. There are many activities you can do on site, including swimming in the pool, exercising in the fitness center, and hanging out in the shared lounge. If you need anything else, a 24-hour front desk is available. Additionally, all rooms here come with a flat-screen TV, work desk, and air conditioning. You will also have your own closet and bathroom in the room.
Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station
Address: 2211 Lee Court
4.1 km (2.6 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
3. Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown (from USD 229)
It’s all about a good location at Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown. This 3-star hotel is not necessarily an oceanfront San Diego beach resort but has easy access to the nearby beach. Additionally, Maritime Museum of San Diego and the USS Midway Museum are less than 1 km (0.6 mi) from here. The lively Gaslamp Quarter is also within walking distance of the property.
Before you explore all these places, make sure to treat yourself to the hotel’s free breakfast. You can work out in the fitness center or cool off in the rooftop pool overlooking the Bay. The hotel also has rooms and suites with contemporary design and modern amenities such as a coffee machine and a TV. Daily housekeeping services guarantee that your accommodation is always spotless.
Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown
Address: 1531 Pacific Highway
7.07 km (4.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
4. Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego, an IHG Hotel (from USD 289)
Reasonable pricing compared to hotels closer to the convention center.
Good breakfast with a variety of options, clean rooms, and friendly staff.
Convenient location near downtown, Little Italy, and Balboa Park.
Breakfast included a variety of foods, but could improve with healthier options and less plastic waste.
Located in Downtown San Diego, this hotel is an ideal place to stay for those who want to be right in the thick of the action. Many points of interest, including Horton Plaza Park, Spreckels Theatre, and House of Blues San Diego, are less than 1 km (0.6 mi) away.
The hotel itself has plenty of amenities and facilities that will keep you comfortable when you’re not out exploring the area. It has an outdoor pool that is open all year round and a terrace where you can hang out. Don’t forget to drop by the hot breakfast bar for complimentary delicious meals. Meanwhile, the hotel’s rooms have a refrigerator, a work desk, and plush mattresses.
Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego, an IHG Hotel
Address: 1430 Seventh Avenue
8.01 km (5.0 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
5. Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel (from USD 198)
Located near San Diego International Airport, Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel is the perfect choice for travelers who want cozy and convenient accommodation. Sunset Cliffs Beach is 2.8 km (1.7 mi) from the hotel, while SeaWorld San Diego is 4.2 km (2.6 mi) away. Opportunities for sailing, whale watching, and sport fishing are also nearby.
The hotel’s rooms come with a refrigerator and microwave, so you can store and heat meals whenever you want. There are rooms with balconies, allowing you to soak up some sunshine and fresh air in the morning. A hearty buffet breakfast is available here daily. When not venturing out, you can lounge by the outdoor pool, enjoy a long soak in the hot tub, or sweat it out in the exercise facility.
Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel
Address: 5005 North Harbor Drive
4.28 km (2.7 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
6. Bay Club Hotel and Marina (from USD 169)
This waterfront property treats its guests to wonderful views from the comfort of their rooms. Each room has air conditioning, a work desk, and a flat-screen TV where you can watch various shows on premium cable channels for free. Other in-room amenities include a mini-refrigerator and a coffee machine.
Take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Once you’re done swimming, relaxing, or working out, treat yourself to a meal at the on-site Quarterdeck Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy fine dining while overlooking San Diego Bay.
Bay Club Hotel and Marina
Address: 2131 Shelter Island Drive
5.42 km (3.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
7. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego-Mission Valley (from USD 160)
You are guaranteed a fun stay when you book a room at DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego-Mission Valley. As soon as you arrive, you will be given a complimentary signature cookie. If you’re craving more treats or tasty meals, check out the on-site Windows Café and Café Pronto. For delicious fare with pool views, dine at Lounge 72°.
The guest rooms have contemporary furnishings and modern amenities, such as a coffee machine, a work desk, and a hairdryer in the bathroom. When not splashing in the indoor and outdoor pools, you can relax in the hot tub or hang out around the outdoor fireplace.
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego-Mission Valley
Address: 7450 Hazard Center Drive
6.25 km (3.9 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
8. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Diego Airport - Old Town, an IHG Hotel (from USD 251)
This hotel is a great option for guests who are arriving from San Diego International Airport, as it is just 4.8 km (3 mi) away. What’s more, you can make use of the hotel’s shuttle services at no extra charge. There are plenty of attractions, such as San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and SeaWorld San Diego, that are less than 4.8 km (3 mi) from the property.
If you need to rest before or after checking out the city, you’ll be delighted to know that the hotel has cozy rooms with a flat-screen cable TV. Additionally, the presence of a microwave, a refrigerator, and coffee-making facilities in each unit will make you feel at home.
Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Other facilities on site include an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a picnic area. To top it all off, continental breakfast is offered to guests everyday.
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport-Old Town, an IHG Hotel
Address: 1955 San Diego Avenue
4.24 km (2.7 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
9. Best Western PLUS Island Palms Hotel & Marina (from USD 170)
Thanks to its location along San Diego Bay, this hotel promises its guests beautiful views during their stay. It even comes with a private marina and offers opportunities for fishing. Make your holiday memorable by dining at the on-site Blue Wave Bar & Grill, where you can enjoy scrumptious American dishes while admiring San Diego Bay and the marina.
The hotel has two pools and hot tubs, allowing you to unwind under the clear blue skies. Other on-site amenities include a fitness center, complimentary WiFi throughout the property, and an outdoor fireplace. You can also play tennis here. Plus, there are a variety of room types to choose from.
Best Western PLUS Island Palms Hotel & Marina
Address: 2051 Shelter Island Drive
5.62 km (3.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
10. Best Western Plus Bayside Inn (from USD 220)
The 3-star Best Western Plus Bayside Inn has rooms with a balcony, a cable TV, and a safety deposit box. Guests can also take advantage of each unit’s microwave, refrigerator, and coffee machine. What’s more, they can choose if they want views of the pool, the bay, or the city.
You can work out in the fitness center or soothe your muscles in the hotel’s hot tub. There is also a heated pool on site. If you want to grab a bite before trying various activities, grab-and-go breakfast is available for free daily. You can also check out the on-site restaurant or walk to Little Italy, a vibrant neighborhood in the city.
Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
Address: 555 West Ash Street
7.4 km (4.6 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
Enjoy your vacation to the fullest
San Diego has plenty of places that will delight all types of travelers. If you are planning a trip here, you must not miss out on its restaurants, bars, beaches, parks, family-friendly attractions, and more. Do check out the San Diego beach resorts for families if you’re traveling with the kids. Ultimately, if you want to enjoy your vacation without worrying about expenses, book a room at one of these above-listed cheap accommodations.
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