
San Diego is one of the most popular cities in California. Specifically, it draws tourists because of its beautiful beaches and lovely year-round weather. La Jolla, a modern seaside neighborhood, is famous for its unrivaled beauty. Those visiting with kids will love the family-friendly attractions such as SeaWorld San Diego. If you need a breath of fresh air, head to Balboa Park. This 485.62-ha (1,200-ac) park at the heart of the city houses 17 museums surrounded by lush greenery. Moreover, it features the massive San Diego Zoo. A good meal every morning is essential to start the day in a good mood. On that note, check out the top hotels with free breakfast in San Diego, California, below.
Great spots for a morning walk
Japanese Friendship Garden: Built in honor of the bond between San Diego and its sister city Yokohama, the garden is styled along ancient Japanese designs. It even includes a cherry tree grove, which might be a great place to hang out in the morning!
Waterfront Park: Fronting the San Diego Bay, the Waterfront Park is a great spot to relax and is a favorite among the locals. The interactive splash fountain is a unique spot!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to complimentary breakfast. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on June 28, 2025.
1. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (from USD 296)
Great dining experiences at The Landing and easy access to nearby restaurants.
Reasonable pricing with free parking and breakfast options.
Walkable to Seaport Village, Midway museum, and close to Gaslamp and Italian district.
Gym, pool, and convenient location near Seaport Village and Gaslamp district.
The Grand Hyatt is always affluent and so is this place. Manchester Grand Hyatt is a 40-floor high hotel building in Marina downtown. It’s easy to presume the fancy nature of this place, but let’s name a few features. The notable amenities are its pool, gym, sports arena, and beauty salon. And then they have eight on-site drink/dining options which includes four restaurants. When you book a room in this hotel, you will be offered free breakfast and additional discounts/coupons for every dining house and other facilities (refer to the inclusions in the fine print). The room size is fairly big which is a good thing because guests can lodge up to two children (<12 years old) without paying extra charges.
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
3.49 km (2.2 mi) from Balboa Park
2. Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter (from USD 320)
To have a better comparison, you can look at this another booking option in the Gaslamp neighborhood. This one is, however, more premium than the former. Kimpton Solamar boasts a rooftop swimming pool and lounge area, they also have equipped 55-inch (139.7-cm) television and mini bar in every suite. This hotel has two on-site restaurants, one of which serves your complimentary breakfast. Solamar hotel also has a bike rental so if you’d like to have other than American cuisine, bear in mind that you’re in the middle of the city and close to several options.
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
3.04 km (1.9 mi) from Balboa Park
3. Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Old Town (from USD 254)
Proximate to the lagoons of Mission Bay and less than five minutes from the downtown, this hotel sits at a perfect location for a visitor because the airport, SeaWorld, zoo, and many local attractions of the city will be nearer. The looks are pretty good as well–wood usage is substantially visible and then there is this picturesque fountain in the courtyard. The hotel has a swimming pool, a community hot tub next to that pool, and a cardio gym. Guests at this place would get a free breakfast regardless of any room they book in American buffet-style. And regardless of the standard lodging capacity, guests can lodge an extra member (<18 years old) and a baby without charges.
Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego Old Town
4.83 km (3.0 mi) from Balboa Park
4. Pantai Inn (from USD 420)
Some miles north of Mission Bay and the old town, take a look at this oceanfront hotel in La Jolla for the resort feel. This is a boutique hotel, and the theme is inspired by Indonesian culture. The beach is next to the lawn, and guests would also be pleased by this picture-perfect coast; there are many rocks and natural bridges where you can take several pictures.
All the suites of Pantai Inn have a kitchenette and a fireplace, and the windows/balconies of most rooms are ocean-facing. The breakfast is served complimentary and there are multiple types of cuisine options. In addition to that, non-alcoholic beverages are served for free and guests will also find in-room snacks. This San Diego hotel with free breakfast and parking can certainly help you extend your budget during your stay in the city that never sleeps.
Pantai Inn
17.68 km (11.0 mi) from Balboa Park
5. Best Western Cabrillo Garden Inn (from USD 157)
Located at the walking range from the Gaslamp neighborhood, this is another hotel suggestion in downtown. It’s a cute little property that looks exceptionally distinguished from the rest of the buildings of this street. This hotel gives you a roof terrace that has many outdoor seats and gazebo seating. This terrace overlooks the streets, although guests will also catch a glimpse from their room balconies. This hotel serves hot continental and American breakfast choices, added with fresh fruits. Here, guests can lodge an extra child (<12 years old) for free, but without extra bed. The tariff at this hotel is fairly reasonable for this part of the city.
Best Western Downtown San Diego
2.04 km (1.3 mi) from Balboa Park
6. Urban Boutique Hotel (from USD 189)
To the north of the city center, we have a great boutique lodging in Little Italy. This locality looks magnificent and has many restaurants and stores, the nearest 7-eleven is just a road across. Back to the hotel description, this doesn’t look luxurious but it’s spotless; it is only painted in an old Italian house theme. The rooms are average on the scale of features but the complimentary breakfast is a big win. It is a continental buffet and you can have fruit salad, yogurt, pastries, and many types of juices and tea/coffee. The place is inexpensive and allows pets.
Urban Boutique Hotel- Little Italy, Downtown San Diego
2.5 km (1.6 mi) from Balboa Park
7. Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley/Zoo (from USD 246)
Far from the downtown and little inward to the old town, we would like to propose this hotel for your consideration. It is located by the Mission Valley, which is also not very far from the San Diego Zoo. The interiors and exteriors of this place show us that Homewood Suites is a classy place. You have a pool, lounge, barbecue area, and a game room. A good selection of buffet lunch is provided to all the guests for free, besides, coffee will be served free all day. During the happy hour of their in-house eating area, you will receive free snacks, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Scroll the photos and book a room if it looks suitable.
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley/Zoo
3.44 km (2.2 mi) from Balboa Park
8. California Suites Hotel (from USD 129)
It’s difficult to find cheap accommodations in San Diego, especially when it’s nearby local attractions. But this hotel is completely opposite of the fact, it’s located a bridge across Boomers, San Diego’s premium amusement park. Select this option if you prefer this closeness, the downtown is also not too far. The hotel has a heated pool and hot tub and lush landscape with a fish pond. You can also avail free parking, which is a rare feature in this city. The rooms are spacious and most of the rooms have a microwave and refrigerator. This place has a laundry as well, a typical load of cloth should cost less than two dollars. American and continental breakfast variety are served to all of the guests at no cost here.
California Suites Hotel
11.48 km (7.2 mi) from Balboa Park
9. Best Western Plus Bayside Inn (from USD 186)
This downtown hotel is located only two blocks from the bay and just a corner from Little Italy. This area is known for some of the great restaurants of this city but you might want to give it a skip as the place has an in-house bar and grill. Every guest will be presented buffet breakfast without charges. Also, there is a fitness club and a pool. Although the pool area is decently sized, the ocean and SeaWorld are not very far. We would also like to share the fact that while all of the hotels are wheelchair-accessible, only this hotel gives accessibility to visually handicapped folks. This hotel also provides free airport shuttle (to and fro), and the best is saved for the last. Besides the standard lodging limit, Bayside Inn allows its guests to lodge three more children (<12 years old) when using the existing beds.
Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
2.7 km (1.7 mi) from Balboa Park
10. Hampton Inn San Diego Mission Valley (from USD 175)
Good breakfast with variety, but some areas for improvement in options and service
Reasonable pricing with complimentary breakfast, but high parking fees
Conveniently located near attractions and freeway access, central and easy to navigate
Clean and spacious accommodations, convenient location, pool and fire pit area, well-maintained facilities
Strategically positioned in the city, Hampton Inn San Diego Mission Valley is only 9.66 km (6 mi) away from the downtown area. It offers a complimentary breakfast every morning, ensuring you can start your day right. Options include eggs, fruits, and waffles. A selection of beverages and all-day coffee and tea are also available. Thanks to the 24-hour fitness center, you can work out anytime. After a long day, you can unwind by the fire pit on the patio.
Hampton Inn San Diego Mission Valley
4.41 km (2.8 mi) from Balboa Park
11. Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Diego - Mission Valley (from USD 233)
Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Diego - Mission Valley is an excellent base camp for business and leisure travelers because of its proximity to San Diego International Airport. It serves the complimentary Express Start Breakfast daily from 6am to 10am, helping you start the day right with a hearty meal. Specifically, breakfast includes bagels, eggs, pancakes, and choices of meats and beverages. The coffee station is open 24/7 for guests.
This hotel also has a heated outdoor swimming pool that you can use between 8am and 10pm.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Diego - Mission Valley by IHG
3.64 km (2.3 mi) from Balboa Park
12. La Quinta by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay (from USD 139)
Whether you are visiting the city for leisure or work, you will find a home at La Quinta by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay. It features an outdoor swimming pool so you can have a refreshing dip to destress. Pets are welcome here so feel free to bring your four-legged friends. Before heading out, ensure you enjoy the complimentary Bright Side Breakfast. It is a continental breakfast, so you can choose from many different options.
La Quinta by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay
10.64 km (6.7 mi) from Balboa Park
13. Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station (from USD 323)
Delicious and varied breakfast options, though some guests found the coffee selection lacking
Reasonable rates with paid parking and EV chargers available
Conveniently close to airport, Liberty Station, and marina with easy access to attractions
Clean, spacious rooms with EV chargers, heated pool, and free airport shuttle
Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station boasts a central location in the city, sitting next to San Diego International Airport. Ensuring you a hassle-free experience, it offers complimentary airport shuttle services. A complimentary hot breakfast with a choice of buffet or American awaits you every morning. Before or after breakfast, you can hit the fitness center for a productive workout.
Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Airport Liberty Station
6.23 km (3.9 mi) from Balboa Park
14. Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown (from USD 520)
An ideal base camp for family holidays in the city, Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown is only within a 1.61-km (1-mi) radius of the downtown area and Maritime Museum of San Diego. It offers a rooftop swimming pool with scenic bay views, allowing you to relax after a long day. You can also detox by working out in the fitness center.
Moreover, rates are inclusive of a complimentary hot breakfast. You may start the day right by having a hearty meal with continental options.
Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
2.85 km (1.8 mi) from Balboa Park
15. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Diego Airport - Old Town, an IHG Hotel (from USD 162)
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites San Diego Airport - Old Town, an IHG Hotel is set in a desirable neighborhood in the city, only about 2.50 km (4.02 mi) away from San Diego International Airport. It has a 24-hour deli and convenience store, so you can easily grab a bite even in the wee hours of the night. If you are in San Diego for work, you will appreciate the dedicated business center.
This hotel provides a complimentary buffet breakfast to help you start your day right. It is served from 6am to 10am daily.
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport-Old Town by IHG
4.18 km (2.6 mi) from Balboa Park
16. Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego, an IHG Hotel (from USD 386)
Breakfast included a variety of foods, but could improve with healthier options and less plastic waste.
Reasonable pricing compared to hotels closer to the convention center.
Convenient location near downtown, Little Italy, and Balboa Park.
Good breakfast with a variety of options, clean rooms, and friendly staff.
Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego, an IHG Hotel is only a short walk from many points of interest, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego - Downtown and Petco Park. With 148 modern guest rooms and suites across 3 floors, the hotel guarantees to make you feel at home. Moreover, a 24-hour fitness center is available, so you can work out even late into the night.
One of this hotel’s signature amenities is the complimentary Express Start breakfast offering buffet and continental options. You can enjoy it between 6:30am and 9:30am daily.
Holiday Inn Express - Downtown San Diego by IHG
2.01 km (1.3 mi) from Balboa Park
17. Residence Inn San Diego Del Mar (from USD 249)
Residence Inn San Diego Del Mar is an all-suite hotel with thoughtful amenities. It offers a well-equipped kitchen in every guest suite, so you can prepare home-cooked meals if you do not feel like dining out. With the 24-hour fitness center, you can have a productive workout anytime. Moreover, you may enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool.
A complimentary hot breakfast is included in your stay. On weekdays, breakfast is from 6:30am to 9am. On weekends, it is from 7am to 9:30am. You can choose between continental and American options.
Residence Inn San Diego Del Mar
24.02 km (15.0 mi) from Balboa Park
18. Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center (from USD 152)
Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center is perfect for families seeking budget-friendly accommodations in the city. Every morning, it serves a complimentary full American breakfast. Many options are available, including Belgian waffles, pastries, and sausages. Beverages include coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and different juices.
Moreover, rates are inclusive of complimentary access to the nearby BodyWorks fitness center, so you would not have to skip your workout. If you run out of clean clothes, you can take advantage of the onsite coin laundry facilities.
Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center
2.73 km (1.7 mi) from Balboa Park
19. Ramada by Wyndham near SeaWorld / Mission Beach (from USD 195)
Making you feel at home in the city, Ramada by Wyndham near SeaWorld / Mission Beach offers non-smoking guest rooms and suites with coffee- and tea-making facilities, microwaves, and mini-fridges. It has a 24-hour front desk, attending to all your needs around the clock. If you need to do your laundry, you can take advantage of the guest laundry facilities onsite. A complimentary breakfast awaits you every morning, so ensure you eat before going about your day.
SeaWorld Mission Beach
Address: 3747 Midway Dr, Mission Bay / Point Loma Heights, San Diego (CA), United States, 92110-5204
7.11 km (4.5 mi) from Balboa Park
Maximize your getaway in San Diego
San Diego allows you to enjoy many recreational opportunities, whether traveling solo, with your partner, or with your family and friends. Use this list of hotels to enjoy a hassle-free breakfast every morning of your stay!
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