9 Best Budget-Friendly Hotels in San Diego

Cost conscious travelers visit San Diego for its great weather, attractions & beaches - all on a tight budget. Check out San Diego’s best budget-friendly hotels.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
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Stay at One of San Diego’s Best Budget-friendly Hotels

The Pearl HotelBeach Front Surfer Beach Hotel in Pacific Beach

San Diego is known throughout the world for stunning beaches, exciting nightlife and unspoiled nature, in addition to nearly perfect weather. While there are multiple luxury hotels and top-shelf resorts dotted along the coast, the good news is that San Diego is also friendly towards the budget traveler!

There are several budget conscious options for hotels in various parts of the city, that are able to accommodate families and others who don't want to blow their entire vacation budget on a hotel.

Let's be honest, you'll spend most of your vacation exploring this amazing city! Prices fluctuate, and planning a stay in the winter will cost less than in the height of the summer, when rates peak.

Your chosen hotel needs to be clean, centrally located and comfortable. In addition to the basics, many of the hotels listed below are unique, cool and embody the laid-back San Diego lifestyle. Visitors are often pleasantly surprised to discover that they don't need to sacrifice quality in order to make their San Diego dream vacation come true.

The budget-friendly hotels listed below will all give you the best bang for your buck.

By choosing one of these hotels, you'll save plenty of money that you can use to enjoy a fabulous dinner at one of San Diego's waterfront restaurants, shopping downtown or enjoying a night out!

The 9 Best Budget-friendly Hotels

The Pearl Hotel
The Pearl Hotel in the Heart of Point Loma

1) The Pearl Hotel

Prices Starting at $129 / Night
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The Pearl Hotel is a chic, boutique hotel, easily accessible to downtown San Diego. The two-story hotel has motel style room access, with rooms that are clean and comfortable, although not very spacious. Visitors can upgrade to the Super Strand suite, which offers a king-sized bed with luxury sheet and a pillowtop mattress as well as a private patio.

The center courtyard has a Melrose Place style pool, with friendly pool chairs and a fun vibe. There is also poolside dining and movie nights by the pool. Wi-fi is free and a pet fish in every room makes this a unique stay!

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Things to Know About The Pearl Hotel

Neighborhood
Point Loma
Get up and close with the sea life while whale watching, or go jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or surfing. Experience the beaches on the peninsula.
Hotel Star Rating
3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating
Pet Policy
Only Service Animals are Welcome
Breakfast
Not Included
Wifi
Free WiFi in Lobby & Rooms
Check In / Check Out
3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Property Size
23 Rooms
Prices Starting at $129 / Night
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Ocean Beach Hotel
The Front of the Ocean Beach Hotel

2) Ocean Beach Hotel

Prices Starting at $181 / Night
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Ocean Beach Hotel offers a top location without a top shelf price tag. This older building is located right on the beach, and visitors can watch surfers or sunsets from the porch or upper floor beach views decks. It’s amazing to be just a few steps from the sand without breaking the bank!

This is a no-frills hotel, and the rooms are small, but clean. The hotel is also pet friendly, so great for those traveling with their pets. Also, this is a great location for those looking to explore the vibrant shops and restaurants of Ocean Beach!

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Things to Know About Ocean Beach Hotel

Neighborhood
Ocean Beach
Nightlife, or beach trips, Ocean Beach is the place to be. Walk the town, go surfing, shopping, biking, paddle boarding or swimming in this funky beach town.
Hotel Star Rating
2 Star Hotel Rating2 Star Hotel Rating
Pet Policy
Pets stay free. Specific rooms only, restrictions apply
Breakfast
Not Included
Wifi
Free WiFi in Lobby & Rooms
Check In / Check Out
3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Property Size
56 Rooms
Prices Starting at $181 / Night
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Inn by the Sea, at La Jolla
Balconies at the Inn by the Sea La Jolla

3) Inn by the Sea, at La Jolla

Prices Starting at $101 / Night
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Inn by the Sea at La Jolla is a basic, no-frills hotel, perfect for those who are looking for a quiet night in La Jolla. Not quite oceanfront, but just a short walk to the beach, this Inn offers a great location, central to all the shops and restaurants that La Jolla has to offer.

The rooms are on the smaller size, and the decor hasn't been updated in quite a while. However, the rooms are very clean and comfortable. There is a heated pool, and parking is available for $15/day.

The free breakfast and coffee bar make this stay a great bargain!

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Things to Know About Inn by the Sea, at La Jolla

Neighborhood
La Jolla
Enjoy surfing the waves, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and beach bonfires. Or walk to the charming boutiques and sidewalk cafés in the village in La Jolla, San Diego.
Hotel Star Rating
2 Star Hotel Rating2 Star Hotel Rating
Pet Policy
Only Service Animals are Welcome
Breakfast
Not Included
Wifi
Free WiFi in Lobby & Rooms
Check In / Check Out
3:00 PM / 12:00 PM
Property Size
129 Rooms
Prices Starting at $101 / Night
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DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley
Indoor Pool at DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

4) DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

Prices Starting at $98 / Night
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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Diego - Mission Valley is a great choice for those planning to visit all of San Diego's main attractions due to its centralized location, and one of our all-time favorite budget hotels in San Diego, featured in our Best Hotels in San Diego article where you can also find the best hotels for families, couples and more!

Situated in Mission Valley close to Interstate 8, this hotel is five miles from SeaWorld San Diego and less than four miles to the San Diego Zoo, and also is convenient to La Jolla where you can visit the beach, the seals or spend a day shopping in downtown La Jolla.

The remodeled standard non-smoking rooms are clean and comfortable, with plenty of parking. Check out the two swimming pools. This is a great choice for families and large groups, as interconnected rooms are available.

Things to Know About DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

Neighborhood
Mission Valley
Great location in Mission Valley! Visit nearby Balboa Park for the San Diego Zoo, museums & more plus Old Town San Diego, breweries, SeaWorld San Diego, shops & cafés.
Hotel Star Rating
3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating
Pet Policy
Pets are welcome, with a limit of 2 per room and maximum weight of 70 lbs per pet. There's a charge of $65 per pet, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.
Breakfast
Not Included
Wifi
Free WiFi in Lobby
Check In / Check Out
3:00 PM / 12:00 PM
Property Size
300 Rooms
Prices Starting at $98 / Night
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Surfer Beach Hotel
Beach Front Surfer Beach Hotel in Pacific Beach

5) Surfer Beach Hotel

Prices Starting at $170 / Night
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Surfer Beach Hotel is a beachfront hotel in Pacific Beach. This budget hotel is close to all the action in Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Mission Bay. You don’t even need a car while staying at the Surfer.

The rooms are clean with quality linens. The Junior Suite offering is able to accommodate a family of four comfortably. There is also free WiFi and well is it right on the beach.

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Things to Know About Surfer Beach Hotel

Neighborhood
Pacific Beach
Get a true beach experience! Go surfing, kiteboarding, paddle boarding, fishing, bike riding & walk the boardwalk. Don’t miss an amazing sunset at the pier.
Hotel Star Rating
3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating
Pet Policy
Cats and dogs are welcome, with a limit of 2 per room and maximum weight of 25 lbs per pet. There's a charge of $50 per accommodation, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.
Breakfast
Not Included
Wifi
Free WiFi in Lobby & Rooms
Check In / Check Out
4:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Property Size
53 Rooms
Prices Starting at $170 / Night
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The Bristol Hotel San Diego
Outside View of the Bristol Hotel San Diego

6) The Bristol Hotel San Diego

Prices Starting at $149 / Night
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The Bristol Hotel - San Diego is conveniently located near downtown, close to the airport in a super walkable area. This old-world hotel has recently been remodeled but didn't sacrifice any charm for the updates. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable with large showers as well.

Return guests are impressed by the many amenities at this hotel. Robes, water bottle filling stations and candy in your room make this hotel stand out. One downside is parking which is available through valet only, and costs $40/day.

Watch The Bristol Hotel Video

Things to Know About The Bristol Hotel San Diego

Neighborhood
Core-Columbia
The Core-Columbia area of Downtown San Diego is a beautiful mix of sky rises, restaurants, and hotels, complete with activities like music venues and museums.
Hotel Star Rating
3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating
Pet Policy
Pets are allowed for an extra charge of $25 per accommodation, per night
Breakfast
Not Included
Wifi
Free WiFi in Lobby & Rooms
Check In / Check Out
3:00 PM / 12:00 PM
Property Size
114 Rooms
Prices Starting at $149 / Night
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Hampton Inn San Diego / Del Mar
Hampton Inn San Diego / Del Mar

7) Hampton Inn San Diego / Del Mar

Prices Starting at $118 / Night
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Hampton Inn, San Diego is in Del Mar, conveniently located near attractions such as Torrey Pines. It is close to the I-5, but not close enough to hear highway noise. This is a great choice of a basic level hotel for anyone looking to explore San Diego.

The rooms are comfortably clean and well furnished, come equipped with a flat screen TV, microwave and refrigerator. Pets are also welcome. Parking is an extra charge of $10/day, but overall, this hotel is a great value.

Things to Know About Hampton Inn San Diego / Del Mar

Neighborhood
Carmel Valley
Take a trip to Torrey Pines or relax in Carmel Valley. Spend some time in the parks, go birdwatching, shopping, and visit the charming sidewalk cafés.
Hotel Star Rating
3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating
Pet Policy
Pets are welcome, with a limit of 2 per room. There's a charge of $75.00 per accommodation, per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees.
Breakfast
Included
Wifi
Free WiFi in Lobby & Rooms
Check In / Check Out
3:00 PM / 12:00 PM
Property Size
129 Rooms
Prices Starting at $118 / Night
Learn More
Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego Zoo SeaWorld Area
Exterior view, Yes by Javi

8) Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego Zoo SeaWorld Area

Prices Starting at $93 / Night
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Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego Zoo SeaWorld Area is a convenient choice for the budget conscious traveler who wants to be close to the airport. Centrally located, this hotel is well situated to any of San Diego's main attractions. It's also a drive to Sunset Cliffs or Ocean Beach, Mission Bay and Pacific Beach.

The rooms are clean and comfortable, and there is fast WiFi, free breakfast and free parking. There is also a pool for guests to enjoy in the warmer months, as it's not heated.

Things to Know About Comfort Inn & Suites San Diego Zoo SeaWorld Area

Neighborhood
Hotel Circle San Diego
Hotel Circle includes some of the best resorts in all of San Diego. Between hotel amenities, shopping and fun nearby activities, it’s a great place to stay on vacation.
Hotel Star Rating
3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating
Pet Policy
Only Service Animals are Welcome
Breakfast
Included
Wifi
Free WiFi in Lobby & Rooms
Check In / Check Out
4:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Property Size
199 Rooms
Prices Starting at $93 / Night
Learn More
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld / Zoo Area
Exterior view, La Quinta by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld / Zoo Area

9) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld / Zoo Area

Prices Starting at $188 / Night
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La Quinta by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld / Zoo Area is a great choice for families visiting SeaWorld San Diego or any other prime San Diego destination. Centrally located, you can easily visit the zoo, downtown San Diego or La Jolla. This hotel is another one of our all-time favorite budget hotels in San Diego, featured in our Best Hotels in San Diego article where you can also find the best hotels for a staycation, beaches and more!

This hotel is both pet and family friendly, so bring the whole gang! Kids enjoy the bunk beds in the family suite, while parents enjoy the comfortable beds and spacious rooms. The free WiFi and included hot breakfast is also a money saver for families on a budget.

Things to Know About La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld / Zoo Area

Neighborhood
Mission Valley
Great location in Mission Valley! Visit nearby Balboa Park for the San Diego Zoo, museums & more plus Old Town San Diego, breweries, SeaWorld San Diego, shops & cafés.
Hotel Star Rating
3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating3 Star Hotel Rating
Pet Policy
Yes, cats and dogs stay free. Service animals are exempt from fees.
Breakfast
Included
Wifi
Free WiFi in Lobby & Rooms
Check In / Check Out
3:00 PM / 12:00 PM
Property Size
166 Rooms
Prices Starting at $188 / Night
Learn More
Safari Park+Zoo = Go Pass
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Visit this 1,800 acre park featuring over 3,000 animals in their natural habitats as you ride the African tram! Buy an All-Inclusive Go Pass and admission to the San Diego Zoo is included!
Buy Now
Local Tips
What kind of deals does the Go City San Diego pass offer?

The Go City San Diego pass gives visitors the ability to save up to 55% on attraction admissions.

Combine our exclusive 5% discount to save even more and consider the All-Inclusive pass to maximize your savings. Plus the pass gives you the ability to skip the line when visiting select attractions.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Featured Hotel
The Pearl Hotel
Suite Bedroom at The Pearl Hotel
Boutique
Boutique
Families
Families
Near Bay
Near Bay
3 Stars3 Stars3 Stars
The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma is a laid back, budget-friendly, stylish boutique hotel with an oyster-shaped pool and popular restaurant named Charles + Dinorah.
Prices Starting at $129
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