Cheap Hotels in San Diego
Check prices for these dates
Cheap Hotels in San Diego
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego - Del Mar
Top neighborhoods in San Diego
Gaslamp Quarter
Step into San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter where Victorian-era streetlights cast a warm glow over cobblestone paths lined with historic buildings. This walkable entertainment district buzzes with rooftop bars, live music venues, and bustling nightlife. History buffs will appreciate the beautifully restored 1880s architecture and landmarks like the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House. Dining options range from upscale steakhouses to craft breweries serving late into the night. Most attractions are within easy walking distance, especially during evenings when many streets become pedestrian-only zones. The nearby trolley stops connect visitors to broader San Diego attractions when you're ready to explore beyond this lively historic neighborhood.
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach blends laid-back surf culture with non-stop entertainment along San Diego's stunning coastline. The buzzing boardwalk invites biking, skating, or people-watching as waves crash nearby. Crystal Pier stretches into the ocean, offering perfect sunset views, while Mission Bay provides calm waters for paddleboarding and kayaking. Casual beachfront eateries serve everything from fish tacos to acai bowls, with most spots offering ocean-view patios. Accommodations range from budget motels to luxury oceanfront rentals, all within walking distance of the sand. While public transit is limited, the neighborhood's walkable design and extensive bike paths make exploring this sun-soaked playground a breeze.
Old Town San Diego
Step back in time at Old Town San Diego, where California's birthplace unfolds through adobe buildings and living history. Wander through the dusty plaza as costumed interpreters demonstrate traditional crafts and mariachi music fills the air. The State Historic Park and Whaley House Museum offer fascinating glimpses into Mexican and early American periods, while Bazaar del Mundo's colorful shops showcase authentic crafts. Mexican restaurants dominate the food scene, serving everything from casual tacos to upscale mole dishes. The neighborhood is easily explored on foot with brick pathways connecting museums, shops, and courtyards. Though touristy during peak hours, early mornings offer a quieter experience to soak in the historic atmosphere.
Downtown San Diego
Downtown San Diego delivers a perfect mix of waterfront beauty and urban excitement all in one walkable package. The USS Midway Museum's massive aircraft carrier anchors the scenic Embarcadero along the glittering bay. Petco Park brings baseball energy while the Gaslamp Quarter lights up after dark with bars and restaurants housed in charming Victorian buildings. The impressive convention center stands like a giant ship ready to sail. Food options range from California-Mexican fusion to fresh seafood in settings from casual to rooftop elegance. Hotels span from luxury high-rises with bay views to boutique properties in historic buildings. Getting around is a breeze with trolley stations connecting to beaches and plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets.
Mission Valley
Mission Valley puts you right in San Diego's action-packed middle with everything a traveler needs. Two major malls (Fashion Valley and Mission Valley Center) offer retail therapy while Riverwalk Golf Club provides a scenic escape. The San Diego River creates a natural backdrop as trolley bells chime at nearby stations, making it easy to explore beyond the neighborhood. Getting around couldn't be simpler with three trolley stations and multiple freeways connecting you to San Diego's attractions. Hotels line the valley at various price points, creating a convenient base for day trips to nearby beaches, Old Town, or the famous San Diego Zoo.
Top landmarks in San Diego
San Diego Zoo
It's feeding time at the zoo! If you can't resist those cuddly critters you might want to pay a trip to San Diego Zoo, located 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from central San Diego. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is artsy and has lots of nice beaches. If you have fun at San Diego Zoo, you'll love San Diego Natural History Museum and Balboa Park Carousel, both a short walk away.
San Diego Convention Center
San Diego Convention Center is worth a pic or two when discovering Downtown San Diego. Hotels.com travelers also say the area is artsy and has lots of nice beaches.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about San Diego
Find out more about San Diego
Exploring San Diego on a budget
What are the best cheap hotels in San Diego, CA?
Soak up the best of America’s Finest City on a budget at the Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel. Think palm-lined pool and family-friendly fun just steps from the beach. For the buzz and beauty of the city, the Hercor Hotel—Urban Boutique puts you a stroll away from San Diego Bay. See the best of the city sights from the (usually) sun-drenched terrace or get through the business part of your bleisure break in the business center. If your travel style is more backpack than boutique, check out the colorful, communal Stay Classy Hostel for delightful dorms that make your spending money stretch a little further. Great Odin’s raven, it’s good!
How much are cheap hotels in San Diego?
To get the most bang for your buck, stay a little further back from the beach or travel outside popular months. Who doesn’t want to vacay in , after all? Think about amenities, too. If you leave a few off your list, your wallet will thank you. But that’s not to say you need to scrimp on luxury. Whether you want high class modern vibes or a little more rustic charm, find fantastic value for money at Hotels.com.
Can I book cheap hotels in San Diego?
With everything from five-star fantastic to budget brilliance, there’s plenty of cheap hotels in San Diego, CA. Be flexible with your dates and play with the filters to find the most dollar-delighting deals. Dates, amenities, location: There are a lot of elements that dictate price. Book today and you can bag a bargain room. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Why should I book a cheap hotel in San Diego with Hotels.com?
Why stop at just a hotel room? Become a member, earn points when you book, and get dazzling discounts again and again and again. Finding exactly what you need is easy thanks to our simple search, fantastic filters, and incredible inventory of cheap hotels in San Diego, CA, all in one place.
How do I find the best deals on cheap hotel rooms in San Diego?
If you’re looking for great deals on cheap San Diego hotels, the good news is you’re already in the right place. Now just tell us when you want to travel and hit search. With many of the best San Diego stays all in one place, you can sort your results by price or slip the slider to adjust your budget. All that’s left to do is flick a few amenity filters until you find the room that’s right for you. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Can I book a cheap hotel in San Diego with free cancellation?
Yes, many cheap hotels in San Diego offer free cancellation. Just click the right filter and you’re on your way. It’s the one labeled Free Cancellation. Other flexible booking options are available depending on the hotel you choose. As policies differ from place to place, always check before you book.
How to find the best cheap hotels in San Diego?
✅ There are lots of cheap hotels available in San Diego in 2025. What's more, our rewards programOpens in a new window makes San Diego hotels an even better choice for travelers on a budget.
✅ Whether you're looking for a hostel, apart-hotel or Bed & Breakfast, there's something for every type of traveler in San Diego on Hotels.com – use the helpful search filters to find some of the cheapest hotels in San Diego for your budget-friendly stay.
✅ You'll find lots of cheap hotels in San Diego – with Hotels.com. With so many choices, we recommend you use the search filter for price limits to narrow down your options.
✅ The best time of year for an affordable vacation to San Diego is during low season. This is when fewer people visit and there is a wider range of cheap San Diego hotels available.
✅ There are plenty of things to see and do in San Diego on a budget! From exploring the city's iconic landmarks and museums to enjoying the great outdoors and local parks, there is something for everyone in San Diego.
✅ If you're looking to travel to San Diego on a budget, there are plenty of ways to save. One option is to consider booking your travel during off-peak times when prices for flights, hotels, and attractions may be lower. Another option is budget-friendly transportation, such as local public transportation like buses or trains.
✅ To find the great budget hotels in San Diego for families, use our "Family friendly" filter under the "Travel experience" header. This will filter for family-friendly accommodation essentials.
*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Keep exploring
Keep exploring
- Hotels near San Diego Civic Theatre
- Hotels with Kitchens Hotels near Coronado Municipal Beach
- Cheap Hotels near Coronado Municipal Beach
- Luxury Hotels near Coronado Municipal Beach
- Business Hotels near Coronado Municipal Beach
- Boutique Hotels near Coronado Municipal Beach
- Beach Hotels near Coronado Municipal Beach
- Golf Hotels near Coronado Municipal Beach
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas Hotels near Coronado Municipal Beach
- Hotels near Waterfront Park
- Hotels with Parking in National City
- Cheap Hotels in National City
- Family Hotels in National City
- Los Angeles Hotels
- Hotels near San Diego Intl.
- Hotels with a Pool in Coronado
- Hotels with Parking in Coronado
- Hotels with a Fitness Center in Coronado
- Pet Friendly Hotels in Coronado
- All-Inclusive Resorts & in Coronado
- Cheap Hotels in Coronado
- Luxury Hotels in Coronado
- Business Hotels in Coronado
- Beach Hotels in Coronado
- Family Hotels in Coronado
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Coronado
- Coronado Hotels
- Cheap Hotels in Chula Vista
- Chula Vista Hotels
- Hotels near SeaWorld
- Hotels near San Diego Zoo
- Hotels near Balboa Park
- Beach Hotels in La Jolla
- La Jolla Hotels
- Hotels near Disneyland® Resort
- Hotels near Seaport Village
- Hotels near Marine Corps Recruit Depot
- Hotels near Petco Park
- Hotels near B Street Cruise Ship Terminal
- Hotels near Mission Bay
- Hotels with a Pool Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Hotels with Parking Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Hotels with a Fitness Center Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Hotels with Free Breakfast Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Hotels with Kitchens Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Pet Friendly Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Cheap Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Luxury Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Business Hotels near Hotel Circle
- LGBTQIA-Welcoming Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Boutique Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Family Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Golf Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Hotels near Hotel Circle
- Hotels with a Pool Hotels near Shelter Island
- Hotels with Parking Hotels near Shelter Island
- Hotels with a Fitness Center Hotels near Shelter Island
- Hotels with Free Breakfast Hotels near Shelter Island
- Hotels with Kitchens Hotels near Shelter Island
- Pet Friendly Hotels near Shelter Island
- Cheap Hotels near Shelter Island
- Luxury Hotels near Shelter Island
- Business Hotels near Shelter Island
- LGBTQIA-Welcoming Hotels near Shelter Island
- Beach Hotels near Shelter Island
- Family Hotels near Shelter Island
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas Hotels near Shelter Island
- Hotels near Mission Beach
- Hotels near San Diego Convention Center
- Gaslamp Quarter Hotels
- Hotels with a Pool in Little Italy
- Hotels with Parking in Little Italy
- Hotels with a Fitness Center in Little Italy
- Hotels with Free Breakfast in Little Italy
- Pet Friendly Hotels in Little Italy
- Cheap Hotels in Little Italy
- Business Hotels in Little Italy
- LGBTQIA-Welcoming Hotels in Little Italy
- Family Hotels in Little Italy
- Little Italy Hotels
- Hotels with a Fitness Center in Point Loma
- Pet Friendly Hotels in Point Loma
- Cheap Hotels in Point Loma
- Pacific Beach Hotels
- All-Inclusive Resorts & in Hillcrest
- All-Inclusive Resorts & in Downtown San Diego
- Downtown San Diego Hotels
- Mission Valley Hotels
- All-Inclusive Resorts & in Old Town San Diego
- Hotels with a Pool in San Diego Coast
- Hotels with Parking in San Diego Coast
- Hotels with Kitchens in San Diego Coast
- Pet Friendly Hotels in San Diego Coast
- All-Inclusive Resorts & in San Diego Coast
- Cheap Hotels in San Diego Coast
- Luxury Hotels in San Diego Coast
- Family Hotels in San Diego Coast
- Golf Hotels in San Diego Coast
- All-Inclusive Resorts & in San Diego County