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Where to Stay in San Diego

Where to Stay in San Diego

San Diego California, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, often with communal spaces. HI San Diego Downtown Hostel and Lucky D's Hostel are options.

  • Motels

    Basic, value-oriented lodging, found along main roads. These commonly include free parking.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    A wide variety of chain and boutique hotels with standard amenities like private bathrooms and Wi-Fi.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Unique, stylish hotels with personalized service and distinctive design. The US Grant and Hotel del Coronado are examples.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

  • Beachfront Resorts

    Properties directly on or near the beach, with water sports access and ocean views. The Hotel del Coronado and Catamaran Resort Hotel are instances.

  • Historic Hotels

    Hotels with significant history or architectural character. The US Grant and Hotel del Coronado fit this category.

  • Self-catering Apartments

    Accessible via platforms such as Booking.com or Vrbo. Variety from studios to large homes, often with kitchens.

  • Camping & RV Parks

    Limited camping in city limits; available in nearby state parks (Silver Strand, San Elijo, Torrey Pines). Several RV parks exist around San Diego.

Neighborhood Guide

San Diego's diverse neighborhoods each own a distinct character. Choose the best area for your stay. Consider proximity to attractions, ambiance, and safety.

Gaslamp Quarter Downtown

Pros
  • Central location, walkable to many attractions
  • Lively atmosphere
Cons
  • Can be noisy, higher prices
  • Not ideal for quiet getaways
  • Exercise caution late at night

Little Italy / Old Town

Pros
  • Little Italy: Walkable, excellent food, lively but calmer than Gaslamp
  • Old Town: Immersive history, unique atmosphere
Cons
  • Little Italy: Can be busy, limited parking
  • Old Town: Very touristy, limited evening options

Coastal Gems Coronado / La Jolla

Pros
  • Beautiful scenery, high-end amenities
  • Family-friendly, relaxed, safe
  • Pristine beaches
Cons
  • More expensive, further from downtown
  • Can be crowded

Other outstanding Neighborhoods

Mission Beach / Pacific Beach

Classic Southern California beach towns with boardwalks, surf shops, and casual eateries. Pacific Beach caters to a lively young crowd, Mission Beach is slightly calmer.

Mission Valley

A central, commercial area with shopping malls and hotels. It includes good value hotels and convenient freeway access to various parts of San Diego.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies help secure the best accommodation for your trip, especially during peak travel times.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (Summer, major holidays/events): Book 3-6 months in advance. Popular properties get reserved quickly.
  • Shoulder Season (Spring/Fall): Book 1-3 months in advance for the best selection and prices.
  • Low Season (Winter, excluding holidays): 2-4 weeks in advance is usually enough, but earlier for specific properties.
  • Always check event calendars for local festivals or conventions that may impact availability.

Trusted Booking Platforms

Important Policies

Deposit and Cancellation Policies
  • Policies vary by property and platform.
  • Always check specific terms before booking.
  • Many properties allow free cancellation 24-72 hours before arrival.
  • Some require non-refundable deposits.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations
  • Highest prices: Summer (June-August), major events (Comic-Con), December holidays.
  • Lower prices: Generally winter (November-March), excluding holiday periods.
  • Good value: Shoulder seasons (Spring/Fall) often balance weather and value.

House Sitting

Consider TrustedHousesitters

An option for longer stays for those open to caring for homes and pets.

Benefits

Free accommodation in exchange for pet diligence and home maintenance.

Planning

Requires early application and a fine profile.

Accommodation Recommendations

Some recommendations for different travel styles and preferences. These suggestions find the right place to stay in San Diego.

Top Picks for Different Budget Levels

Budget

Youth hostels such as HI San Diego Downtown Hostel (social atmosphere) or Lucky D's Hostel. Various independent motels along El Cajon Boulevard or in Mission Valley.

  • Good for solo travelers or those meeting others.
Mid-Range

Hotels Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside, Lodging Indigo San Diego - Gaslamp Quarter, The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows.

  • Vacation rentals exist in North Park, South Park, or Normal Heights.

Family-Friendly & Solo Traveler Options

Family-Friendly Options

Resorts: Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa (Mission Bay, with activities), Paradise Point Resort & Spa (Mission Bay).

  • Hotels with Pools: Branded hotels in Mission Valley.
  • Vacation Rentals: Larger homes or apartments in Coronado or La Jolla Shores.
Solo Traveler Recommendations

Hostels: HI San Diego Downtown Hostel (meet other travelers).

  • Boutique Hotels: Smaller, character-filled hotels in Little Italy or North Park.
  • Hotels with Social Spaces: Properties with inviting common areas or bars.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Extended Stay Hotels

    Options like Residence Inn, Homewood Suites, or Staybridge Suites include kitchenettes and amenities suitable for longer visits.

  • Vacation Rentals

    An apartment or house through Airbnb or Vrbo offers more space and comfort for extended stays.

  • Furnished Apartments

    Local agencies specialize in fully furnished apartments for corporate or long-term travelers.

  • Specific Neighborhoods

    North Park, Normal Heights, and University Heights feature more residential rental properties.

Properties with Exceptional Cultural or Historical Significance

  • Hotel del Coronado

    A historic Victorian landmark directly on the beach, known for its construction and past guests.

  • The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel

    A grand historic hotel in downtown San Diego, dating back to 1910.

  • Horton Grand Hotel

    A charming Victorian-era hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, known for its historical ambiance.

  • Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

    A historic Mid-century modern hotel recently renovated, located in North Park.

Homestay & Community-Based Tourism

Homestay Opportunities

Formal homestay programs for tourists stay confined. Some vacation rentals might provide a homestay-like experience if you rent a room within a shared residence.

  • Check individual listings on platforms like Airbnb for shared living arrangements.
Community-Based Tourism

This type of tourism focuses more on supporting local businesses and deep cultural experience rather than specific lodging types.

  • Seek out area experts or small businesses for experiences.
  • Barrio Logan includes culturally significant art and food.

RV Parks

Campland on the Bay

A popular RV resort directly on Mission Bay featuring plenty of amenities.

San Diego RV Resort

Located near Mission Valley, with convenient freeway access to attractions.

Chula Vista RV Resort

Bayfront location south of downtown San Diego, with views of the bay and city skyline.

Where to Stay in San Diego. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation