The 13 best cheap hotels in San Diego for an affordable but excellent trip

Built in 1961, this boutique hotel was renovated, repurchased and reopened in summer of 2007. It still has that groovy ’60s vibe, with funky, mid-century decor in a petite space right off of Rosecrans in Point Loma. Centrally located, the hotel’s pool offers pool-side dining from its Eat at the Pearl Restaurant, and Dive-In movie specials, where a free film is shown outside by the water every Wednesday evening. Fairly priced in the off-season, room rates often surge during summer months.

Located off First Avenue in bustling downtown, the Bristol is often overlooked by travelers—foolishly. It offers great value just steps from the historic Gaslamp District. A full property renovation kicked off at the end of 2016, with an expected completion of late 2017. The new property will include 114 refreshed guestrooms along with its usual pet-friendly amenities (ask about their water bowls and doggy beds) and a lounge bar that serves happy hour every day from 5pm to 7pm.

One of the most popular neighborhoods in the city, Little Italy is located near both downtown and the airport. La Pensione is a charming boutique hotel situated smack-dab in the middle of this infamous neighborhood. The unassuming white building on Date and India Street features modern, petite rooms and a courtyard for guests to enjoy. If you’re peckish, head to the ground floor Caffe Italia, serving morning coffee and light lunches, or pop into Mr. Moto for pizzas made with organic, local ingredients.

This waterfront hotel is a little more ‘mid-range’ than truly budget, but you can get some good rates here if you book carefully. The vibe is fresh and fun with a slight tropical twist, and the hotel’s life is centered around the marina views, the outdoor pool and the lively So Cal restaurant with its live music. If you fancy a day speeding around Shelter Island, the hotel will happily lend you bicycles.

The Hacienda Hotel will make you forget that you’re staying at a Best Western. Located in the heart of Old Town San Diego, it emulates an old-fashioned hacienda, with Spanish decor, gorgeous fountains and lush greenery. Ideal for families, business visitors and day-trippers alike, it’s within walking distance to all of historic Old Town’s attractions. A small heated pool and spa, room service, free airport shuttle, fitness center all add to its charm and convenience. When you’re in the mood for a fun meal, head to the Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina at any time of day for Mexican classics and an impressive tequila menu.

Take a journey through the old west by staying at a hotel that is also a historic landmark. The building was constructed in 1827 as the grand home of Don Juan Bandini - an early San Diego settler - and few realize that 10 hotel rooms sit on the second floor of the building, just above the restaurant. Each room is ornately decorated with antique furnishings (including Victorian-style soaking tubs!). Freshly made scones and coffee are served in the Gaming Parlour each morning.

If you’re in San Diego mainly with the beach in mind, consider booking a room at the Beach Haven. Just one block from the ocean, this bright and friendly hotel keeps the beachy vibes alive with blue-and-white décor and lots of nodding palm trees. And if you’ve already returned from the beach but fancy another swim, the hotel has a great pool with sun lounger space.

The Old Town Inn combines charm with practicality. Located right on Pacific Highway, it’s easy to miss as you speed by. The hotel is within walking distance of the Old Town Transit Center, and guests can nab a trolley, bus, or Amtrak train to nearby attractions. What it lacks in beautiful surroundings (off a busy highway, next to loaded parking lots) the property makes up for in amenities. The family-owned inn provides complimentary breakfast, free parking and Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, BBQ and two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes.

Just ten-minutes’ drive from Downtown, the Handlery Hotel offers the alternative of a resort-like stay at a relatively affordable price. The rooms are attractive and modern with a slight industrial chic aesthetic. There’s a great pool onsite and the Postcards American bistro, which is perfect for when you’re in the mood for comfort food.

Situated in the middle of Hotel Circle in Mission Valley, what the Town and Country resort has gained popularity following a recent renovation which gave its mid-century stylings a thorough revamp. There’s a pool, a picnic area, a garden and a host of onsite activities including table tennis and movie nights. You can dine at one of five restaurants or make purchase from the marketplace. Great for families visiting SeaWorld who might also enjoy the hotel’s four-storey waterslide, nicknamed ‘Twister’.  

Ideally placed in the lovely isle of Coronado, the Coronado Inn is a tiny spot boasting a short walking distance to the beach and nearby bistros. Rooms are neatly decorated in plain and oceanic colors, and your furry friend can stay with you for a modest fee. There’s an outdoor pool onsite for you to take a dip in, and you can hire bicycles from the hotel to explore the local area.

For a B&B escape without the sky-rocketing costs, consider the charming Cherokee Lodge. Constructed in 1896, this historic home is made for a cozy getaway. The cottage is located in a quiet residential neighborhood and consists of 12 rooms and a few common areas. Each morning, the hotel puts on a continental breakfast buffett in the shared breakfast area.

Located on Orange Avenue in the heart of Coronado, El Rancho is a standard motel, with all the basics and a little extra. It consists of 10 bedrooms with microwaves, mini-fridges and free Wi-Fi. The motel offers very few parking spots, so if you’re not lucky enough to snag one, prepare for a search. Lounging can be done in the outdoor patio furniture, but the El Rancho’s biggest draw is its affordable accommodations and a three-block walking distance to the Ferry Landing. The shopping center is also closeby.