San Diego’s Days Hotel in Hotel Circle offers amazingly affordable (cheap) accommodations and a 3 diamond quality with amenities such as nice rooms, swimming pool, and close proximity to Old Town and Mission Bay. With the San Diego Zoo, Old Town, and University of San Diego each less than 2 miles distance, many travelers on a budget stay in Days Inn alone or with families.

VisitSanDiegoHotels features from time to time packages at Days Hotel. Among our favorites is the San Diego Zoo Package which includes tickets to the world famous San Diego Zoo to see the giant pandas from China, flamingos, ride the tour double decker bus,  ride the Aerial Tram, watch the zoo feeders, and shop in the fantastic gift store.

The hotel has offered a Balboa Package where you get a complimentary $20 gift card for the Prado restaurant when you check-in at the Days Hotel. There are package deals and add ons such ash SeaWorld, too.

But really, the truth is that if you check Days Hotel rates, you can sometimes find a room for under $50. When you’re staying in a prime vacation destination and can easily pay $300 to 500 per night, the budget hotels really make San Diego the great place it is. It offers something for every age, and hotels for every price range.

La Quinta Mission Valley

La Quinta Mission Valley is well known for its great prices, ideal for families and those on a budget. With Free Parking, Complimentary High-Speed Wireless Internet, and Continental Breakfast, it is no wonder that the place is so popular. Centrally located to major attractions, shopping and ball parks, La Quinta Inn Mission Valley is less than one mile from two world-class shopping centers, Petco Park, Mission Bay, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Old Town, the San Diego Harbor, Gaslamp Quarter,  the airport and more.

La Quinta Prices & Package Deals with Theme Park Tickets

While the parking is free, one of the biggest complaints for those driving large vehicles and big SUVs is the size of the parking spaces in the garage. The parking is tight. Two room suites are available, and the rooms are clean.

An inviting outdoor swimming pool appeals to the many families who frequent the hotel. Summers are winters offer equal opportunities to swim as the San Diego weather is some of the mildest in the United States during December through February. Many folks from the midwest gravitate to San Diego and this budget hotel, staying three days to a week at a time. My family and I stayed here for 3 nights and recommend getting two queen beds rather than counting on the sofa bed, which is less comfortable.  It’s a really nice motel with friendly, helpful staff.

The breakfast room can be quite busy as the hotel does a whopping business and there isn’t space for all families to eat there at once. You can either sneak your food back to your room, which we prefer to do, or just move on in and get what you want, tight quarters or not. It’s really no big deal as far as I’m concerned, as I don’t eat breakfast anyway.

As a matter of fact, I hopped in the car and went looking for a Starbucks cafe, finding one not far away. Overall, my family said the breakfast choices and quality were good for being free. Would I stay there again for $89/night? Why not? The prices are decent, plus you get a free breakfast meal. That’s a heck of a deal.

Where to eat? There are many great Mission Valley restaurants for families and adults. Denny’s for the full American breakfast is one of our favorites. Steakhouses abound in the Mission Valley, and family favorites include Applebees.

Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel has a great location along the harbor with some view rooms overlooking the water, while featuring the chain brand so popular in San Diego County. How popular is the Best Western chain in the region? There are over 25 BW chain hotels to pick and choose from. Bay and Pool views or standard view rooms where you save money are great options in one of the best locations close to everything…SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, Convention Center and Downtown.

Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel offers views of the San Diego Harbor from the view rooms. That’s what puts this Best Western on the top of the list. In the great location, you can head down to the ferries to Coronado, boat rides in the bay, and Amtrak train that goes to downtown Los Angeles or the beaches of Orange County at San Clemente. Closer beach options include train stops and Coaster train rides to Oceanside, Carlsbad and Solana Beach. Sportfishing and deep sea fishing are quite good in the region, and the weather most often cooperates, providing sunny, warm days. Close to San Diego Airport, Cabrillo National Monument, and 65 golf courses, how can you find time to do anything but have fun?

Check out more photos, prices and special offers.

Hotel Occidental

Hotel Occidental

While some may disagree with my assessment, I like to think of Hotel Occidental and an upscale hostel. Some shared facilities and its simple accommodations are two reasons. I have read many reviews of the hotel and have found that those most satisfied with their visits are younger people seeking a hotel with a location near downtown, Balboa Park and schools.

Adult couples and seniors tend to be a bit disenchanted with what they discover upon arrival. Some have even asked why you would stay there when other nearby options can be had at a similar price. The answer is simple. If you are in town with friends attending a concert, ball game or party, you may seek an affordable, friendly hotel where young people like to stay. Amenities such as a shared kitchen, nice front lawn in a neighborhood setting and bicycle rentals somewhat suggest that you are in the wrong place if you’re looking for valet to take your car and park it underground during your stay.

Bright colored pillow accents and simple decor lend well to this hotel. Prices are often under $100, which isn’t too shabby for the great location.

Handlery Hotel San Diego

Are you looking for good San Diego hotels at great prices?  One such hotel that was in the $100 range as of this posting is the Handlery Hotel in San Diego. This is on the higher end of our “deals hotels” but because it is privately owned and has been in existence for decades, it can afford to charge less. Please scroll down for cheaper deals in the $50 – 100 range.

San Diego is an affordable vacation whether you stay at the beach, near the zoo, near SeaWorld or Old Town and Hotel Circle. We constantly check for low prices. The good news is that in off season (after August – through March) you can find countless $50 – 100 rooms. $50 seldom gets you much above a one or two diamond but if you are looking for price alone, then by all means, go have fun in San Diego. Many of the trendiest visitors stay at the cheapest hotels, opting for fashionable clothes over fashionable digs. Here are a few options to check out:

500 West
Welcome to 500 West, an affordable, upscale hostel in downtown San Diego. Enjoy comfortable, contemporary lodging, first-class service and a wide of array of amenities designed to please both convention travelers and budget vacationers.

Americas Best Value Inn
La Mesa, CA
The Americas Best Value Inn La Mesa is conveniently located between two major freeways, highway 8 and highway 94 just minutes away from San Diego attractions including Sea World, the World Famous San Diego Zoo, the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Qualcomm Stadium, Petco Park, SDSU Transit Center…

Americas Best Value Inn

Escondido, CALocated in the beautiful city of Escondido near San Diego, The Americas Best Value Inn and Suites has a quiet, serene atmosphere- allowing you to relax peacefully while being conveniently close to Southern California*s finest attractions. Our charming 2-story property offers designated non-smoking…

Americas Best Value Inn Convention Center/Downtown

Americas Best Value Inn Convention Center / Downtown is located just off Interstate 5, in downtown San Diego. We are within one mile of the San Diego Convention Center and PETCO Park, and only one and a half miles from the San Diego International Airport.
Recently refurbished, Americas Best Value Inn…

San Ysidro, CA

Americas Best Value Inn San Diego SouthWelcome to Americas Best Value Inn & Suites San Diego / San Ysidro, located off the I-5 at Dairy Mart Road, approximately one mile from the US Mexico International Border. We are easily accessible from both 1-5 and I-805.
Our newly renovated hotel offers deluxe suites, with elevator access and a…

Beach Haven Inn

The Beach Haven Inn is located 1 block to the beach in the Pacific Beach area of San Diego. Centrally located to many San Diego attractions, including Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Old Town San Diego and more. The Inn features large suites with kitchens, heated pool with spa

Best Western Golden Triangle Inn

Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel

Hampton Inn Sea World

Homestead San Diego-Mission Valley

Hotel Occidental

The Hotel Occidental is a completely revitalized, Alonzo Award-winning historic property in the center of San Diego’s urban core, developed specifically for those business and leisure travelers who seek not only style, but value and quality.
Our idyllic location in the center of downtown’s main…

Blue Sea Lodge

Blue Sea Lodge on the beach at Pacific Beach sits next door to the Surfer Beach Hotel. Both are located in the heart of PB’s dining, surfing, and beach hub. Within view of both hotels are more hotels near the Crystal Pier,  a unique wooden structure that artfully frames the bay views all the way to the hills skirting the edge of town and heading into La Jolla.

Blue Sea Lodge is one of the favorite California beach hotels in San Diego, known for year-round beach fun. While other Southern California hotels tend to lose their crowds, San Diego’s tourism holds strong even into the winter months. The word is out that the weather remains fine (even better than summer), hotel prices tend to drop, and the sunshine is out.

The Blue Sea Lodge includes ocean view and rooms without the ocean scene out your door that tend to cost a bit less. You can walk along the strand outside your hotel, and dine at beach-style restaurants serving, burgers, fish, chicken and a variety of menu items that adults and kids love.  One thing you may grow to love about San Diego is its casual style. Nine times out of ten you can dine at even the best restaurants with jeans, and a jacket. San Diego is one of the most relaxing cities to visit and it’s just one more reason to make this beach hotel your next stop on a vacation that gets you back to the basics.

Blue Sea Lodge can be easily accessed a short drive from Interstate 5 Freeway, or from the San Diego Airport. Taxis are plentiful, too. When you get your bearings, you can even hop on public buses outside the hotel at a bus stop. Locals love their public transportation and they ride it a lot. They also can tell you some tips on getting around.

Blue Sea Lodge prices are quite nice.

500 west hotel

Not everybody needs the convention hotels on site, and this 500 West Hotel is geared for those traveling in style during conventions to San Diego. You’ll generally not find this hotel on the San Diego convention hotels list, but it should be. Only a five minute walk to the convention center makes it worth considering. But what we like best about San Diego’s coolest hybrid hotel in the heart of downtown San Diego just steps from the Gaslamp District, Horton Plaza shopping center, Seaport Village, Amtrak and trolley stations, is the affordable accommodations.

They call 500 West the hybrid because it is in the same breath like an upscale hostel and it also is affordable. In California Gold Country they call these B&Bs.

Sleek, modern furnishings include flat-screen television, custom designed writing desk and platform bed with pillow top mattresses, and semi-private bathrooms. This means you share them, but for those accustomed to B&Bs, it’s well worth checking out 500 West.

Check out hotel photos of this lovely place.

Best Western Island Palms Hotel

Budget hotels aren’t necessarily cheap accommodations as you’ll discover when you check into a room at the Best Western Island Palms Hotel and Marina. Two beautiful swimming pools near the bay, a lobby filled with tropical streams and plants, and nicely decorated rooms, many with bay views, are just the start of this excellent “budget” hotel experience.

Do you like beach bonfires? Head on out the door and have your very own bonfire experience in nearby firepits? Meetings, weddings, and other special events are easily hosted in what really doesn’t look like a Best Western hotel. While San Diego great region has over 25 Best Western hotels, this one sets the standard for excellence.

Location on Shelter Island in San Diego, this finger-like island features several hotels and restaurants lining the waterfront. With water views and a harbor with boats and yachts, you are surrounded by bays and the look and feel of a luxury resort. If you’re looking to save a few dollars over more expensive accommodations, this Best Western is on the high end of budget in terms of room rates. But once you see it, you’ll think it’s great.

comfort inn san diego cheap hotels

Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel Circle/SeaWorld

San Diego, Calif.–Families love weekend getaways to San Diego and a stay at hotels along Hotel Circle near Old Town provide affordable hotels close to everything. Mission Bay, Sea World, the San Diego Zoo and other attractions are just minutes by car, when you don’t need to stay in downtown near the Gaslamp and Petco Park. Having spent many years on San Diego vacations, my family has stayed in this hotel. It was very basic, but clean, ideally located in a neighborhood, and it has a pool that everyone loves.

The swimming pool is situated outside the doors of most hotel rooms. If kids are up early playing by around 9 a.m., you do hear the sounds of laughter sometimes. This is very much a family hotel and budget hotel. For the price, it has everything you need. You can pay generally twice as much but we always looked at it in our younger years as an affordable one-to-two night stay allowing us to go to San Diego more often.  Check out prices