San Diego's Best Motels [Updated 2024]

I've stayed in my fair share of motels over the years, and I'm here to share my expertise with you. In this article, I'll be reviewing a total of 13 motels in San Diego to help you find the perfect accommodation for your stay.

From stunning coastal views to easy access to popular attractions, these motels have it all. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to discover the best motels in San Diego. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on these hidden gems!

E-Z 8 Motel Old Town

Highlights
Friendly and helpful staff
Affordable rates
Clean and modest facilities
Quick and easy check-in process

Let me start by saying that the staff at E-Z 8 Motel Old Town was incredibly friendly and helpful. From the moment I walked in, they greeted me with warm smiles and made me feel right at home. They were always ready to answer any questions I had and provided excellent recommendations for local attractions and restaurants.

Now, let's talk about affordability. We all know how expensive San Diego can be, but E-Z 8 Motel Old Town offers affordable rates without compromising on quality. This is a huge plus for budget-conscious travelers like myself who still want a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

The facilities at this motel were clean and modest. They may not have all the bells and whistles of a luxury hotel, but everything was well-maintained and tidy. Sometimes simplicity is just what you need, especially when you're out exploring all day and just need a cozy place to rest your head at night.

One thing that stood out to me was how quick and easy the check-in process was. Nobody wants to waste precious vacation time waiting in line, so it was refreshing to be able to breeze through check-in and get straight to enjoying my stay.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a motel that offers friendly service, affordable rates, clean facilities, and a hassle-free check-in process, look no further than E-Z 8 Motel Old Town in San Diego. It may not have all the frills of a fancy resort, but it has everything you need for a comfortable stay in America's Finest City!

You might also want to check out the best indoor things to do in San Diego.

San Diego Downtown Lodge

Highlights
Clean and quiet
Friendly staff
Spacious room
Comfy bed

My first impression of the San Diego Downtown Lodge was that it lived up to its reputation for being a clean and quiet establishment. As soon as I entered the lobby, I was greeted by a friendly staff member who made me feel right at home.

Upon entering my room, I was pleasantly surprised by how spacious it was. The furniture and decor were modern yet cozy, creating a comfortable atmosphere. The highlight of the room was undoubtedly the bed. It was like sleeping on a cloud! After a long day of exploring San Diego, there's nothing better than sinking into a comfy bed for a restful night's sleep.

The attention to detail at the San Diego Downtown Lodge really impressed me. The room was spotless and well-maintained, making it clear that cleanliness is a top priority here. Additionally, the staff went above and beyond to ensure my stay was enjoyable. They were always available to answer any questions or provide recommendations for local attractions.

One aspect that stood out to me during my stay was the motel's convenient location. It's centrally located in downtown San Diego, making it easy to explore popular areas such as Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy.

Overall, my experience at the San Diego Downtown Lodge exceeded my expectations. With its clean and quiet rooms, friendly staff, spacious accommodations, and incredibly comfortable bed, this motel truly deserves its spot among the best motels in San Diego. So if you're looking for an affordable option with all the comforts of home, look no further than the San Diego Downtown Lodge!

You might also want to check out the best things to do in San Diego.

Heritage Inn San Diego

Highlights
Great room
Helpful staff
Convenient location
Clean and working room

Upon entering the motel, I was immediately greeted by a great room that exuded comfort and tranquility. The tasteful decor and cozy ambiance made me feel right at home. It was almost as if I had stumbled upon a hidden oasis in the heart of San Diego.

The helpful staff were like superheroes, always ready to swoop in and save the day. From recommending local attractions to providing extra towels, they went above and beyond to ensure my stay was nothing short of exceptional. Their genuine warmth and friendliness truly made me feel like a valued guest.

One of the standout features of Heritage Inn San Diego is its convenient location. Situated in close proximity to popular tourist spots and dining options, it allowed me to easily explore all that San Diego has to offer without having to travel far. Whether I wanted to soak up some sun at the beach or indulge in some delicious seafood, everything was just a stone's throw away.

What impressed me the most was the impeccable cleanliness of my room. Not only did it sparkle with pristine surfaces, but everything was in perfect working order. No flickering lights or leaky faucets here! It's refreshing when a motel takes pride in maintaining their rooms to such high standards.

In conclusion, Heritage Inn San Diego exceeded all my expectations with its great room, helpful staff, convenient location, and clean accommodations. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, this motel is a fantastic choice that will make your stay in San Diego an unforgettable one. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best things to do in LA Jolla.

Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown

Highlights
Affordable rates
Clean and comfortable rooms
Great location
Friendly and accommodating owner
Safe area

Let me start by saying that if you're looking for a motel that won't break the bank, Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown is definitely worth considering. With its affordable rates, you won't have to sacrifice your entire vacation budget on accommodation.

Upon arriving, I was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and comfort of the rooms. The motel takes great pride in maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for its guests. The beds were cozy, the linens were fresh, and the room smelled delightfully pleasant – a rare find in many motels.

One of the highlights of this establishment is its great location. Situated in downtown San Diego, it's within easy reach of popular attractions such as the Gaslamp Quarter and the USS Midway Museum. Whether you're in town for business or pleasure, you'll find yourself conveniently situated near all the action.

But what really sets Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown apart is its owner. Not only was he incredibly friendly and welcoming, but he also went above and beyond to accommodate any requests we had during our stay. It's refreshing to encounter someone who truly cares about their guests' experiences.

Lastly, safety is always a priority when choosing accommodation. Rest assured that Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown is located in a safe area, giving you peace of mind during your stay.

In conclusion, Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown offers affordability without compromising on quality. If you're seeking an enjoyable stay with clean rooms, a prime location, and a friendly owner who genuinely cares about your experience, don't hesitate to book your stay here.

You might also want to check out the best things to see in San Diego.

Quality Inn San Diego I-5 Naval Base

Highlights
Clean and bug free rooms
Great TV with nice channels
Convenient location for downtown San Diego
Friendly staff

From the moment I walked into Quality Inn San Diego I-5 Naval Base, I was greeted with a smile from the friendly staff. They were eager to assist me and ensured that my stay would be comfortable and enjoyable.

One of the things that stood out to me was how clean and bug-free the rooms were. As an avid traveler, it's important for me to feel at ease in my temporary home, and this motel certainly delivered on that front. The housekeeping staff clearly takes pride in their work, as every corner of the room sparkled with cleanliness.

The TV in my room was top-notch, with a wide variety of nice channels to choose from. Whether I wanted to catch up on the latest news or unwind with my favorite sitcoms, there was always something entertaining available. It's refreshing to have such a high-quality television in a motel room.

In terms of location, this motel is conveniently situated for those wanting easy access to downtown San Diego. Why waste time traveling long distances when you can dive right into the heart of the city? With its proximity to major attractions and transportation options, Quality Inn San Diego I-5 Naval Base is an excellent choice for tourists looking to make the most of their visit.

In conclusion, Quality Inn San Diego I-5 Naval Base exceeded my expectations in terms of cleanliness, amenities, location, and friendly service. So if you're searching for a motel that offers all these fantastic features wrapped up in one neat package, don't hesitate to book your stay here. Trust me; you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best things to do in Downtown San Diego.

Hotel Iris

Highlights
Clean rooms
Helpful staff
Centrally located
Sparkling pool
Laundry facilities

Let me start by saying, the rooms at Hotel Iris are immaculate. I mean, seriously, they are so clean you could eat off the floor. Not that I recommend doing that, but you get the picture. The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. They were like magicians, always ready to assist with any request I had. Need an extra pillow? Poof! They magically appeared.

Now let's talk about location. Hotel Iris is smack dab in the middle of everything! It's like being in the heart of San Diego's vibrant energy. You've got all the attractions nearby, from SeaWorld to Balboa Park and everything in between. It's a paradise for both tourists and locals alike.

Oh, and did I mention their sparkling pool? It was like jumping into a refreshing oasis after a long day of exploring San Diego's treasures. The pool area was well-maintained and provided a perfect spot to relax and soak up some sun.

And let me tell you about those laundry facilities! They were a godsend for someone like me who tends to spill coffee on themselves more often than not. Clean clothes whenever I needed them? Yes, please!

In conclusion, if you're looking for a motel that offers clean rooms, helpful staff, a central location, a sparkling pool, and convenient laundry facilities—look no further than Hotel Iris in San Diego. It's like finding a unicorn in the motel world: rare and magical!

You might also want to check out the best things to do in Encinitas.

Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center

Highlights
Excellent service
Helpful staff
Good rooms

Let me start by saying that the service at Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center is nothing short of excellent. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was greeted with warm smiles and a genuine eagerness to assist. The staff here truly goes above and beyond to ensure your stay is comfortable and memorable.

Speaking of staff, they are not only helpful but also incredibly knowledgeable about the area. They gave me some great recommendations for local attractions and even helped me navigate my way around San Diego. It's always a pleasure to encounter staff members who genuinely care about their guests' experience.

Now, let's talk about the rooms. They are good... really good. Clean, spacious, and well-maintained, they provide a cozy haven after a long day of exploring the vibrant city. The beds are so comfortable that it's difficult to resist hitting the snooze button in the morning.

One thing that impressed me about Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center is its location - right in the heart of San Diego's lively Gaslamp Quarter. With its proximity to restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, there's never a dull moment around here.

To sum it all up, if you're looking for a motel in San Diego with excellent service, helpful staff, and good rooms, Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center should be at the top of your list. Trust me; you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best things to do in Oceanside.

Rodeway Inn Lemon Grove

Highlights
Welcoming staff
Superb hospitality
Convenient location
Clean rooms
Fridge and microwave

When I first arrived at Rodeway Inn Lemon Grove, I was greeted by a welcoming staff who were eager to assist me with all my needs. Their superb hospitality made me feel like a VIP from the moment I stepped foot in the motel.

The motel's convenient location was perfect for exploring all that San Diego has to offer. Whether it was visiting the beautiful beaches or exploring the vibrant downtown area, everything was just a short drive away.

As I entered my room, I was pleasantly surprised by how clean and well-maintained it was. The attention to detail really shone through, and the cozy atmosphere made me feel right at home. The fact that each room came equipped with a fridge and microwave was an added bonus, making it convenient for storing snacks or enjoying a quick meal.

One thing that truly impressed me about Rodeway Inn Lemon Grove was their commitment to providing exceptional service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that every guest had a comfortable stay. Whether it was recommending local attractions or helping with any inquiries, they were always ready to assist.

In conclusion, Rodeway Inn Lemon Grove is definitely a standout among the best motels in San Diego. With their welcoming staff, superb hospitality, convenient location, clean rooms, and additional amenities like fridges and microwaves, this motel is an excellent choice for anyone looking for comfort and convenience. So why settle for ordinary when you can experience extraordinary? Give Rodeway Inn Lemon Grove a try - you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best things to do in Little Italy San Diego.

Sunrise Inn San Diego

Highlights
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Comfy bed
Apologetic staff
Good value for money

Upon entering the motel, I was greeted by the most welcoming and friendly staff I have encountered in a long time. Their warm smiles instantly made me feel at ease, as if I had just arrived at a close friend's home.

The cleanliness of the rooms at Sunrise Inn San Diego is truly commendable. Every nook and cranny sparkled, making me question whether they had hired a team of cleaning fairies to work their magic. The attention to detail was evident, from the neatly arranged towels to the spotless bathroom fixtures.

Oh, let's not forget about the bed! It was so comfy that it felt like sleeping on a cloud. I haven't slept that well in ages. It made leaving the cozy confines of my room in the morning quite challenging.

During my stay, there was a minor hiccup with my reservation, but the staff handled it with utmost professionalism and were genuinely apologetic for any inconvenience caused. They swiftly resolved the issue and even went above and beyond to ensure my satisfaction.

One of the standout aspects of Sunrise Inn San Diego is its excellent value for money. Considering the quality of service, cleanliness, and overall experience provided, you would expect to pay much more elsewhere.

In conclusion, Sunrise Inn San Diego exceeded my expectations in every way possible. From their friendly and apologetic staff to their squeaky clean rooms and heavenly beds, this motel offers an unforgettable experience without breaking your bank account. So if you're looking for a playful yet professional place to rest your weary head in San Diego, give Sunrise Inn San Diego a try – it won't disappoint!

You might also want to check out the best things to do in Old Town San Diego.

Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Downtown

Highlights
Friendly staff
Convenient location
Privacy
Excellent service

Let's start with the staff at Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Downtown. They were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. It's always a pleasure to encounter such warm hospitality during my travels.

The motel's location is truly convenient, situated in the heart of San Diego. This allowed me to easily explore all the fantastic attractions the city has to offer without spending too much time on transportation. Whether it was visiting the iconic Gaslamp Quarter or enjoying a day at Balboa Park, everything was just a stone's throw away.

Privacy is something I value greatly when staying at a motel, and Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Downtown definitely delivered. The rooms were well-designed and noise-free, ensuring a peaceful stay for everyone. After a long day of exploring, I greatly appreciated being able to retreat to my cozy room and relax without any disturbances.

One thing that stood out during my visit was the excellent service provided by the motel staff. They went above and beyond to ensure that all my needs were met promptly and efficiently. From providing helpful recommendations for local restaurants to addressing any concerns I had, their dedication to customer satisfaction was impressive.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a motel in San Diego that offers friendly staff, convenient location, privacy, and excellent service, Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Downtown should be at the top of your list. So go ahead and book your stay here; you won't be disappointed!

You might also want to check out the best things to do in Gaslamp San Diego.

Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Airport - Harbor

Highlights
Budget-friendly
Great location
Friendly staff
Clean rooms
Close to airport

Let's start with the fact that this motel is budget-friendly. Yes, you read that right! In a city where prices can sometimes make your wallet cry, Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Airport - Harbor offers a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

The location of this motel is truly fantastic. Situated in close proximity to the airport, it's like having your own personal chauffeur ready to whisk you away to catch your flight. Plus, there are plenty of nearby attractions and restaurants to explore during your stay.

Now let me tell you about the staff at Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Airport - Harbor. They are like rays of sunshine on a cloudy day – always welcoming and accommodating. Their friendly demeanor makes you feel right at home from the moment you step foot in the door.

Cleanliness is key when it comes to choosing a motel, and I can confidently say that Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Airport - Harbor does not disappoint in this department. The rooms are spotless and well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an affordable place to stay in San Diego that doesn't skimp on quality or charm, Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Airport - Harbor is the perfect choice for you. Its budget-friendly rates combined with its great location near the airport make it an excellent option for both business travelers and vacationers alike. So why wait? Book your stay now and experience all that this delightful motel has to offer!

You might also want to check out the best things to do in Balboa Park San Diego.

Stay Classy Hostel

Highlights
Friendly and helpful staff
Free ride service downtown
Clean and comfortable rooms
Big and accommodating lobby
Great location and price

Let me start by saying that the staff at Stay Classy Hostel are not just friendly, they're like your long-lost best friends who are always there to lend a hand. Need directions to the nearest taco shop? They'll give you a map and personally escort you there, all while cracking jokes and making sure you have a good time.

One of the perks of staying at Stay Classy is their free ride service downtown. Yes, you heard it right – free! You don't have to worry about squeezing into crowded buses or haggling with cab drivers. Just hop on their comfy shuttle and enjoy the ride to all the hippest spots in town.

Now, let's talk about the rooms. Cleanliness is their middle name here at Stay Classy, and I was pleasantly surprised by how immaculate my room was. The bedding was so fresh and crisp that I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud. And trust me, after a long day exploring San Diego, that kind of comfort is priceless.

The lobby at Stay Classy is not just big; it's grandiose. It's like stepping into a world where luxury meets affordability. The plush sofas and stylish decor make you feel like you're in a five-star hotel rather than a hostel. Plus, it's spacious enough to accommodate everyone without feeling crowded.

Location is key when it comes to finding the perfect motel, and Stay Classy nails it. Situated in the heart of San Diego, this hostel puts you within walking distance of all the major attractions. From beaches to breweries, everything is just a stone's throw away.

And let's not forget about the price! Stay Classy offers incredible value for money without compromising on quality or service. It's like finding a unicorn in a sea of overpriced motels.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a motel experience beyond your wildest dreams (and within your budget), Stay Classy Hostel is the place to be. With their friendly staff, free ride service, clean rooms, impressive lobby, and unbeatable location and price, you won't find a better option in San Diego. So go ahead and book your stay at Stay Classy – your inner classy traveler will thank you!

You might also want to check out the best things to do in LA Jolla San Diego.

Berkshire Motor Hotel

Highlights
Beautifully updated
Extremely quiet
Excellent staff
Reasonable price
Perfect location

Let me start by saying that the Berkshire Motor Hotel is a hidden gem among the multitude of motels in San Diego. From the moment I stepped into this beautifully updated establishment, I was greeted with a sense of tranquility and elegance that is hard to find at such a reasonable price.

One of the standout features of this motel is its exceptional staff. Their warm and welcoming demeanor made me feel like royalty from the moment I arrived. They were always ready to assist me with any requests or queries, ensuring that my stay was nothing short of perfect.

Speaking of perfection, let's talk about the location. Situated in a prime spot in San Diego, the Berkshire Motor Hotel offers easy access to all the attractions you could ever desire. Whether you want to soak up some sun at the beach or explore the vibrant nightlife, everything is just a stone's throw away.

Now, let's address one of my favorite aspects: the quietness. The soundproofing at this motel is truly remarkable. Despite being located in a bustling city, once inside my room, I felt as if I had been transported to an oasis of peace and serenity.

And did I mention the price? The Berkshire Motor Hotel offers incredible value for money. With its upscale amenities and affordable rates, it's like getting a five-star experience on a budget.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an escape from the mundane and mundane motels in San Diego, look no further than the Berkshire Motor Hotel. Its beautifully updated rooms, exceptional staff, unbeatable location, peaceful ambiance, and reasonable prices make it a top contender for anyone seeking an unforgettable stay in America's Finest City

You might also want to check out the best things to do in North County San Diego.