The 8 Cheapest Motels in San Diego | Top-Rated Under $100 in 2026
We looked at all the average prices and found the best cheapest motels in San Diego that still feel decent enough to stay in without making you wish you’d booked somewhere else.
San Diego offers the perfect mix of year-round sunshine, ocean breezes, and relaxed city vibes that makes it easy to slow down and just have fun.
It’s also one of those cities where, strangely enough, you can still find a cheap motel close to major attractions without throwing your entire budget into the room rate.
The motels we landed on keep costs low but still cover the basics: clean rooms, decent beds, and locations that make sense if you’re here for the beaches, the neighborhoods, or just a week of exploring without spending a fortune.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine the best cheap motels in San Diego, we dug through Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia and only kept properties that sat at an average rating of 3.0 out of 5.0 or higher.
And just to keep things the most affordable, every single one of them comes in at no more than $100 a night on average.
Then we mixed in location, parking availability, nearby attractions, and extras like pools or kitchenettes. After that, our editors ran everything through our own formula that sort of blends price, review scores, and amenities into one score.
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The 8 Best San Diego Cheap Motels – 2026 Full Guide
8. Motel 6 San Diego, CA Downtown
Key Highlights:
- Roughly a mile from the San Diego Bay waterfront
- Pets stay free, which is rarer than you think
- Hardwood-style flooring instead of old carpet
Motel 6 San Diego, CA Downtown is straightforward, and we mean that in the best way. You get exactly what you expect: simple rooms, but with a slightly more modern look thanks to those wood floors instead of the usual patterned carpet that’s been around forever.
For travelers after the best cheap motels in San Diego, the location works really well. Little Italy is just a short walk away, so grabbing a coffee or dinner doesn’t mean an expensive rideshare trip. There’s no pool, but pets can stay with you for free, which offsets that for a lot of people.
The rooms are either a single queen or two doubles, which can work for small groups. And being just minutes from Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo means you’re cutting down on travel time, which is sometimes just as valuable as saving a few dollars a night.
Among the cheapest motels San Diego has in the downtown area, this one’s surprisingly convenient. It’s the kind of spot where location really does most of the heavy lifting for your stay.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
7. Stay Classy Hostel – Most Affordable
Key Highlights:
- Right in East Village, steps from Gaslamp Quarter
- Shared kitchens and lounges
- Mix of private rooms and shared dorm bunks
Stay Classy Hostel is not technically a motel, but the price often beats even the cheapest motels in San Diego, and the setup works for anyone who doesn’t mind the shared-space style.
It’s clean, modern, and honestly has more personality than you might expect from a place at this price.
You’ve got private rooms if you want them, or bunks if you’re solo and saving every cent. No pool, but the kitchen and lounge spaces let you cook and hang out, which can save a lot if you’re here for a longer stretch.
Location-wise, you’re right in the middle of downtown’s energy, with Petco Park, bars, and restaurants are all just a walk away. That makes it work for anyone searching for cheap hotels in San Diego under $100 who also want to skip renting a car.
It’s not a San Diego cheap motel in the traditional sense, but cost-wise and convenience-wise, it ends up in the same conversation. And sometimes that’s what matters more than the label.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
6. Pleasant Inn
Key Highlights:
- Under 6 miles to La Jolla Shores Beach
- Microwave and fridge in every room
- Free parking and Wi-Fi
Up in the northern side of the city, Pleasant Inn has a quieter feel and gives you fast access to La Jolla and Pacific Beach.
The rooms are traditional, nothing too fancy, but they’re clean and practical, which is exactly what you want if you’re here for cheap motels San Diego style.
Having a fridge and microwave in every room is a bigger deal than it sounds, especially for anyone looking for cheap motels in San Diego with weekly rates. Beaches are less than 15 minutes by car, and SeaWorld is also an easy drive.
It’s in a safe area, and with free parking, you’re saving money right from the start. Families like it for the quieter setting, and solo travelers like that it’s not jammed into the busiest tourist zone.
Among the cheapest motels in San Diego that are still near the coast, Pleasant Inn holds its own. It’s a no-drama, no-surprises kind of stay.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
5. Americas Best Value Inn Loma Lodge – Best-Seller
Key Highlights:
- Only 3 miles from Old Town San Diego
- Outdoor pool on site
- Range of room sizes, including family suites
Loma Lodge has been on the budget travel radar for a long time. It’s one of those cheap motels San Diego visitors pick when they want a pool, free parking, and quick access to both the airport and Old Town without overthinking it.
Room setups range from basic singles to larger family suites, some with kitchen features. That flexibility makes it easier to manage longer stays or bigger groups without bumping into budget problems.
The pool gives families something to do in between sightseeing. And being this close to Old Town means plenty of restaurants and shops within minutes.
As far as cheapest motels San Diego options go, this one’s a steady performer. Guests keep coming back because it’s predictable in the ways that matter.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
4. Harvey’s Motel
Key Highlights:
- La Mesa location, near major highways
- Free parking and Wi-Fi
- Family-run with bigger-than-average rooms
Harvey’s Motel keeps things simple, maybe even old-school, but in a way that still works. It’s family-run, and that tends to show in the personal touches and quick responses to guest needs.
The rooms are larger than what you’d expect in the cheapest motels in San Diego, and weekly rates make it especially appealing for longer stays.
There’s no pool, but its spot near the highways means you can get downtown or to the beaches without much fuss.
Parking’s free, which you’ll notice is a theme among the better-value places here. This one’s best for travelers who don’t need extras and just want a dependable, affordable bed at the end of the day.
It’s a cheap motels San Diego choice that stays under the radar, and maybe that’s part of why people like it.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
3. Hotel Point Loma
Key Highlights:
- About 2 miles to Shelter Island
- Many rooms with kitchenettes
- Close to seafood restaurants and marinas
Hotel Point Loma feels more like a small apartment building than a typical San Diego cheap motel.
Kitchenettes in many rooms make it easy to handle your own meals, which is a huge plus if you’re staying longer than a few nights.
The location near Shelter Island puts you close to the water, marinas, and seafood dining spots. The airport’s also just a quick drive away, so it’s convenient if you’ve got an early or late flight.
Rooms are small but functional, and you get free parking included. As one of the best cheap hotels in San Diego under $100, it offers more practical features than most in its range.
It’s one of the cheapest motels in San Diego that still gives you a sense of being near the heart of the city while keeping the budget in check.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
2. Riverleaf Inn Mission Valley – Top Value Pick
Key Highlights:
- Pool and hot tub on property
- Central Mission Valley location
- Pet-friendly rooms
Riverleaf Inn sits in the middle of Mission Valley, which makes getting to anywhere, like downtown, SeaWorld, or the beaches, way easier.
Price-wise, it’s right in that sweet spot as one of the best cheap hotels in San Diego under $100, but it still throws in extras like a pool and hot tub.
Rooms come in king, queen, and doubles, with some pet-friendly options. Free parking helps keep the total cost down, which is important when you’re trying to stretch a budget across a full trip.
Guests often mention the pool area is clean and actually inviting, which is not always the case at this price range. For cheap motels San Diego travelers recommend for location and value, this one checks the right boxes.
It’s not luxury, but it’s also not bare-bones. That balance is what gets it near the top of the list.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
1. Rodeway Inn San Diego Near Qualcomm Stadium – Top Overall
Key Highlights:
- Clean outdoor pool
- Close to Snapdragon Stadium and Mission Valley
- Breakfast included in rate
Rodeway Inn takes the number one spot for hitting all the important points: low rates, solid amenities, and a location that works for most trip plans.
It’s one of the best cheapest motels San Diego offers that includes a pool and breakfast, which makes the value clear right away.
Rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. The setup works for couples, families, or even solo travelers who just want reliable basics.
The pool is a nice break after a day out, and free breakfast means you’re saving more before you even leave for the day. Being near Snapdragon Stadium also makes it a good call if you’re in town for an event.
For cheap motels in San Diego weekly rates or just a few nights, it’s one of the most balanced choices on the list. At the end of the day, it’s the mix of price, comfort, and convenience that keeps it here at number one.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
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