Search Cheap Hotels in Downtown San Diego

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation

  • Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
    Sign in

  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Tonight
15 Nov - 16 Nov
Tomorrow
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Next weekend
20 Nov - 22 Nov
In two weeks
27 Nov - 29 Nov

Our top choices for Downtown San Diego cheap hotels

A modern interior with a seating area, a bookshelf, and a view through large windows.

1. Hotel Z

Hotel Z
3.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,232 reviews)
"Nice place"
United States
Saul
The price is ฿3,998
฿5,813 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Hotel Z
The entrance to Urban Boutique Hotel with a modern design, including a large glass door and a black awning.

2. Urban Boutique Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel
3.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,222 reviews)
"It was a very nice stay. Service was wondering ✨️"
United States
Jessica
The price is ฿3,819
฿4,344 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Urban Boutique Hotel
A corridor with a central pathway flanked by trees and potted plants, leading to a building with a balcony.

3. Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Downtown

Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Downtown
2.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
5.8 out of 10, (1,333 reviews)
"It's good for a night-stay. Note: If you don't get there in a timely manner you'll have to park on the street (they share their parking lot with a different building so they only get a limited allotment.)"
United States
Airam
The price is ฿1,843
฿2,477 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Dec - 14 Dec
Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Downtown
A modern office space with a reception desk, seating area, and plants.

4. Stay Classy Hostel

Stay Classy Hostel
2.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (998 reviews)
"Friendly staff, clean environment"
United States
Silvestre
The price is ฿1,708
฿1,943 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Stay Classy Hostel
A modern hotel room with two beds, a ceiling fan, a TV, and a view of the city.

5. La Ventana

La Ventana
2.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
7.4 out of 10, Good, (89 reviews)
"room was clean, helpful staff"
United States
Alvin
The price is ฿1,491
฿3,584 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
La Ventana
An outdoor dining area with tables and orange umbrellas, surrounded by buildings including the WM. PENN HOTEL.

6. Gaslamp Hostel

Gaslamp Hostel
2.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (746 reviews)
"Great location too"
United States
Divya
The price is ฿3,507
฿3,989 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Gaslamp Hostel
A hallway with a sofa, artwork, and a ceiling light fixture.

7. HI San Diego Downtown - Hostel

HI San Diego Downtown - Hostel
1.5 star property
Downtown San Diego
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (768 reviews)
"Staff are friendly and kind. They make it a great place to stay. Thank you for everything."
United States
Roberta
The price is ฿2,867
฿3,266 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Nov - 24 Nov
HI San Diego Downtown - Hostel
An outdoor seating area with metal chairs and tables, a potted plant, and a brick wall.

8. Hostel on 3rd

Hostel on 3rd
1.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
6.4 out of 10, (298 reviews)
"A no-frills, budget-friendly way to stay. Best if you just need a place to get a few hours of sleep, shower, and reset. Being a communal space steps away from nightlife and major roads, you're going to hear noise all night. Bring earplugs or just tire yourself out to the point you don't care, like I did. The staff is extremely accommodating and all of the other guests were friendly and polite. There's a cute outdoor patio, and ample restrooms. It is a little run down in appearance and could...
United States
Jessica
The price is ฿1,334
฿3,252 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Hostel on 3rd
A pier extending into the ocean with waves crashing against it.

9. California Dreams Hostel - Downtown

California Dreams Hostel - Downtown
2.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
7.6 out of 10, Good, (442 reviews)
"The place is well cleaned and the staff are professional without doubt. I will recommend this place anytime"
United States
Mukaila
The price is ฿3,024
฿3,440 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
California Dreams Hostel - Downtown
A Comfort Inn hotel entrance with a covered walkway, palm trees, and a well-lit facade.

10. Comfort Inn San Diego Old Town

Comfort Inn San Diego Old Town
2.5 star property
Old Town San Diego
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (2,090 reviews)
"A great stay and very close to the airport for those frequent trips"
United States
Ernesto
The price is ฿3,370
฿3,873 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Dec - 15 Dec
Comfort Inn San Diego Old Town
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
View all properties

Compare popular hotels in Downtown San Diego

Property
Property class
Guest rating
Breakfast included
Pool
Spa
Pet-friendly
WiFi included
A swimming pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas, surrounded by buildings and palm trees under a sunset sky.
The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection
3.0 star property
8.8
Excellent
2,379 reviews
View
A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, a yellow sofa, and a large glass door leading outside.
Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center
2.5 star property
8.0
Very good
1,162 reviews
View
A modern hotel lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and large windows.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown
3.0 star property
8.8
Excellent
1,003 reviews
View
A multi-story hotel with a modern architectural design, featuring a prominent entrance and a well-lit street view.
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter
3.0 star property
9.0
Wonderful
1,497 reviews
View
A hotel entrance with a staircase leading to the lobby, glass doors, and indoor plants.
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Downtown by IHG
2.5 star property
8.4
Very good
1,712 reviews
View

Top Downtown San Diego Hotel Reviews

A modern office space with a reception desk, seating area, and plants.
Stay Classy Hostel

Stay Classy Hostel

Stay Classy Hostel
Downtown San Diego

10/10 Excellent

I stayed in a double the 1st night which was very comfortable and clean. Showers are large and clean. Laundry facilities with ironing board and irons available to use. Dressing table area with hairdryer etc. cooking equipment and fridges available. Very clean and modern throughout. Staff friendly and helpful. Recommended
United Kingdom
Katrina
Reviewed June 6, 2026
Stay Classy Hostel

Find out more about Downtown San Diego

Discover cheap things to do in Downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego is a paradise of affordable experiences for the discerning traveller. Begin your adventure at the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where you can stroll through charming streets lined with Victorian-era buildings, pop into quirky shops, or enjoy free live music at local venues. Just a stone's throw away, the waterfront at Seaport Village offers picturesque views and a chance to grab a cheap bite from various food stalls; don't miss out on the fresh fish tacos! If you’re travelling with children, Balboa Park is a must-visit, providing not only stunning gardens and trails but also free admission to some of the park's attractions on certain days. For art enthusiasts, the San Diego Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art offer discounted entry fees, making culture accessible. After a day of exploration, unwind at one of the budget-friendly hotels in the area, where quality meets convenience; many offer amenities like rooftop lounges with stunning views and complimentary breakfasts, ensuring you feel pampered without breaking the bank. With attentive staff eager to assist, your stay in Downtown San Diego will be both enjoyable and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Downtown San Diego like for travellers on a budget?

Downtown San Diego offers a variety of cheap accommodation options and things to do, making it a great holiday choice for budget-conscious travellers. In addition to its well-known attractions such as Petco Park and Port of San Diego, this destination is home to Balboa Park and Waterfront Park, which you can enjoy while spending very little.

What's the best place to stay on a budget in Downtown San Diego?

Based on reviews, Hotel Z is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free bike rentals and air conditioning. Other good options for your budget-friendly stay include Stay Classy Hostel and Gaslamp Hostel.

How many cheap hotels will I be able to find in Downtown San Diego?

Expedia has 15 hotels in Downtown San Diego that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.

What is there to see and do in Downtown San Diego?

Downtown San Diego attracts visitors with its popular zoo and bar scene, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions on your list, such as San Diego Zoo and Mission Bay, and then make time for other wallet-friendly activities. Explore and snap photos of landmarks like Star of India, or enjoy the outdoors at Balboa Park and Waterfront Park.

How can I get to Downtown San Diego and get around on a budget?

Looking at these ways to get around Downtown San Diego is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The most convenient airport is 2.4 mi (3.8 km) from the centre in San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.). If that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is 6.7 mi (10.8 km) away. Walk to nearby metro stations such as Civic Center Station, Civic Center Station and 5th Avenue Station. You can explore options for water transport at the local port.