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
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Tomorrow
10 Nov - 11 Nov
This weekend
13 Nov - 15 Nov
Next weekend
20 Nov - 22 Nov

Our top choices for Downtown San Diego cheap hotels

A hotel room with two beds, a large mirror, a wooden headboard, and a carpeted floor.

1. Hotel Z

Hotel Z
3.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,227 reviews)
"Nice place"
United States
Saul
The price is ฿3,968
฿5,767 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Hotel Z
An outdoor café with red chairs and white tables, surrounded by buildings with balconies and flags.

2. Urban Boutique Hotel

Urban Boutique Hotel
3.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1,230 reviews)
"For the price. Great staff, clean rooms, comfy beds."
United States
donald
The price is ฿3,783
฿4,303 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 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, (1,336 reviews)
"Needs to be cleaned properly and have pillows that aren’t falling apart. Also needs to have some amenities like shampoo and conditioner."
United States
Steven
The price is ฿1,825
฿2,353 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Motel 6 San Diego, CA - Downtown
A reception area with a modern design, including a reception desk, a potted plant, and a sign with a logo.

4. Stay Classy Hostel

Stay Classy Hostel
2.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (995 reviews)
"Nice location"
United States
Dylan
The price is ฿2,175
฿2,474 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay Classy Hostel
A modern kitchen with a black countertop, stainless steel sink, and a microwave.

5. La Ventana

La Ventana
2.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
7.4 out of 10, Good, (87 reviews)
"room was clean, helpful staff"
United States
Alvin
The price is ฿1,410
฿3,475 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
La Ventana
A multi-level interior with a staircase, wooden doors, and a balcony with plants.

6. Gaslamp Hostel

Gaslamp Hostel
2.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (742 reviews)
"Great location too"
United States
Divya
The price is ฿3,474
฿3,952 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Gaslamp Hostel
A reception area with a wooden desk, a green plant, and a row of swings.

7. HI San Diego Downtown - Hostel

HI San Diego Downtown - Hostel
1.5 star property
Downtown San Diego
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (762 reviews)
"It was close to everything in gaslamp area in walking distance"
United States
kevin
The price is ฿2,840
฿3,235 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Nov - 16 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, (295 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 ฿1,322
฿3,221 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Hostel on 3rd
A sandy beach with palm trees and a bridge in the background.

9. California Dreams Hostel - Downtown

California Dreams Hostel - Downtown
2.0 star property
Downtown San Diego
7.6 out of 10, Good, (441 reviews)
"The rooms are clean, the staff is helpful, and the place is in the center of downtown, so you can easily access all the major museums and places to visit."
Canada
Marcelo
The price is ฿2,996
฿3,408 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
California Dreams Hostel - Downtown
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a large window with a view of the outdoors.

10. Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel

Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel
2.5 star property
Point Loma
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (2,114 reviews)
"Clean rooms, great breakfast"
United States
Elizabeth
The price is ฿3,826
฿4,391 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Best Western Yacht Harbor Hotel
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 modern bedroom with a brick wall, a bed, a desk, and a seating area.
Keating Hotel By At Mine Hospitality
2.0 star property
9.2
Wonderful
226 reviews
View
A hotel room with two beds, each with a headboard, bedside lamps, and a telephone on the nightstand.
Harborview Inn & Suites San Diego Harbor
2.0 star property
7.6
Good
1,010 reviews
View
A modern living room with a blue sofa, a yellow sofa, a round coffee table, and a grey rug. There are potted plants and a window with a view of the outdoors.
Comfort Inn Gaslamp Convention Center
2.5 star property
8.0
Very good
1,153 reviews
View
A lobby with a staircase, a round seating area, a wicker chair, and a large stained glass window.
Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
4.0 star property
8.6
Excellent
2,602 reviews
View
A modern hotel room with a large mirror, a wooden vanity, and a bed with a view of the city.
Ash&9th
2.0 star property
8.2
Very good
1,109 reviews
View

Top Downtown San Diego Hotel Reviews

A reception area with a modern design, including a reception desk, a potted plant, and a sign with a logo.
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.