Panorama of the Pacific ocean on sandy Cowell Ranch State beach surrounded by sea cliffs, rocky headlands on sunny day in San Mateo County, California

Cheap Hotels in San Mateo, CA from $109

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Our top choices for San Mateo cheap hotels

Hampton Inn & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco Airport

Hampton Inn & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco Airport
3.0 star property
East San Mateo
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1,055 reviews)
"Clean property, comfortable beds, excellent breakfast."
United States
Gregory
$122 nightly
The price is $141
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total with taxes and fees
Hampton Inn & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco Airport

The Catrina Hotel

The Catrina Hotel
2.5 star property
South San Mateo
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1,024 reviews)
"Everything was perfect"
United States
Craig
$99 nightly
The price is $114
Jun 21 - Jun 22
Total with taxes and fees
The Catrina Hotel

Inn@Bayshore

Inn@Bayshore
3.0 star property
East San Mateo
7.6 out of 10, Good, (1,012 reviews)
"Clean rooms. Relaxing. Close to the Freeway and the Airport. Definitely recommend."
United States
Vladimir
$95 nightly
The price is $109
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total with taxes and fees
Inn@Bayshore

Extended Stay America Suites San Francisco San Mateo SFO

Extended Stay America Suites San Francisco San Mateo SFO
2.5 star property
East San Mateo
7.2 out of 10, Good, (1,001 reviews)
"Its location was a great for shopping and dining. The manager and some of the staff were very helpful and friendly. "
United States
britney
$112 nightly
The price is $129
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Total with taxes and fees
Extended Stay America Suites San Francisco San Mateo SFO

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG
3.0 star property
East San Mateo
7.8 out of 10, Good, (1,132 reviews)
"Huge rooms, wonderful staff, clean property"
United States
Noelani
$111 nightly
The price is $128
Jul 6 - Jul 7
Total with taxes and fees
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG

Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport

Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport
2.5 star property
East San Mateo
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,433 reviews)
"Great place for families"
United States
Hawa
$120 nightly
The price is $138
Jul 5 - Jul 6
Total with taxes and fees
Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport

Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo

Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo
3.0 star property
East San Mateo
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1,007 reviews)
"great experience, close to a shopping plaza"
United States
Mary
$131 nightly
The price is $150
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total with taxes and fees
Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo

Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo

Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo
3.0 star property
East San Mateo
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1,003 reviews)
"Had a pleasant stay"
United States
Hezal
$113 nightly
The price is $129
Jul 2 - Jul 3
Total with taxes and fees
Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo

@ Marbella Lane - Bright and Cozy Home Near SFO

@ Marbella Lane - Bright and Cozy Home Near SFO
3.0 star property
Central San Mateo
$285 nightly
The price is $320
Jul 15 - Jul 16
Total with taxes and fees
@ Marbella Lane - Bright and Cozy Home Near SFO

LakeFront Lavender House

LakeFront Lavender House
2.0 star property
East San Mateo
$337 nightly
The price is $387
Jul 7 - Jul 8
Total with taxes and fees
LakeFront Lavender House
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.

Find out more about San Mateo

Discover cheap things to do in San Mateo

San Mateo, California, offers a fantastic blend of activities and attractions for budget-conscious travelers. Start your day with a stroll through the beautiful Coyote Point Recreation Area, where you can enjoy scenic views of the Bay and take advantage of the well-maintained trails for hiking or biking—entry is free, and the fresh air is priceless. Don’t miss the San Mateo County History Museum, where you can learn about the area’s rich heritage without spending a dime on admission. For a family-friendly outing, visit the Japanese Garden in Central Park, a serene space perfect for picnicking and exploring, with lush landscapes that won't cost you anything. If you’re a foodie on a budget, check out the San Mateo Farmers Market, held on Saturdays, featuring fresh produce and local delicacies at reasonable prices. The downtown area is particularly inviting, offering a variety of affordable dining options, from casual eateries to food trucks. Staying in the downtown district puts you within walking distance of these attractions and a range of budget hotels, where you can find clean accommodations and attentive service, ensuring a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Find the best cheap hotels in San Mateo

For travelers looking to explore San Mateo without breaking the bank, these budget-friendly hotels offer comfort and essential amenities at great prices.

Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, featuring an excellent review rating of 8.8. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast daily, along with free toiletries and Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and straightforward stay without any extra costs.
  • Other amenities: This hotel also offers free self-parking, a terrace for relaxation, and air-conditioned rooms with separate living areas. With nearby golf courses, guests can indulge in some leisure activities, and the hotel provides convenient services like early check-in and late check-out to accommodate varied schedules. Daily housekeeping and electric car charging stations enhance the overall guest experience.
  • Neighborhood: East San Mateo
  • Nearby attractions: Coyote Point Park - 0.69 miles, Poplar Creek Golf Course - 0.58 miles, CuriOdyssey - 1.11 miles

The Catrina Hotel

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Catrina Hotel is a fantastic budget-friendly option for travelers, featuring a solid review rating of 8.0. With complimentary Wi-Fi and toiletries, guests can enjoy essential comforts without any added expense, making it a smart choice for those looking to save while traveling.
  • Other amenities: Guests can take advantage of free self-parking and late check-out for a more relaxed schedule. The hotel boasts a charming terrace and offers accessible van parking. The traditional hotel design adds a unique touch to the stay, while air-conditioned rooms ensure comfort throughout the visit.
  • Neighborhood: South San Mateo
  • Nearby attractions: Hillsdale Shopping Center - 0.96 miles, San Mateo County Event Center - 1.18 miles, Central Park - 1.28 miles

Extended Stay America Suites San Francisco San Mateo SFO

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Extended Stay America Suites San Francisco San Mateo SFO is ideal for budget travelers, with a review rating of 7.6. Guests can enjoy free breakfast daily along with Wi-Fi and toiletries, making it easy to start the day right without additional costs.
  • Other amenities: This hotel features free self-parking and a range of room amenities, including kitchens equipped with microwaves and refrigerators for added convenience. Guests can also enjoy a nearby beach location and the option for take-out breakfast. The presence of a sofa bed in rooms provides extra flexibility for sleeping arrangements, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.
  • Neighborhood: East San Mateo
  • Nearby attractions: Edgewater Park - 0.78 miles, Leo J. Ryan Park - 0.5 miles, Los Prados Park - 1.38 miles

How can I get cheap hotels in San Mateo?

Best tips to find a cheap hotel in San Mateo

  1. If you're looking to travel to San Mateo on a budget, you'll be happy to know that you can find hotels for as low as $109. Of course, that price is affected by amenities, star rating, and even the time of year you visit. At most, hotel prices can be as high as $387. Staying a short amount of time in San Mateo is an effective way to reduce hotel costs.

  2. When you cut your vacation down to just a few days, you don't have to worry as much about hotel prices since you don't have that many nights to stay. For budget hotels in San Mateo, 3 to 4 days should be all the nights you need. That's generally enough to enjoy the city's top attractions, though there's certainly enough to do to warrant a week-long trip.

  3. When booking cheap hotel rooms in San Mateo, it's typically best to book about 3 weeks in advance. Book further in advance than that and you could be paying too much for your room, as hotels will often overestimate future demand. However, if you wait too long, you might find that the hotel has been completely booked.

  4. When you utilize search filters on Expedia, you'll be able to narrow down your results in a flash. These search filters cover a wide variety of factors you may be interested in when it comes to finding a cheap hotel in San Mateo, including amenities such as Free Breakfast, 2-star rating, or proximity to local attractions. You can even set filters for price limits to ensure that all the displayed results are within your budget.

Top San Mateo Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best hotels to stay in San Mateo as a budget traveler?
For budget-conscious travellers in San Mateo, several excellent hotels offer great value with practical amenities and positive reviews.

Hampton Inn & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco Airport, a 3-star hotel with a 9.4 rating, provides a wealth of money-saving perks including free buffet breakfast, complimentary WiFi, and free self-parking. Guests consistently praise the comfortable, clean rooms, the friendly staff, and the great breakfast. It's conveniently located near Los Prados Park and Bay Meadows Park.

Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/San Mateo, another 3-star option with a 9.2 rating, offers free continental and full breakfast, free WiFi, and complimentary toiletries. They even provide a free grocery shopping service, which is a fantastic value-add. Reviewers frequently highlight the perfect, big rooms, the great free breakfast, and the friendly staff. This hotel is close to Los Prados Park and JoinVille Park.

Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport, rated 8.8, features complimentary buffet breakfast and free wired internet. Travellers often praise the helpful staff, comfortable rooms, and the amazing breakfast. Its location is excellent, near attractions like CuriOdyssey and Coyote Point Park.

Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo, a 3-star hotel with an 8.8 rating, offers free WiFi and complimentary toiletries. Guests appreciate the friendly staff, clean rooms, and the convenience of free and easy parking. Nearby points of interest include JoinVille Park and Edgewater Park.

The Catrina Hotel, with an 8.2 rating, stands out for its a free English breakfast, free self-parking, and free WiFi. Visitors often mention the comfortable, clean rooms, the free and easy parking, and the friendly staff. It's well-situated near Bay Meadows Park and the Hillsdale Shopping Centre.
How much does a budget hotel in San Mateo cost?
Budget hotel prices in San Mateo vary, but you can find a great deal from $109 on Expedia. To find the cheapest budget hotels, be flexible with your dates—off-peak and mid-week stays are typically cheaper. Stretch your budget further by looking for hotels with free breakfast, free parking or free airport shuttles. Sort your search results by "Price: low to high" to see our lowest rates.
Which area of San Mateo is best to stay in for cheap hotels?
For solo travellers seeking cheap hotels in San Mateo, the areas around El Camino Real and the downtown core offer the most budget-friendly options. These locations provide convenient access to public transportation and a variety of affordable dining choices.

Downtown San Mateo, while not exclusively budget-focused, has several hotels that cater to a range of prices, often including business-oriented accommodations that can be more economical on weekends. Solo travellers will appreciate the walkability of this area, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops within easy reach, and the Caltrain station providing easy access to San Francisco and other Bay Area destinations.

Along El Camino Real, particularly further south from the downtown area, you'll find a higher concentration of motels and extended-stay properties which often present the lowest nightly rates. While these options may require a short bus ride or a longer walk to the main downtown attractions, they are excellent for those prioritizing cost savings.
What are the top-rated cheap hotels for families in San Mateo?
For families seeking top-rated and budget-friendly accommodations in San Mateo, consider the Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo, Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport, and Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo.

The Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo is a 3-star hotel with an impressive 9.2 review rating. Families will appreciate the complimentary continental breakfast, free full breakfast, and free breakfast on weekends, making mornings easy and affordable. Free cribs are also available, and complimentary WiFi ensures everyone stays connected. Guests consistently praise the large, superb rooms and the friendly, great staff. It is conveniently located near Los Prados Park and JoinVille Park.

The Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport, boasting an 8.8 review rating, offers excellent value with a complimentary buffet breakfast and free cribs. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable, clean rooms and the amazing, great location. Free wired and wireless internet is also provided. This hotel is close to family-friendly attractions like CuriOdyssey and Coyote Point Park.

The Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo, a 3-star hotel with an 8.8 review rating, provides complimentary WiFi and free wired internet access. Reviewers often praise the friendly, great staff and the clean rooms. Free parking is available, which is a significant saving for families traveling with a car.
What cheap hotels in San Mateo offer complimentary breakfast?
For budget-friendly hotels in San Mateo that offer complimentary breakfast, consider the Hampton Inn & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco Airport, Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo, Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport, and Extended Stay America Suites San Francisco San Mateo SFO.

The 3-star Hampton Inn & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco Airport, with a 9.4 rating, provides a free buffet breakfast and complimentary WiFi, ensuring a great start to your day without extra cost. Guests often highlight the comfortable, clean rooms and the friendly, great staff. It is conveniently located near Los Prados Park and Bay Meadows Park.

Another excellent option is the 3-star Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo, rated 9.2. This hotel offers a free full breakfast, including options for weekends, and complimentary grocery shopping service, adding significant value to your stay. Reviewers frequently praise the big, superb rooms and the friendly, great staff. It is close to Los Prados Park and JoinVille Park.

The Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport, boasting an 8.8 rating, includes a free buffet breakfast and free wired internet. Travellers often praise the friendly, helpful staff and the good, amazing breakfast. It is situated near CuriOdyssey and San Francisco Bay.

Extended Stay America Suites San Francisco San Mateo SFO, with a 7.0 rating, offers a free to-go breakfast, superb for guests on the go, along with free self-parking. Visitors appreciate the clean, big rooms and the friendly, helpful staff. This hotel is located near Los Prados Park and JoinVille Park.
When is the most affordable time to visit San Mateo?
The most affordable time to visit San Mateo is typically during the off-peak seasons, specifically late fall through early spring, excluding major holidays. During these months, from November to March, you'll find lower prices on accommodations and flights due to decreased tourist demand.

Solo travellers and couples will particularly benefit from these off-peak periods. The cooler weather is still pleasant for exploring the city's parks and downtown area, and you can enjoy attractions like the San Mateo Japanese Garden or a stroll along the Bay Trail without the crowds. Many hotels offer better rates, and you might even find deals on rental cars, making day trips to nearby natural attractions more economical.

While summer offers warmer weather, it aligns with peak travel season, leading to higher costs.
What are the best cheap hotels in San Mateo with a pool?
For budget-friendly hotels in San Mateo that offer a pool, consider the Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo and the Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo.

The Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo is a 3-star hotel with an excellent 9.2 review rating. Guests often praise the perfect, big rooms and the great, free breakfast, which includes continental and full breakfast options, even on weekends. Complimentary WiFi, free cribs, and free toiletries add to the value, and they offer a free grocery shopping service. This hotel features a refreshing outdoor pool and is conveniently located near Los Prados Park and JoinVille Park.

Another great option is the Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo, also a 3-star property, with a high 8.8 rating. This hotel provides free WiFi and wired internet, along with complimentary toiletries. Reviewers frequently mention the friendly and great staff, the clean rooms, and the excellent front desk service.
Are there any cheap San Mateo hotels near San Francisco Bay?
For budget-friendly hotels in San Mateo with convenient access to San Francisco Bay, consider the Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport.

The Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport, with an 8.8 review rating, offers excellent value with complimentary buffet breakfast, free toiletries, and free wired internet access. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, comfortable rooms, and the amazing breakfast. Its location is a key highlight, being near CuriOdyssey, Coyote Point Park, and, of course, San Francisco Bay itself.
What cheap hotels in San Mateo offer cooking facilities or kitchenettes?
For budget-friendly hotels in San Mateo with cooking facilities or kitchenettes, consider the Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo and Extended Stay America Suites San Francisco San Mateo SFO.

The 3-star Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo, with an impressive 9.2 rating, offers spacious rooms that guests describe as superb and big, often equipped with full kitchens. Travellers can also enjoy complimentary continental or full breakfast, including a free breakfast on weekends, and free WiFi. The hotel also provides free cribs and free grocery shopping service, adding extra value. It's conveniently located near Los Prados Park and JoinVille Park.

Extended Stay America Suites San Francisco San Mateo SFO, rated 7.0, provides rooms with kitchens, making it ideal for longer stays or for those who prefer to prepare their own meals. Guests appreciate the clean and big rooms and the convenient facilities. The hotel also offers free breakfast, free toiletries, and free self-parking, which is a great money-saver.
Which cheap hotels in San Mateo have good reviews for customer service?
For budget-friendly hotels in San Mateo with excellent customer service, Hampton Inn & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco Airport, Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo, Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport, Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo, and The Catrina Hotel are all highly regarded.

Hampton Inn & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco Airport is a 3-star hotel with an outstanding 9.4 review rating. Guests consistently praise the friendly front desk staff and excellent service. This hotel offers great value with free breakfast, free cribs, and complimentary self-parking. It is conveniently located near Los Prados Park and Bay Meadows Park.

Residence Inn by Marriott San Francisco Airport/ San Mateo, a 3-star property with a 9.2 rating, is known for its good and great service from a friendly and helpful staff. Travellers can enjoy free full breakfast, free continental breakfast, free WiFi, and free grocery shopping service. Nearby attractions include Los Prados Park and JoinVille Park.

Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport, rated 8.8, consistently receives excellent feedback for its amazing customer service and friendly, helpful staff. Guests benefit from free buffet breakfast and free wired internet. The hotel is close to CuriOdyssey and San Francisco Bay.

Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo, a 3-star hotel with an 8.8 rating, is frequently commended for its friendly and great staff, providing excellent service. It offers free WiFi and free wired internet. The hotel is situated near JoinVille Park and Edgewater Park.

The Catrina Hotel, with an 8.2 rating, is known for its nice service and friendly staff.
Are there any cheap hotels in San Mateo that allow for late check-out or early check-in?
Yes, San Mateo offers budget-friendly hotels that can accommodate non-standard arrival or departure times, though specific policies may vary.

The Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport, with an 8.8 rating, provides complimentary amenities such as free wired and wireless internet, free toiletries, and a free buffet breakfast. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the comfortable and clean rooms, and the great location. Its flexibility with early check-in and late check-out is a key advantage. This hotel is conveniently located near CuriOdyssey and Coyote Point Park.

Another excellent option is The Catrina Hotel, rated 8.2 by our travellers. This hotel offers free self-parking and free WiFi, along with complimentary toiletries. Visitors often highlight the comfortable and clean rooms, the free and easy parking, and the friendly staff. It also offers flexible early check-in and late check-out options. The Catrina Hotel is situated near Bay Meadows Park and the Hillsdale Shopping Centre.
How can I save on a budget hotel in San Mateo with Expedia?
There are plenty of ways to save on a budget hotel in San Mateo. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards program, to unlock discounted Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your hotel booking. If you're feeling spontaneous, be sure to check for last-minute deals.
What free activities should we do in San Mateo?
For couples seeking free activities in San Mateo, a delightful array of options awaits, offering both relaxation and exploration. You can immerse yourselves in nature at the Coyote Point Recreation Area, where scenic walking trails provide stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, and a stretch of sandy beach is superb for a leisurely stroll.

Another excellent choice is the San Mateo Central Park, a verdant urban oasis. Here, couples can enjoy a romantic walk through the tranquil Japanese Garden, admire the meticulously maintained rose garden, or simply find a quiet bench to relax and people-watch. The park often hosts free community events, so it's worth checking their schedule during your visit.

For a taste of local history and architecture, consider a self-guided walking tour through the charming downtown area. Many historic buildings boast unique designs, and window shopping offers entertainment without spending a dime.
Is it cheaper to book a San Mateo hotel and flight package?
Booking a hotel and flight package on Expedia can be cheaper than booking flights and hotels separately. Bundling can lead to significant savings, especially for international travel or when booking well in advance. However, savings vary depending on factors like destination, travel dates, and availability, so it's wise to compare options. With access to over 300,000 hotels worldwide, Expedia makes it easy to build the perfect vacation package.
Can I cancel my budget hotel reservation on Expedia?
Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right budget hotel in San Mateo for you.

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