Cheap Hotels in San Marcos, CA from $50

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Our top choices for San Marcos cheap hotels

Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos

Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos
2.0 star property
San Marcos
7.4 out of 10, Good, (1005)
"Safe and clean for one night stay"
United States
Esmeralda
$71 nightly
The price is $78
Dec 14 - Dec 15
Total with taxes and fees
Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos

Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA

Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA
2.5 star property
San Marcos
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1002)
"Everything was perfec"
United States
Abigail
$107 nightly
The price is $118
Dec 21 - Dec 22
Total with taxes and fees
Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - San Diego - San Marcos

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - San Diego - San Marcos
2.5 star property
San Marcos
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (709)
"It was nice staff was great thanks "
United States
kenneth
$94 nightly
The price is $103
Dec 17 - Dec 18
Total with taxes and fees
Extended Stay America Premier Suites - San Diego - San Marcos

Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego North/San Marcos

Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego North/San Marcos
2.5 star property
San Marcos
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (1000)
"Clean & very nice staff. Nice location"
United States
Sydney
$131 nightly
The price is $144
Dec 18 - Dec 19
Total with taxes and fees
Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego North/San Marcos

Lakehouse Resort

Lakehouse Resort
4.0 star property
San Marcos
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1305)
"Great place to stay!"
United States
Nicola
$185 nightly
The price is $200
Jan 11 - Jan 12, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Lakehouse Resort

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego North San Marcos

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego North San Marcos
3.0 star property
San Marcos
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (1000)
"Exceptional service, great staff, and very nice, clean rooms "
United States
Jennifer
$142 nightly
The price is $156
Dec 28 - Dec 29
Total with taxes and fees
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego North San Marcos

Sunshine Mountain Bed and Breakfast

Sunshine Mountain Bed and Breakfast
4.0 star property
San Marcos
5.8 out of 10, (54)
"Great host and amazing views, will recommend and stay again. "
United States
Judith
$215 nightly
The price is $230
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Sunshine Mountain Bed and Breakfast

Motel 6 Temecula, CA - Historic Old Town

Motel 6 Temecula, CA - Historic Old Town
2.0 star property
Old Town Temecula
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (1785)
"Great stay"
United States
Kurtis
$45 nightly
The price is $50
Dec 24 - Dec 25
Total with taxes and fees
Motel 6 Temecula, CA - Historic Old Town

Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula

Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula
2.5 star property
Uptown Temecula
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1001)
"Great stay!"
United States
William
$82 nightly
The price is $92
Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026
Total with taxes and fees
Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula

Pala Casino Spa And Resort

Pala Casino Spa And Resort
4.0 star property
Pala
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (4188)
"Beautiful room, great food at a reasonable price and the overall place is wonderful. "
United States
Linda
$121 nightly
The price is $131
Dec 15 - Dec 16
Total with taxes and fees
Pala Casino Spa And Resort
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 Marcos

Discover cheap things to do in San Marcos

San Marcos, California, offers an array of budget-friendly activities perfect for travelers seeking quality experiences without breaking the bank. Begin your adventure at the scenic Lake San Marcos, where you can enjoy a relaxing day of picnicking, paddle boating, or simply soaking in the sun while watching the ducks. For those interested in hiking, the nearby Double Peak Park provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is free to explore, making it a great option for families. If you’re looking for a fun and interactive family experience, head to the San Marcos Historical Society, where you can learn about local history through engaging exhibits that often have no admission fee. For a taste of local culture, visit the San Marcos Farmers Market on Thursdays, where you can sample fresh produce and artisanal foods at reasonable prices. Finally, the vibrant town center is home to various affordable dining options, from taco shops to cozy cafes, ensuring you can savor delicious meals without overspending. For a comfortable stay, consider hotels around the Grand Plaza area, which provide easy access to these attractions, allowing for a seamless blend of exploration and relaxation after a day of activities.

Find the best cheap hotels in San Marcos

Travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodations in San Marcos, California will find these top hotels offering great value without compromising comfort. Each hotel provides essential amenities to ensure a pleasant stay at an affordable price.

Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego North/San Marcos

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Fairfield Inn & Suites San Diego North/San Marcos is an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers, featuring a high guest review rating of 9.2. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast daily, ensuring a great start to their day without any extra cost. Additional perks include free WiFi and self-parking, adding convenience to the stay.
  • Other amenities: Beyond the essentials, this hotel also offers an outdoor pool for relaxation, a hot tub for unwinding after a day of exploring, and accessible fitness facilities for staying active. Guests can take advantage of convenient services such as contactless check-in, daily housekeeping, and electric car charging stations. The hotel also features spacious suites, a snack bar, and nearby golf courses for leisure activities.
  • Nearby attractions: California State University San Marcos - 0.79 miles, Hollandia Dog Park - 1.56 miles

Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: With a solid review rating of 8.4, the Hampton Inn San Marcos, CA provides budget-friendly accommodations with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning, alongside free WiFi and self-parking, ensuring a straightforward stay.
  • Other amenities: This hotel features a rooftop garden, ideal for relaxation, and offers connecting rooms for larger groups or families. Guests can also benefit from daily housekeeping, fitness facilities, and a comfortable sofa bed in rooms. The hotel is pet-friendly, accommodating furry companions, and includes provisions for electric car charging.
  • Nearby attractions: California State University San Marcos - 0.55 miles, Hollandia Dog Park - 1.85 miles

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - San Diego - San Marcos

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Extended Stay America Premier Suites in San Marcos is tailored for budget travelers seeking a longer stay, with a review rating of 8.2. This hotel offers essential amenities, including free WiFi and self-parking, along with complimentary toiletries to enhance the guest experience.
  • Other amenities: The hotel features fully equipped kitchens in rooms, complete with stovetops and refrigerators for in-room dining options. Guests can benefit from pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring their furry friends can join them. Additionally, the hotel includes fitness facilities, laundry services, and a welcoming place for families.
  • Nearby attractions: St. Mark Golf Club - 2.09 miles, Lake San Marcos Executive Course - 2.39 miles

Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Days Inn by Wyndham San Marcos is an affordable choice for travelers, a review rating of 7.0. Guests appreciate the complimentary breakfast options offered daily, along with free WiFi and self-parking to ease their travel experience.
  • Other amenities: This hotel features a refreshing pool, accessible facilities, and convenient early check-in and late check-out options. Guests can enjoy the comfort of microwaves in their rooms, as well as daily housekeeping services. The hotel is also pet-friendly and offers free toiletries, ensuring a comfortable stay for all guests.
  • Nearby attractions: California State University San Marcos - 1.57 miles, Hollandia Dog Park - 2.03 miles

How can I get cheap hotels in San Marcos?

Best tips to find a cheap hotel in San Marcos

  1. If you're looking to travel to San Marcos on a budget, you'll be happy to know that you can find hotels for as low as $50. 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 $230. Staying a short amount of time in San Marcos 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 Marcos, 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 Marcos, 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 Marcos, 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 Marcos Hotel Reviews

Frequently asked questions

What is San Marcos like for travelers on a budget?
San Marcos offers a variety of cheap accommodations and places to visit, making it a great getaway spot for budget travelers. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Twin Oaks Golf Club, Lucky Strike San Marcos, and Regal Edwards San Marcos.
When is the best time for a budget trip to San Marcos?
Weather is probably a major factor when you plan your trip to San Marcos, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and September with an average temp of 71°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 55°F. Average annual precipitation for San Marcos is 14 inches.
What is there to see and do in San Marcos?
San Marcos attracts visitors with its fantastic dining options and lakeside setting, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the popular local attractions that are highest on your list, such as LEGOLAND® California and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and choose other low-cost activities to fill your itinerary. Enjoy the outdoors at Montiel Dog Park and San Elijo Hills Dog Park, or hunt for bargains with some shopping at Carlsbad Premium Outlets.
How can I get to San Marcos and get around on a budget?
Checking out these ways to get around San Marcos is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The closest airport is 6.6 mi (10.7 km) from the center in Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar). If that doesn't suit your budget, you can look into flights to San Diego, CA (MYF-Montgomery Field), which is 23 mi (37 km) away. San Marcos might not have very many public transit choices so a car rental could be an economical alternative to explore more of the area.

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