Spontaneous travel can be pricey, but turning to a platform like HotelTonight can save you a decent buck. If you’re looking for a last-minute hotel in San Diego, California, this site can get you into a basic hotel for around $100 per night or bag you a mid-range or luxury stay at a discounted rate. Earning Airbnb credit when you book is a nifty perk to further sweeten the deal. To save you the work, here are seven last-minute hotel deals in San Diego close to downtown, the airport, and beaches.
We hope you love these last-minute San Diego hotels! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Set in a historic 1926 building in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, The Sofia blends old-school architecture with contemporary guest rooms. Rooms are comfortable rather than flashy, but they have the essentials (Nespresso coffee makers and fine linens) and it’s the location that does most of the heavy lifting. As well as being steps from bars and restaurants, you’re just a 15-minute walk to the waterfront. The hotel has a yoga studio and is about to open a Mediterranean fusion restaurant.
Getting there from the airport: Hop off the 992 airport bus at Broadway & Front Street; the hotel is right there. Otherwise, an Uber/Lyft takes around 10-15 minutes.
Typical HotelTonight rate: Last-minute deals start at around $170.
Another Gaslamp Quarter hotel, the Margaritaville Hotel has a more party-forward atmosphere than its neighbor. Guests tend to drop their bags in the coastal-inspired rooms then gravitate towards the rooftop for a dip in the pool and a tropical cocktail from the 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar. Cabana rentals are always a popular choice for bachelor/bachelorette trips, but you’ll need to get in there early as this place is a firm favorite among San Diegans.
Getting there from the airport: Take the 992 airport bus to 4th Avenue & Broadway from where it’s a 15-minute walk to the hotel. An Uber/Lyft from SAN takes 15 minutes.
Typical HotelTonight rate: Last-minute deals have been seen from around $265.
If convenience and value come above aesthetics, the trusty Holiday Inn has you covered. This Holiday Inn Express near SAN is a contender for a last-minute hotel deal in San Diego or a cheeky layover. Located close to Old Town, you can get downtown on the trolley (Blue or Green lines) in around 25 minutes for a spot of sightseeing. Rooms are straightforward but comfortable, and all bookings include a complimentary buffet breakfast and use of the heated swimming pool.
Getting there from the airport: The hotel operates a free airport shuttle at scheduled hours during the day. If arriving by car, the Holiday Inn Express is located right off Interstate 5, but bear in mind that parking costs $25.
Typical HotelTonight rate: Last-minute deals have been seen from around $175.
Standing in the heart of Little Italy, the Porto Vista Hotel is close to some of the city’s best restaurants and wine bars — you can also idle over to the farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It’s not huge but the rooftop bar is a charming perk at this solar-powered hotel, with views over the bay and downtown skyline. The hotel celebrates local artists through its Arts Program and serves delicious Mexican food at the on-site restaurant. Compact, tasteful rooms make this a solid base if you’ll mostly be out exploring and want a stylish crash pad with excellent amenities.
Getting there from the airport: Either the 923 or 992 bus from SAN drops you at North Harbor Drive & Grape Street from where it’s a 15-minute walk. An Uber/Lyft gets you to the lobby in 5-10 minutes. Traveling light? You can walk to the hotel in around 45 minutes.
Typical HotelTonight rate: Last-minute deals have been spotted for around $175.
This upmarket four-star hotel in San Diego’s Mission Beach puts the sand rather than the bars at your doorstep. Chic, surf-style rooms at The Wayfarer have high-quality linens and a balcony overlooking either the Pacific Ocean or the boardwalk. There’s a beachside pool and the hotel can hook you up with their partner surf school. If your priority is being at the beach in San Diego and you’re looking for a touch of luxury, this is the one to monitor on HotelTonight.
Getting there from the airport: Take the free Flyer service to the Old Town Transit Center from where bus route 8 will take you to the hotel door — alight at Mission Boulevard & Santa Rita Place. This economical option takes around an hour, whereas an Uber/Lyft gets you there in 20-25 minutes.
Typical HotelTonight rate: Last-minute deals for this popular hotel list from $216 per night but they can increase to around $300 or even higher on weekends.
Across from Shelter Island and overlooking Point Loma Marina, Sea Harbor Hotel gives you a laid-back waterfront vibe without resort pricing. This is a quieter location than downtown and Mission Beach, although both are easily accessible by public transport. Rooms at this boutique hotel are light and airy, with kitchenettes in the suites. The family-friendly resort has a pool and welcomes guests traveling with pets.
Getting there from the airport: Bus number 923 takes around 20 minutes, or an Uber/Lyft is just five minutes. Alternatively, you can walk along the waterfront which takes around 40 minutes.
Typical HotelTonight rate: Last-minute deals start as low as $165.
Another hotel near Point Loma and Shelter Island with tempting last-minute deals, The Monsaraz San Diego, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, has a Mediterranean-inspired design and an intimate feel. It’s close to the Marina and seafood restaurants, with stunning sunset views over the bay — you can also get to the aptly-named Sunset Cliffs easily from here. If you want something stylish but calmer than the Gaslamp scene, this Hilton outpost strikes a nice balance.
Getting there from the airport: Bus route 923 takes 20 minutes from SAN, or you can walk there in 40 minutes. An Uber/Lyft is a 5-minute drive.
Typical HotelTonight rate: Last-minute deals crop up for around $170.
