Budget Hotels, San Mateo San Francisco

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Our top choices for San Mateo cheap hotels

A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a curved wooden balcony, and a central seating area with sofas and a coffee table.

A hotel room with a bed, a green sofa, a desk with a chair, a TV, and a framed picture on the wall.

A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a central seating area with sofas and armchairs, a coffee table, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

A spacious dining area with multiple tables and chairs, a counter with a television, and large windows allowing natural light.

1. Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport

East San Mateo

Miguel

P7,318

P8,412 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A Holiday Inn & Suites building with a prominent sign, a covered entrance, and a well-lit facade.

A bar area with a counter, bar stools, a television, and a shelf with various bottles.

A volleyball game in progress with players reaching for the ball.

A hotel reception area with a modern reception desk, seating area, and large windows providing natural light.

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

East San Mateo

Salvador

P6,487

P7,505 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 11 - Oct 12

A modern hotel entrance with a covered waiting area, glass doors, and a clear sky.

A modern lounge area with seating, a bar, and a large window providing natural light.

An outdoor seating area with modern furniture and string lights.

A modern cafe with yellow chairs, a bar area, and large windows.

3. Aloft by Marriott San Francisco Airport

Millbrae

Jennifer

P8,445

P9,707 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

An outdoor patio with round tables and chairs, a view of the sea, and parked cars in the background.

A living room with a sofa, a coffee table, a television, and a dining area with chairs and a table.

A spacious lobby with a fireplace, two patterned armchairs, a wooden coffee table, and potted plants.

A hotel sign for Bay Landing Hotel with a multi-story building in the background.

4. Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel

Ingold - Milldale

James

P8,869

P10,000 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 18 - Oct 19

A modern living room with a green wall, a sofa, a coffee table, a bookshelf, and a lamp.

A modern interior with two armchairs, a coffee table, and a large window offering a view of the street and buildings outside.

A modern reception area with a green wall, a sofa, a lamp, and a bookshelf.

A modern storefront with a neon sign reading "The Dylan."

5. The Dylan at SFO

Millbrae

RAJINI

P7,957

P9,427 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 1 - Nov 2

A poolside area with lounge chairs and umbrellas, a swimming pool, and a building with a white facade.

A hotel reception area with a stone wall, tiled flooring, and a reception desk with a large number '6' sign.

A lobby with a seating area, large windows, and a stone wall with a TV.

A parking lot with a blue sign, a white building, and a red car.

6. Motel 6 Belmont, CA - San Francisco - Redwood City

Belmont

Renee

P5,212

P6,178 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 30 - Oct 31

A reception area with a counter, two patterned chairs, a yellow ottoman, and a large blue potted plant.

A modern waiting area with a flat-screen TV, two sofas, two armchairs, and a yellow ottoman.

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, and a TV.

An underground parking garage with concrete floors and walls, several cars parked, and visible structural supports.

7. Hotel Aura SFO

San Bruno

Charles

P6,699

P8,000 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 31 - Nov 1

A modern lobby with a cityscape mural, a reception desk, seating area, and a door with blinds.

A long, narrow hallway with a patterned carpet, white walls, and doors on both sides.

A laundry area with a washing machine and dryer, a sign indicating guest laundry use, and a door leading to a room.

A modern kitchen with marble flooring, a bar area with stools, and a large window offering a view of the street.

8. Hotel Skye SFO

San Bruno

Laurie

P7,262

P8,692 total

includes taxes & fees

Oct 25 - Oct 26

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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

Top San Mateo Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Location and amenities"

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

10/10 Excellent

"."

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

"Loved this quirky hotel. In the perfect location close to Pier 39 trams and cable cars. Staff very helpful. Love the games room and the outside entertaining area with the fire pits. Our room was a little noisy with the person above us walking around non stop. But other than that would definitely stay here again."

Hilton San Francisco Union Square

8/10 Good

"The staff were so great! I travel often and am always refreshed by kind and helpful staff! The property itself was great, some physical maintenance needed but definitely not a deal breaker!"

Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Clean, reasonably priced, nice location, near airport."

Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Bed are comfy b ur rooms are a bit outdated."

The Marker Union Square San Francisco

10/10 Excellent

"The Marker is a nice retreat a couple of blocks off of Union Square. It's a short walk down to Market for Muni rides or over to Powell to catch the cable car. The room was well appointed with a comfortable bed and pillows. I appreciated the water bottles in the room that the staff refreshed daily as I used them. Water pressure in the shower was excellent. The library in the lobby was a nice place to hang out for a bit rather than sitting in the room. Not to detract from a free perk, but the complimentary coffee manged to taste watered down but burnt at the same time. After dumping that out I bought a $9 12oz latte at Tratto that was also underwhelming. After that, I went elsewhere for breakfast. Overall, I would happily stay here again."

Frequently asked questions

What is San Mateo like for travelers on a budget?

San Mateo has a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a great getaway spot for budget travelers. In addition to its well-known attractions like San Francisco Bay, this destination is home to Coyote Point Park and Sawyer Camp Trail, which you can enjoy while spending very little.

What's the best accommodation for a budget-friendly stay in San Mateo?

Based on reviews, Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG is a popular hotel for our travelers who want a more economical choice, and features free WiFi and a 24-hour fitness center. Another top option for your budget-friendly stay is Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport.

When is the best time for a budget trip to San Mateo?

Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to San Mateo, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually September and August with an average temp of 64°F, while the coldest months are February and January with an average of 53°F. Average annual precipitation for San Mateo is 20 inches.

What is there to see and do in San Mateo?

San Mateo attracts visitors with its major shopping area and fantastic dining options, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions that interest you most, such as San Francisco Bay and Chase Center, and then look for sights and activities that cost little or nothing at all. If you're eager to get outdoors, you can enjoy the natural setting at Coyote Point Park, Sawyer Camp Trail, or The San Mateo Japanese Garden.

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

Scoping out the transportation options in San Mateo can help keep you on budget. The closest airport is San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), situated 5 mi (8.1 km) away. However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can arrange flights in and out of San Carlos, CA (SQL), which is 5.3 mi (8.5 km) away. If you want to see more of the area, ride aboard a train from San Mateo Station, Hayward Park Station, or Hillsdale Station.

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Our top choices for San Mateo cheap hotels

1. Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport

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

3. Aloft by Marriott San Francisco Airport