What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in San Diego?

One of the perks of reserving a motel in or close to San Diego is affordable rates. This means more bucks in your wallet for activities and tours. Often set near highways and airports, and with on-site parking, this kind of property is a favourite among road trippers. When you check in to a 3-star hotel, you'll get more than just an inviting room to kick back in. You'll also usually have access to amenities like business facilities and free WiFi.

Are there any 3-star hotels with free breakfast in San Diego?

Stay on budget at one of our 3-star hotels with breakfast included in San Diego. Wake up and grab a coffee at TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown , which comes with a terrace and free internet services. Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter is another stay that provides your morning snacks and drinks without an extra cost.

Do any 3-star hotels in San Diego have a pool?

Take dips in between touring the sights at Four Points by Sheraton San Diego Downtown Little Italy or Marriott Holiday Club Pulse, San Diego . They're favourite 3-star properties that have a pool in San Diego. The summer months of June, July and August are a fabulous time to book a hotel with a pool in this city. If you're coming in the warmest month of August, you'll experience average temperatures of 20ºC at night to 26ºC during the day.

What 3-star hotels in San Diego have an on-site restaurant?

Book a room in one of Expedia's San Diego getaways with an on-site restaurant and you won't have to venture far from your accommodation when you're feeling hungry. Gaslamp Plaza Suites and Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown are two 3-star stays with this convenience on the menu. The first also comes with amenities such as a rooftop terrace and a nightclub, while the second includes a pillowtop mattress and premium bedding.

Do any 3-star hotels in San Diego have WiFi?

Definitely. Gaslamp Plaza Suites and Club Wyndham Harbour Lights are two of our 3-star hotels in San Diego with WiFi. Opt for one of these stays to easily access weather reports, trip suggestions and local information. Remember, this handy amenity may be complimentary or incur an additional fee.

What 3-star hotels in San Diego have parking?

Spend more time relaxing and less time looking for a spot for your car at a 3-star hotel with parking. Gaslamp Plaza Suites and Keating Hotel are popular getaways in San Diego. When you've ticked off the main sights in this city, why not refuel and venture a little farther away? Some good ideas for day trips from central San Diego include Mission San Juan Capistrano and Pechanga Resort & Casino.

Do any 3-star hotels in San Diego have rooms with a kitchenette?

Sonder The Marin is a top pick where you can prepare and enjoy home-style food. Located in San Diego, this 3-star property has a kitchenette, individually decorated rooms and a restaurant. Or make use of the convenient cooking facilities at WorldMark San Diego - Balboa Park while also saving on eating out all the time. A terrace and a barbecue grill are a couple of the other amenities here.

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Our top choices for San Diego 3-star hotels

Bay Club Hotel & Marina

Point Loma

Jason

3.572.583 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking | In-room safe, desk, laptop workspace, blackout curtains

Comfort Inn Sea World Area

Point Loma

2.704.437 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

Comfort Inn San Diego Airport At The Harbor

Point Loma

ALI REZA

2.710.526 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Suite, 2 Queen Beds, Non Smoking, Refrigerator (with Sofabed) | Premium bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Best Western Plus Marina Gateway Hotel

National City

mohammed

3.372.950 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

16 Dec - 17 Dec

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Diego SeaWorld

Point Loma

Li Li

3.453.799 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

Mission Valley

Elizabeth

2.678.679 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

11 Dec - 12 Dec

Best Western Seven Seas

Mission Valley

Patricia

2.245.667 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

10 Dec - 11 Dec

2 outdoor pools, a heated pool, pool loungers

The Dana on Mission Bay

Mission Bay

Emily

5.042.260 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

The Atwood Hotel San Diego - SeaWorld/Zoo

Mission Valley

Carmelo

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, Bay View | Premium bedding, pillow-top beds, in-room safe, desk

The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection

Downtown San Diego

Caroll

3.154.351 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle

Mission Valley

Yuke

3.005.939 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld

Point Loma

Aniket

2.562.017 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

In-room safe, desk, blackout curtains, iron/ironing board

Bahia Resort Hotel

Central Mission Beach

Antonio

5.312.243 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

17 Dec - 18 Dec

Humphreys Half Moon Inn

Point Loma

Caleb Scott

5.042.260 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Crowne Plaza San Diego - Mission Valley by IHG

Mission Valley

John

2.586.838 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Outdoor pool, open 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, free pool cabanas, pool loungers

Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside

Downtown San Diego

Felicia

3.953.331 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown San Diego

Arnold

4.189.908 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Diego North, CA

Sorrento Valley

Fadi

3.837.723 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

28 Dec - 29 Dec

Springhill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront

Downtown San Diego

Kimberly

5.758.515 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay

Pacific Beach

Derek

2.907.168 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

11 Dec - 12 Dec

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Explore similar 4-star hotels

Many 4-star hotels have the same amenities as 3-star hotels. See all 4-star hotels in San Diego.

Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

1500 Orange Ave Coronado CA

9.724.942 ₫

12.259.648 ₫ total

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

includes taxes & fees

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)

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Pool Spa Hot tub Breakfast included Waterpark

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.

Learn more about San Diego

Families flock to Balboa Park's museums and the world-famous San Diego Zoo for unforgettable animal encounters. Surfers and sunbathers enjoy perfect weather at La Jolla Cove, where sea lions lounge on rocky shores.

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Top San Diego Hotel Reviews

The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection

10/10 Excellent

"The room was pretty great there was a nice view of the town, but we could see homeless people in tents sleeping, so there was that. Front desk was amazing. The bar downstairs was great my husband went down and had a drink and watched some sports. Overall a great trip: for a three-star hotel, it was fantastic! Price of room was average, but the parking was a little much at $37.50 for one 24 hour peri[parking fr 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. was steep."

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Diego SeaWorld

10/10 Excellent

"Very clean!"

Frequently asked questions

What are the best 3-star hotels in San Diego?

Travellers looking for a comfortable and affordable San Diego property often choose Club Wyndham Harbour Lights. This 3-star hotel, roughly 0.16 km southeast of the centre, offers a sauna and blackout curtains. Want another hot tip? Situated 0.32 km southeast of downtown and including a rooftop terrace and a pillowtop mattress, Gaslamp Plaza Suites is also a preferred choice among guests.

How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in San Diego?

Try Expedia's search filters to secure a good-value 3-star hotel for your San Diego break. Simply set your budget with our handy pricing tool. You can also select the amenities you'd like, desired neighbourhood and loads more.

Search for the lowest price per night right now from 3.453.799 ₫

What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in San Diego?

Relaxation is effortless in 3-star hotels in San Diego. As well as comfy surroundings, these more affordable properties come with a wealth of amenities like free WiFi, coffee or tea maker and gym facilities. A 4-star hotel offers a more refined experience with upgraded features such as a spa, indoor or outdoor swimming pool and bigger rooms. Regardless of your preferred hotel style or what you want to spend, we have a perfect fit for you.

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Compare and book 3 Star hotels in San Diego, California

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Check availability on San Diego 3 Star Hotels

Our top choices for San Diego 3-star hotels

Bay Club Hotel & Marina

Comfort Inn Sea World Area

Comfort Inn San Diego Airport At The Harbor

Best Western Plus Marina Gateway Hotel

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Diego SeaWorld

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

Best Western Seven Seas

The Dana on Mission Bay

The Atwood Hotel San Diego - SeaWorld/Zoo

The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle

Wyndham Garden San Diego Near SeaWorld

Bahia Resort Hotel

Humphreys Half Moon Inn

Crowne Plaza San Diego - Mission Valley by IHG

Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, San Diego North, CA

Springhill Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayfront

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego Mission Bay

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

Learn more about San Diego

Top San Diego Hotel Reviews

The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton San Diego SeaWorld

Frequently asked questions

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