San Diego, CA — No-Deposit Hotels & Motels

In San Diego, most hotels land around $150–$190 a night — that’s the sweet spot for a comfy stay without the splurge. Step down a notch into the Value tier and you’ll often see rates near $90–$150 — a nice trade-off if you’re watching costs. Truly budget stays pop up around $80–$90; the cheaper end can be limited on busy weekends, so midweek checks help. On the flip side, Upscale options start near $190+ — think newer builds, prime locations, or extra amenities. Tip: prices move with demand — checking a couple of dates, looking just outside core neighborhoods, or booking a bit early can unlock better deals.

For motels, most rates hover around $90–$100. while nicer spots start around $100+.

Here you can find our deposit-free hotels and motels in San Diego, organized by price tier.

Top-rated Budget Hotels
(approx. $80–$90)

Studio 6 Suites San Ysidro CA San Diego South Bay

$90 per night


7.7
(1.2k)
Studio 6 Suites San Ysidro CA San Diego South Bay photo 1
Studio 6 Suites San Ysidro CA San Diego South Bay photo 2
Studio 6 Suites San Ysidro CA San Diego South Bay photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchenette
  • Free Wifi
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Chula Vista San Diego Bay

$85 per night


7.7
(993)
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Chula Vista San Diego Bay photo 1
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Chula Vista San Diego Bay photo 2
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Chula Vista San Diego Bay photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Outdoor pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Bathtub
  • Breakfast included
  • No deposit

Super 8 by Wyndham El Cajon San Diego

$91 per night


7.4
(386)
Super 8 by Wyndham El Cajon San Diego photo 1
Super 8 by Wyndham El Cajon San Diego photo 2
Super 8 by Wyndham El Cajon San Diego photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Family rooms
  • Breakfast included
  • No deposit

Top-rated Value Hotels
(approx. $90–$150)

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

$107 per night


7.7
(4.5k)
Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle photo 1
Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle photo 2
Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle photo 3
  • Parking
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

Comfort Inn Sea World Area

$126 per night


8.0
(1.4k)
Comfort Inn Sea World Area photo 1
Comfort Inn Sea World Area photo 2
Comfort Inn Sea World Area photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Pet friendly
  • Free Wifi
  • Fitness center
  • Room service
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Breakfast included
  • No deposit

El Primero Boutique Hotel

$98 per night


8.4
(354)
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Bathtub
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

Top-rated Mid-range Hotels
(approx. $150–$190)

Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad

$175 per night


9.4
(921)
Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad photo 1
Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad photo 2
Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Breakfast included
  • No deposit

Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego

$170 per night


9.0
(1.0k)
Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego photo 1
Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego photo 2
Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego photo 3
  • Pet friendly
  • Free Wifi
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Family rooms
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

Sands Of La Jolla

$179 per night


8.7
(2.5k)
Sands Of La Jolla photo 1
Sands Of La Jolla photo 2
Sands Of La Jolla photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Outdoor pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Shower
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

Top-rated Upscale Hotels
(approx. $190+)

Holiday Inn Express San Diego South – Chula Vista by IHG



9.1
(1.1k)

  • Free parking
  • Outdoor pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • BBQ facilities

The Wayfarer San Diego

$312 per night


8.7
(1.5k)
The Wayfarer San Diego photo 1
The Wayfarer San Diego photo 2
The Wayfarer San Diego photo 3
  • Parking
  • Outdoor pool
  • Restaurant
  • Balcony
  • Air conditioning
  • Free Wifi
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU

$192 per night


8.6
(2.1k)
Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU photo 1
Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU photo 2
Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Breakfast included
  • No deposit

Top-rated Value Motels
(approx. $80–$90)

Travelodge by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld

$85 per night


6.2
(468)
Travelodge by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld photo 1
Travelodge by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld photo 2
Travelodge by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Bathtub
  • Flat-screen TV
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

Big 7 Motel Chula Vista I-5

$92 per night


5.8
(136)
Big 7 Motel Chula Vista I-5 photo 1
Big 7 Motel Chula Vista I-5 photo 2
Big 7 Motel Chula Vista I-5 photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Shower
  • Flat-screen TV
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

Ace Budget Motel

$85 per night


4.2
(73)
Ace Budget Motel photo 1
Ace Budget Motel photo 2
Ace Budget Motel photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Shower
  • Flat-screen TV
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

Top-rated Mid-range Motels
(approx. $90–$100)

Hyland Inn near Legoland

$96 per night


7.2
(1.0k)
Hyland Inn near Legoland photo 1
Hyland Inn near Legoland photo 2
Hyland Inn near Legoland photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Outdoor pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Shower
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

Top-rated Upscale Motels
(approx. $100+)

Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanside

$118 per night


8.3
(693)
Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanside photo 1
Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanside photo 2
Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanside photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Outdoor pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Bathtub
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

Berkshire Motor Hotel

$106 per night


8.0
(1.1k)
Berkshire Motor Hotel photo 1
Berkshire Motor Hotel photo 2
Berkshire Motor Hotel photo 3
  • Free parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Shower
  • Washing machine
  • No deposit
  • No prepayment

Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown

$107 per night


7.4
(2.0k)
Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown photo 1
Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown photo 2
Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown photo 3
  • Parking
  • Air conditioning
  • Private bathroom
  • Free Wifi
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Breakfast included
  • No deposit