There are times when a quick weekend getaway just isn’t enough, especially in places like San Diego. The warm sunshine, salty breeze, and lovely neighborhoods make it hard to leave. We’ve felt that pull ourselves, and it’s why we get why many travelers want to have an extended stay here. Maybe you’re in San Diego for scoping out life by the beach before making a big move, or maybe work has you in town for a while. Whatever the reason, staying at the right hotel can make a world of difference. That’s why we’ve pulled together our favorite long term hotels in San Diego. They’re convenient and cozy, but more importantly, they make your stay feel less like a stopover.
Table of contents
- Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley/Zoo
- Hotel Zindel
- Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Chula Vista
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station
- Horton Grand Hotel
- Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU
- Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
- Grande Colonial La Jolla
- El Cordova Hotel
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown
- Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in San Diego
- How many days should I spend in San Diego?
- What is the best month to visit San Diego?
- Is it better to stay in downtown San Diego or by the beach?
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley/Zoo
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Kicking off this list is the Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Mission Valley/Zoo. The location of this hotel made our trip easy. It’s just off the freeway, a short drive to the airport, and close enough to the zoo that we could head over without making a big production out of it.
This is an all-suite hotel, and ours ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip. Obviously, there was a well-stocked kitchen, but we also loved the spacious living room that gave us space to spread out instead of tripping over our bags. More importantly, extended-stay travelers don’t have to worry about a bad Wi-Fi connection.
Moreover, breakfast wasn’t just a muffin-and-coffee situation. It was a real hot buffet that made us full. Some evenings, we would swing by the complimentary receptions. Need to stay active? Feel free to swim in the heated swimming pool or lift weights in the on-site gym. And with a BBQ area, there’s always something to do even when you’re not exploring San Diego.
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Hotel Zindel
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Hotel Zindel had been on our radar ever since it reopened in late 2023, and we’re glad we decided to experience it. Set in Little Italy, the neighborhood was buzzing with energy. Like many other hotels in the area, it has a modern design that instantly captivates travelers.
We booked the King Room, and it ended up being exactly what we needed. Spacious, bright, and complete with a comfy bed, good coffee setup, and a sleek bathroom, it checked all the basics. Oh, we also had a kitchen, making it a great option for extended stay travelers.
Our favorite memories, though, were made in the common areas. We loved grabbing coffee from the community bar and starting the day out on the patio, or winding down at night by the fire pits under the mural in the courtyard. We even squeezed in a game of pool before heading out for dinner.
Read also: 13 Best Day Trips from San Diego
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Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Chula Vista
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The Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Chula Vista is one of the top extended stay hotels in San Diego area. At this property, the vibe was fresh and modern, with a courtyard pool and outdoor fire pit that made it feel more lively.
Now, let’s talk about our suite. It was exactly what we imagined: big, bright, and well-equipped. If you stay here, you don’t have to eat out every night as there’s a kitchen. You can even grab some groceries from the Walmart just across the street and cook some easy meals. On top of that, this hotel is pet-friendly.
Getting around was super easy, too. The hotel’s right off the 125, so we could zip into downtown San Diego without any hassle. What’s more, parking is free! After exploring, we liked having the option to either squeeze in a workout or just kick back and relax.
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TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station
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When we landed in San Diego, convenience was top of mind, and staying at TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Airport/Liberty Station couldn’t have been easier. The free airport shuttle made arrival stress-free, and within minutes, we were checked into our suite.
Speaking of which, our suite had all the space we needed and then some. The full kitchen was a nice feature. We actually cooked a quick breakfast one morning before heading out. Some suites even face the canals at Liberty Station, and we loved being able to catch the morning light over the water from our window.
When we weren’t out exploring, we made time to enjoy the little extras. The outdoor pool was fantastic, and the San Diego sunshine made it hard to resist the pool. The fitness center also allowed us to feel less guilty after indulging in way too many tacos. But our favorite part was walking across the bridge to the waterside park, which allowed us to slow down and just take in the scenery.
Looking for other Marriott properties? Here are the 6 best Marriott hotels in San Diego!
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Horton Grand Hotel
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Best Lively Vibe. If you want to be in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, consider booking a room at Horton Grand Hotel. Staying here, it was easy for us to wander to just about anything downtown. The hotel itself is a restored Victorian beauty, and you can feel that history the second you see the woodwork, vintage paintings, and even the grand piano in the lobby.
We wanted to go all out, so we booked the suite. It was even bigger than we thought it would be, and with a full kitchen and a private balcony, we could have our slow morning rituals peacefully. The free WiFi was a nice perk, but honestly, it was the comfort and thoughtfulness of the place (like being ADA-friendly) that stood out the most.
In the evenings, we didn’t have to go far for a good time. The hotel’s Salt & Whiskey restaurant and bar became our go-to spot, not just for dinner and drinks but also for the live local entertainment they host on Thursdays through Saturdays. It gave the whole place a lively, welcoming energy that matched the spirit of the Gaslamp Quarter perfectly.
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Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU
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Best Budget. When you’re planning a long stay in San Diego for weeks, it can easily drain your budget. That’s why we want to recommend the Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU. It’s family-run and low-key. The neighborhood added to that feeling, too. Tucked in College East, with its quiet streets and mid-century houses, it was very peaceful.
However, what stood out were the studio units with full kitchens. Being able to cook for ourselves not only saved us money but also made the place feel like home. Our suite was bigger than expected, and the staff was always ready to help out. It never had that anonymous “big hotel” vibe. Instead, it was surprisingly intimate.
We also loved the freebies this hotel offered us. Every morning, we would fill our tummies with yummy free breakfast. It’s available from 6 AM to 10 AM, meaning late risers can also enjoy it. Some nights, instead of heading downtown, we just fired up the poolside grills and made dinner there.
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Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
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Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront is easily one of the best long stay hotels in San Diego. First, let’s talk about its location. The bay was right in front of us, and all the bars, restaurants, and entertainment we could want were just a short walk away. We also took the free bikes out for a spin along the waterfront. The city was quite literally right at our fingertips.
The hotel itself had plenty of little amenities that made our stay special. The rooftop pool was our favorite hangout spot. It’s hard to beat swimming with the bay stretched out around you. And when we were ready to wind down, having a spacious suite with a full kitchen was everything we wanted. Sometimes we cooked, sometimes we just lounged, but it always felt like home.
Mornings at the hotel were easy, too. We would grab the complimentary breakfast, sip our coffee, and make a plan for the day. What we loved most, though, was how the hotel gave us both convenience and comfort. It was downtown living with all the perks of an extended stay.
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Grande Colonial La Jolla
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Best Views. We couldn’t get enough of the mornings at the Grande Colonial La Jolla. Once we pulled back the curtains, we could see the Pacific sparkling right outside our window, which was almost unreal. It set the tone for slow, happy starts to our days, sipping coffee while the ocean reminded us that we were in one of San Diego’s most romantic spots.
Another thing that stood out to us was how easy it was to make the stay our own. Some rooms on this property come with kitchenettes, while the apartment-style rentals feel more like a home away from home. No matter what you choose, the service is warm, the rooms are comfortable, and those ocean views are always close by.
The location is also worth mentioning. We could easily walk to the Museum of Contemporary Art, then spend the rest of the day watching sea lions down at the cove. Bigger adventures like the zoo or SeaWorld were also just a quick drive, but honestly, we were happiest exploring La Jolla on foot.
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El Cordova Hotel
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Best Style. It was so easy for us to love the El Cordova Hotel. Set right in the heart of Coronado, it reminded us of a little Spanish village. Once a Spanish mansion, it’s colorful and full of charm. We loved how everything was within easy reach: boutique shops, restaurants, and of course, the beach just a short walk away.
We decided to stay in one of the suites, and honestly, it was the best decision. Having a full kitchen and a separate living space makes the suite the perfect choice for extended stays. We’d make coffee in the morning, spread out our things without feeling cramped, and even catch up on some work when needed.
Needless to say, the courtyard quickly became our favorite place to slow down. Between dips in the pool and sitting under the greenery with a book, it was such a peaceful little pocket to retreat to. By late afternoon, we would go to Coronado Beach to catch the sunset, then stroll back through the courtyard lights to our suite.
For other similar hotels, here are the best boutique hotels in San Diego!
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TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown
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TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown is another great potential basecamp for you. We enjoyed our stay here through and through. Every morning, we would grab breakfast downstairs, coffee in hand, and figure out where the day would take us.
Our suite was more than just a room. We were able to cook a simple pasta dinner one night, tossed our laundry in another, and never once felt like we were “stuck” in a hotel. Daily housekeeping kept things fresh, and our pup loved curling up after long walks. Having all those practical touches made the stay feel effortless, which is rare when you’re away from home.
The location sealed the deal for us. We were able to explore Barloa Park’s gardens, get lost in Little Italy, and go bar-hopping in the Gaslamp Quarter without ever breaking a sweat. Oh, the USS Midway Museum was just a stroll away, too, and it ended up being one of our trip highlights.
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Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
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Best Value for Money. San Diego long stay hotels don’t always have to be pricey. We stayed at Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside on our last trip, and it checked all of our boxes. The hotel is tucked in Little Italy, just a few steps from the bay, and only a mile from the Gaslamp Quarter. It gave us the best of both worlds. We were close to the action, but the surroundings were calm enough that we could actually relax.
The suite was exactly what we thought it would be. With a living area to spread out in and a full kitchen, we weren’t stuck eating out for every meal. We even cooked a simple dinner in, which was such a nice break from restaurant hopping. Plus, the daily breakfast downstairs allowed us to fuel up before heading out to explore San Diego.
Our favorite part of the hotel? It’s none other than the rooftop area. The rooftop pool was heated, which made evening swims surprisingly nice, and the views over the bay were worth lingering for. There’s also a gym for those who want to lift weights. We also loved spending a cozy night by the outdoor fireplace, just chatting and winding down.
“If you’re settling in for more than a few nights, this spot makes long-term stays surprisingly easy.”
WOW Travel
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Our Verdict!
Which long term hotels in San Diego do you love? If you’re still unsure which one to choose, let us help with the list below!
- Best Value for Money: Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside
- Best Style: El Cordova Hotel
- Best Views: Grande Colonial La Jolla
- Best Budget: Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU
- Best Lively Vibe: Horton Grand Hotel
Where to Stay in San Diego
If you want to be in the heart of the action, the Gaslamp Quarter is the place to be. The Gaslamp is buzzing with nightlife, rooftop bars, trendy restaurants, and theaters. You’ll also be steps away from Petco Park, the Convention Center, and the waterfront. It’s lively and convenient, making it perfect for first-time visitors who don’t want to miss a thing. Looking for accommodations in this area? Here are the best hotels in San Diego Gaslamp and the best hotels near Gaslamp San Diego!
For something more scenic and upscale, La Jolla is hard to beat. Think dramatic ocean views, sea lions sunbathing on the rocks, boutique shopping, and fine dining with a view. It’s a little quieter than downtown, making it great for couples, families, or anyone who wants a luxurious coastal escape while still being close to San Diego’s main attractions.
However, if your dream San Diego stay involves flip-flops, sunsets, and ocean breezes, head to Pacific Beach or Mission Beach. These neighborhoods are all about laid-back, surf-town vibes, with boardwalks lined with beach bars, casual cafés, and endless stretches of sand. It’s ideal for young travelers, surfers, or anyone who wants to soak up the quintessential Southern California lifestyle.
How many days should I spend in San Diego?
Most travelers find that 3 to 4 days in San Diego is enough to hit the highlights. If you want a slower pace or to explore spots like La Jolla, Coronado, and the nearby wineries, plan for 5 to 6 days.
What is the best month to visit San Diego?
We recommend visiting San Diego in September. It’s when the summer crowds have thinned but the weather is still warm and sunny.
Is it better to stay in downtown San Diego or by the beach?
Downtown San Diego is best if you want nightlife, dining, and easy access to major attractions. Staying by the beach gives you a more relaxed, scenic vibe with ocean views and a laid-back lifestyle.
