Gaslamp Quarter
Pendry San Diego
- Best for
- Restaurants and a Gaslamp weekend
- Main drawback
- No beach at the hotel; consider street noise when choosing a room.
Oct 23 – Oct 25 · 2 guests · partner link
Or view on Expedia ↗
San Diego Hotel Prices by Month
Planning estimates for Coronado, La Jolla, Gaslamp, and PB — compare your dates before booking.
Last updated
Quick answer
Start by comparing winter weekdays, shoulder-season dates and your preferred summer dates. Holidays, conventions and room type can outweigh the monthly pattern. The figures below are planning estimates; the booking total for your exact stay is the useful comparison.
Start here
Three hotels to start your shortlist
Choose the setting that fits your trip, then check your dates and room size. These are starting points; more options follow below.
2 nights — rates below update for these dates.
Coronado
Hotel del Coronado (Curio Collection)
- Best for
- A classic Coronado beach stay
- Main drawback
- A luxury-priced stay with mandatory charges; compare the final total.
Oct 23 – Oct 25 · 2 guests · partner link
Or view on Expedia ↗
Mission Bay
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
- Best for
- Family resort days on Mission Bay
- Main drawback
- The beach is on the bay, not the ocean; parking and resort charges add to the cost.
Oct 23 – Oct 25 · 2 guests · partner link
We may earn a commission from partner bookings. Check your travel dates, room type, cancellation terms, taxes and mandatory charges on the booking site.
Monthly hotel budget estimates
| Month | City estimate | Coronado | La Jolla | Gaslamp | Pacific Beach | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | $195 | $315 | $285 | $175 | $155 | Low | Cheapest month after early December. Cool but mild (65°F). Restaurant Week discounts. |
| February | $215 | $345 | $305 | $195 | $165 | Low | Whale watching peaks; Presidents' Day weekend spikes 30%. |
| March | $245 | $395 | $340 | $225 | $195 | Mid | Spring break weeks (mid-March–early April) can double PB rates. |
| April | $265 | $425 | $365 | $240 | $215 | Mid | Warming up. Easter weekend adds a 25% premium. |
| May | $285 | $455 | $395 | $265 | $235 | Mid-High | 'May Gray' keeps beaches quieter until Memorial Day, then rates jump 40%. |
| June | $335 | $545 | $465 | $305 | $285 | High | 'June Gloom' morning fog but hotels charge summer rates. Book early. |
| July | $425 | $695 | $585 | $385 | $375 | Peak | Peak season + Comic-Con week (mid-late July) triples downtown rates. Independence Day spikes Coronado. |
| August | $415 | $675 | $575 | $375 | $365 | Peak | Warmest ocean of the year; rates hold through mid-August. |
| September | $305 | $495 | $425 | $275 | $265 | Mid-High | Sneaky-good month: warm ocean, sunny skies, prices drop 25–30% after Labor Day. |
| October | $265 | $425 | $365 | $245 | $215 | Mid | Best value:weather ratio. Halloween weekend can spike Coronado/Little Italy. |
| November | $225 | $355 | $315 | $205 | $175 | Low | Great deals except Thanksgiving week (30–50% premium). |
| December | $245 | $385 | $335 | $220 | $185 | Low | First 2 weeks are cheapest of the year; Christmas/NYE at Hotel del sells out. |
Illustrative planning estimates, not a measured market average or live quote. Compare the same room and cancellation policy for your dates; taxes, parking and mandatory charges may be additional.
Events that spike hotel prices
Comic-Con International (mid-late July)
Downtown/Gaslamp hotels 2–4× normal; 4-night minimums common.
Rock 'n' Roll Marathon (early June)
Downtown +30–50%; Balboa Park hotels sell out.
Independence Day (July 4)
Bayfront/Coronado +40–70%; Big Bay Boom drives demand.
Labor Day / Memorial Day weekends
All beach areas +35–60% for 3-night stays.
Thanksgiving week
Hotels +25–45%; Little Italy books out for Friendsgiving trips.
New Year's Eve at Hotel del
Sells out 6+ months ahead; $850+/night with 3-night minimum.
Padres postseason
Gaslamp/East Village +25% on game nights, +50% for playoffs.
Del Mar racing season (mid-July–early Sept)
Del Mar/Solana Beach +40%; opening day is the peak.
Booking strategy
Book Sun–Wed check-ins
Weekday-anchored stays run 20–35% cheaper than Fri–Sat, even in peak months.
Avoid the two Saturdays around July 4 and Labor Day
These are the most expensive nights of the year outside of Comic-Con week.
Compare September after Labor Day
Compare shoulder-season dates with summer and check the total for your selected hotel. There is no guaranteed overnight price drop.
Watch for Restaurant Week + winter travel deals
Late Jan–mid-Feb bundles include dining credits and $99–149 hotel nights.
Book 8–10 weeks out for peak season
Coronado/La Jolla inventory tightens fast for July–August. Refundable rates give you optionality.
Compare Mission Bay motels to Coronado resorts
Save $150–300/night for a similar beach experience if you don't need Hotel del bragging rights.
Skip resort-fee hotels when possible
Add $25–45/night. Boutique inns in Little Italy and North Park often skip them entirely.
Use the Total-Cost view on booking sites
SD hotel bills add ~15% in taxes/fees; the sticker rate can be misleading.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest month to stay in a San Diego hotel?
Compare winter weekdays and early December outside holiday periods. The figures on this page are planning estimates, not a measured citywide average; your hotel and exact dates determine the price.
What is the most expensive month for San Diego hotels?
Summer and major events can raise hotel demand. Compare your dates with nearby weeks and check minimum-stay requirements directly; this page does not provide measured citywide averages.
How much does a Coronado hotel cost?
Coronado prices depend on the property, season, room category and view. Use the monthly figures as budget illustrations and request a current quote for your dates.
When should I book a San Diego hotel?
Book 8–10 weeks out for summer (June–August) and 3–4 weeks out for winter. Comic-Con week requires booking 6–9 months ahead. Refundable rates give you flexibility to rebook if prices drop.
Are San Diego hotels cheaper on weekdays?
Yes — Sunday through Wednesday nights average 20–35% less than Friday/Saturday, and business districts (downtown/Gaslamp) sometimes flip cheaper on weekends when beach areas peak.
Why are San Diego hotels so expensive in July?
Peak summer weather, school breaks, Comic-Con (mid-late July), and Independence Day all overlap in a 5-week window. Demand outpaces the coastal hotel supply.
Is September a good time to visit San Diego for hotel deals?
Compare September dates after Labor Day with your summer options. A lower price is not guaranteed: conventions, weekends and the specific hotel can change the pattern.
What extra fees will I pay on top of the hotel rate?
Taxes and assessments depend on the hotel location. Resort or destination charges and parking may also apply. Compare the final booking total for your room and dates; do not add a mandatory fee again if it is already included.
The Sandi Spots Newsletter
San Diego, in your inbox.
New beach finds, hidden taco shops, weekend events, and seasonal guides — once a week from a local. No spam, ever.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.