San Mateo Hotels

Top reasons to visit San Mateo

• Outdoor Activities: San Mateo boasts beautiful parks and nature reserves, perfect for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the scenery.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: The area offers numerous attractions suitable for families, ensuring a fun-filled experience for all ages.
• Cultural Experiences: Explore the vibrant downtown with its friendly locals and enriching cultural offerings.
• Proximity to San Francisco: Easily venture to nearby San Francisco for iconic sights and experiences.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: San Mateo features a range of hotels and guesthouses catering to various needs and preferences.

Find great hotels near San Mateo

Discover an array of hotel accommodation options in San Mateo, California, perfect for both leisure and business travellers. From pet-friendly hotels to welcoming guesthouses, this vibrant area caters to diverse needs, including LGBTQIA-friendly experiences. Whether you're searching for a reputable Holiday Inn or exploring reviews of local hotels, San Mateo offers a variety of choices to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

• Grand Bay Hotel San Francisco: Nestled a mere 6.4km from San Mateo, the Grand Bay Hotel San Francisco is a distinguished 4-star property that caters to families and business travellers alike. With a commendable guest rating of 8.4 out of 10, this hotel is well-equipped for a comfortable stay. The hotel offers a range of child-friendly amenities, including safety features like window guards and pool gates, ensuring a secure environment for younger guests. Additionally, it welcomes pets, providing specific policies and amenities for your furry companions. The hotel’s warm ambiance and thoughtful services make it an excellent choice for those seeking a family-oriented retreat.
• Hotel Focus SFO: Located 11.3km away from San Mateo, Hotel Focus SFO is a 3-star establishment that prides itself on being pet-friendly. Its inviting atmosphere and convenient location make it a suitable option for travellers with pets. The hotel provides essential amenities for pets, including a maximum weight policy and specific deposits, ensuring a hassle-free stay for both you and your companion. Guests appreciate the comfortable accommodations and the hotel's commitment to a welcoming environment, making it a solid choice for those travelling with their four-legged friends.
• Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Union City - Dyer St.: Situated 22.5km from San Mateo, this budget-friendly hotel is ideal for both business and pet-friendly stays. Extended Stay America Premier Suites offers essential amenities designed for longer visits, including kitchen facilities in many rooms. Their pet policy accommodates dogs and cats, with certain restrictions in place, allowing you to bring your beloved pets along. The hotel’s practical features and convenient location make it a suitable option for those needing an extended stay without compromising on comfort.

Where to stay in San Mateo

San Mateo, California, offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and family-friendly attractions. Explore the vibrant downtown San Mateo, where friendly locals and a bustling atmosphere await. Venture to nearby San Francisco for iconic sights or relax along the picturesque San Mateo County coast. With diverse experiences, from urban scenes to serene landscapes, this charming city is perfect for any traveller seeking adventure or relaxation.

• San Francisco: A vibrant metropolis, San Francisco is renowned for its iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Situated a short drive from San Mateo, this city offers an eclectic mix of culture, cuisine, and outdoor activities. Peak travel occurs from July to September, making it the ideal time to explore its bustling shopping centres, urban parks, and sports facilities. Whether you're indulging in local delicacies at Fisherman’s Wharf or enjoying a scenic stroll through Golden Gate Park, San Francisco promises an unforgettable experience.
• Highlands-Baywood Park: Nestled near San Mateo, Highlands-Baywood Park is a charming neighbourhood perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. This area boasts a relaxed atmosphere, with visitor numbers peaking during the summer months. Enjoy leisurely days at the nearby beaches or explore the local parks and golf courses. With convenient access to shopping centres and event venues, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy. The stunning bay views and community spirit make this neighbourhood a delightful escape.
• Pilgrim - Triton: Located approximately 4.8km from San Mateo, Pilgrim - Triton is a quaint neighbourhood that attracts visitors year-round. Known for its sports facilities, it is a great destination for sports enthusiasts and families alike. While the area is less bustling than its neighbours, it offers a unique charm and local attractions that are worth exploring. Whether you're catching a game at the local stadium or enjoying a peaceful day in the community, Pilgrim - Triton provides a lovely retreat.

Things to do in San Mateo

Shopping

In San Mateo, visit the Hillsdale Shopping Center for a variety of shops, including fashion and home goods. If you're up for a drive, check out the Stanford Shopping Center, offering upscale boutiques and dining options in nearby Palo Alto.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at the Zen Wellness Centre, where you can indulge in rejuvenating massages and holistic therapies. For outdoor relaxation, visit Coyote Point Recreation Area, featuring scenic trails and picnic spots alongside the bay, perfect for unwinding while enjoying nature's beauty.

Adventure

Explore Coyote Point Recreation Area, where you can hike along scenic trails with stunning bay views. Engage in water sports like kayaking or windsurfing, or enjoy a picnic on the sandy beach. Nearby, the San Mateo County History Museum offers a glimpse into the area's rich heritage.

Nightlife

Explore the vibrant San Mateo nightlife by visiting The Office Bar for a relaxed atmosphere and craft cocktails. For a lively evening, check out the Old Town Pub, where you can enjoy live music and a selection of local beers in a friendly setting.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for San Mateo

To save money during your visit to San Mateo, consider travelling in February or from November to December, when accommodation prices are lower. Utilise public transport options such as buses and Caltrain for affordable travel. Enjoy free activities at attractions like San Francisco Bay, Coyote Point Park, and Miramar Beach. Book hotels through platforms like Expedia, which allows you to filter for eco-friendly options and compare prices. Also, look for package deals that combine flights and hotel stays for additional savings, and make reservations in advance to secure the best rates.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in San Mateo are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in San Mateo is Friday. The most expensive day to stay in San Mateo is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you discover the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservations in San Mateo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions near San Mateo

San Mateo, California, is ideal for outdoor, family, and business-themed holidays. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including beautiful beaches, urban parks, and nature reserves that provide enriching cultural experiences. Notable points of interest include the iconic San Mateo Bridge, perfect for sightseeing. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, San Mateo offers something for every traveller.

• Rockaway Beach: Situated 16.1km from San Mateo, Rockaway Beach offers a tranquil escape with its sandy shores and stunning coastal views. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the beach, bask in the sun, or take part in various water activities, all while soaking in the laid-back beach vibes.
• JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve: Just 17.7km away, this marine park is an ideal destination for adventure-seeking families. Explore tide pools teeming with marine life, embark on scenic trails, and enjoy educational programs that highlight the area's rich biodiversity.
• Hoover Tower: Located 20.9km from San Mateo, Hoover Tower stands as a symbol of Stanford University’s history and culture. Visitors can ascend the tower for panoramic views of the campus and surrounding areas, enriching their understanding of American architectural heritage.

Best time to go to San Mateo

The best time to visit San Mateo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in San Mateo falls in September, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in San Mateo falls in January and December. December has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

The nearest major airports for your trip to San Mateo

Flying into San Mateo, California, is convenient with three major airports nearby. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the closest at 8.0km away, with luxurious hotels like The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons Hotel, both about 19.3km from the airport. San Jose International Airport (SJC) is located 41.8km away, with options like Hotel Valencia Santana Row just 6.4km from the airport. Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is further afield at 141.6km, featuring hotels such as DoubleTree by Hilton Sacramento, situated 17.7km from the airport. Transportation services are readily available from these hotels to their respective airports, ensuring a smooth start to your vacation.