15 Best Hotels in Mission Valley / Hotel Circle San Diego

Mission Valley is home to quite a few reasonably-priced accommodations with easy access to sightseeing, thanks to the multiple freeways passing through the area. They’re mostly nested in Hotel Circle San Diego, where multiple hotels and motels line two frontage roads called Hotel Circle North and Hotel Circle South.

The Mission Valley Hotel Circle San Diego hotels price well is because of their freeway location inland from the beach near shopping centers, businesses, and high-density housing like condos and apartment complexes. You won’t have panoramic landscapes in your guest room view necessarily, but getting around town (outside of rush hour) can be easy from this bustling location.

You can reach SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, downtown San Diego, Old Town San Diego, and other sights within 15 minutes or less. Some travelers go carless, thanks to the MTS Trolley Green Line’s multiple stops between Mission Valley and downtown. This location is also popular with business travelers and families who need brand name hotels that price lower than the ones in downtown.

KEEP IN MIND

Some of these hotels face the freeway, so rooms may have street noise. I’ve also listed the distance to trolley stations — some of these hotels are close to stops while others are not.

Note from Katie: We independently choose all featured hotels. Booking methods mentioned are popular with our readers or ones we think offer the best value. If you book through select links, we may earn a commission and appreciate you supporting our business. Prices and amenities are subject to change. Our editorial guidelines.

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1. Town and Country San Diego (Top Pick)

Town and Country San Diego completed a major renovation in 2020 that overhauled all of its guest rooms and meeting space. A suite of new amenities to enhance the mid-century modern resort was also introduced, including a 10,000-square-foot pool with a 150-foot waterslide. 

The casual California vibe is accentuated through pops of color and artwork by local artists to tie today’s San Diego with its past. A highlight is an outdoor oasis with three swimming pools, including a children’s pool, a two-story water slide, private cabanas, and fire pits that made my list of best hotel pools in San Diego.

There’s also a volleyball court, gift shop, fire pits around the pool area, and a large rose garden and park for picnics. You can work out in the fitness center or participate in a boot camp class or yoga in the garden.

The 675 guest rooms are well-equipped with comfy beds, WiFi, TV, and a coffee machine. And there’s a selection from small and simple to large and luxurious Skyline suites.

Multiple on-site dining options include destination restaurant ARLO, the Lapper poolside bar and eatery, and grab-and-go at The MRKT. Of course, you can dial up room service to enjoy meals in your robes in bed too. But you can walk to the fabulous Fashion Valley Mall from the resort in under 10 minutes.

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2. Kings Inn San Diego

Pack your bags and take the kids to enjoy a memorable vacation at this fun, retro family-friendly hotel with free parking. Kings Inn San Diego is a 60s-themed vacation spot but with all the modern amenities modern travelers expect, including hairdryers, free WiFi, a coffee maker, microwaves (on request, a small fee applies), and flat-screen TVs in the 136 guest rooms.

Accommodations range from traditional double queen and king rooms to poolside deluxe/superior rooms and junior suites. The maximum occupancy is four people, and no roll-away beds are permitted in any of the rooms. The poolside deluxe, king superior, and junior suites a 32-inch LCD television, USB charging ports, full-size tubs and showers, and a refrigerator.

Guests have access to the large outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub, as well as the cantina and tiki bar. There are also two on-site restaurants, the Mexican-themed Amigo Spot and local favorite Waffle Spot. In fact, if you’re staying in one of the Hotel Circle South hotels, you may want to treat inexpensive greasy spoon breakfast here (make sure to try a waffle).

Kings Inn San Diego is also one of my favorite budget hotels in San Diego.

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3. Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa

Televangelist Morris Cerullo designed the new Legacy Resort Hotel & Spa. The San Diego Union-Tribune describes it as a mix between Disney-style decor and Bible-themed exhibits.

When it debuted, reception was weak, but it’s undergone an overhaul, making it a wonder to behold. The resort sits on 18 acres and is now complete with its own spa, Italian steakhouse, and cocktail lounge, Theresa’s. 

The entertainment complex features a 126-room hotel, a performing arts theatre, restaurants, a show fountain that you can see from the freeways, an underground replica of catacombs in ancient Rome, a replica of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, a conference center, an international open-air marketplace similar to those in the Middle East, and much more.

The resort part of the complex offers full-service spa treatments, an outdoor pool, and room service on top of the onsite dining options. Take your pick between premium or deluxe rooms, both of which offer luxury bedding and toiletries in addition to a smart TV and coffee station. Guests are also raving about the excellent service throughout the resort.

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4. Springhill Suites San Diego Mission Valley

Stylish and accommodating, Springhill Suites by Marriott provides spacious accommodations with plush beds that are ideal for sinking into after a long day. Their studio-style means that the suite is formatted so that the living room and bedroom feel more separated while not fully divided. The kitchenette comes with a mini-fridge, microwave, and sink. The suites come with a kitchenette that has a mini-fridge, microwave, and sink.

If you’re traveling for work, the business center is ready to accommodate any of your work-related needs, and you’ll enjoy free WiFi. And those visiting for pleasure can spend hot days in the outdoor pool and sit around the firepits at night. 

This hotel is conveniently located near many of the best things to do in San Diego, including SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, historic Old Town San Diego, and the Gaslamp District.

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5. Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

Hilton San Diego Mission Valley may overlook the I-8 freeway, but you can book a room on higher floors and even the top floor with premium city views (and some extra included snacks).

The 350 guest rooms offer the choice of one or two Hilton Serenity Beds (one king or two queens) and even a sofa bed in some king rooms. You’ll also enjoy air conditioning, heating, flat-screen TV, and WiFi. Each room is equipped with a desk and chair, as well as a minibar and refrigerator. 

The hotel offers room service but also has a great Latin-inspired restaurant on site where you can enjoy three meals a day in addition to Denny’s next door and a Benihana a few steps away. There’s a 24-hour business center in the hotel as well as a fitness center for all guests. Dogs up to 75 lbs are welcome at this pet-friendly hotel.

Eco-certified, this hotel meets the environmental conservation standards set by Google. It uses energy-saving thermostats, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems throughout, and boasts three eco certifications: Hilton LightStay, ISO 50001, and ISO 14001.

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6. Homewood Suites San Diego Mission Valley / Zoo

Expect an inviting atmosphere at Homewood Suites by Hilton, where you can choose between one king (sleeps 4) and two queen suites (sleeps 6) with sofa sleepers. Suites also come with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, WiFi, private bathrooms, seating areas, and a work desk. The full kitchen comes with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, twin burner stove, small dining table, and utensils. Accessible rooms are available on request. 

All guests receive complimentary breakfast each morning, and an evening social with complimentary drinks and light bites is served from Monday to Thursday. The hotel has a business center, an on-site ATM, and a snack shop. There’s also a pool and fitness center available for use.  

Rooms are accessed via digital keys for added security and convenience.

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7. Hampton Inn San Diego/Mission Valley

Another of the Hotel Circle hotels with free breakfast is Hampton Inn Mission Valley. Kick-off your day of sightseeing or work with waffles, fruits, pastries, eggs, and meat. Coffee and tea are also available throughout the day.

The 184 comfortable guest rooms have mini-refrigerators, in-room coffee, and comfortable Hampton beds. You can enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as the outdoor seating area and 24-hour fitness center. 

Business travelers can book the meeting room for corporate gatherings. There is also a business center for access to a computer and printing services.

The hotel’s on-site Tickled Trout Restaurant and Piccadilly Lane Pub offer cozy dining and drink spaces. Like other hotels on this list, this one is near the freeway, so request a high floor.

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8. Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Diego–Mission Valley

If you’re looking for hotels near a trolley station, this is an excellent choice because one is steps away from Doubletree by Hilton San Diego–Mission Valley. Plus, turning down the signature welcome Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookie at check-in (though you can ask for one daily) would almost be a sin. They’re delicious. 

These hotel rooms come with either two queen beds or one king bed and have soundproof windows, stylish en-suite bathrooms, and a workstation. You can choose whether you’d like to have a view, an accessible guest room, a French balcony, or if you’d like one of the suites. 

Amenities include an indoor pool and outdoor pool, a fitness center, grab-and-go market, breakfast cafe, and dinner spot in Lounge 72°, which also offers happy hour.

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9. San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

San Diego Marriott Mission Valley is near Snapdragon Stadium, so great for those headed to a game or event there (though easiest to hop on the trolley for a few stops or take an Uber).

Guests have access to free self-parking, private pool cabanas, a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, as well as a full bar and restaurant. Each room has its own private balcony, with views of either the pool below or the city around you. Plush beds and quality linen will help you make the most of a good night’s sleep, and for those lazy evenings, there’s a smart TV for Netflix. 

For those wanting a bit more luxury, the M Club Lounge is available to Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite Members or anyone who upgrades their stay to club level. Enjoy complimentary snacks, breakfast, coffee, cocktails, WiFi and printing services, and charging stations. 

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10. Holiday Inn Express Suites Mission Valley

Holiday Inn Express Suites Mission Valley claims to be the most modern of the Mission Valley Hotel Circle San Diego hotels, which you can see above, tend to lean a bit mid-century. It’s likely because the rooms feature a clean design with crisp white linens accented by colored throw pillows and art.

Other amenities the Hotel Circle San Diego property is proud of include walk-in showers, oversized bath towels, and even connecting rooms for larger families and friends traveling together. There’s also a refrigerator, microwave, in-room coffee and tea, and flat-screen television.

Cool off under the San Diego sun in the heated outdoor pool and whirlpool. Guests can also take advantage of the fitness center, business center, onsite self-laundry, and free hot breakfast daily.

No pets are allowed except for service animals, so you’ll need to keep looking if you’re in search of a San Diego hotel that’s pet-friendly. I have a list of my top picks for dog and pet-friendly hotels in San Diego County you can read.

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11. Atwood Hotel

The Atwood is a retro-modern motel that offers a comfortable place to stay, free parking, free WiFi, family rooms, and pet-friendly accommodations. Guests can bring one pet of any size for a small nightly fee. Those traveling with a pet must reserve a room that the hotel has labeled as pet-friendly.

Each room contains a coffee machine and refrigerator, as well as a desk and laptop safe. Choose between two queens or a king-size bed, and accessible rooms are available as well if needed. 

When you’re not out enjoying the convenience of being so centrally located, the hotel boasts an inviting outdoor pool and a 10-person jacuzzi in addition to a little convenience store onsite.

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12. Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego Hotel

Sheraton Mission Valley is a AAA three-diamond hotel offering stellar service and fantastic amenities, including Wellness rooms with purified air, a hypoallergenic environment, and allergy-friendly bedding. Choose king or double queen rooms with in-room coffee, minirefrigerators, and complimentary bottled water. Larger families will appreciate the double queen Executive Suite with a sofa bed that can sleep up to six people.

Onsite guests have access to 24-hour room service and the Cru Bistro for casual California cuisine and the Cru Bistro Bar for cocktails after work or sightseeing. Work off glorious San Diego food at the 24-hour fitness center or laps in the outdoor heated pool.

Stay with little ones and still enjoy a quiet adult’s night out thanks to the hotel’s babysitting services. And you’ll be a short distance from family-friendly fun attractions and great beaches. 

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13. Best Western Seven Seas

Best Western Seven Seas spans 12 acres and is the largest Best Western on the West Coast. Spend your time lazing on the sun loungers by the outdoor swimming pool or soothing muscles tired from sightseeing in the hot tubs with poolside service from the nearby cafe. Or, maybe play tennis with the family.

Other Hotel Circle San Diego hotels are steps away, so you can discover the surrounding eateries or dine on-site at the hotel’s restaurant. There’s a fitness center, too, if you find yourself overindulging in fish tacos and other San Diego must-eat food.

The 307 guest rooms include two double beds, two queen beds, one king bed, and accessible options. They contain seating areas, mini-refrigerators, free WiFi, and coffee machines. Free parking is included, too.

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14. Handlery Hotel

For a budget vacation in Hotel Circle San Diego, family-owned Handlery Hotel San Diego fits with its affordable prices and amenities. There are 217 rooms, which come in traditional or premier and have two double beds or one king bed. You can also request an accessible guest room or a pet-friendly room because dogs up to 40 lbs. are welcome (additional fees apply). The hotel offers room service as well as poolside service. 

Guests enjoy access to the outdoor heated swimming pool, the lounge area, fitness center, business center, and the on-site restaurant, Postcards American Bistro. Another bonus is the free shuttle service within a five-mile radius that will take you to the many surrounding attractions like San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego.

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15. Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle Near SeaWorld

As the name implies Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle Near SeaWorld is about 10 minutes from SeaWorld San Diego. In fact, it’s easy to get to the theme park straight down the I-8 freeway from most of the San Diego hotels in Mission Valley and Hotel Circle hotels. (You can also check my list of hotels near SeaWorld San Diego for more options.)

Guest room options include standard, standard with kitchenette, and premium. Most rooms offer a refrigerator and microwave, even without the full kitchenette. You also get a TV, coffee machine, and seating area. 

While there are plenty of places to eat and enjoy around the hotel, it’s fun to have dinner at the on-site burger joint, Bunz, at least once during your stay. 

There is a jacuzzi spa tub, laundry facilities, a fitness room, ATM, and ADA-accessible features throughout the hotel.

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Do you have favorite Mission Valley hotels in San Diego?