The hype
A surprisingly clean and well-maintained budget motel with a friendly staff and great freebies.
Best Western Lamplighter Inn & Suites At Sdsu
$120-$170/ night
Book this if You're a budget-conscious traveler, visiting SDSU, or need a clean, no-frills basecamp with free parking and breakfast.
Why People Love It
- Free parking and no hidden resort fees
- Extensive free breakfast with hot waffles
- Heated outdoor pool with BBQ grills
Quick Take: It's a dated, classic motel on a busy boulevard, but it's impeccably clean and won't nickel-and-dime you.
Reviewed by @mommycristinaknows: We stayed here for a quick family getaway and the boys were obsessed. The indoor pool feels exactly like a tropical resort, complete with a water slide and waterfall. Between the pool, the arcade, and the kid-friendly restaurant, it was the easiest weekend trip ever.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The neighborhood isn't the most scenic, and the rooms feel like a blast from the past.
- You are visiting San Diego State University (1 mile away)
- You hate paying extra for parking and Wi-Fi
- You want a kitchen for an extended stay
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Consistently praised as spotless and well-maintained despite the older building.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean and functional, though the fixtures and tile are showing their age.
- Maintenance: Older property with dated decor, but everything is kept in good working order.
- Linens & towels: Standard motel quality, but fresh and clean.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though older carpets can sometimes hold a faint stale scent in budget motels.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy traffic on El Cajon Boulevard
- Other guests walking on exterior corridors
Before you book
Good to know
- Parking is 100% free, which is rare for San Diego
- Breakfast includes hot items like waffles and eggs
- Coin-operated laundry is available on-site
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine for street noise
- A car rental reservation—you'll need it to get to the beach
Room Genie
Best picks
- Rooms at the back of the property (away from El Cajon Blvd) for maximum quiet
- Extended-stay suites with full kitchens if you're staying more than a few days
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms facing the street or right next to the pool if you want to sleep in
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm a light sleeper. Could I please request a quiet room at the very back of the property, away from El Cajon Boulevard and the pool area? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a resort fee?
No, this is one of the rare San Diego hotels with absolutely no hidden fees.
How far is it to the beach?
It's about a 20-minute drive to Mission Beach or Coronado, traffic depending.
Is parking really free?
Yes, self-parking is completely free for guests.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the outdoor pool is heated and open year-round, complete with a BBQ grill area.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, it is pet-friendly, but there is a $15 per night non-refundable fee with restrictions.
How close is SDSU?
It's just 1 mile away, making it a perfect base for visiting parents or prospective students.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Grab some meat and veggies from a local market and use the poolside BBQ grills for a cheap dinner.
- ✨
Borrow a DVD from the front desk—every room has a DVD player, a fun retro touch.
- ✨
Skip the chain coffee and walk to a local Vietnamese cafe on El Cajon Blvd for an incredible morning brew.
5 things to know before you go
💡The breakfast buffet includes Kosher items, a surprisingly thoughtful touch for a budget motel.
💡The landscaping is surprisingly lush, with palm trees and sculpted shrubbery hiding the standard motel architecture.
💡The mattresses are high-quality Beautyrest beds that frequently get shoutouts in reviews for being incredibly comfortable.
💡El Cajon Boulevard has a massive, underrated Vietnamese and Middle Eastern food scene right outside your door.
💡Every room comes with a DVD player and you can borrow movies from the front desk—a fun, nostalgic perk.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Best Western Lamplighter Inn & Suites At Sdsu is located and what's nearby.