Staying in San Mateo
San Mateo is a smart choice for travelers visiting the Bay Area. Its central Peninsula location places guests within easy reach of San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and San Francisco International Airport, while offering a more relaxed atmosphere and often better value than downtown San Francisco hotels. The city's walkable downtown features diverse restaurants, cafés, and shops, and its parks and Bay shoreline provide pleasant spaces to unwind.
Hotels in and around San Mateo cater to business travelers, families, and leisure visitors. Many offer airport shuttles, meeting facilities, and convenient access to Highway 101 and Caltrain.
What to Look for in a San Mateo Hotel
Consider location relative to your plans, whether that is downtown dining, Bay Meadows offices, or the airport. Evaluate amenities such as fitness centers, pools, on-site dining, parking costs, and workspaces. Read recent reviews for insights into cleanliness, service quality, and noise levels.
The Top 10 Hotels in and Around San Mateo
1. San Mateo Marriott San Francisco Airport
This full-service Marriott offers spacious rooms, a resort-style pool, an on-site restaurant, and extensive meeting space. Its convenient location near Highway 101 and the airport makes it a favorite among business travelers.
2. Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo
Hilton Garden Inn provides comfortable, modern rooms with practical amenities including a fitness center and on-site dining. Its reliable service and Hilton Honors benefits appeal to frequent travelers.
3. Residence Inn San Mateo
Residence Inn offers suites with full kitchens and separate living areas, ideal for extended stays and families. Complimentary breakfast and a homelike atmosphere make longer visits more comfortable.
4. Hyatt Place San Mateo
Hyatt Place features contemporary rooms with cozy corner sofas, complimentary breakfast, and 24-hour food options. It is a great choice for travelers seeking modern convenience at reasonable rates.
5. Best Western Plus Coyote Point Inn
Located near Coyote Point Recreation Area and the Bay, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and good value. Its proximity to waterfront trails is a bonus for active guests.
6. Hotel Nia, Autograph Collection
Located further down the Peninsula, Hotel Nia is a stylish boutique hotel known for its art-filled design, upscale restaurant, and serene atmosphere. It attracts design-minded travelers and business guests visiting Silicon Valley.
7. Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport
In nearby Burlingame, this large Hyatt Regency features a striking atrium, multiple dining options, and extensive conference facilities. Its airport shuttle and Bay views make it a popular choice for travelers.
8. Crowne Plaza Foster City
Crowne Plaza Foster City sits near San Mateo with lagoon views and easy access to business parks. Its spacious rooms, meeting space, and on-site dining serve corporate and leisure guests alike.
9. The Westin San Francisco Airport
The Westin in Millbrae offers Heavenly Beds, a fitness center, and Bay views. Wellness-focused amenities and proximity to SFO make it ideal for travelers with early flights.
10. Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront
Located along the Burlingame shoreline, this Hilton offers modern rooms with Bay views, a restaurant, and direct access to waterfront paths. Its scenic setting provides a relaxing retreat close to the airport.
Hotel Trends on the Peninsula
Peninsula hotels are investing in renovations that emphasize modern design, flexible workspaces, and upgraded technology. Contactless check-in, mobile keys, and app-based service requests are becoming standard. Wellness amenities, including upgraded fitness centers and healthy dining options, are increasingly important to guests. Sustainability initiatives, such as reduced single-use plastics and EV charging stations, reflect the values of Bay Area travelers. Bleisure travel, blending business trips with leisure days, continues to grow.
Tips for Booking a Hotel in San Mateo
Book early during major conferences and events in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, when rates rise sharply. Compare prices directly with hotels and through loyalty programs. Ask about parking fees and airport shuttle schedules. Consider weekend stays, which are often more affordable at business-focused hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to stay in San Mateo than in San Francisco?
Hotel rates in San Mateo are often lower than comparable properties in downtown San Francisco, and parking is generally more affordable and easier to find. Rates can rise during major conferences, so comparing dates is worthwhile.
Which hotels offer airport shuttles?
Many hotels near the Bay shoreline in San Mateo, Burlingame, and Millbrae offer complimentary or low-cost shuttles to SFO. Confirm schedules when booking, especially for early morning flights.
Are there pet-friendly hotels in San Mateo?
Several hotels in the area welcome pets, often with a nightly fee and size limits. Check policies directly with the property before arrival.
Where should I stay for downtown dining?
Travelers who want to walk to restaurants and cafés should look for lodging close to downtown San Mateo, where B Street, Third Avenue, and Fourth Avenue are lined with diverse eateries ranging from Japanese and Peruvian cuisine to classic American bistros.
Conclusion
San Mateo and its neighboring communities offer a strong selection of hotels for every type of traveler. With convenient access to the airport, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley, these ten hotels provide comfortable, well-located bases for exploring the Bay Area.