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San Francisco Motels: The Five Best Budget-Friendly Options with Free Parking
by Jill Loeffler •
San Francisco motels offer you the chance to visit the city for less. My list of five top picks all offer free parking as well as many other amenities. Highlights include the Coventry Motor Inn in the Marina, the Travelodge near the Presidio, and the Columbus Motor Inn in North Beach.
The challenge with these accommodations is that they get booked quickly, so I recommend grabbing a room as soon as you have your dates set. I've included some nearby attractions and restaurants to help you select the right one.
In addition, I've included two bonus options with inexpensive parking (sometimes you will get it for free). Read on for details about each and find the perfect fit for your stay.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Coventry Motor Inn
Address: 1901 Lombard Street
Neighborhood: Marina District
Parking: Free
One of the best San Francisco motels is the Coventry Motor Inn. The great thing about this motel is that it is clean and has complimentary covered parking. SF parking is expensive, so getting a free spot is a huge plus!
It's close to public transportation, so you can easily get to other areas of the city including, Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, and the Haight-Ashbury District.
In addition to the free parking, you will also have:
- Free high-speed internet
- Non-smoking rooms
- Your choice of one king, two queens, or two double beds
- Well-lit seating and work area in each room
- Color TV and coffee maker in each room
- Individually controlled heating/air conditioning
>> Find the best deals for the Coventry Inn
Attractions Nearby
- Marina Green/SF Waterfront: 5 blocks north
- Union Street: Restaurants, bars, and shopping just 3 blocks south
- Fisherman's Wharf: 10 minutes away on the #30 bus
- Crooked Part of Lombard Street: It's a steep climb, but it's only 8 blocks east, find out more
- Fort Mason Center: 5 blocks north, more on Fort Mason
- Palace of Fine Arts: 10 blocks west, more about the Palace of Fine Arts
- Presidio: 9 blocks west, additional details on visiting the Presidio
My Favorite Restaurants Near this Motel
- Pacific Catch: Casual seafood restaurant with great fish tacos, salads and other simple seafood dishes, great for lunch or dinner. 2027 Chestnut Street
- Roam Artisan Burgers: Fantastic burgers, with all kinds of sides, malts, shakes and everything you'd expect from a locally owned burger joint. 1785 Union Street
- Tacolicious: Casual taco joint with tasty drinks and a good happy hour, open late night, 2250 Chestnut St.
Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco
Address: 2755 Lombard Street
Neighborhood: Marina District
Parking: Free
Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio is another one of the San Francisco motels that I’d recommend for those on a budget.
This motel in San Francisco is close enough to walk to the Presidio and the Palace of Fine Arts. It’s also close to the Golden Gate Bridge.
You can easily grab public transportation to get to other key neighborhoods throughout the city.
Some of the amenities here include:
- Free parking
- Free high-speed internet
- Free continental breakfast every morning
- Cable TV, safes, and air conditioning in all rooms
- Pets allowed with a small pet fee
>> Compare prices for the Travelodge at the Presidio
Attractions Nearby
Presidio: Lombard Street Gate is just 2 blocks away
Disney Museum: Inside the Presidio, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, more about visiting this museum
Palace of Fine Arts: About a 10-minute walk north
Crissy Field: About a 15-minute walk north, more details about visiting
Lyon Street Stairs: 5 blocks away (The only problem is that you will be at the bottom of them!), more about visiting
Golden Gate Bridge: Bus stop to get to the bridge is just 2 blocks away
Favorite Restaurants Nearby
Blackwood American Thai Cuisine: This is fantastic is you want some semi-upscale eating. Pad Thai, curries, and calamari for starters. Mains includes King Salmon, short-ribs and more. 2150 Chesnut Street
Super Duper Burgers: A San Francisco original, this is the place to go for the best burgers in town at a reasonable price. Also salads, shakes, and ice cream cones. 2201 Chestnut Street
Columbus Motor Inn
Address: 1075 Columbus Street
Neighborhood: North Beach
Parking: Free
The Columbus Inn is a hidden gem in the city. It's one of the San Francisco motels that is clean and reasonably priced. It's also right between the popular North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf neighborhoods.
You will find free covered parking and high-speed internet access at this hotel. Other amenities available at this 45-room motel include:
- Spacious rooms and family suites
- Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattresses
- 100% non-smoking
- Well-lit seating and work areas in all rooms
- Plasma TV, CD clock-radio, and individually controlled heat and air conditioning
>> This is a great find in the city, but book early since rooms go quickly! Compare prices and book your room for the Columbus Inn.
Attractions Nearby
North Beach: All North Beach attractions just a few blocks away
Fisherman's Wharf: The heart of Fisherman's Wharf is about 5 blocks northeast
The Cannery: 4 blocks northwest on Columbus Avenue, more on visiting The Cannery
Ghirardelli Square: 6 blocks northwest, more about Ghirardelli
Coit Tower: The 39 bus, which takes you up the steep hill to Coit Tower, is just 3 blocks away on the corner of Powell and Francisco Streets. The ride from here is only about 10 minutes
Lombard Street: The crooked section of Lombard Street is 4 blocks west of the hotel at Lombard and Leavenworth
My Favorite Restaurants Nearby
- Kennedy's Irish Pub and Curry House: Yes, it's a strange combination, but for some reason Kennedy's is able to do both very well. They also feature pool tables and a great happy hour. It's just around the corner from the hotel and a great go-to place when staying here. 1040 Columbus Avenue
- Pat's Cafe: This is just a block away and the perfect spot for brunch. They open at 7:30am each morning, so you can grab a hearty breakfast before you set out for the day's adventure. 2330 Taylor Street
- La Rocca's Corner: This isn't a restaurant, but I wanted to mention it. It's a cute dive bar just a couple of blocks away. You will find some great beer selections and a local crowd that has been coming here for years. 957 Columbus Avenue
Another fun way to enjoy the North Beach District is by using my "Perfect Day in North Beach" itinerary. This self-guided tour explains how to see all the top attractions in this district in just one day.
Other Highly Rated San Francisco Motels with Free Parking
Redwood Inn
Address: 1530 Lombard Street
- This is another one of the San Francisco motels with free parking. It's in a great location along Lombard Street. You can easily get to other parts of the city from here and/or enjoy many of the restaurants and bars right in the area.
- Neighborhood: Marina
- Average price range: $125 - $185
>> Get reviews and find great deals on the Redwood Inn here
Marina Motel
Address: 2576 Lombard Street
- This is one of the San Francisco motels where you will find complimentary breakfast, parking, and high-speed internet access. Pets are allowed, and most rooms have a kitchenette. Make sure you ask for a courtyard room, as the front-facing rooms are right on the busy part of Lombard Street.
- Neighborhood: Marina District
- Average price range: $147 - $245
>> Check out everything this motel in the Marina district has to offer
A Few Other San Francisco Motels with Inexpensive Parking
Hotel Del Sol
Address: 3100 Webster Street
- This colorful motel has free breakfast and parking. They also have an outdoor swimming pool, wheelchair access rooms and a pet-friendly policy.
- Neighborhood: Marina District
- Price range: $194 - $393
>> Find rooms and more information about the Hotel Del Sol
Ocean Park Motel
Address: 2690 46th Avenue
- This motel is just steps from Ocean Beach. Its quiet location in the cool, San Francisco fog allows you to escape from the crazy city streets each day. They have free off-street parking.
- Neighborhood: Outer Sunset
- Price range: $75 - $175
- >> Find reviews and rooms at Ocean Park Motel
>> Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about these and other San Francisco hotels.
Other Great Hotel Options
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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