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San Francisco Motels: The Five Best Budget-Friendly Options with Free Parking
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: March 14, 2025 • Published: August 23, 2011
With San Francisco motels, budget travelers get the chance to visit the city for less. When I travel, I love saving money on lodging so I can see more of the city's attractions.
If you're looking for San Francisco hotels with free parking, then look no further than this list.
I've also included nearby attractions and restaurants to help you choose the best one for you.
Highlights include the Coventry Motor Inn in the Marina, the Travelodge near the Presidio, and the Columbus Motor Inn in North Beach.
About the Motels in San Francisco
Advantages
My top five picks for motels in San Francisco all offer free parking as well as many other amenities.
These motels, or cheap hotels in San Francisco, are definitely more affordable than the four-star accommodations you'll find downtown, without compromising on quality or cleanliness.
My recommendations are a big step up from chain-operated motels like the San Francisco Motel 6. They are more like boutique hotels that allow you to experience a unique part of San Francisco.
Disadvantages
If you're looking for upscale amenities, like an on-site restaurant or gym, these San Francisco motels may not be for you. But if you're looking for a place to rest that is quiet and no-fuss, then read on.
You'll find that most SF motels are tucked into local neighborhoods. They are very accessible by car, but that just means you'll be a little farther removed from the city center.
The main challenge with high-quality cheap motels in San Francisco is that they get booked quickly, so I recommend grabbing a room as soon as you have your dates set.
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1. 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 in a secure garage is a huge plus!
This affordable motel in San Francisco is 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.
Amenities:
- Free high-speed internet
- Non-smoking rooms
- Your choice of one king, two queens, or two double beds
- Well-lit sitting and work areas in each room
- Color TV and coffee maker in each room
- Individually controlled heating/air conditioning
Average Price: $175 - $290
>> Find the best deals for the Coventry Inn
Attractions Near the Coventry Inn
- Marina Green/SF waterfront: 5 blocks north
- Chestnut Street shopping, dining & bars: Just 1 block north
- Union Street shopping, dining & bars: 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 on the same street only 8 blocks east
- Fort Mason Center festivals & events: 5 blocks north
- Palace of Fine Arts: 10 blocks west
- Presidio national park site: 9 blocks west
My Favorite Restaurants Near the Coventry Inn
- Pacific Catch: Casual 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 Street
2. Travelodge by Wyndham at the Presidio
Address: 2755 Lombard Street
Neighborhood: Marina District
Parking: Free
Travelodge at the Presidio is another one of the cheap motels in San Francisco that I’d recommend for those on a budget. It's one of the few San Francisco hotels with free parking and breakfast.
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.
Amenities:
- Free high-speed internet
- Free continental breakfast every morning
- Flat-screen TV with HBO
- Fridge, coffee maker, and hair dryer in all rooms
- Business center
- Pets allowed with a small pet fee
Average Price: $104 - $129 (one of the cheapest motels in San Francisco for the quality and location!)
>> Compare prices for the Travelodge Presidio
Attractions Near the Travelodge Presidio
- Presidio: Lombard Street Gate to the park is just 2 blocks away
- Walt Disney Family Museum: Inside the Presidio, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel
- Palace of Fine Arts: Just a 10-minute walk north
- Crissy Field: About a 15-minute walk north to the beach
- Lyon Street Stairs: 5 blocks away (The only problem is that you will be at the bottom of them!)
- Golden Gate Bridge: Bus stop to get to the bridge is just 2 blocks away
Favorite Restaurants Around the Travelodge Presidio
- Blackwood American Thai Cuisine: This is fantastic is you want some semi-upscale eating. Pad Thai, curries, and calamari for starters. Mains include 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. They also serve salads, shakes, and ice cream cones. 2201 Chestnut Street
3. Columbus Motor Inn
Address: 1075 Columbus Street
Neighborhood: North Beach
Parking: Free
The Columbus Inn San Francisco is a hidden gem in the city. It's another one of my favorite San Francisco motels that is clean and reasonably priced, not to mention in a prime location.
If you're looking for Fisherman's Wharf hotels with free parking, this is your best bet, as you'll be right on the southern edge of the tourist district.
In fact, this 45-room motel in San Francisco sits right between Fisherman's Wharf and the popular North Beach neighborhood. Book early, since rooms go quickly!
Amenities:
- Free high-speed internet
- Spacious rooms and family suites
- Well-lit sitting and work areas in all rooms
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Mini fridge and USB charging ports
Average Price: $168 - $238
>> Book your room for the Columbus Motor Inn San Francisco
Attractions Near the Columbus Inn
- North Beach: All attractions in SF's famed Italian district just a few blocks away
- Fisherman's Wharf: Only a couple of blocks north; Pier 39, the heart of the tourist district, is just 5 blocks northeast
- The Cannery shopping: 4 blocks northwest on Columbus Avenue
- Ghirardelli Square historic chocolate factory: 6 blocks northwest
- 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: Only 4 blocks west
My Favorite Restaurants Near the Columbus Inn
- 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 this SF motel. 1040 Columbus Avenue
- Pat's Cafe: This charming morning spot is just a block away and the perfect spot for brunch. They open from 7:30 am to 2 pm all week, 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
4. La Casa Inn
Address: 1530 Lombard Street
- This is another one of the San Francisco motels with free parking. It offers basic amenities, with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and cable TV in every room. 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: $161 - $256
>> Get reviews and find great deals on La Casa Inn here
5. Marina Motel
Address: 2576 Lombard Street
- This is one of the San Francisco motels where you will find free parking and high-speed internet access. Guests love the old-world cobblestone courtyard and garden. Pets are allowed, and most rooms have a kitchenette.
- Tip: 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: $191 - $305
>> Check out everything this motel in the Marina district has to offer
Other San Francisco Motels with Inexpensive Parking
Hotel Del Sol
Address: 3100 Webster Street
- This colorful SF motel offers free continental breakfast each morning. This is the only one on my list of motels in San Francisco that offers a year-round outdoor heated pool. They also have complimentary cruiser bikes and all-day coffee and tea service. Pet-friendly.
- Neighborhood: Marina District
- Price Range: $194 - $393
- Parking: $45 per day
>> Find rooms and more information about the Hotel Del Sol
Ocean Park Motel
Address: 2690 46th Avenue
- Of my favorite motels in San Francisco, this art deco beauty is the most out of the way, tucked into a quiet neighborhood near Ocean Beach and the SF Zoo. Its location in the cool San Francisco fog allows you to escape from the bustle of the city. Guests love the cozy hot tub and gardens at this pet-friendly SF motel.
- Neighborhood: Outer Sunset
- Price Range: $165 - $195
- Parking: Free, but first-come first-serve with limited spaces
>> 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.
More Great Hotel Options in San Francisco
Hi, I'm Jill!
Dreaming of a San Francisco vacation? As a proud local, I'm here to share my insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of this iconic city!
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