Discover why smart travelers are choosing San Diego vacation rentals over hotels in 2025. Comfort, space & local experiences—book with Select Stays now.
Still booking hotel rooms in 2025? You might be missing out on a better, smarter, more authentic way to experience San Diego.
Whether you're planning a sun-soaked family getaway, a romantic coastal escape, or a productive business trip, the way people travel is changing—and for good reason. In one of the most visited cities in California, vacation rentals in San Diego are quickly becoming the preferred choice over traditional hotels.
Here's why savvy travelers are skipping the lobby and checking into a home instead.
Hotels have long been the default option when planning a trip. But in recent years—and especially in 2025—travelers are thinking differently. People want more than a room. They want space, privacy, comfort, and an authentic local experience—and that’s exactly what vacation rentals deliver.
Whether you're visiting the Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife or Mission Beach for family fun, short-term rentals in San Diego offer flexibility and value hotels simply can't match.
Let’s face it—hotel rooms can be cramped. Especially for families or groups, living out of a suitcase in a small room with two double beds can quickly get frustrating. San Diego vacation rentals, on the other hand, offer:
Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
Full kitchens for meals and snacks
Living areas to relax or entertain
Private outdoor spaces (hello, hot tubs and fire pits!)
At Select Stays San Diego, many of our homes are designed for multi-generational families, couples traveling together, or groups of friends who want to stay close—without being on top of each other.
Think vacation rentals are more expensive? Think again.
When you compare the cost of renting multiple hotel rooms vs. one spacious vacation home—plus the money saved on eating out every meal or paying for parking—vacation rental deals in San Diego quickly become the more budget-friendly option.
And with Select Stays, you’re getting top-tier properties in prime locations—without the hidden resort fees you’ll find at many hotels.
One of the best parts of staying in a vacation rental? You actually feel like you’re part of the city.
Instead of staying in a generic hotel chain, you could be waking up in a historic craftsman home in North Park, sipping coffee on the patio of a beach bungalow in Pacific Beach, or walking to the farmers market from a designer loft in Little Italy.
Select Stays San Diego properties are located in the neighborhoods where locals live, eat, and play—so you’re not just visiting San Diego, you're experiencing it.
Hotels may offer concierge service, but when you book with a local, professional property management company like Select Stays, you get white-glove service with a personal touch:
Hand-picked homes with local character
24/7 guest support from real San Diegans
Personalized recommendations for hidden gem restaurants, hikes, and attractions
Early check-in or late check-out whenever possible
Whether you’re looking for business travel accommodations in San Diego or planning a surprise anniversary weekend, Select Stays provides the kind of service that makes you feel at home—even when you're far from it.
Tired of hotel hallways, key cards that never work, and paper-thin walls? Today’s luxury short-term rentals in San Diego are beautifully designed, professionally cleaned, and thoughtfully equipped with everything you need:
High-speed WiFi for remote work or streaming
Smart TVs, coffee machines, and washer/dryer units
Pet-friendly options for your four-legged family members
Private hot tubs, pools, fire pits, and BBQs in select homes
These aren’t amateur Airbnb listings. With Select Stays, you’re getting curated, hotel-quality stays with all the charm and warmth of a real home.
San Diego hosts thousands of conferences and events each year. If you’re in town for work, a vacation rental provides a quiet, private workspace and room to decompress after a long day.
No more overpriced room service or awkward breakfast buffets. Instead, book a stylish condo near downtown or a serene space in Point Loma—just minutes from the convention center or airport.
As the travel industry evolves, vacation rentals aren’t just a trend—they’re the future. With more travelers prioritizing authenticity, space, and flexibility, hotel alternatives in San Diego are in high demand.
In fact, many of our guests at Select Stays tell us they’ll never go back to traditional hotels again.
Looking for inspiration? Here are some traveler-favorite areas to book your next stay:
La Jolla: Luxury homes, ocean views, and upscale dining
Mission Beach: Family-friendly and steps from the boardwalk
North Park: Hip, artsy, and full of local breweries
Gaslamp Quarter: Walkable nightlife and dining scene
Ocean Beach: Surf vibes and dog-friendly spots
Each neighborhood has its own charm, and Select Stays has properties in every one of them.
When you book direct with Select Stays San Diego, you’re getting more than just a place to sleep:
Access to our curated portfolio of premium vacation rentals
No service fees (unlike third-party booking platforms)
Local recommendations tailored to your interests
Flexible check-in and check-out
Exclusive last-minute vacation rental deals in San Diego
Whether you're planning a long weekend, a month-long work-from-home retreat, or your annual family trip, we're here to make it unforgettable.
Skip the hotel. Choose comfort, convenience, and connection.
Browse Select Stays’ curated collection of premium San Diego vacation rentals at selectstays.net
