San Carlos Hotels | Best Places to Stay in San Carlos, CA

Why Stay in San Carlos

If you’re looking for a stay that keeps you close to SFO, connected by Caltrain and surrounded by local character, San Carlos is an easy choice. It delivers a laid-back, small-town feel with easy access to San Francisco, San Jose, the coast and the best of The San Francisco Peninsula. When you stay in San Carlos, you get affordability, outdoor spaces and plenty to explore. Add in a strong mix of hotels in San Carlos, CA, and it’s a well-positioned base for just about any kind of trip.

Explore Things to Do in San Carlos Find the Best Bites at San Carlos Restaurants

Best Places to Stay in San Carlos

So, where to stay? Explore our collection of hotels in San Carlos, CA grouped based on your travel needs and who they are best suited for. From the best business hotels to ideal stays for families to hotels near local attractions, you’ll find a lodging option for every type of trip to San Carlos.

If you want to compare more options, jump to the full details below.

Best Overall: Hyatt Place San Carlos

Located within walking distance of Laurel Street, the Hyatt Place San Carlos is a modern, well-rounded choice that gives you everything you’d need for a great stay: comfort, convenience and value. Enjoy spacious and modern rooms with comfortable beds, a lobby bar and restaurant, 24/7 fitness center and meeting space. Plus, with a Caltrain station just up the street, it’s the perfect home base for day trips to other areas up and down the Peninsula.

Best for Business: Residence Inn Redwood City–San Carlos

Travelling for business? The Residence Inn by Marriott Redwood City San Carlos is a great choice, with spacious suites, fully-equipped kitchenettes, separate workspaces, free daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi. It’s perfectly situated in town with quick access to Highway 101 and Caltrain just steps from the door, which means you can get to meetings, SFO or neighboring cities like Belmont and Redwood Shores with ease. There’s also a free shuttle downtown if you’ve got a business dinner, networking event or corporate happy hour to attend. Throw in quiet hours, on-site laundry, same-day dry cleaning and an outdoor pool and Residence Inn is the ideal option for the business traveler.

Best Value: LiA Hotel

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel that not only provides wallet-friendly rates but also opportunities to create your own art, then LiA Hotel is the place for you. Enjoy clean, comfortable rooms, a collection of free amenities including Wi-Fi, parking, continental breakfast and coffee, plus in-room Budhha boards for any art inspiration. LiA Hotel (which stands for Life is Art) is also conveniently located near Laurel Street which means you’re a casual stroll from dining, coffee and other San Carlos attractions.

Best for Families: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

Bring the family to the Country Inn Suites by Radisson - San Carlos, CA and enjoy clean rooms, friendly service, free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center and more perfect-for-family comforts. The hotel is just a five-minute drive from Burton Park and other kid-friendly attractions and is only a mile from Laurel Street and all its family-friendly restaurants. Looking to plan the perfect family trip to The San Francisco Peninsula? Check out our multi-day family itineraries.

Best for Extended Stays: Extended Stay America – San Carlos

San Carlos lodging makes it easy to find a stay that fits why you’re here and how long you’re staying. For those planning on longer stays — perhaps for a long work trip — Extended Stay America is a great choice. Enjoy studio suite rooms featuring fully-equipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, workspace and free breakfast. It’s also conveniently located near Highway 101, perfect for getting to and from business meetings. Everything you need to make an extended trip as comfortable as possible.

All Hotels in San Carlos

It’s kind of wild how much of the San Francisco Peninsula is within reach when you stay in San Carlos. Looking for cheap hotels in San Carlos? Maybe a pet-friendly stay? Check out this curated list of hotels in San Carlos. Quickly scan and compare options and, when you’re ready, click your preferred hotel to learn about the surrounding area, hotel amenities, nearby attractions and more. Also, be sure to check out the “See Availability” tool on each property page to see average nightly rates and help with your decision.

FAQs about Hotels in San Carlos, CA

Does San Carlos have a walkable downtown?

Downtown San Carlos centers on Laurel Street, which is lined with restaurants, cafes and boutiques and has wide sidewalks and frequent crossings, making it a very walkable downtown area. Several San Carlos hotels are within walking distance from Laurel Street, which makes it easy to enjoy a day or night out on the town without having to drive. Be sure to check hotel distance from Laurel Street when booking.

Which hotels include free breakfast and Wi-Fi?

Many hotels in San Carlos include complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, although inclusions can vary by rate and date, so be sure to double-check each hotel’s amenities list to confirm details. Also, when comparing trip costs, make sure to consider other add-ons like parking or kitchenette access so you have a full picture of what is and isn’t included in the cost of your hotel. Booking directly through each property listing on The San Francisco Peninsula hotels page is a great way to confirm available amenities.

Whatever the food options at your hotel, be sure to check out San Carlos restaurants to sample the best local fare!

Where to stay for business access vs. family trips?

Whether you’re in town for business or a family trip, there are plenty of hotels in San Carlos to choose from. For business trips, explore properties near Highway 101, El Camino Real and the Caltrain station for easy, quick access to meetings. For family travelers, check out hotels that are walking distance from the dining options on Laurel Street or kid-friendly areas like Burton Park or other local family activities. There are also extended stay options with kitchenettes and other amenities to make longer stays, whether for business or family, more comfortable. And always be sure to factor other amenities such as parking and breakfast into the equation as well.

Easiest way to reach San Francisco from San Carlos (Caltrain/rideshare/public transportation)?

With predictable travel times, catching a ride on Caltrain is a convenient and straightforward way to get from San Carlos to San Francisco. If you’re here for an extended stay and need to make daily trips to San Francisco, finding a hotel near the station would be a smart move. Rideshare is also available and flexible to when you want to travel, as opposed to the set Caltrain schedule. Which can make for a faster trip if you’re traveling during off-peak hours. Be sure to compare the Caltrain schedule with estimated rideshare times and cost before departing.

Plan Your Trip on The San Francisco Peninsula

It’s kind of wild how much there is to experience in San Carlos and throughout The San Francisco Peninsula. Ready to plan a trip? Explore a variety of planning resources, from nearby city guides to things to do to Bayside itineraries, dining options and outdoor activities. Pick a hotel in San Carlos and start planning your trip today.

HYATT Place San Carlos

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Carlos