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Motel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

National City Motel

Stay at National City Motel with free Wi-Fi and parking, just 2 miles from Naval Base San Diego and close to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.

510 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950, United States View on map
6.4/10
Average Based on 217 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Accessible Air-conditioned
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable and Convenient Stay

Recent guests highlight the motel’s cleanliness, helpful staff, and practical amenities, making it a suitable choice for travelers seeking simple accommodations near key San Diego attractions.

Guests often praise

  • Clean rooms with fresh towels and well-maintained bedding
  • Friendly and courteous front desk staff providing efficient service
  • Functional air conditioning and reliable Wi-Fi connection
  • Convenient location close to downtown and local points of interest
  • Free parking and daily housekeeping ensuring a comfortable stay

Worth knowing

  • Furniture and fixtures may show signs of wear but remain serviceable
  • No on-site restaurant, pool, pet-friendly options, or fitness facilities
  • Rates can vary significantly during peak weekends and holidays
  • Shower heads and some room details may benefit from deeper cleaning
  • Simple motel style without luxury amenities or extensive services

Best for

  • Visitors looking for budget-friendly, no-frills lodging near Naval Base San Diego
  • Travelers needing practical rooms with microwaves and minifridges
  • Those prioritizing location and ease of access over luxury amenities
  • Guests seeking a clean and safe place for short stays in a commercial area
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About this property

Welcome to National City Motel

National City Motel is a modest, budget-friendly option located in a commercial area off Interstate 5, just 2 miles from the Naval Base San Diego and 5 miles from the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter. The motel offers simple, air-conditioned rooms equipped with microwaves and mini-fridges, catering to travelers seeking straightforward accommodations without extra frills.

The property provides practical amenities such as free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking, and coffee to start the day. While the motel does not have on-site dining, a fitness center, or a pool, guest reviews often highlight its cleanliness and the helpfulness of staff. Some feedback notes minor wear on furnishings, but overall guests appreciate the affordable rates and convenient location.

National City Motel is well suited for visitors requiring a basic, clean place to stay near local attractions and transportation hubs. San Diego International Airport is approximately a 13-minute drive away, making it accessible for travelers. Nearby points of interest include Balboa Park and the renowned San Diego Zoo, both popular destinations for families and tourists.

The motel sits amongst several other budget hotels, providing options for those looking to compare accommodations in the National City area. Its proximity to dining and shopping within walking distance adds convenience, appealing to guests planning to explore the local neighborhood or visit the nearby naval base.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Accessible
Air-conditioned

Not available at this property

Pool
Pet-friendly
Restaurant
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

AW
Ashley Willard Apr 10, 2026
8.0

Nothing fancy about this hotel, but they do have everything you need. The furniture was a little damaged, but we had clean towels fresh soap and clean sheets. I never saw a roach or bed bug the whole time we were there. I would say here again no question.

FR
fernando ramirez Mar 28, 2026
8.0

we had no problems here at all. no problem with A/C or anything else you might read on the reviews. the parking situation was fine and the location is great and centrally available to everything you might want to check out. if i am planning another trip to downtown SD, this will most likely be my choice to stay at

US
Urban Solis Mar 25, 2026
10

Extremely clean room. I would book here again. My family and I stayed here from July 3rd until July 5th. No complaints. Very well ran hotel.

G
Greg Mar 23, 2026
10

Rooms were clean and look like freshly painted. Cable has great channels, and HBO is a pleasant surprise. Service checking in was quick and easy.

MBA
Ms. Bliss Araujo-Miranda Mar 20, 2026
8.0

This hotel is pleasant to stay & I’ve stayed here many times. I like that it’s clean & at an affordable price. It’s located close to several places to eat within walking distance. It’s safe and I never had any major issues the mgt. couldn’t fix. The staff and front desk personnel are courteous and helpful.

JW
Jami Willard Feb 20, 2026
10

We had no problems. Housekeeping stopped by everyday to see if we need anything. Everything was clean. Would recommend staying here

KR
Krissyjoe Reeves Jan 12, 2026
8.0

It's a nice place.they keep it clean the shower head could be cleaned better you know how showers heads build up they just need dipped and cleaned.staff is friendly. Apparently the prices are always changing we paid 143.00 for 1 night and 343.00 for the next it was memorial weekend so that comes in to play as well.the location is great because you are close to everything. It's a very clean place

KP
Kori Pfeil Jan 06, 2026
10

After reading the reviews I was a little skeptical about staying here for our San Diego trip but the room was perfect. Air conditioning worked, fresh towels every day, clean room. WiFi also worked. Friendly staff. 5/5 would recommend.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find National City Motel

National City, California, USA

In a commercial area off Interstate 5, this modest motel is 2 miles from the Naval Base San Diego, and 5 miles from San Diego's lively Gaslamp Quarter.

  • 8th Street 13 min Walk
  • National City Bl & 4th St 2 min Walk
  • 8th St & National City Bl 6 min Walk
  • San Diego International Airport 13 min Car · 41 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in California. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

San Diego Zoo 65,937 reviews

San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

4.7 · Zoo
Balboa Park 78,658 reviews

Balboa Park

San Diego, CA, United States

4.8 · Park
Hotel del Coronado 20,834 reviews

Hotel del Coronado

1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, United States

4.5 · Hotel
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