Santee California Hotels & Motels

Find accommodations in Santee with the hotel list provided below. Search for the cheapest discounted hotel and motel rates in or near Santee, CA for your upcoming personal or group trip. Discover the most favored Santee, California motel and hotel rooms. Browse the Santee area hotels to find the perfect lodging! Please use the provided map of the Santee hotels. Planning a group? Lock in Santee Group Hotel Rates

The Santee center is about the area of El Cajon Gillespie Field and 1 mile northwest of Bath Gallery.

Just 18 miles from San Diego, the quiet community of Santee, California, awaits. This town is an easily accessible community, convenient to Interstate 5, State Route 52, and State Route 125, and accessible via the Metropolitan Transit System trolley station. You can also get to Santee by small aircraft, with a flight direct to Gillespie Field, San Diego's largest general aviation airport. More from this guide...

Santee Hotels, Motels & Accommodations

Rodeway Inn Santee San Diego East 10135 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, CA 92071 Call
  • Low-priced Downtown property
  • Hotel has 54 rooms
From$60
Very Good 4.0 /5 Reviews Call BookMore Details
Best Western Santee Lodge : 10726 Woodside Ave. 10726 Woodside Ave., Santee, CA 92071 Call
  • Three Star Resort property
  • 46 rooms in property
From$85
Very Good 4.0 /5 Reviews Call BookMore Details
Carlton Oaks Lodge, an Ascend Collection Hotel 9200 Inwood Dr., Santee, CA 92071 Call
  • 3-star hotel
  • 7 suites in hotel
From$75
Very Good 4.0 /5 Latest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Hampton Inn Andamp Suites by Hilto - El Cajon 1025 North Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020 Call ~2.18 miles south of Santee
  • 3 star property
From$90
Very Good 4.0 /5 Recent Reviews Call BookMore Details
Motel 6 El Cajon, CA - San Diego 550 Montrose Court, El Cajon, CA 92020 Call ~2.56 miles south of Santee
  • Cheap property
  • Check in: 3:00pm
From$32
Average 3.0 /5 Guest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Quality Inn & Suites El Cajon San Diego East 650 North Mollison Ave. Building A, El Cajon, CA 92021 Website Call ~2.69 miles southeast of Santee
  • Mid-scale Suburban hotel
  • 50 rooms in property
From$80
Average 3.0 /5 Reviews Call BookMore Details
Rodeway of El Cajon : 471 North Magnolia Ave. 471 North Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020 Call ~2.70 miles south of Santee
  • 2-star Suburban hotel
  • 3 floors in property
From$60
Average 3.5 /5 Guest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Clarion Pointe El Cajon San Diego East - El Cajon 855 Sandalwood, El Cajon, CA 92021 Call ~2.70 miles southeast of Santee
  • 3 star Suburban property
  • Complimentary breakfast is offered
From$53
Average 3.0 /5 Guest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego-East/El Cajon - El Cajon 683 North Mollison, El Cajon, CA 92020 Call ~2.70 miles southeast of Santee
  • Low-priced Suburban property
  • Check in time: 12:00
From$45
Average 3.5 /5 Latest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Super 8 by Wyndham El Cajon/San Diego - El Cajon 471 Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020 Call ~2.71 miles south of Santee
  • Inexpensive Suburban property
  • Check in time: 2:00pm
From$60
Average 3.0 /5 Guest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego East / El Cajon 683 North Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92021 Call ~2.74 miles southeast of Santee
  • Cheap hotel
From$60
Average 3.0 /5 Recent Reviews Call BookMore Details
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites El Cajon San Diego East - El Cajon 588 North Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92021 Call ~2.78 miles southeast of Santee
  • Economy Highway hotel
  • Free breakfast
Relax Inn And Suites : 1220 West Main St. 1220 West Main St., El Cajon, CA 92020 Call ~2.96 miles south of Santee
  • Cheap hotel
  • 2 floors in property
From$69
Average 3.0 /5 Hotel Reviews Call BookMore Details
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon in El Cajon 141 North Magnolia Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020 Call ~2.99 miles south of Santee
  • Mid-scale Mountain property
  • Hotel has 5 meeting rooms
From$119
Very Good 4.0 /5 Latest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Travelodge by Wyndham El Cajon in El Cajon 425 West Main St., El Cajon, CA 92020 Call ~3.02 miles south of Santee
  • Low-priced Downtown hotel
  • 2 floors in hotel
From$30
Very Good 4.0 /5 Hotel Reviews Call BookMore Details
Americas Best Value Inn El Cajon San Diego 1274 Oakdale Ave., El Cajon, CA 92021 Call ~3.27 miles southeast of Santee
  • Cheap hotel
  • Check in time: 15:00
From$49
Not Good 1.0 /5 Recent Reviews Call BookMore Details
El Cajon Hotel in El Cajon 1355 East Main St., El Cajon, CA 92021 Call ~3.66 miles southeast of Santee
  • Low priced Suburban hotel
  • 49 sleeping rooms in hotel
From$60
Average 3.5 /5 Guest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Rodeway Inn & Suites El Cajon San Diego East in El Cajon 1250 El Cajon Blvd., El Cajon, CA 92020 Call ~3.98 miles south of Santee
  • Economical Highway property
  • 3 floors in property
From$65
Average 3.0 /5 Recent Reviews Call BookMore Details
Best Western Plus La Mesa San Diego - La Mesa 9550 Murray Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942 Call ~4.17 miles south of Santee
  • Affordable property
  • Hotel has 4 floors
From$99
Average 3.0 /5 Review Score Call BookMore Details
Holiday Inn La Mesa 8000 Parkway. Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942 Call ~5.34 miles southwest of Santee
  • Mid-scale Suburban hotel
  • 7 suites in property
From$89
Very Good 4.0 /5 Reviews Call BookMore Details
Holiday Inn Express La Mesa Near Sdsu 8000 Pkwy. Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942 Call ~5.34 miles southwest of Santee
  • 3 star Suburban property
  • Hotel has 25 suites
From$80
Average 3.0 /5 Read Reviews Call BookMore Details
Heritage Inn La Mesa in La Mesa 7851 Fletcher Pkwy., La Mesa, CA 91942 Call ~5.50 miles southwest of Santee
  • Cheap Suburban hotel
  • 4 floors in hotel
From$60
Average 3.0 /5 Latest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Motel 6 La Mesa, CA - San Diego 7621 Alvarado Rd., La Mesa, CA 91942 Call ~5.67 miles southwest of Santee
  • Cheap property
  • 51 sleeping rooms in hotel
From$60
Average 3.0 /5 Latest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Lodge of La Mesa - Adults Only : 7911 University Ave. 7911 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942 Call ~6.03 miles southwest of Santee
  • Two star hotel
  • Check in: 16:00
From$60
Average 3.0 /5 Read Reviews Call BookMore Details
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Diego Sdsu 7475 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91941 Call ~6.09 miles southwest of Santee
  • 2 star Suburban property
  • Comp. Breakfast
From$59
Average 3.0 /5 Hotel Reviews Call BookMore Details
Singing Hills Golf Resort in El Cajon 3007 Dehesa Rd., El Cajon, CA 92019 Call ~6.36 miles southeast of Santee
  • 3 star Resort property
  • 100 sleeping rooms in hotel
From$99
Very Good 4.0 /5 Review Score Call BookMore Details
Lamplighter Inn & Suites at SDSU 6474 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115 Call ~7.07 miles southwest of Santee
  • Low-priced Suburban property
  • Check-in time: 3:00pm
From$90
Very Good 4.0 /5 Recent Reviews Call BookMore Details
Howard Johnson by Wyndham San Diego State University Area 6440 El Cajon Boulvard, San Diego, CA 92115 Call ~7.13 miles southwest of Santee
  • Economical Suburban property
  • Check-in time: 15:00
From$89
Average 3.0 /5 Hotel Reviews Call BookMore Details
Motel 6 La Mesa, CA : 6952 University Ave. 6952 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942 Call ~7.20 miles southwest of Santee
  • Low Cost property
  • 32 rooms in hotel
From$60
Average 3.0 /5 Reviews Call BookMore Details
Rodeway Inn San Diego Near SDSU : 5399 Adobe Falls Rd. 5399 Adobe Falls Rd., San Diego, CA 92120 Call ~7.49 miles southwest of Santee
  • Low priced Downtown hotel
  • 2 floors in hotel
From$65
Average 3.0 /5 Latest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Days Inn by Wyndham Mission Valley/SDSU : 5343 Adobe Falls Rd. 5343 Adobe Falls Rd., San Diego, CA 92120 Call ~7.54 miles southwest of Santee
  • Economy Suburban hotel
  • Gym is available on property
From$60
Average 3.0 /5 Read Reviews Call BookMore Details
Rodeway Inn Lemon Grove San Diego East 7458 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 Call ~7.55 miles southwest of Santee
  • Economical Suburban hotel
  • Check in time: 2:00pm
Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego-Poway - Poway 14068 Stowe Dr., Poway, CA 92064 Call ~7.64 miles northwest of Santee
  • Three Star Suburban property
  • 4 meeting rooms in property
From$80
Average 3.0 /5 Recent Reviews Call BookMore Details
Oakwood Mission Valley in San Diego 6554 Ambrosia, San Diego, CA 92124 Call ~8.32 miles west of Santee
  • 3 star property
  • 11 rooms in property
From$90
Average 3.0 /5 Recent Reviews Call BookMore Details
Motel 6 Misson Valley 4380 Alvarado Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92120 Call ~8.36 miles west of Santee
  • Economical Suburban hotel
  • 3 floors in property
Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Mission Valley Stadium : 3805 Murphy Canyon Rd. 3805 Murphy Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92123 Call ~8.48 miles west of Santee
  • 3 star Suburban hotel
  • Gym / Fitness Center Available
From$80
Average 3.0 /5 Hotel Reviews Call BookMore Details
Extended Stay America Suites San Diego Mission Valley Stadium 3860 Murphy Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92123 Call ~8.51 miles west of Santee
  • Low Cost Highway property
  • 107 rooms in hotel
From$78
Average 3.0 /5 Hotel Reviews Call BookMore Details
Best Western Poway/San Diego Hotel 13845 Poway Rd., Poway, CA 92064 Call ~8.79 miles north of Santee
  • Three Star Suburban property
  • Check in time: 03:00
From$87
Average 3.5 /5 Recent Reviews Call BookMore Details
Sycuan Casino Resort in San Diego 5469 Casino Way, San Diego, CA 92019 Call ~9.06 miles east of Santee
  • Four star Resort hotel
  • 4 conference rooms in property
From$125
Average 3.0 /5 Reviews Call BookMore Details
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Miramar 9335 Kearny Mesa Rd., San Diego, CA 92126 Call ~9.18 miles west of Santee
  • 3 star Suburban property
  • Shuttle to airport available
From$159
Average 3.0 /5 Latest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Best Western San Diego/Miramar Hotel in San Diego 9310 Kearny Mesa Rd., San Diego, CA 92126 Call ~9.23 miles west of Santee
  • Three Star Suburban property
  • Comp. Breakfast
From$81
Very Good 4.0 /5 Review Score Call BookMore Details
Comfort Inn San Diego Miramar : 9350 Kearny Mesa Rd. 9350 Kearny Mesa Rd., San Diego, CA 92126 Website Call ~9.26 miles west of Santee
  • Low Cost Suburban property
  • 3 floors in hotel
From$64
Average 3.0 /5 Reviews Call BookMore Details
Ramada by Wyndham San Diego Poway Miramar : 12448 Poway Rd. 12448 Poway Rd., Poway, CA 92064 Call ~9.37 miles northwest of Santee
  • Low-priced Suburban property
  • 2 floors in hotel
From$85
Average 3.0 /5 Guest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Towneplace Suites by Marriott San Diego Central in San Diego 8650 Tech Way, San Diego, CA 92123 Call ~9.67 miles west of Santee
  • Affordable Suburban property
  • 4 floors in property
From$80
Average 3.0 /5 Guest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Holiday Inn Express Mira Mesa-San Diego by IHG : 9888 Mira Mesa Blvd. 9888 Mira Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92131 Call ~9.78 miles northwest of Santee
  • Midscale Suburban hotel
  • Fitness + Health Center
From$90
Average 3.0 /5 Review Score Call BookMore Details
Ramada by Wyndham San Diego North Hotel & Conference Center : 5550 Kearny Mesa Rd. 5550 Kearny Mesa Rd., San Diego, CA 92111 Call ~9.81 miles west of Santee
  • 3 star Highway hotel
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
From$99
Average 3.0 /5 Guest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Central - San Diego 9880 Mira Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92131 Call ~9.84 miles northwest of Santee
  • Affordable Suburban hotel
  • 132 sleeping rooms in hotel
From$99
Very Good 4.0 /5 Read Reviews Call BookMore Details
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Central : 8651 Spectrum Center Blvd. 8651 Spectrum Center Blvd., San Diego, CA 92123 Call ~9.85 miles west of Santee
  • Mid-scale Suburban hotel
  • Hotel has 4 floors
From$81
Very Good 4.0 /5 Reviews Call BookMore Details
Hampton Inn San Diego-Kearny Mesa 5434 Kearny Mesa Rd., San Diego, CA 92111 Call ~9.87 miles west of Santee
  • Inexpensive Suburban hotel
  • 2 conference rooms in property
From$80
Very Good 4.0 /5 Latest Reviews Call BookMore Details
Residence Inn San Diego Central - San Diego 5400 Kearny Mesa Rd., San Diego, CA 92111 Call ~9.89 miles west of Santee
  • Affordable Highway hotel
  • 144 rooms in hotel
From$259
Very Good 4.0 /5 Read Reviews Call BookMore Details

Next: See My Santee Hotels with Pricing

When should you visit Santee, CA?

Santee, California, enjoys an incredibly temperate climate year-round. Winters top out in the mid-70s, though it can be rainy. Summers heat up to the mid and upper 80s, with clear skies as far as the eye can see. Summertime also heralds the summer concert and festival season in Santee, ushering in nights and days of live music, classic car shows, food trucks, craft brews, and other family-friendly activities. Nearly every week, the town gathers for live, themed music, from jazz nights to bluegrass and musical throwbacks to the hippie summer of love.

The community loves the outdoor life, hitting the trails with a furry friend to keep you company. If you don't have a dog yet, be sure to visit Santee for the annual Fido Fest each June, a fun event helping dog lovers find and adopt a new pet. Current pet lovers can stop in for pet vaccines. Everyone can participate in the silent auction, enjoy the live music, and shop from exhibitors. It's a lively experience for a great cause, benefiting the non-profit organization Dogs on Deployment.

Santee event highlights each year include the Santee Street Fair and Craft Beer Festival in late May, with tastings from the many local breweries. Then comes the Bluegrass Festival in September, and the year closes out with a Holiday Lighting in mid-November at Trolley Square. During this festive time, kids get the chance to meet Santa and engage in holiday crafts. Children can slide down a man-made snowy slope or take a ride in a horse-drawn trolley or mini express train. Caroling, face painting, and a tree lighting ceremony make this event a highlight of the holiday season.

What hotels in Santee offer the best discounts?

Rodeway Inn Santee San Diego East welcomes guests to a classic roadside motel with style, from its Spanish tile roof to its adobe-style walls and kidney-shaped outdoor pool. Guests love the discounts they discover here, on top of an already affordable nightly rate. Senior citizens, AAA members, and military service members will all score excellent discounts at Rodeway Inn Santee San Diego East, as will guests staying for the long term. Families love its proximity to landmarks like the San Diego Zoo, as well as the added values like the free daily breakfast, in-room fridge and microwave, and daily housekeeping.

Best Western Santee Lodge extends similar discounts to AAA members, senior citizens, military service members, and guests who plan to stay for the long haul. It's a cheery roadside property that has been well-loved and maintained, offering guests a welcome place to stay for a night or longer. Relax on its courtyard patio under an umbrella or take a dip in the hotel's outdoor pool and spa tub.

Inside, guest rooms are spacious enough to welcome single guests, couples, and families with double beds and modern bedding. You'll also enjoy the convenience of free WiFi, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. Pop downstairs in the morning for a free breakfast before heading out to Santee or San Diego for the day.

Where are the hotels with the most value near Santee, CA?

Business travelers should consider the Best Western Continental Inn, a hotel that balances value with excellent amenities. It is convenient to the El Cajon business district, and the property offers other enticements to business travelers, including a business center, express check-in and check-out, and ample space for conferences and meetings. When it's time to depart, you can catch a chartered executive flight from nearby Gillespie Field, located less than 2 miles away.

Guests seeking a value hotel with style will find both qualities at the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Mission Valley Stadium in San Diego. Grab a late-night bite or cocktail at the Hilton Garden Inn's in-house restaurant, Verde Kitchen and Bar. A hearty hot breakfast is available in the morning for a reasonable rate, or you may opt to splurge on room service. The on-site fitness center and updated décor make this hotel a favorite for families visiting the nearby colleges, as well as businesspeople visiting San Diego and Santee.

What activities should you try while in Santee, California?

Santee, California, has made an investment in its beautiful landscape, ensuring that the city is walkable and bikeable via a multi-use path. The town has also been the first community to complete its section of the new cross-county San Diego River Trail. The Santee trail segment is known as Walker Preserve Trail, and this smooth walking path has become a favorite place to stroll, jog, bike, and walk the dog. The park also presents an excellent vantage to observe three protected bird species: the Southwestern willow flycatcher, the California gnatcatcher, and the Bell's viero.

Once part of the Walker Family Dairy Farm, the Walker Preserve Trail is equipped to make your visit comfortable and convenient. The path offers inviting places to stop and picnic or enjoy the San Diego River view from a gazebo, bench, or picnic table. There are also fountains for both people and their pets.

Bikers will appreciate the fully stocked bike repair stand (with tools), ensuring that you can quickly repair a flat tire or slipped chain and then continue along the 2.4-mile trail. This evenly laid trail is the perfect length and difficulty for children, as well. If you're craving a longer walk, continue on an adjoining path to nearby Lakeside River Park, offering even more views of the river and native vegetation.

Sports lovers will also find ample entertainment at the Sportsplex USA complex, a 20-acre facility designed for soccer and baseball, including batting cages. If you'd prefer to relax and watch your favorite team on TV, visit the Sportsplex sports pub, where you can drink draft beer while eating your favorite ballpark snacks. If golf is your game of choice, head over to Carlton Oaks Golf Course.

Whether you're an outdoor lover who wants a quiet escape, or you're headed into town for weekend festival fun, Santee, CA, is sure to delight you.

Recent traveler guest reviews of Santee, CA

Below are reviews of the city of Santee, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.

"Clean & Friendly"
Score 4.0 / 5

Front desk lady was friendly. Clean hotel. Quite friendly townspeople.

Roderick B., from 13-Sep-2025
"Good Area"
Score 4.0 / 5

It's a good area to stay in.

Beth P., from 07-Sep-2025
"Shopping!"
Score 5.0 / 5

Shopping!

Elena C., from 25-Mar-2025
"Easy access to downtown, the beach and the mountains."
Score 4.0 / 5

Santee has grown and has much to offer in dining and shopping. Centrally located with easy access to downtown, the beach and mountains. We look forward to our next visit!

Rebecca S., from 10-Dec-2024
"Beautiful Area"
Score 5.0 / 5

A beautiful area!

Ignacio V., from 24-Jun-2024
"Santee Lakes!"
Score 5.0 / 5

Santee Lakes and it's cabins!

Larry P., from 09-Oct-2023
"Convenient to shopping, attractions, airport."
Score 4.0 / 5

It is convenient to several attractions, shopping and the airport.

Karen R., from 07-Aug-2023
"Nice Area"
Score 5.0 / 5

Nice area.

David A., from 22-Jun-2023
"Santee Lakes"
Score 5.0 / 5

Visiting campers at Santee Lakes!

Janice M., from 15-Jul-2022
"Great Place!"
Score 4.0 / 5

Great place.

Carol M., from 14-Dec-2021
"Awesome"
Score 5.0 / 5

Awesome

Carlos B., from 04-Sep-2019
"The availability of so many activities"
Score 5.0 / 5

The fact it is a lot less busy then San Diego but very close. The trolley took us into San Diego. The trolley can be caught just a few blocks from the hotel. There are nice trails within close driving distance of the hotel. We really enjoyed the Mission Trails Visitor Center and hiking trails. We loved Old Town San Diego and Seaport Village which you can get to directly using the trolley. The hotel is near stores and restaurants.

Janet A., from 31-Oct-2018
"Clean and Safe"
Score 5.0 / 5

Santee is a beautiful city. Very clean and well maintained. We felt safe there and enjoyed our visit. We would definitely return.

Chandelle R., from 20-Jun-2014
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