The San Mateo center point is approximately the area of Japanese Tea Garden at Central Park and the area of San Mateo Japanese Garden.
San Mateo offers pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall year-round. Average highs range from a peak of 70 degrees in September to a low of 57 in January. Average lows are equally mild, fluctuating from 45 degrees in January to 55 in September. The city has 265 sunny days each year, and just 59 days of precipitation.
Summer is peak tourist season for San Mateo. In June, visitors can enjoy both the Downtown San Mateo SummerFest and the San Mateo County Fair. The Bay Area Aloha festival takes place the first weekend in August. Due to the wild popularity of this season, you'll find some of the highest hotel prices of the year. Book well in advance to secure a good Bay Area room during the summer.
Fall is the best time to visit if you want to enjoy dropping hotel prices and warm weather. This is the best season for hitting the beach or enjoying outdoor activities, though you should still pack some layers for chilly nights. Nearby San Francisco draws visitors in with the San Francisco Jazz Festival, San Francisco Fringe Festival, and Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival in September.
For rock bottom hotel rates, plan to visit between December and February. Temperatures are a bit chilly, but you can still escape snowfall and enjoy the Christmas season with little more than a light jacket. March through May are relatively low tourist seasons as well. San Francisco's International Film Festival offers some added allure in April and May. May also brings the International Beer Festival and Carnaval San Francisco to the area.
If you're looking for special deals on your San Mateo stay, one of the best strategies is to book with a favorite hotel chain. Signing up for a reward program will give you the opportunity to accrue or cash in on rewards points whenever you travel. Keep in mind that many programs span several chain, such as Wyndham Rewards which also work for Howard Johnson hotels like the Howard Johnson Express San Mateo.
Holiday Inn and Extended Stay America hotels offer discounts for government personnel, U.S. military, auto club members, and seniors. If you're part of the IHG rewards club you can earn or use points with your stay at any participating chain including Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotels.
Hilton hotels like the Hilton Garden Inn San Mateo offer a similar range of discounts, with special prices for AAA, CAA, and AARP members as well as senior and military family rates. HHonors points members can earn double points or enjoy special packages with select stays.
Don't forget to check out local hotels for great deals as well. The Los Prados Hotel offers special promotions for stays of two, three, and four nights. It also has AAA, AARP, and government rates among its many promotions. With smart preparation, you can score great deals during your time in the Bay Area.
Guests who want great value from their stay will find mid-range prices and a host of great amenities at the Extended Stay America – San Francisco – San Mateo – SFO. Ideal for longer visits to the Bay Area, this hotel offers all-suite accommodations with fully equipped kitchens. A free grab-and-go breakfast will help streamline your mornings.
The Howard Johnson Express San Mateo is another value-packed choice. Mornings start right here with the free Rise & Dine breakfast. Rooms include microwaves and refrigerators so you can easily keep snacks and cold drinks on hand. You can stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi and get all your work done at the hotel's business center. An outdoor pool offers refreshing recreation. This affordable hotel will provide for all your essential needs.
San Mateo's public transportation makes it easy to navigate local highlights and reach neighboring cities without a car. Caltrain services stations ranging from San Francisco in the north to Gilroy in the south. The San Mateo station is located in zone two, along with San Carlos, Redwood City, Belmont, Burlingame, and more. You can reach San Antonio, Palo Alto, Santa Clara, and other local highlights on this convenient route. Ticket vending machines are available at each station.
The SamTrans bus system offers several routes that can get you around San Mateo and neighboring cities, with convenient service to many Caltrain stations. The San Mateo County Transit District also operates free BART shuttles and community shuttles. San Mateo county has over two dozen shuttles that service prominent business and education centers throughout the area. With careful planning, you can easily navigate San Mateo and other nearby destinations without the use of a rental car.
San Mateo is a sunny Bay Area destination that will give you easy access to natural wonders while placing you just a short ride from major metropolitan highlights. You can enjoy it all from a hotel in this area.
Below are the GSA reimbursement limits for hotel spending in San Mateo, CA excluding taxes per night. See gsa.gov for more details.
Applies to San Mateo
| Season Begin | Season End | Lodging Rate | Meals & Incidentals |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 1, 2026, 2025 | August 31, 2027, 2027 | $194.00 | $86.00 |
| September 1, 2027, 2027 | September 30, 2027, 2027 | $217.00 | $86.00 |
Below are reviews of the city of San Mateo, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Love the bay trail within walking distance for early morning or late afternoon walks. The downtown is vibrant with blocks of restaurants closed to vehicular traffic, making parking challenging. There is a beautiful japanese garden in San Mateo's Central Park. The hotel is across the street from San Mateo's public golf course.
San Mateo is a very international city. In addition to its proximity to the bay trail, there's a great walking restaurant street downtown. Can be accessed walking over the bridge that spans the freeway. The bay trail is fantastic for walking or cycling.
Went to Jack's Bar and Grill for dinner and it was fantastic! Good food and great service.
I grew up in San Mateo so I'm a little biased.
Convenient food options at Marina area.
Great food!
Nice downtown with gourmet to casual dining, lovely parks, 29 mins to San Francisco by train.
Very close to an amazing shopping mall with a great outdoor area for children. Great restaurants and Whole Foods all very close to the hotel!
Close to my son who now works near Half Moon Bay, so great location!
Services and amenities nearby such as as restaurants, shops, golf course.
Laid back, somewhat quiet, easy getting around.
San Mateo is a nice town. Didn't seem too crowded and the hotel is located close to grocery shopping, drug stores and department stores.
Close to freeway access and shopping.
Convenient going to other cities.
Close proximity to neighboring colleges