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Motel

Palomar Motel

Stay at Palomar Motel in Chula Vista, CA. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking, and easy access to attractions like Hotel del Coronado and San Diego Zoo.

1160 Walnut Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911, United States View on map
7/10
Good Based on 48 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Air-conditioned Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Palomar Motel Stands Out for Quiet Comfort and Budget Stays

Visitors appreciate the motel's calm atmosphere, convenient location near the freeway, and attentive management. While the property is older and basic, it offers clean, spacious rooms with reliable air-conditioning and good parking options.

Guests often praise

  • Quiet and calm environment, ideal for relaxing stays
  • Close proximity to Freeway 5 and local amenities
  • Clean rooms with effective air-conditioning and spacious layouts
  • Management is commended for keeping the motel well-run and safe
  • Good parking availability and easy access

Worth knowing

  • Older building with some signs of wear and a basic, no-frills setup
  • No on-site restaurant, fitness center, or pool facilities
  • Rooms lack coffee makers, microwaves, and other extras
  • Some guests noted occasional presence of loitering or undesirable nearby activity despite management efforts
  • Prices vary by day, generally affordable for budget travelers

Best for

  • Budget-conscious travelers seeking simple accommodations
  • Visitors valuing a quiet and safe place to rest
  • Those who prioritize location near freeway access for easy travel
  • Short-term stays rather than extended vacations
  • Guests without need for luxury amenities or on-site dining
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About this property

Welcome to Palomar Motel

Palomar Motel is a budget-friendly lodging option located at 1160 Walnut Ave in Chula Vista, California. Offering basic accommodations with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, it serves as a practical choice for travelers seeking simple, no-frills stays. The property is best suited for extended stays or those needing easy access to local attractions without the added cost of luxury amenities such as pools, fitness centers, or on-site dining.

Guests appreciate the motel’s quiet setting and convenient location near Freeway 5, which facilitates straightforward travel around the area. While the building shows some signs of age, reviews highlight that it is generally clean and well-managed, with a focus on maintaining a safe and calm environment. The absence of parties and drama contributes to a comfortable stay for visitors prioritizing peace over upscale features.

The property is well-positioned for those interested in exploring nearby points of interest such as Hotel del Coronado, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo, all popular destinations within a reasonable distance. San Diego International Airport is approximately an 18-minute drive, adding to the motel’s convenience for travelers passing through the region.

Palomar Motel is often praised by guests on a budget who need a straightforward place to rest. Rooms are spacious and functional but lack extras like microwaves or coffee makers, so it’s advisable to plan accordingly. While some reviewers note the motel’s older features and occasional local characters, many still find it a reliable and affordable option for short stays in Chula Vista.

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
Air-conditioned
Kid-friendly

Not available at this property

Pool
Restaurant
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.

JVC
J. Ventura Cesar Mar 24, 2026
10

It's a great place to come and relax. If you're booking for more than 2 days, don't recommend anyone coming alone... boring, lol

R
Rachell Feb 20, 2026
10

I like this motel. It's close to fwy. 5 , quiet no loitering, management is great as they keep things running the way it should be . No parties or drama and the rooms are satisfactory with air conditioning that is very cold and large rooms . Older building for sure and it's not like a fancy place, basic and just what you pay now a days for a person who is on a budget and wants to just find a place to crash out . Check in 3pm check out 11am paid $130 for Friday's and Saturdays $80 Sunday -Thursdays prices may vary 8/2022

RG
Richard Gladstone Feb 03, 2026
10

This is a hidden gem. Tucked away behind the freeway, and out of sight. Management is excellent at keeping the riff raff away. Rooms and building are a little worn, but it's kept clean and definitely worth it. I feel safe here, and always stay here when I'm in town and can't afford the Marriott. I recommend.

MP
Michael Pearce Jan 31, 2026
10

Just brought a friend some dinner from Carl's Jr. who was going to spend the night.

JC
Julio Cesar Jan 07, 2026
10

Very quiet and calm. Perfect place to relax. If you're drinking, am/pm gas station is about 200ft...no need to drive.

MP
MJ Pearce Jan 05, 2026
10

For the price it wasn't as expressive as other places. My friend rented the room and I brought dinner. No coffee maker, microwave and not much else. There were towels and the small soap and shampoo. The room was clean.

BR
Brianda RamosEstrada Jan 01, 2026
10

Good place , this was our favorite place we would go went we wanted to relax. Quiet zone

HL
Harry Liery Dec 30, 2025
8.0

Place is old and rundown,but has a charming feel and amazing location it's quiet and a very short walk for beer at 2 am.there are tweakers here.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Palomar Motel

Chula Vista, California, USA

Based on sightseeing, recreation, and getting around

  • Palomar Street 9 min Walk
  • Palomar Street Transit Center 10 min Walk
  • Palomar St & Broadway 16 min Walk
  • San Diego International Airport 18 min Car · 49 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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