In its early days, the San Francisco Peninsula was home to the Ohlone people. By 1775, Spanish Captain Bruno Heceta had explored the area, naming the largest land mass on the Bay's western shore “Mount San Bruno,” after his patron saint. By the 1880s, much of the area's wilderness had been transformed into ranch land in order to supply San Francisco with meat and milk. Neighborhoods sprang up through the early 1900s, resulting in San Bruno becoming an official municipality in 1914. When the city formed, it was named after Captain Heceta's mountain.
Today, San Bruno is a bustling airport city thanks to its close proximity to the San Francisco International Airport. It's often the first stop for visitors flying into the Bay Area, and is a popular location for corporate travelers looking for accommodations close to the airport. Besides that, San Bruno features a revitalized downtown that continues to grow, making it a worthy destination in its own right. Whatever your reasons for visiting San Bruno, it's important to do your research so you can find the right hotel that allows you to experience everything this city — and the Bay Area — has to offer.
Best Time to Visit San Bruno, CA
The prime time to visit San Bruno is in the fall, from September through November. Temperatures are warm throughout the season but you'll be faced with fewer crowds, which will make getting around town more pleasant. Hotel rates also drop, which is nice considering that the Bay Area can be a costly place to book a room no matter when you visit. While many locals and visitors do head to the beach in the fall, don't be surprised if you have to contend with chilly breezes. It's always best to pack some light layers, just in case.
If you don't mind those cold bayside winds, you can save a lot of money during your trip to San Bruno by planning your vacation in the wintertime. December through February offer the lowest hotel prices of the year, which is a smart trade-off even if you have to pack warmer clothes. The Bay Area also features some popular events during this season, including Dine About Town and the SF Sketchfest Comedy Festival.
Spring offers a fine opportunity for travelers to beat the tourist rush while still enjoying average highs in the mid-60s. Although it's generally too cold for a swim in the Pacific, the weather is pleasant enough for strolling about town and visiting the region's many state parks. Not only will you enjoy lower hotel rates than during the summer, but you can also visit the Other Minds Festival, the San Francisco International Film Festival, and Carnaval San Francisco.
The most popular time to visit, summer marks the Bay Area's peak tourist season, resulting in more people and higher hotel rates. If you don't mind either drawback, you'll be rewarded with a bustling city that offers pleasant temperatures and plenty of water recreation. If you're trying to save on your summer getaway to the Bay Area, be sure to book your trip months in advance to take advantage of early seasonal savings.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in San Bruno, CA:
San Bruno by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean rate trends by star rating class in San Bruno, CA. You can use these charts to determine the most cost effective dates to stay in San Bruno for any future trips.
Luxury Hotel Options in San Bruno, CA
4 Star Average Prices: $183.41
If you prefer upscale accommodations in San Bruno, you're in luck.
Courtyard San Francisco is conveniently located off I-380 just a little over two miles from the airport. Guest rooms are decorated in contemporary style and feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and coffee makers, while guest suites add separate sitting areas with sofa beds. The property features an on-site restaurant that's open for breakfast and dinner, an indoor pool, a fitness room, a free airport shuttle, free parking, and a business center with two meeting rooms.
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Suites San Francisco Airport is a classic property about 10 miles from downtown San Francisco. The functional, vibrant guest rooms offer mini-fridges, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, work desks, and coffee makers. Suites add wet bars, separate living areas with sofa beds, or whirlpool tubs. The hotel also features an airport shuttle service, a business center, an exercise room, an on-site bar and restaurant, free parking, and guest laundry facilities.
Located about 12 miles from the San Francisco Zoo, Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel features relaxed guest rooms with flat-screen high-definition TVs, free Wi-Fi, and coffee makers. Upgraded rooms and suites add a turndown service, pullout sofas, or kitchenettes with mini-fridges and microwaves. Guests can enjoy a free hot breakfast and a free airport shuttle service, and there's also an on-site steakhouse, a lounge, a seasonal outdoor pool, a fitness center, a business center, meeting rooms, and a guest laundry facility.
Affordable Hotel Options in San Bruno, CA
3 Star Average Prices: $148.17
Finding an affordable hotel in San Bruno can be difficult, but you just need to do your research and compare options.
Bayhill Inn San Bruno is a low-rise property off Route 380 within walking distance of The Shops at Tanforan. Guest rooms are simple but contemporary, offering exterior corridor access, free Wi-Fi internet, microwaves, and mini-fridges. Free parking is also available.
Located five minutes from the airport, Hotel Focus SFO is a straightforward option featuring a free hot breakfast in the lounge, an airport shuttle service, free parking, coffee and tea in the lobby, and tour tickets. Guest rooms are low-key, featuring coffee makers and flat-screen TVs with cable.
CitiGarden Hotel is a basic courtyard-style lodging that offers a free airport shuttle service that runs every 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for travelers flying into the airport. Guest rooms face a central pool and courtyard garden, and Wi-Fi internet access is available for an extra charge. Enjoy a free continental breakfast, a picnic area with tables and barbecue pits, and a business center.