Places to stay in San Mateo

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Popular amenities for San Mateo places to stay

Other great vacation rentals in San Mateo

Guest favorite
The kitchenette area features a counter with two high-backed chairs, a microwave, and a mini fridge. Natural light enters through the door and windows, enhancing the bright, clean aesthetic. A welcome mat lies on the floor, and a built-in shelf displays various items.
Guesthouse in Emerald Hills
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews

Cozy bedroom in the heart of Silicon Valley

HamiltonRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
This place was just PERFECT. Quiet, peaceful, clean, and even had a unexpectedly beautiful view of the Bay! Jimena was a terrific host. She kindly helped me out in a pinch and made me feel right at home. The unit was small but lovingly appointed. Overall, the value was very, very good. The bed was super comfortable (no strange foam mattresses here) and I slept like a million bucks. I feel very fortunate to have found such a great spot! And I look forward to returning again in the future!
Top guest favorite
A wooden gate with a decorative archway frames the entrance to a charming cottage. The house is surrounded by tall trees, and natural stone accents are visible in the gate's support. Large windows can be seen, inviting light into the cozy structure.
Cottage in San Carlos
4.97 out of 5 average rating, 234 reviews

Carmelita Creek House

GauthamRating, 5 stars4 weeks ago
Sean & Jen’s listing is what AirBnB is all about. A lovely , tranquil and elegant space built probably for themselves and being shared to fellow guests. Great amenities and well setup. The creek is magical . We enjoyed our stay and hope to return .
Top guest favorite
The exterior of the cottage features a welcoming entrance with a white door and a light fixture. Potted plants adorn the side, and a stone pathway leads through a landscaped area. The surrounding trees provide dappled sunlight, enhancing the tranquil outdoor setting.
Guesthouse in Redwood City
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 424 reviews

Quiet , Private Studio / Cottage

TimRating, 5 stars1 month ago
We really enjoyed our stay here. It was really clean, comfortable, and best of all very quiet. Also, the neighborhood is great. We would definitely stay here again if we were to visit the area another time.
Guest favorite
A private outdoor seating area is showcased, featuring a designer fire pit surrounded by comfortable seating. Lush greenery lines the pathway leading down from the suite, with a backdrop of tall trees and a clear blue sky above.
Guest suite in San Carlos
4.98 out of 5 average rating, 48 reviews

Private Modern Studio & Patio with stunning views

CraigRating, 5 stars1 month ago
This is the perfect airbnb, beautiful location and surroundings. Would absolutely stay here again and highly recommend.
Superhost
A small dining table is set against a neutral wall. A basket containing snacks and two bottles of water is placed at the center. A simple vase with white flowers adds a touch of decor. Lush greenery can be seen in the background.
Home in San Mateo
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 64 reviews

Modern & Private 1BR w/ AC | Walk 2 Grocery, Shops

AngelaRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
Husband and I stayed for a little less than a week and enjoyed our time! We had one compact SUV and parking was very comfortable for us. We appreciated the free snacks and water provided and slept well on the bed Saik’s instructions were easy and we would recommend this place to anyone
Superhost
A modern dining area features a large wooden table surrounded by six brown chairs. Pendant lighting hangs above the table, illuminating the space. An open kitchen with stainless steel appliances and white cabinetry is visible in the background, enhancing the inviting atmosphere.
Home in San Mateo
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 16 reviews

San Mateo Happy Haven Home w Patio/Projector

MarkRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Beautifully remodeled home. The kids loved the back yard and the neighbourhood was quiet yet safe. We loved that the kitchen had a proper gas stove and all the necessary amenities to cook a meal for a family.
Guest favorite
A spacious living area features mid-century furniture, including a sofa with colorful cushions and wooden armchairs. A wood-burning fireplace is positioned within a textured white wall. Large glass doors provide natural light and an inviting view of the outdoors, enhancing the open layout.
Home in San Mateo
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 124 reviews

Mid-Century Retreat w/ Fire Pit & Private Backyard

AlanaRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Beautiful home with everything we needed for our short trip. We had an issue with the water shutting off one day, but it was fixed the same day. Other than the water issue, it was a great stay and highly recommend!
Top guest favorite
A deer stands gracefully among lush greenery, surrounded by tall trees with broad leaves. The scene captures the deer in a natural setting, blending harmoniously with the landscape. Another deer is visible in the background, partially obscured by foliage.
Home in San Carlos
5 out of 5 average rating, 44 reviews

Private Ensuite with Kitchenette & Beautiful Yard

PatsyRating, 5 stars11 months ago
It is a very comfortable suite. It is in a very nice residential neighborhood where parking on the street is no problem. Mary is a great hostess going over and beyond what was expected, she provided a bowl of fresh fruit, and a bowl of munchies, and my favorite thick big towels.

Quick stats about vacation rentals in San Mateo

  • Total rentals

    570 properties

  • Total number of reviews

    18K reviews

  • Family-friendly rentals

    190 properties are a good fit for families

  • Pet-friendly rentals

    130 properties allow pets

  • Rentals with a pool

    100 properties have a pool

  • Rentals with dedicated workspaces

    290 properties have a dedicated workspace

Your guide to San Mateo

All About San Mateo

Nestled between the hilly metropolis of San Francisco and urban San Jose, with the sweeping sands of Half Moon Bay to the west, the city of San Mateo boasts easy access to cultural hotspots, natural beauty, and a world-class food scene.

People are drawn here to admire nearly 45,000 artworks at the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, hike among the dramatic scenery at either end of Purisima Creek, and savor hard-to-beat ramen and crab nigiri at one of San Mateo’s established cluster of Japanese restaurants. There’s also public art to enjoy all around town, with vivid murals on numerous buildings, including the 1963 mosaic mural on South El Camino Real.

Less than half an hour west of San Mateo, Half Moon Bay boasts Surfers’ Beach for beginners and Mavericks for seasoned pros who want to take on wild waves. The same distance north, you can taqueria-hop in San Francisco’s Mission District and ride the city’s famous cable cars.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in San Mateo

San Mateo is known for its mild, damp winters and dry summers. A lot of activities are outdoors, from kayaking in the bay to hiking and biking, so the summer and fall seasons are the best times to book San Mateo vacation rentals. Temperatures are at their most comfortable from April through October, and the changing colors of the leaves bring a range of pumpkin beers from the region’s breweries.

Layers are important in the colder months, as drizzle and searing sunshine are both possibilities in different parts of the Bay Area at any one time. You can see gray whales at Pacifica between February and April.


Top things to do in San Mateo

Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the main attractions in Central Park, San Mateo’s main community park. The garden covers over 16 acres of manicured lawns, including a pagoda tower, a koi pond, and a teahouse for a quiet afternoon among delicate cherry blossoms. This serene site was designed by the landscape architect who worked on the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

Coyote Point

Less than 20 minutes from downtown by bike or road, Coyote Point is a popular spot for activities like windsurfing and sailing. If you’re cycling, the San Francisco Bay Trail crosses the park, so you can extend your ride north all the way to San Francisco or south to Palo Alto. At the water’s edge, you’ll find a marina and a beach, backing onto an 18-hole golf course.

Filoli Historic House & Garden

A 15-minute drive from San Mateo, this Georgian Revival house and its pristine landscaped gardens span over 650 acres. Wander around the terraces for commanding views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and cross Fault Creek Bridge to step over the famous San Andreas Fault. A spring visit will be rewarded with fragrant cherry and apple blossom.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where should I stay in San Mateo?

    Make yourself at home in San Mateo by choosing from our most frequently booked neighborhoods. We have over 650 vacation rentals in Vintage Park, over 650 vacation rentals in San Mateo Woods, over 530 vacation rentals in Hillsdale, and over 530 vacation rentals in Parrot Drive Area.

  • How much does it cost to stay in townhouse rentals in San Mateo?

    Experience the best of San Mateo with our townhouse rentals, starting at about $40 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.

  • Are there apartment rentals with a dedicated workspace in San Mateo?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 50 apartment rentals in San Mateo featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

  • Are there San Mateo apartment rentals on Airbnb with pools?

    Yes! Dive into the perfect getaway at one of over 60 apartment rentals with pools in San Mateo, available on Airbnb. Make a splash and soak up the sun in style!

  • Do hotel rentals in San Mateo have wifi?

    Absolutely! We offer over 10 hotel rentals with wifi in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do apartment rentals in San Mateo have self check-in?

    Absolutely! We offer over 30 apartment rentals with self check-in in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in San Mateo have a bbq area?

    Absolutely! We offer over 30 house rentals with a bbq area in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Do house rentals in San Mateo have a gym?

    Absolutely! We offer over 20 house rentals with a gym in San Mateo. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there pet-friendly house rentals in San Mateo?

    Four-legged friends are welcome in San Mateo. Choose from more than 50 house rentals for guests traveling with pets.

  • What are the most popular amenities for House Rentals in San Mateo?

    Enhance your stay in our House Rentals with the most popular amenities: over 260 homes with wifi, over 70 homes with self check-in, over 20 homes with a gym, over 30 homes with a bbq area, and more. Indulge in the ultimate retreat, tailored to your preferences.

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