The Catrina Hotel

United States , San Francisco Area - CA
San Mateo, 2110 South El Camino Real
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100 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

20 Jun 2026

Alejandro

Didn’t expect much. Didn’t get much. Decent place, Worth the price.

8/10

Excellent

19 Jun 2026

Emily

I would remove the “hotel” piece. Its a motel with updated rooms. The bathroom wasn’t 100% clean, there were still some hairs left from the previous occupants. The walls were also very thin. Our next door neighbor was singing very loudly having a party. Overall, if you want a relatively OK priced placed to stay and sleep, this is fine. I recommend bringing ear plugs for any noisy neighbors.

Friends

4/10

Poor

17 Jun 2026

Yinpeng

motel uses a remote concierge for check in, network seemed on and off for the remote concierge and took a while to process the checkin

towels and bath tub were not clean

Self

6/10

Pleasant

15 Jun 2026

Richard

Starting with the good the room was clean and the bed was comfortable. It is definitely a budget hotel so don't expect too much. The not so good, the fan in bathroom was not covered and disconnected. There was a hole in the wall above the mirror where you could see the wire behind the wall. Some of the blinds were broken and it was hard to get them closed properly to keep out the light. There is no staff on site other than the cleaning people in the morning that I saw. I checked in during normal hours and it was still a kiosk with a person on a video screen no actual person on site. The process went ok, the person was a little hard to understand and it just isn't the same as having a person onsite. Having someone there makes it easier if there are problems and it just seems safer when you know there is an attendant. So if you just need a place to stay for the night and want the cheapest possible it could be an option, I would say the 8.2 rating is high maybe more like a 7.2 for me.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2026

Ping

Good location, but there is no elevator for second floor, not suitable for carrying large luggage. There are ants if leaving anything on the table.

6/10

Pleasant

10 Jun 2026

Bill

I didn’t care for the guidance I received from the telapromp representatives. The hotel totally lacks any personal experience with actual employees.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2026

Sabrina

If you are looking for a no fuss check-in and check out during your stay, this place is superb. Check in is via a kiosk, with an online Rep via video. The entire process was about 5 minutes. Room was stocked with coffee, snacks and water. Bed, super comfie. My only complaint, was the lack of counter space near the bathroom sink.

Self

8/10

Excellent

08 Jun 2026

George

I had a hard time registering with the teleprompter.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jun 2026

Rachel

This is not a hotel, it is a motel. It is in a convenient location, which is why we chose it. Parking was pretty easy, and check-in was quick. The locks on the doors require a code, not a key, and it could be hard to turn on the keypad, which was frustrating. The bed was the loudest, creakiest bedframe I've ever experienced - every tiny move made SO much noise. The mattress was old and had grooves worn into it. The floors were not very clean, so we wore socks most of the time to protect our feet. The hairdryer barely warmed at all. There are no staff on site most of the time, which was concerning in the event of an emergency. When we checked out, we had to connect virtually at a kiosk to someone who was clearly in a foreign country. That makes no sense to me. Just hire someone locally! I doubt I'll be staying here again, even though I'm planning to return to the area.

Partner

4/10

Poor

07 Jun 2026

Alexandria

I stayed here so you wouldn’t have to. Don’t do it. It stinks and the shower sucks. Management or maintenance never came to check as promised.

6/10

Pleasant

06 Jun 2026

Gary

2/10

Poor

06 Jun 2026

Emily

If I don’t mind a very strong smell of bleach I guess you will survive. The bed is all springs, floor is uneven, your “staff” is a computer screen no matter what time with a person you can understand and leaves you in hold for half an hour. I didn’t stay, I got my money back.

Self

2/10

Poor

03 Jun 2026

David

When I arrived at the hotel the front desk staff informed me that my reservation was canceled despite full prepayment, and I was left without a room. The front desk staff offered no solutions. Travelers should be aware of this poor service. I found more hospitable accommodations at the Extended Stay Hotel a few miles away.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

Craig

Everything was perfect

Self

4/10

Poor

03 Jun 2026

daniel

TV did have cable, wifi was slow, there was no frnt desk person on site

Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2026

Arsya

Check-in was through virtual agent in the lobby, it was a quick and easy process. Room was outdated, some broken vinyl flooring, and some dirty/stained towels. Ceiling light was only on one side of the room, so the other side was really dark if bed-side lamp wasn't on. Outdoor space next to lobby was a nice amenity, just wish it was more regularly maintained. Overall, a good short-term stay.

4/10

Poor

28 May 2026

Anastasios

Where to start? Cost was low. You get what you pay for! Water damaged floor so I kept tripping on raised laminate. Toilet seat barely bolted on toilet. It flops from side to side when in use. Tank valve got stuck all the time. You have to take cover off and jiggle it to get water to fill tank. For some reason they installed metal sheets on all sides of bed from bottom of frame to the floor. When anywhere close to bed your feet would bang against them. TV crapped out half way through stay. Lobby has “virtual” check in. A guy on a screen that you can barely hear and who can barely hear you. Pay the extra $ and stay somewhere else.

Self

4/10

Poor

26 May 2026

Maria

The hotel looked decent in the photos, but the room was clearly not well maintained. The floors and bathroom tile were filthy, and the shower had water damage and wouldn’t drain properly. The AC was noisy, and the mini fridge hummed constantly. Even if you’re trying to save money, I wouldn’t recommend staying here.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

Cristobal

I love the cleanliness and how attentive cleaning staff was. I also appreciated the effort to accommodate my needs by staff. I will be recommending again, the only downside was that our mini fridge smelled so horrible but it was a recently renovated room with great cleaning staff.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Carlos

It was good but bed was squeeki

4/10

Poor

25 May 2026

Olga

I wouldn’t recommend to stay in this hotel.

Self

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

rosemarie

Close to the freeway

Family

8/10

Excellent

23 May 2026

LISA

It grew on me overnight. This is a modest budget hotel. There is AI kiosk check-in which was different but navigateable. Bed was firm, bedding/linens were clean and nice. They gave us 3 fluffy pillow and only one firm one but we both prefer firm, so weird. I didn't hear excessive noise, we slept well. Shower pressure was ok and it got hot. They only provided two full bath towels so if you want to shower evening and next day with a fresh towel, you'll have to find housekeeping. There were small signs of wear on floor and bathroom could have been cleaner...someone odd left their footprint on the wall next to the towel bar so that was missed by the cleaners. It was unexpected so I immediately wiped it off, wished I would have taken a picture. It was good for a short overnight budget price stay.

Partner

4/10

Poor

21 May 2026

Kallen

bright stark lights outside that cannot be turned off and broek blinds that don't block that light -- poor sleep if you don't come with an eye mask.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2026

Kathy

The staff were really accommodating to our needs and the room was clean with all the needed amenities.

Family

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2026

Erica

This was the 3rd time we had stayed here. The other two times were great, but this time was lacking. Check in at 8:30pm was concerning as there was no one in the lobby only an automated kisok that seemed to be stuck on a loading screen. Called the number for \"late\" arrival and the phone on the desk in the empty lobby started ringing. After a halting and glitchy remote check in finally happened we went to our room and discovered no washcloths, a bathroom door that was nearly impossible to open and close, and a moldy smell from the bathroom. We paid a higher price for a worse experience at this hotel. Not sure I'll book here again in the future.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2026

Ruth

No breakfast, but access to oatmeal packets and coffee pods. Staff were friendly, but there is not a 24 hour desk. As a female traveler at this Motel-type property, I felt a bit concerned about not having staff available 24 hours a day. (There was always a computer terminal, so you could interact if needed). Good price for a decent room, and this was close to where we wanted to stay in San Mateo.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

15 May 2026

Viridiana

The bed was horrible super loud ,,, ,,, moved on its own as you slept ,, floors were broken

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 May 2026

Sharon

The design was beautiful but not necessarily helpful. For example, sink in bathroom was visually stunning, but occupied almost all the space, leaving no room for products. The sleeping space again great to look at but short of plugging locations for charging. The dog walking space, not very appealing, with astro turf. The A.I. approach was a little bit off putting because there were no instructions and A.I. check in became difficult. When human replaced checking, he was cold, indifferent, and not becoming. Parking spaces were too narrow, making loading hard. Fabulous looks, unfortunate, didn't make for a charming experience.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

07 May 2026

Linda

The hotel was alright, nothing fancy. The room was small, but clean. There was a nice young man working the front seat and he was very pleasant. He recommended places for dinner and other places of interest.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

07 May 2026

Katrina

Bed frame was so loud even when just trying to sit on it, the mattress was generic and not really comfy. Our ac unit did not turn on, over all it looks like a really nice small room but definitely can tell some parts needed to be fixed. It’s a modern look but cheap feel. If you’re looking for a spot just to stay for the night then this is the place.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

Brandon

We had a wonderful, short trip and stay at the Catrina. They were very accommodating; they had a nice little dog relief station, room was modern and clean.

We would definitely stay again.

Partner

4/10

Poor

06 May 2026

JERRY

There was no cable tv to watch in my room. The only way to watch tv would have been to login to your own streaming services with your password. Didn't appear to be any front desk staff on site. You check-in virtually, and I called the front desk phone number but didn't really receive much help with the tv.

Self

8/10

Excellent

06 May 2026

andrew

Catrina is a motel, but has been fairly recently renovated to a good level. The bed was comfortable and the TV was a good size. The staff were very good and every two days the room was cleaned and the water, coffee and snacks replenished. We were on the upper of the two floors and didn’t hear a significant amount of noise from adjoining rooms.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 May 2026

Joel

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2026

Lee

The Catrina Hotel is a great place to stay on El Camino Real in San Mateo for its reasonable price and the amenities in the room. There were issues, of course. Our room, 104 had insufficient lighting in the room, and only one bedside lamp and even though the bed was comfortable, it was on this frame that had metal sides and if you tapped them with you foot, the each sounded like thunder! But we got used to it and would stay there again.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Apr 2026

BRUNO

Convenient

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2026

Yu Shan

Affordable stays for those who are in San Mateo for conferences. Neighborhood is safe too

Self

2/10

Poor

22 Apr 2026

Mark

Check in was very difficult; no human on-site and the only virtual staff was hard to understand through their accent. The room’s floor was extremely dirty, and there were hairs. The shower door wouldn’t stay closed. Only one washcloth provided for a double queen room. Beds were good and food was convenient. Overall I can do better for this price and won’t come again.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

15 Apr 2026

Lance

Okay

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 Apr 2026

rosemarie

Ok for short stay.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

14 Apr 2026

christina

The place is clean, nearby the event we attended. Several Asian restaurants close by. The only down side is that doesn’t have a human working in front desk most of the time, so it’s very hard to deal with when you have a question, you can only ask the virtual assistant or call the number provided in Expedia after booking; which is very difficult for elderly people especially if the elderly has vision problems.

Business

4/10

Poor

10 Apr 2026

Todd

I was there for two days

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2026

Roger

I really like this place and everything is perfect for my needs except for the fact that I would love to have a microwave in my room.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2026

Stephen

The property had ample parking and the check in and check out process was super smooth. The staff was super friendly and helpful as well. My only issue was that the floor was a little dusty but the property had soft water which made up for that previous issue.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Apr 2026

Edgar

Habitación limpias

6/10

Pleasant

06 Apr 2026

Marie-Rose

Staff at check in was pleasant. Otherwise the staff is via zoom.
Room was clean, only wish they wouldn’t use the spray freshener.
Shutter blades were broken, the security light shined into the bedroom. Toilet was not functioning properly.
This is the third time we’ve stayed here and it’s the first time we’ve had issues.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

05 Apr 2026

Songling

The front desk was very friendly. Plenty of space for parking, which is free of charge. The room is clean, although it is cleaned every other day.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

01 Apr 2026

Corina

Property was quiet, room was clean, bedding was comfy! The room did get muggy at times and I had to keep pressing the reset button on the AC unit.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

26 Mar 2026

Chris

Stayed for two nights, tv wasn’t working the entire time, even after numerous requests for help. Ground floor has a lot of road traffic, rooms toward back were probably quieter.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2026

Morgan

Easy check in, convenient location, comfy beds.

Self

8/10

Excellent

23 Mar 2026

Alex

Overall, I would give a 4.5/5 rating if I could.

The staff was kind enough to grant me early check in at no additional cost on a hot day. I also checked in while there was an employee at the desk instead of remote, as generally you will be getting remote help.

Inside the room was clean enough, but the blanket had some writing on it (after they were replaced on the third day of my stay) and the USB charging ports did not work. Only by plugging in my charger to the standard outlet did I get any charging going. The lamps looked like they were supposed to have USB charging ports but those were removed.

Location is nice, a bit far from downtown San Mateo but in an area close to stores. Transit exists but you will have to walk some distance.

Overall would recommend but don’t expect much. Also the fridge is tiny with no space for anything much.

Self

4/10

Poor

22 Mar 2026

Jianmin

When I checked in , found shower has not been cleaned, a dirty towel was there, and floor had black stains. I called front desk, I guess it is AI assistant, nobody resolves issue. The bathroom floor tiles are very dirty, and wet. In the morning , I found water leakage near closet , and caused my suitcase wet. By my request of partial refund, finally received email from its GM and agreed some refund, and asked me to do refund through Expedia. Expedia contacted the hotel many times, and told me they decline refund. Quality and experience do not match review.

8/10

Excellent

22 Mar 2026

Debbie

Great location with updated rooms. The property could use some updating as there are broken column lights around some of the rooms. Rooms were clean and provided for all of our needs.

Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

18 Mar 2026

Gina

The whole place is automated. Check in was viz a zoom type call. There wasn’t anyone at the front desk at all during my stay. The only interaction I had with actual staff was housekeeping when I asked for extra towels because I saw them in the hall. It was very strange. The room layout was tight. Had to climb over the bed to get to the closet.

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

15 Mar 2026

Adlyz

I went to this hotel because it was the only one closer to the Convention Center of San Mateo. The room was somewhat clean but the bathroom didn’t drain properly and the overall experience was poor. Don’t have kitchen, just a vending machine.

8/10

Excellent

14 Mar 2026

Glen

2/10

Poor

09 Mar 2026

Holly

I had such high hopes for this hotel it had great reviews and from the pictures it looked cute. There was no employees on the premises when we were there. We spoke to a \"front desk\" employee through a kiosk that was like a zoom call and there was a terrible lag to it so communication was extremely hard. Our room was missing washrags, shampoo/ conditioner and body wash. The toilet stopped working thankfully my husband was able to fix it. And the room wasn't that clean. unfortunately Very disappointed ☹️

Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Mar 2026

JaChri

I did not appreciate the \"virtual front desk person\" setup - always better to have an actual, living, breathing human person in front of you with whom you can speak.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2026

Kristy

Clean room. Basic hotel, but everything you need.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Mar 2026

Kelly

Loccation was great, close to AIrport (15 min). Clean, parking was easy. I really liked using texting for checking out, everything was fast, easy, & simple.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2026

Roger

The toilet was running and the handle of the shower faucet was loose but everything else was great. I will go back there for future stays

Self

6/10

Pleasant

25 Feb 2026

Annie

Improvement on staff, cleaner rooms and amenities. Staff wasn’t there in the lobby when I tried checking in around 3:30pm. There was no way to get in contact with anyone. I tried calling but the phone is in the lobby and no one was there to pick it up. Mini fridge in the room wasn’t working. The counter wasn’t wiped down. You can see cup rings on it. The shower floor creaked anytime I moved in the shower.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Chris

Well appointed, refurbished, clean, comfortable

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

23 Feb 2026

DAWEI

motel condition, noisy, hard to get in parking lot, power outlets are not working.

6/10

Pleasant

22 Feb 2026

William

I'm glad this little place is in business as it is near where I was visiting. The price is low, so don't expect fancy service, daily room cleaning is not on the agenda. But if you ask for something, they try to help.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

21 Feb 2026

Nicholas

Parking is tight but the hotel is worth the money

6/10

Pleasant

20 Feb 2026

Jean

This is a MOTEL without amenities, not a hotel

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Julie

Clean rooms. Nice front desk staff.

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2026

Karla

This place was perfect for our stay. Fun time checking in with the Virtual Assistant kiosk!! Clean and quiet’

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

Joseph

A great , affordable spot to stay .

Business Family

2/10

Poor

17 Feb 2026

Maria

I have been trying to get a refund, which i was charged twice. I have called and repeatedly was asked to leave my name and number and manager will be in at 12 noon to review and will contact us for a resolution. ThIS HAS NOT HAPPENED. This was our stay 1/31 thru 2/1, and still not have resolved anything. We call and call and it rings and hanga up!!! We want to call back and a refund. We have our bank statements to prove we were charged with $1 then twice the room rental.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2026

Marco

Clean room and quite spacious. Only thing that I would complain about is the location of the AC unit and the wooden blinds. The AC unit was stuck behind the desk in the room so the air wasn’t really circulating enough. The wooden blinds didn’t really block out much of the sunlight in the morning.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2026

Joseph

Great spot overall !!!

Business Family

6/10

Pleasant

16 Feb 2026

james

While it’s nice to not have to pay for parking, it’s definitely a budget hotel, which helps make for perks like free parking and such.
Conveniently located within walking of a handful of restaurants, also a perk.
Lastly, very close to the highway - also awesome.
I should add that the mattress and pillows were comfortable - always important!

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Feb 2026

Toby

Nice renovated place in mid San Mateo. Very reasonable pricing, clean updated rooms. Parking and ingress and egress somewhat challenged.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2026

kerry

Clean and comfortable

Business

2/10

Poor

09 Feb 2026

Melanie

I actually checked in and did not even sleep there. I did shower in the room but just did not sleep there. Upon check in there was a crazy, homeless person in the lobby that really made me uncomfortable so I just used the room to shower in the day but slept at my daughter's apartment on the floor. The room was neat and clean and updated, I just got weirded out by my initial experience.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2026

David

Everything was wonderful

8/10

Excellent

09 Feb 2026

Kenneth Douglas

8/10

Excellent

09 Feb 2026

Raul

Clean room.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

08 Feb 2026

Manbir

Bed was too soft and frame moved around quite a bit. Water pressure in sink was very low. Entry door was difficult to operate as the number pad backlight didn’t illuminate. The self check in with remote concierge was convenient and easy!

10/10

Exceptional

08 Feb 2026

Afton

Everything was wonderful. Staff was lovely, the room was very clean.

8/10

Excellent

07 Feb 2026

Lizsette

Clean room and easy check in/ check out.

Business

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2026

Jeffrey

No problems, room was clean, check in easy. Small rooms, you can hear your neighbors, ok for a couple nights

10/10

Exceptional

05 Feb 2026

Eric

Room was clean and comfortable. Check in was seamless. Coded locks and code worked fine and easy to operate

Business Friends

4/10

Poor

05 Feb 2026

wiwa

No staff everything is through video chat- bed was very uncomfortable. Walls are super thin- you can hear everything.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

03 Feb 2026

Jesse

4/10

Poor

02 Feb 2026

Kris

Yes the room was neglected and in bad shape. We checked in after 8pm so we had to use virtual check in and nobody was available in the office when I left at 8am.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2026

Maria

Yes all on point
Except a car’s alarm kept going off about 10 times all night and early morning and we were right there in room 107. Loved everything EXCEPT that

Business

10/10

Exceptional

01 Feb 2026

Donald

The room was clean, amenities excellent, staff attentive

4/10

Poor

28 Jan 2026

Lesa

I stayed there for four nights, and my room was cleaned only once.

Business Family

2/10

Poor

28 Jan 2026

Daniel

I didn’t like that I couldn’t speak to a staff member at the front desk at all. The room is cheap furniture and cheap renovations.

Business Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

26 Jan 2026

Jesse

No hot water in shower.

Room never cleaned or towels chanced.

Room password was changed twice during 3 day stay.

No staff at front desk.

Literally the worst hotel I have ever stayed at.

8/10

Excellent

25 Jan 2026

Samantha

Convent location

6/10

Pleasant

22 Jan 2026

Lance

Staff was great and supportive. Couple of minor issues, no wash cloths, shower drain wasn’t draining well, and missing TV remote.

Business Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2026

Ana

Room was spotless and really nicely designed. Staff was courteous and provided us with items we requested (more hangers and travel rack), promptly.

Business Partner

6/10

Pleasant

20 Jan 2026

Leandro

Water pressure was too weak, sheets had a blood stain and there was a dirty tissue on the floor next to the toilet when we checked in. Bathroom windows had some mold on it, the bedroom blinds would not close all the way (it was loose) and the property was cheaply remodeled, you could see it on some details like the bed quality and shower floor, which was buckling and slippery, and also one the outlets wasn’t working.

Business_and_leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

20 Jan 2026

Chelsea

You had to wait in line for a kiosk for somebody to get on camera

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2026

Laseanda

Loved my stay here Sayed was very nice and accommodated me and my daughters stay. The staff was very nice made the beds and restocked fresh towels. Everything was great. We were in town but got out to San Francisco #lovedit ✨

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children