The Best Motels to Book in San Marcos, Texas

If both convenience and low-budget are a priority, these motels in San Marcos are the ones for you
If both convenience and low-budget are a priority, these motels in San Marcos are the ones for you | © Roberto Galan / Alamy Stock Photo
Daniel Stables

Famed as the home of the historic Texas State University, San Marcos is home to some lovely parks, natural springs and the Bobcat Stadium – which is one of the best places in the state to catch a college football game. This selection of the best cheap motels in San Marcos ensures you’ll find somewhere comfortable and good value to lay your head while you’re in San Marcos – whether you’re exploring the town or just passing through – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham San Marcos, for sleek design

Motel

The outdoor pool area at La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham San Marcos
Courtesy of La Quinta Inn and Suites by Wyndham San Marcos / Expedia

With a great location near cut-price shopping outlets and Texas State University, this modern, professional hotel houses contemporary guestrooms with a stylish grayscale color scheme, huge TVs and fridges and microwaves – so you can cater for yourself if you wish. The breakfasts, with fresh fruit and waffles, are a great way to start the day – while an outdoor pool and gym are available to guests.

2. Motel 6 San Marcos, for family-friendly convenience

Motel

The outdoor pool area at Motel 6 San Marcos
Courtesy of Motel 6 San Marcos / Expedia

Motel 6 is renowned for comfort and reliability and this property bears all the brand’s hallmarks – with colorful orange guestrooms, modern bathrooms, coin-operated laundry and an outdoor pool where you can refresh after a day on the road. Attractions nearby include Aquarena Springs, Wonder World Caves and Schlitterbahn Water Park, which means this is a great choice if you’re on a family road trip.

3. Econo Lodge San Marcos University Area, for budget-friendly accommodation

Motel

The outdoor pool area at Econo Lodge San Marcos University Area
Courtesy of Econo Lodge San Marcos University Area / Expedia

Combining a great-value motel stay with classic Mission-style architecture, this lodge features colonnaded shared terraces and balconies and classy arches leading into the bathrooms. There’s an outdoor pool – and rooms make good use of the space with twin beds and comfortable seating areas. Shoppers will be in paradise here – with the country’s largest shopping outlet center, San Marcos Premium Outlets and Tanger Outlets nearby.

5. Motel 6 San Marcos Texas North, for free perks

Motel

The outdoor pool area at Motel 6 San Marcos Texas North
Courtesy of Motel 6 San Marcos Texas North / Expedia

Another classic roadside motel from the Motel 6 portfolio, this property has all the characteristics of that classic brand: an outdoor kidney pool where you can cool off from the Texas sun, free coffee in the lobby and a hearty breakfast spread. The colorful guestrooms here feature polished wooden floors and apple-green walls, lending them a classy edge. The hotel is close to Texas State University and the Blanco Shoals parklands.

6. Red Roof Inn San Marcos, for a pet-friendly stay

Motel

The outdoor pool area at Red Roof Inn San Marcos
Courtesy of Red Roof Inn San Marcos / Expedia

This great value hotel welcomes pets so is a great choice if you’re traveling with furry friends – and shares the features of the classic motels in San Marcos. This includes a friendly atmosphere, an outdoor pool and comfortable yet unpretentious rooms with a classic design. All rooms feature microwaves and refrigerators so you can cook hot meals for yourself if you like – while there is a number of top-drawer Tex-Mex restaurants within walking distance.

7. Baymont Inn and Suites by Wyndham San Marcos Outlet Malls, for traveling fitness fanatics

Motel

A double room at the Baymont Inn and Suites by Wyndham San Marcos
Courtesy of Baymont Inn and Suites by Wyndham San Marcos / Expedia

If shopping’s your thing, this cheap San Marcos motel is a fantastic choice, allowing you to explore the nearby San Marcos Outlet Malls with ease. Within, this charming red-brick hotel has rooms that are classic and comfortable in design – with an indoor pool and a fitness center among the wellness activities, so there’s no need to skip your workout. Football fans can catch a college game at the Bobcat Stadium nearby.

8. Super 8 by Wyndham San Marcos, for a hearty complimentary breakfast

Motel

A double room at Super 8 by Wyndham San Marcos
Courtesy of Super 8 by Wyndham San Marcos / Expedia

Long one of the leading lights in the American motel game, Super 8 hotels feature traditionally designed and very comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool and a free breakfast – perfect for setting you up for a day’s adventures. Bobcat Stadium is just a few minutes away – while San Marcos’s famous outlet centers are a joy for shoppers to explore.

9. Howard Johnson by Wyndham San Marcos, for pleasant details

Motel

A double room at Howard Johnson by Wyndham San Marcos
Courtesy of Howard Johnson by Wyndham San Marcos / Expedia

When it comes to cheap motels in San Marcos, you can’t do much better than this property – conveniently located just off the Interstate 35 (I-35). Brightly decorated rooms feature comfy touches like leather sofas and writing desks – additional touches you don’t always get in motels. There’s an outdoor pool where you can get some lengths in and free coffee throughout the day to help you recharge.

10. Best Budget Inn, for a stay that’s kind to your wallet

Motel

A double room at Best Budget Inn
Courtesy of Best Budget Inn / Expedia

The name says it all: Best Budget Inn is one of the best cheap motels in San Marcos – complete with comfy, traditionally appointed rooms, coffee and pastries available downstairs and a top location just off the Interstate highway. There’s great Tex-Mex food in the restaurant next door and many of San Marcos’s best attractions are nearby – including Stokes Park, the Bobcat Stadium and Rio Vista Park.

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