Best Western Inn & Suites San Mateo - San Francisco Airport

This hotel offers a convenient and comfortable stay, particularly noted for its easy access to the highway and proximity to Coyote Point Park, making it a great choice for various travelers. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, the friendly and helpful staff, and the satisfying breakfast as key strengths. The spacious rooms also contribute significantly to a pleasant experience, providing ample space for relaxation. It is an ideal fit for business travelers seeking convenience, families exploring the Bay Area, and those needing a comfortable stopover for early flights from the nearby airport. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room located away from the freeway to ensure a quieter night's sleep, as some rooms can experience traffic noise. Additionally, be sure to take advantage of the scenic trails and recreational opportunities at Coyote Point Park, just a short walk away, for a refreshing outdoor experience.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's facilities generally convenient, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. Onsite parking is available, including a covered underground garage, which many appreciate for its security and protection from the elements. However, a recently introduced parking fee has caused frustration for some guests who were accustomed to complimentary parking. The fitness center is present, but several reviews indicate that much of its equipment is broken or poorly maintained, limiting its utility. While a hot tub is advertised, numerous guests report it is frequently out of service, broken, or not properly maintained, leading to disappointment. Wi-Fi is generally available, though some guests experienced intermittent connectivity or slow speeds. The hotel provides in-room conveniences such as a microwave and refrigerator, which are highly valued. However, the elevators are a point of concern, with one often being out of service, leading to longer wait times and operational noise.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high praise for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Rooms are generally spacious, offering a comfortable environment for guests. However, feedback on bed comfort is mixed; while many find the beds comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, a significant number of guests report that mattresses are worn, sagging, or too firm, leading to discomfort and back pain. Similarly, noise levels vary; some guests appreciate the quiet atmosphere, while others experience considerable disturbance from freeway traffic or thin walls that allow sounds from neighboring rooms and plumbing to penetrate. The bathrooms are typically clean, though some guests note they appear dated and could benefit from updates. Additionally, the absence of blackout curtains in some rooms means external lights can be disruptive, and a few guests reported issues with inconsistent hot water temperatures.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives strong positive feedback, often exceeding guest expectations for a complimentary offering. Many guests praise the variety and quality of the food, describing it as plentiful and satisfying. Typical options include a popular waffle maker, scrambled eggs, various meats like bacon or sausage, potatoes, yogurt, and fresh fruit. The dining area is noted for being clean and well-maintained, with staff diligently restocking items. While the overall food quality is good, some guests have found certain hot items to be average or the coffee to be less robust than desired. A common observation is the lack of restaurants within immediate walking distance, meaning guests often need to drive or use ride-sharing services to find dining options beyond the hotel's breakfast.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage for many travelers, particularly its proximity to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), making it an ideal choice for those with early flights or late arrivals. Guests appreciate the easy access to Highway 101, which facilitates travel to various destinations in the Bay Area. A notable highlight is the hotel's close vicinity to Coyote Point Park, just a short walk away, offering scenic trails and recreational opportunities. The location is also convenient for visiting the downtown areas of San Mateo and Burlingame. While the immediate surroundings offer limited walkability for dining or shopping, the area is generally perceived as safe and secure. Onsite parking, including a covered garage, further enhances accessibility for guests traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight the positive interactions with front desk personnel, noting their welcoming demeanor and efficiency during check-in and check-out processes. The team is often described as accommodating, willing to assist with various requests, such as early check-ins or room preferences. While the overall service is commendable, feedback on housekeeping is mixed; some guests appreciate the cleanliness, while others report issues with service frequency or responsiveness to specific needs. Despite occasional isolated negative experiences with individual staff members, the overarching sentiment is that the staff strives to provide excellent customer service, contributing significantly to a comfortable and positive stay for most visitors.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects and policies that may impact their stay. A recently implemented parking fee is a notable change, which some guests find unexpected and frustrating, especially those who previously enjoyed complimentary parking. Furthermore, a recurring theme in reviews is the frequent unavailability of key amenities, such as the hot tub and certain gym equipment, which are often reported as being out of service. The elevators also experience occasional issues, with one often being non-operational, leading to longer wait times. Some guests have also reported encountering unpleasant smells in certain areas of the hotel, including hallways and rooms, ranging from food odors to other less desirable scents. These points, while not universally experienced, are important for potential guests to consider.