1830 Gateway Dr, San Mateo, California, United States | (888) 499-9698
17-minute walk to a mall and nearby dining options like a brewery and seafood restaurant
20-minute drive to Silicon Valley and Menlo Park
Contemporary studios with flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes
Free grab-and-go breakfast has muffins and hot cereal
Free coffee in the lobby throughout the day
Coin-operated laundry room open 24/7
Free Wi-Fi and parking on-site
Pets are welcome (for a fee)
No fitness center, pool, or restaurant
Limited housekeeping services
30-minute drive to San Francisco
Reports of cleanliness and maintenance issues
The two-pearl Extended Stay America - San Francisco - San Mateo - SFO doesn't offer much more than rooms, but that’s good enough for the mostly business clientele staying in the area for extended periods of time. The 136 studios are conveniently outfitted with kitchenettes. However, some guests note that the rooms are dating and lack in the cleanliness department, which isn’t surprising as housekeeping is very limited. There’s no fitness center, but guests can take advantage of free perks like grab-and-go breakfast bags in the morning, Wi-Fi, and parking. A laundry room is a bonus for long-term guests as are nearby restaurants. If travelers want a location in San Francisco (a 30-minute drive), check out Donatello Hotel which has rooms with microwaves and mini-fridges, plus amenities like a gym and restaurant.
Scene
Budget hotel with a lovely courtyard and extended-stay guests
Extended Stay American - San Francisco - San Mateo - SFO is situated in a two-story motel building. The property embodies all that’s expected of a standard chain property under this brand name: few on-site amenities, little character, and not many communal spaces. While there’s a lovely courtyard with a fountain and benches, the lobby is mostly functional with enough space to manage the long reception desk, a few armchairs, and a free coffee station. As an extended stay property, most guests are business travelers working in the area or those with cars who don’t mind a 30-minute commute to San Francisco or 23 minutes to Silicon Valley.
Location
A 30-minute drive to San Francisco and 17-minute walk to a mall
A stay at this Extended Stay America is best suited to those with a car and who don’t mind a 30-minute drive to San Francisco’s city center or around 20 minutes to Menlo Park and Silicon Valley. This hotel sits off the highway, a 17-minute walk from a mall and an 11-minute walk to a Safeway grocery store. Nearby restaurants include a Red Robin, brewery, and seafood restaurant. There are quite a few parks within a 10-minute drive or less. The San Francisco Airport takes 15 minutes to reach by car.
Rooms
Contemporary suites with flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes
The studio-style rooms at this property appear contemporary with a homey decor in warm earthy tones. The dark brown furniture mixes well with tan bedding and olive-green or tan walls. Guests note that the rooms feel old and report cleanliness and maintenance issues. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. It's the kitchenettes that attract most travelers to stay here as they’re equipped with microwaves, two-burner stove tops, refrigerators, and sinks. Coffeemakers, toasters, and dishes are not stocked in the kitchenettes, though guests can obtain these items from the front desk for free. The same can be said of hairdryers and toiletries, too, which is a little cumbersome. Bathrooms are simple with shower/tub combos. Note that full housekeeping service is limited to once per week for those staying eight or more nights, but can be requested more often for a fee. Fresh towels can be obtained from the front desk.
Features
Few amenities beyond free breakfast bags, a laundry room, and free Wi-Fi
Extended Stay America - San Francisco - San Mateo - SFO is geared toward long-term guests who cook in their kitchenettes and thus has few amenities. Each morning a basic grab-and-go breakfast is offered in the lobby and includes items like breakfast bars, muffins, fruit, and hot cereal. Free coffee and tea are available in the lobby throughout the day, too. A coin-operated laundry room is open 24/7. Wi-Fi and outdoor parking are both free.