Now that badge sales are out of the way, it’s time to start thinking about hotels for San Diego Comic-Con — right now, as Early Bird is now happening.
The Early Bird Hotel Sale is back for 2026, with reservations now open through onPeak.
Just like in previous years, the Early Bird sale is not for downtown hotels, but rather for hotels in further-out areas, like Mission Valley or the airport. These hotels are typically a little cheaper (rates run from $211-$302 per night for a single occupancy room) than the downtown offerings available in the Downtown Hotel Sale (otherwise known as Hotelpocalypse), but attendees have to use transportation in order to get downtown to the convention center. All have a four-night minimum.
Also, remember: these hotels are non-refundable and fully prepay.
In recent years, transportation to and from these hotels have become easier than ever, in part thanks to an improved Shuttle Service offered by CCI. While the shuttle times have not yet been posted, we expect them to be similar to the 2025 times.
- Wednesday, July 23 3PM-12AM
- Thursday, July 24 5AM-1AM
- Friday, July 25 5AM-1AM
- Saturday, July 26 5AM-1AM
- Sunday, July 27 5AM-7PM
Several of these hotels offer free parking though – so you may not have to pay for parking your entire Comic-Con week. Please check with each hotel’s policy for details.
It’s important to remember that this year, the General Hotel Sale — the later sale that includes downtown hotels — is undergoing a complete overhaul. It will no longer be a form, but instead live inventory. These rooms will also be non-refundable for the first time. Unlike Early Bird, though, they are not pre-pay — you only have to pay a two-night deposit.
Here’s a look at that timing, which we’re assuming will likely be in April:
Depending on the hotel, check-in as early as Sunday, July 19 and check-out as late as Monday, July 27.
There is also a non-refundable service fee equal to 3% of each hotel deposit, which will be charged to the credit card provided for each reservation. Any change to a reservation that increases the required hotel deposit amount, such as extending the length of stay, changing to a more expensive room type, changing hotels, etc.; will incur an additional non-refundable service fee in the amount of 3% of the additional deposit amount. All charges will appear as “Comic-Con 2026 Hotels” on the user’s credit card statement.
Hotel rates on their own are exorbitant, which is why one of the biggest sticking points for Comic-Con International to stay in San Diego continues to be the hotel block. These are locked-in, negotiated rates that CCI has secured for attendees, so that you aren’t paying $1,000 per night. That’s why we highly recommend booking within their system for the best rate.
