Best Western Continental Inn has a central location in El Cajon just north of I-8 exit 15 (N Mollison Ave), not far from the junction with the San Vicente Freeway, in a mixed residential/business district close to various large stores including those of the Westfield Parkway Mall, one mile west. The hotel has 95 rooms & suites, in two 3 floor blocks, one of which is adjacent to the interstate so some of its rooms are liable to be rather noisy. Otherwise the inn has all the expected Best Western qualities and amenities, including an exercise room & outdoor pool (both renovated for 2008), free continental breakfast, and a refrigerator/microwave in each room.

Towards the east side of El Cajon at 1355 E Main Street, the Best Western Courtesy Inn is a three floor, exterior corridor building set amidst quite spacious grounds, with some of the 47 rooms & suites enjoying views eastwards towards the wooded hills of the Cleveland National Forest. The hotel is next to a restaurant/lounge, and close to shopping a little way north along Main St, on the far side of interstate 8. Free hot breakfast is served, while for relaxation the inn offers an outdoor pool and a hot tub.

El Cajon's Quality Inn is a well regarded budget hotel, situated in a wooded, hilly area on the west side of town, adjacent to I-8 exit 15 (El Cajon Blvd), and 15 miles from the center of San Diego. Two of the best attributes are the friendly staff, and the above average selection and quality of the free continental breakfast. All of the 96 rooms (on 3 floors) contain a refrigerator; some have a microwave. For leisure, the hotel offers a small outdoor pool & hot tub.

Just south of the major I-8/CA 67 intersection in the middle of El Cajon, the Rodeway Inn provides simple, cheap accommodation within half an hour's drive of most attractions in the San Diego area. The immediate neighborhood is a busy commercial district with many restaurants and shops, including Westfield Parkway Mall on the far side of the interstate. The inn has a typical L-shaped, exterior corridor motel design, the 47 rooms (on 3 floors) overlooking the carpark with a small outdoor pool at one side. The standard free continental breakfast is available.