What are the best strategies for securing hotel accommodations for Comic-Con San Diego 2026?

Securing hotel accommodations for Comic-Con San Diego requires advance planning. The official 'OnPeak' hotel lottery, known as the 'Hotel Res.', typically opens several months before the convention (often in April or May of the convention year). Participants are ranked and assigned hotels based on their preferences. Alternatively, booking independent hotels outside the official block well in advance, even a year out, can be an option, though prices in downtown San Diego during the con are very high. Consider hotels further out and utilize public transportation or ride-sharing. Splitting costs with friends is also a common strategy.