Families must complete a referral form with a hospital social worker or their doctor or surgeon’s office in order to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. No one under age 18 can stay at Ronald McDonald House without the written consent of a parent or legal guardian. Besides formally structured activities, House staff and volunteers do not provide supervision of minors.
Contact a Social Worker
To stay at the Ronald McDonald House of San Diego, contact a social worker where your child is hospitalized. Your social worker will assess your needs for lodging and other non-medical needs. You will also be asked to complete a referral form.
Note: a referral is not a reservation and does not guarantee that a room will be available.
How Will I Know if I Have a Room?
After your hospital social worker submits a referral, Ronald McDonald House staff will contact you once eligibility and availability of lodging is determined.
How Much Does it Cost?
Our cost to provide individual families a room is about $180 per night. We invite families to make a suggested donation of $20 during each night’s stay. We also ask for a nonrefundable room deposit of $40. However, no one is ever turned away for inability to contribute.
Your Comfort is Our Main Concern
The Ronald McDonald House is a very secure and safe place. When you arrive you will be issued an electronic keycard for your room. The House closes to all day visitors and guests at 9:00pm.
When you arrive for check-in, you will receive a brief orientation and tour. Parking is available in the Rady Children’s Hospital parking garage, which is entered just to the north of our main entrance. Speak with a parking attendant about purchasing a weekly parking pass. Otherwise, the hospital offers a daily rate of $4 with hospital validation.
Meal Service
We provide three meals a day. Additional items are available outside of meal times. Families are also welcome to use the family cooking stations to prepare meals.
Rooms and Amenities
Each room is prepared with fresh bed and bath linens. Guests are responsible for cleaning their linens during their stay in our laundry room. Toiletries and laundry detergent are provided at no charge. Staff will visit your room on a weekly basis for general cleaning and to replenish toiletries.
The House also has a variety of electronic games and family videos that can be checked out for your enjoyment.
At check-out, House staff will do a 10-minute room walk-through, and you will return all key cards.