Guest FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When are Guest Services staff members available?
- Monday through Friday: 7:00am to 9:00pm
- Saturday: 7:00am to 6:00pm
- Sunday: 7:00am to 1:00pm
Our House is open from 7:00am to 8:00pm for use by day visitors with a hospital-issued wristband.
All visitors must leave when the House closes.
Where is the San Diego Ronald McDonald House located?
2929 Children’s Way, San Diego, CA 92123
How close is the House to the hospital?
The House is located directly across the street from Rady Children’s Hospital. The house sits on top of a six-story parking structure visible from the I-805 freeway.
Who can stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
Any family who has a hospitalized child is eligible to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. Priority is assessed by the social and medical needs of the family, occupancy levels of the House, and the distance traveled to obtain treatment. In general, our House is for families with hospitalized patients who are no more than 18 years old.
Guests under age 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian. Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego staff and volunteers do not supervise minors outside of formally structured activities.
Can my other children stay at the House with me?
Yes. Prospective guests under age 18 must be registered by a parent or legal guardian. Unaccompanied minor parents of a hospitalized child must also be registered by their legal parent or guardian.
How do I make arrangements to stay at the House?
It starts with a referral from a hospital social worker, doctor, or surgeon’s office.
How do I know I have a room?
Ronald McDonald House staff will contact you directly. You may also call Guest Services at 858-598-2401 24 hours ahead of your arrival to confirm room availability.
How much does it cost?
We suggest a family contribution of $20 per night toward the $160 cost; however, we turn no one away due to inability to pay.
What if there is no room available?
The Ronald McDonald House may be able to provide you with discounted rates to hotels within 5 to 10 minutes of Rady Children’s Hospital.
Can I park at the House?
Parking is available in the Rady Children’s Hospital parking garage, which is entered directly to the north of our House entrance. Weekly parking passes are available from the parking attendant. Otherwise, the hospital offers a $4 daily rate.
What safety policies are in place at the House?
The Ronald McDonald House is a very secure and safe place to stay. You will be issued an electronic keycard to your room when you arrive. The House closes at 8:00pm nightly to all day visitors and guests.
Do the guest rooms have bathrooms?
Yes. Each room has a private bath with separate vanity space.
Is there Internet?
Yes. We have wireless Internet throughout the facility.
What time should we arrive for check-in?
Check-ins occur after noon. At check-in, House staff will provide you with an electronic key card to your room and answer any questions you may have.
What time is checkout?
Checkout is at 10:00am. Before checkout, guests are asked to notify staff of their expected departure date, empty all room trash containers into the large trash and recycling containers in the laundry rooms, remove food from personal pantry and refrigerator, complete the room inventory checklist with a staff member, and return room keycards to the front desk
How many family members can stay?
Guest rooms can accommodate four to six occupants.
Can the rooms accommodate infants and toddlers?
We have a supply of pack-and-plays that can be delivered to your room as needed.
What should we bring with us?
- Money for guest fees, transportation, parking, and other personal needs
- Clothing
- Personal medications and hygiene supplies
- Car seat and safety equipment for your child
- Other personal supplies you may need
Are meals provided?
Yes. We provide three meals daily at no cost to families.
- Breakfast: 7:00 to 8:30am
- Lunch: Noon to 1:30pm
- Dinner: 6:00 to 7:30pm
Refrigerated and pantry items are available outside of meal times. Families are also welcome to use cooking stations to prepare meals.
How long can we stay?
While there is no guarantee as to length of stay. a family’s need for lodging is evaluated regularly by guest services staff. As such, a family’s length of stay is not solely determined by the length of hospitalization. If a room is unoccupied for more than 48 hours, the guest will be asked to check out.
What are the House rules and regulations?
We ask guests to follow our rules and regulations to ensure that each family is supported, respected, and finds respite during their stay. Click to view House rules and regulations.
What if I have additional questions?
Contact our main office at 858-467-4750.