Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

This was such a huge help for me and my family while my son was in the NICU. Not only did it give us the space to sleep, shower, cry… it also gave us a space of community in a very dark time. So so grateful.

Staying here was such a blessing. This place is truly amazing! Our teenage son was diagnosed with brain cancer this year. He is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy with the need to stay in the hospital for a week at a time. We live about an hour away from the hospital and can’t afford hotels for his stays. We were so blessed to get a room for his most recent stay. It is so important for us to be able to stay close to him. Sometimes he has trouble eating or getting out of bed. This allowed us to be with him for hours every day. We feel family is so important for healing ❤️‍🩹 I keep saying they should have this for adult’s families going through similar situations too! We are so grateful for this place so that we can focus on our son and not worry about anything during his stay. We stayed in the “North house” at the very end of the hall upstairs. The only thing you can hear is the freeway outside the window but it’s kind of like white noise. The room was a bit cold at night. But they have plenty of blankets. The room had memory foam queen and twin beds, a full bathroom with tub, a TV, air conditioner (no heater though) a work area, a small table and small private patio. There is street parking available right out front in the evenings, after the medical staff leave. This really helps with the parking cost as well. There are 2 cooking stations in the kitchen and every family staying there gets a mini fridge and private cupboard. There is also a large fridge stocked with many things to share or cook. There are snacks, pasta, max and cheese, beans, spices and so much more if you want or need them. There is a shared living room with a TV, games and books, a work area, a patio with grill, a laundry room on both floors, an exercise bike and 2 other common lounges. It has a very homey feel and is kept very clean. The big house (south) serves 3 meals a day to anyone with a child in the hospital, whether you are staying there or not. They also offer showers, a gym, play areas, crafts, 4 cooking stations, a common fridge with free food for when they are not serving meals and so much more! This is all free to any family members (and their other children) with a Rady hospital wristband whether they are staying at the house or not. They only ask for a “recommended” donation from families if they can afford it and it is very reasonable! Only $40 and $20 per night. But it’s ONLY if you can afford it. If you need help during your child’s stay at Rady Children’s hospital do not hesitate to ask a hospital social worker about the Ronald McDonald house. You will be welcomed with open arms over there. They even have clothing for those that came down to the hospital with nothing but the clothes on their backs. This place is truly amazing!

RMHC made us feel really comfortable while my son was in the hospital. We called it our home away from home. Great staff and great volunteers. Definitely coming back to volunteer myself. Can't forget about all the special visits from playstation and all the super heroes and Disney princesses. 😀

Love this place. They really have helped me stay closer to my child at Rady’s children’s hospital. They help you in so many ways. Beautiful place and the rooms are spacious. They have a play area for children, a gym, a kitchen, extra restrooms. If you are allowed to stay there they provide everything so that you do not have to worry and just worry about visiting your child. It’s quiet so you don’t really hear your neighbors. It’s really great that they do these for families with sick children.

This is a nice "escape" for parents/guardians and family members from the hospital which is right across the street. You can come here and eat, read a book/magazine, or play in one of the outdoor play areas. There is even a barbershop/salon if you need to get your hair cut. They do offer showers and toiletries of you need something. The staff here have always been friendly and welcoming, the food is delicious, it's not McDonalds food either, which is nice. They offer a hot menu item which they prepare in the kitchen they also offer soups, salads, sandwiches/wraps if you would like that instead. The House is built into the South Parking Garage for super convenience. I highly recommend parking in the South Garage as the parking spaces are larger, and there are more spots here than in the Notrh Garage. You do have to pay for parking but, you can get it validated at the front desk.