San Mateo On Ice

Right after I booked a last minute spot for 5, I checked the reviews. Immediately set the expectations low as there were poor reviews about the skates, the ice and the staff. We booked their first spot at 5. They didn't start checking people in until 4:50, that's fine.Super nice at check-in. Went right to the skate rental since some reviews said the line took forever. Had to swap 4 times between the five of us. The rental skates weren't high end but what do you expect.... They worked.Ice was fresh from the Zamboni, didn't notice any issues other than some of the perimeter edge only. Definitely saw enough staff on the ice checking on anyone who fell. For the value it was fantastic, $22 for 2 hours on ice, good hot chocolate too. I would think later evenings might be busier or more beat up ice but our trip was great!

My kids had a really good time, but if you get the wrong type of skates then it can be really uncomfortable to skate. 100%, Reserve a skate buddy in advance if you don't know how to skate. Also, there was one employee who was really making the experience unpleasant for a lot of the attendees. He had a really rude attitude and wasn't very helpful. Luckily, all of the other employees were very accommodating and nice. There at least 3 different types of rental skates. The worst ones by far were the all plastic ones. They were easy to get on, but had no arch support in them whatsoever. I tried to return them for a different pair of skates and that one rude employee wouldn't even go check and said there are no other skates. Eventually, the rude employee rotated to the concession stand, so I went back to the rental booth and asked the kid who was working back there for a different pair of skates and he went back there, no problem and found them for me. He totally saved the day for me.The rude employee was also rude at the concession stand. Besides rushing people to order when there wasn't really any line. If there was an item that had run out, he would say "nope...all out". There was no way to tell what was actually available and he wouldn't say what was available and what wasn't. Then you were trying to make comments about customers under his breath to other employees, but it seemed as if the other employees didn't think he was very funny. It was a little sad to watch. When you're skating on the ice you do feel grooves that have been cut into the ice by previous skaters, so it won't be completely smooth. There are lockers and cubbies for your shoes and personal items. If you get there right when it starts for your session, you can use the locker. If you bring your own lock, that would be best as I didn't see anywhere to get one. Overall it's a fun experience if you bring kids or go with friends. Make sure to ask for different skates if yours aren't comfortable and you will have a good time.

This was pretty unpleasant as far as holiday activities go. It's chaotic, it's probably more dangerous than it needs to be and just poorly organized. To be fair we came as a backup plan when winter lodge in Palo Alto was sold out. We arrived and it already said closed for private event which was really strange bc then the kids at the register said it wasn't. Ski buddies (those plastic guide things) were already on a waitlist (like every other child related resource in the bay). Next, skates in my size were out, I settled for half size up. What a mistake bc their skates are ginormous in width so as soon as I got on the ice I knew this wasn't working. And helping my son around the rink was also... not working. The wait list for the skate buddies never let up (even though they were just kind of stranded in random areas or being tossed around by rowdy teens) and basically I could have had more fun setting $80 on fire than the riot-level crowds and strangely skating the counter direction of most ice places (which didn't help every right handed person in the room). I'll give them 2 stars for being one of very few all-in-one ice skating places and having cup o noodles for sale.

Not great for kids or inexperienced folk. The kids skates don't have the front divots to help push off and stop. The rink isn't cold enough so there is a thin layer of water that covers the ice making it extra slippery and no way to stay dry if you fall. My daughter was so disappointed in her skills after having a great time at a different rink.

Was a very fun experience for my inexperienced 8 year old who wanted to try ice skating. Don't know if it was because we came late to our 5-7 pm session that we experienced no wait to get skates or skate buddies. Make sure to reserve your skate buddy they were in high demand. I always saw staff on the ice checking in on people that fell. Had like one rude adult skater encounter, but overrall everyone young and old was having a good time. Would definitely come again.

Had so much fun here! It's invigorating and fun for children but also fun if you're going with friends, loved ones or your partner! There are lights all around, it was beautiful..

Too many on the rink the same time not allowing this to skate freely . For those you are jsut learning it's impossible to skate when it gets overcrowded. They shoo limit as to how many skater can be in the ice rink at the same time to be able to enjoy the 2 hours . On Sunday they held a private event but the time they opened to the public and be in line for 20 minutes then another line for the skates took almost an hour of our time and they closed at 9 pm so I feel robbed out of our time definitely not retuning

Came here Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It was mostly families with a few teenagers. We specifically chose the San Mateo skate rink as we were coming with our 5 year old and it's her first time skating. There were a good number of other families with young kids on the ice. Their smallest skate size is kids 8. They have ~2 hour open skate windows -- on the day we came, it was 12-2, 2:30-4:30, 5-7pm. You have to buy tickets digitally, but you can do so once you arrive. It was ~$22 per skater (including skate rental) and +$11 (e.g., $33) if you'd like skater + skate buddy option. The skate buddy is great for my daughter. Overall, it adds up quick -- was ~$79 for 2 adults + 1 child. But, it seemed to be priced about the same as other places (like Winter Lodge in Palo Alto, Union Square, San Jose).The front desk and skate rental seems to be run by high schoolers? college kids? Basically, young and polite people, but not particularly empowered if you have any issues / complaints about their rules/facilities.Overall, had a good experience. I'd recommend for families looking for a casual skate outing -- just be aware of the prices as it is a bit pricey for an afternoon.

This was a great time! We went as soon as they opened at 12. It wasn't crowded at all. Employees were nice and offered tips on how to skate. Very friendly. Kids were happy!

I'm a cosplayer and was looking for an ice skating rink to do photos. The staff were so nice to me and loved that I was dressed up! All of the other skaters and families in general were so kind and were so polite. The ice is pretty puddly when it's sunny, but it was a great spot for a photoshoot! A very welcoming place & well organized :)