Best Hotels - San Francisco
San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the world - if you’re visiting you’ll want to make sure to stay in a comfortable place located in a part of the city that you want to explore. As a local, let me guide you to the best places to stay and hotels in San Francisco!
Chateau Tivoli B&B
Stay in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful and colorful Victorian houses at the Chateau Tivoli. This stylish mansion is full of elaborate 19th-century furniture, fun wallpapers, and decadent canopy beds. No room is the same, while some are more lavish than others.
Located a quick three-minute walk to Alamo Square and the famous Painted Ladies, you’re also not too far from other San Francisco landmarks such as Fort Mason, Golden Gate Park, and Union Square.
Fairmont San Francisco
One of the most famous hotels in San Francisco - the Fairmont has one of the best, commanding views of the city due to its location on top of Nob Hill. It was one of the few places that survived the great 1906 earthquake and was where Tony Bennett first sang ‘I Left My Heart In San Francisco’.
Since it’s one of the top 5 star hotels in San Francisco, you’ll be spoiled by the attentive and classy service here.
The hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of North Beach, Chinatown, Union Square, and Grace Cathedral. There are also plenty of cable cars rumbling by, which you can take to Fisherman’s Wharf.
You’ll want to snag one of the Signature Rooms that have dramatic views - some with the Golden Gate Bridge all the way to Coit Tower with Alcatraz Island in the background. The Balcony Rooms have equally impressive views of San Francisco too.
The cheeky Tonga Room is a bar you’ll want to check out for its Island Themed drinks and motif.
Palace Hotel
Full of stunning Beaux-Arts details, the Palace Hotel’s main draw is the ornate Garden Court, which you should absolutely have afternoon tea in, and the glass-covered indoor pool.
Located right off bustling Market Street, you’ll be a quick walk from Union Square, Downtown, and the SF MOMA museum. You can also easily hop on a streetcar that will take you to the Ferry Building or Fisherman’s Wharf.
Four Seasons Hotel Embarcadero
Formerly the Loews and Mandarin Oriental, the Four Seasons Embarcadero is located on the top 11 floors of a Financial District skyscraper. It has sweeping views of San Francisco and is one of the coolest hotels in the city.
From the hallways, rooms, and rooftop bar - you’ll have views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Coit Tower, and the Bay Bridge.
Inn at the Presidio
Located in The Presidio National Park of San Francisco, the Inn at the Presidio is a great place to stay if you want to be closer to nature while being within striking distance of the city.
The building used to house military officers, with the red brick exterior and neat interior a nod to the Presidio’s military past.
You’ll enjoy being surrounded by the lush trees of the Presidio and close-up views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Close by are local favorites Crissy Field, Marshall’s Beach, Baker Beach, Ocean Beach, Land’s End, and the outstanding Batteries to Bluff Trail.
Hotel Drisco
For a more local feel, the Hotel Drisco is located in the upscale and quiet Pacific Heights neighborhood. You’ll be close to the famous Lyon Street Steps, Beaux-Arts styled Palace of Fine Arts, and Presidio Park.
Rooms are comfortable with heated floors, large walk-in showers, Brita filters, a custom pillow menu, and comfortable beds.
Huntington Hotel
Located right across from the stunning Grace Cathedral, the famous Huntington hotel has hosted famous guests such as Humphrey Bogart and singer Pavarotti.
The pool is one of the main highlights with its sweeping city views and white-jacketed waiters delivering poolside champagne.
Rooms are a comfortable and fashionable blend of Asian and Middle Eastern design.
Argonaut Hotel
Right on the water, the Argonaut is located in a historic red brick building perfectly located in the Fisherman’s Wharf. You can walk to Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39, or 20 minutes to North Beach from this great location.
Since the old building was a cannery warehouse, the hotel uses wooden plank floors, exposed brick, and a nautical theme throughout.
You’ll want to pick a room that faces the Golden Gate Bridge and the gorgeous waterfront.
Bonus, you’ll be within walking distance to the famous seals of Pier 39, the interesting Musee Mecanique arcade, and the only In-n-Out Burger in San Francisco.
Parker Guest House
Located in a hipster hotspot where the Mission District meets the Castro, you’ll be smack dab in the action here!
Super happening Mission Dolores Park is nearby, as is Tartine Bakery, Bi-Rite Ice Cream, and all the delicious food of the Mission. Many of my favorite Taquerias are in the Mission in fact!
The rooms here are will feel more like a home rather than a hotel, with its history being a famous hippie haunt.
White Swan Inn
This playful 26 room boutique hotel is a colorful splash of design where nothing is muted. It’s located close to Union Square and is a great value option for what you get.
Westin St Francis
For the classic hotel facing Union Square, it doesn’t get any better than this. The moment you step outside, you’ll be greeted by Union Square, with Chinatown’s Dragon Gate just five blocks away.
Some of the higher floor rooms have great views of the city while most rooms are somewhat generic.
Axiom Hotel
Situated right in between Union Square and SoMa, this sleek new addition to the San Francisco hotel scene is a great value and location for those wanting a bit of both the touristy and business side of the city.
The rooms are minimalist with soft mood lighting, Apple TV, and marble bathrooms. They also accept pets, if you’re traveling with one!