The 10 best hotels in San Francisco – San Francisco is a melting pot of everything; whether it’s mesmerizing sights, Wild West saloons, quirky microclimates, great food, or natural peaks, you’ll find what you’re looking for. While its iconic Golden Gate Bridge is the biggest draw, many more things draw visitors to the city. So it’s no wonder the best hotels in San Francisco are scattered throughout the city.
San Francisco is relatively small compared to other big cities, but it makes up for its size with everything it offers. It has left its mark on the country with its defense of causes. Many social revolutions have had roots here. Yet, despite its image, San Francisco is at the top ranking of the safest cities in the world.
You won’t be disappointed if you’re looking for fantastic attractions. Beyond the iconic bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz Island appear on tourist itineraries. Chinatown is another popular destination, being the largest of its kind in North America. With so much to see in the city, you’ll never run out of things to do in San Francisco.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
San Francisco is full of iconic attractions, but while tourist brochures showcase this part of the city, they tend to leave out the practicalities of staying. For example, finding the perfect place to park in the city is difficult. Also, many pedestrian-only areas are not very safe to explore on your own. That is why you must know where to stay.
Many of the best hotels in San Francisco are near Fisherman’s Wharf and the Marina district. Fisherman’s Wharf is great for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, but it’s a bit out of the way from the other attractions. These areas are suitable for families with children, as they are easier to navigate by car and are cleaner and safer. North Beach or Chinatown are also good options as they are not as crowded and offer easy access to Fisherman’s Wharf.
If you’re in the city but don’t have your own car, it’s best to stay downtown, as many of the attractions are close to most hotels. One of the most elegant neighborhoods in the center of the city is Nob Hill, with magnificent views and easy access to attractions. Union Square is another good area to settle in if you want to be close to attractions.
Castro is also a vibrant area but is rather popular with the LGBT community. Here and in many other places, you will find some of our 11 Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in San Francisco. The Hayes Valley and SoMa are also good options.
1. InterContinentalMark Hopkins
Situated in a prime location on Nob Hill since 1926, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins is one of San Francisco’s most iconic hotels. Just down the block from the impressive Grace Cathedral, the hotel enjoys an excellent location, overlooking the bustle of the city center. Although the hotel is away from downtown noise, it is inconvenient to climb back up to the top after a day in the city. A saving bonus is the California Street cable car that stops next to the hotel.
The hotel is an example of good architecture with a combination of Spanish Renaissance decoration and a French castle. It is on the Historic Hotels of America list, occupying the site of an 1878 mansion that burned in the fires of the great earthquake of 1906. The hotel that eventually took its place became a California Historic Landmark in 1961.
Given the hotel’s rich history, the rooms are a bit of a disappointment, though they have both modern and classic decor. They are also more spacious than your average San Francisco hotel and comfortable. In addition, the unique location of the hotel means that guests enjoy beautiful views from most rooms.
The famous Top of the Mark cocktail bar and lounge is a highlight of the hotel, which occupies the 19th floor. It is an archetypal San Francisco experience, open to hotel guests and visitors alike. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and also an exclusive semi-private dining area. Aside from this iconic spot, there’s also takeout on the lobby’s Peacock Terrace. The Nob Hill Club is another space where you can enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience.
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2. Argonaut A Noble House Hotel
Many of the best hotels in San Francisco, at Fisherman’s Wharf, are housed in repurposed industrial spaces or warehouses. The exposed brick walls of the Argonaut reveal its dull past as a fruit canning warehouse. Yet nothing is boring about the award-winning boutique hotel’s present, with its beautiful beachfront location. It is a short walk from Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Other exciting areas of the city are also easily accessible from here. You’ll also find some walking and jogging trails just outside the hotel.
Given its location, it’s not surprising that the hotel has a nautical-themed interior. This extends to the guest rooms, which offer stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. However, not all rooms have views of the bay. The spacious suites feature oversized bathrooms, a Jacuzzi tub, and a separate living room with a queen sleeper sofa.
You can’t expect many boutique hotel amenities, but this one offers the award-winning Blue Mermaid restaurant, a fitness center, and in-room spa services. In addition, the restaurant has one of the only pier-side patios in the area. There is also space for meetings and business events.
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3. Hotel Drisco
You’ll feel like a celebrity when you stay at one of San Francisco’s most elegant hotels, the Drisco Hotel in Pacific Heights. The hotel enjoys an enviable location amidst the grand mansions of Pacific Heights. Take a stroll through the quiet streets lined with upscale boutiques and galleries. Here are some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is also just a few blocks from Presidio National Park, which offers many historic sites and hiking trails. The Lyon Street steps are three blocks to the west, which lead to the Palace of Fine Arts and the Marina district.
This boutique hotel fits perfectly into the neighborhood, with its elegant interiors and, above all, its sleek lobby. The elegant guest rooms feature high-end amenities such as heated floors or plush rugs, goose-down duvets, and fine china. Even the standard rooms are pretty spacious.
However, the Drisco doesn’t have many extra features outside the room. The basement has a small gym and a free DVD library. Guests can enjoy a fantastic complimentary continental breakfast and an evening wine reception. Although there is no restaurant, the catering service offers a wide range of delicious dishes. Room service is available 24 hours if you need anything else.
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4. Axiom Hotel
The boutique Axiom Hotel is at the intersection of historic Union Square and the downtown SoMa district. The century-old building that the hotel occupies combines classical architecture with modern electric design, making it highly technological. Numerous shops are less than a half mile from the hotel, and the entrance to lively Chinatown is one mile away. Just steps from the hotel are the Powell-Hyde Cable Car, making it easy to explore downtown San Francisco. No wonder this hotel is one of the best in San Francisco for its location.
Some of the historical elements of the building have been preserved, such as the high ceilings and crown molding. However, the hotel presents a beautiful mix of history with the digital revolution, so there are many modern features to expect. Dark wood floors, minimalist decor, contemporary furnishings, and modern amenities are what you get in the guest rooms. Room service can be ordered through the television, which also supports streaming from a personal device.
The Turn Cafe, the in-house dining room, doesn’t have a lot of seating and is more convenient as a place to grab takeout. For those looking for a bit of fun, the Cloud level, the mezzanine above the café, is filled with vintage arcade games, foosball and seating areas. Finally, a small gym in the basement is ideal for those who like to stay in shape.
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5. The St Regis San Francisco
Who doesn’t love a fancy hotel, especially one with a great location? Built in 2005 from the ground up, the St. Regis San Francisco is everything you’d want from a luxury hotel. Offering some of the best rooms in the city and a host of amenities, the hotel is among the best hotels in San Francisco.
Located in one of the best parts of SoMa (South of Market) puts you close to many attractions such as the Yerba Buena Gardens and the Moscone Center. However, the city’s most important attractions are far from here. Do not despair; one block from the hotel, you will find plenty of public transportation to take you to other parts of the city. However, you won’t want to go too far when you have so much to see right in your hotel!
Glass walls combined with shades of white ensure that there is plenty of light around. Guest rooms range from superior standard rooms to spacious suites, all oozing with luxury and elegance. All rooms have large windows and are equipped with large bathrooms.
The hotel has a 15-meter heated saltwater pool that is open 24 hours a day. There is also an excellent spa where you can enjoy a selection of treatments and a Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and nail salon. The only negative point of the hotel is its restaurant. For a property that exudes so much style and luxury, Grill is a pretty dull spot.
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6. Fairmont Heritage Place
Families will love Fairmont Heritage Place’s sprawling apartment-style residences just off Fisherman’s Wharf. This former Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory dates back to 1893 and is also listed on the National Historic Register. The hotel is located on the edge of the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf in Ghiradelli Square. Thanks to a range of shops and restaurants, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in the surrounding area. It is convenient for those who want to go to Alcatraz, Sausalito, and Tiburon.
Exposed red brick walls and loft-style ceilings are a throwback to its past but add just the correct dose of style. Rooms are large and apartment-like, with dining tables, furnished living rooms, and full kitchens. Some have private terraces that offer stunning views of the bay. The rooms on the opposite side provide monotonous views of the city.
Although the hotel offers plenty of comfort and style, the downside of staying here is the lack of amenities. While the impressive continental breakfast is complimentary, there’s nowhere else to eat at the hotel except for the afternoon wine and cheese receptions. The only other service is the 24-hour gym.
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7. Phoenix Hotel
San Francisco’s Tenderloin district may not be the best place to settle because of its “seedy” reputation, but the Phoenix Hotel’s undeniable charm draws guests. The Caravan Lodge motel came alive again when it was purchased in 1987. The new owner transformed the motel into a hip space, which began to attract rock stars and a loyal following willing to brave this side of town. You won’t find any city attractions here, but it’s only five minutes from the Great Music Hall and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium.
An urban oasis, the hotel’s secluded courtyard with its palm-lined heated pool creates the perfect setting for your stay. Floor-to-ceiling windows and white walls with pop art prints make the rooms look bright and modern. But, of course, they all face the pool, which turns into an exciting party spot on the weekends.
One of the best things about the hotel is the free parking, which is pretty hard to find in San Francisco. Guests also receive passes to a nearby Japanese spa and complimentary coffee and pastries for breakfast. Chambers Eat + Drink is a lively place for weekend lunch and an excellent restaurant at night.
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https://youtu.be/_R8Zxxf8Fak8. Taj Campton Place
One block from vibrant Union Square is the five-star Taj Campton Place, arguably one of the best hotels in San Francisco. The hotel’s location just two blocks from Chinatown Gate and Maiden Lane gives you the best of both worlds. Many of the city’s attractions are easily accessible from here.
Two historic buildings make up the hotel, so the layout of the rooms depends on the building it is located in. However, regardless of the location of the rooms, you can be sure that it will be a stylish space. It’s not a very large property, with only 110 guest rooms, including nine suites. Standard Rooms are reasonably compact, but higher-end rooms are more spacious and come with a few extra touches like soaking tubs and window seats.
The hotel’s outdoor gym, on the 9th floor, is a prominent spot overlooking Union Square. In bad weather, a plastic tarp protects the gym from the elements. Food lovers will love the two-Michelin-starred restaurant that serves a seven-course Californian feast. Paired with an expert wine pairing, you can be sure that a meal here will captivate your taste buds.
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9. Palace Hotel
One of the best hotels in San Francisco is the historic Palace Hotel, a city symbol. The eight-story building traces its roots back to 1875. However, the 1906 earthquake destroyed the original building, which was rebuilt in 1909. It’s not just the magnificent hotel and its amenities that stand out, but also the location. The hotel is well located for exploring many of the city’s attractions and the Financial District.
The award-winning Palace Hotel, a grand dame among San Francisco’s historic hotels, underwent a massive renovation to give it a well-deserved facelift. Not that it didn’t stand out before! However, the restoration took advantage of its historical elements to add an extra touch of class and sophistication. The guest rooms are uniquely laid out, with an elegant design that effectively incorporates the historical details. In addition, high ceilings and huge windows make the rooms feel more spacious.
The jewel in the hotel’s crown is undoubtedly the Garden Court which has a seven million dollar gold glass domed ceiling. This iconic restaurant that opened in 1909 is well known for its specialty tea service and Sunday city brunch. In addition to the restaurant, the hotel also features the Pied Piper Bar & Grill, named among the best bars in the world. Another impressive hotel feature is the heated indoor pool with its glass-covered roof. There is also a well-equipped gym and lobby shop.
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Palace Hotel10. Hotel VIA
The new boutique hotel, Hotel VIA, is direct across from Oracle Park in South Beach. With its charming aesthetic and convenient location, the hotel rivals the best hotels in San Francisco. Although South Beach was primarily a warehouse district, much has changed over the years, and has become a fashionable area. In addition, it’s close to some of the city’s most exciting destinations, with SoMa just a 10-minute walk from here.
The avant-garde style of South Beach is reflected in the dynamic design of the hotel. There is a subtle nod to art deco, such as the shimmering sconces in the elevator. The guest rooms have minimalist furniture to maximize space, with several amenities.
One of the best places to hang out at the hotel is the VIA rooftop, where you can enjoy various tempting drinks and bites throughout the day. The outside lounge with curtained cabanas and heat lamps is the perfect setting for the end of a tiring day. There’s also a bar on the ground floor which is locally popular because it’s close to the stadium. In addition, a fitness center and a technology center add comfort to the stay.
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