So, you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and looking for the best hotels in the city? Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, we’ve got you covered and can recommend the best hotels in San Francisco. San Francisco is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and for a good reason.
The city is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the country, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. And, of course, let’s not forget about the food. San Francisco is renowned for its cuisine, with world-class restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to Chinese cuisine.
With so much to see and do in San Francisco, you’ll want to make sure you’re staying in a hotel that’s centrally located and comfortable. There are so many options when trying to pick where to stay in San Francisco. Here are our picks for the best hotels in San Francisco, regardless of your budget.
White Swan Inn ($$)
Regina Perez Montemayor, Julie Coyle, and Andrew Alford designed The White Swan, a 26-room boutique hotel with a rural manor-meets-The Clash atmosphere. Alford’s aim to “fight beige” might be the hotel’s ethos, as pop art drapes above flowery wallpaper and plush couches come in an explosion of patterns. In true B&B tradition, the Inn serves breakfast and wine upon request.
The White Swan teamed with next-door Del Popolo to offer room service for supper. The hotel offers guests a unique and memorable experience that will please even the most discerning traveler. Whether you’re looking for a restful retreat or an exciting adventure, The White Swan is the perfect place to stay.
Hotel Kabuki, a JdV by Hyatt Hotel ($$)
If you’re looking for a comfortable and hip hotel in Japantown, look no further than the heart of the neighborhood. The hotel’s 4,000-square-foot gym has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the hotel’s tea garden, and a yoga studio is also on-site.
Pim Techamuanvivit, of Kin Khao fame, owns Nari, a Thai restaurant within the hotel that offers premium, spicy food. If you’re a fan of Japanese culture, the location is ideal, just adjacent to the Japan Center Malls, where you can eat ramen or shop for souvenirs. Plants and succulents abound throughout the foyer, with geometric cane-back chairs and colorful throw cushions. So whether you’re looking to relax or stay active during your stay, this hotel has something for everyone.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero ($$$)
The Four Seasons San Francisco at Embarcadero is one of the most iconic buildings in the city and one of the best hotels in San Francisco. The unique design of the entranceway and lobby make it stand out among the other towers on the skyline. When you step inside, you are immediately transported to another world.
The circular chamber is filled with light, and the Guggenheim-style staircase leads up to it. The lobby also features a beautiful Guy Dill sculpture. This luxurious hotel is a true oasis in the middle of the city, and it is easy to see why it is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to San Francisco.
The Ritz Carlton
The Ritz Carlton in San Francisco is a 5-star, luxurious hotel located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, Union Square. The hotel features 336 luxury suites with downtown and/or bay views.
The hotel has 4 bars with one of them being the JCB-Tasting Lounge, a partnership lounge with Jean-Charles Boisset, a legendary wine-maker. At JCB-Tasting Lounge, visitors can participate in a wine tasting experience.
San Francisco Proper ($$$)
San Francisco is a city of contrasts, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the Proper Hotel. This luxurious property occupies a prime location in the heart of the Tenderloin, one of the city’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods. Despite its affluent clientele, the Proper Hotel is firmly rooted in its surroundings, with Kelly Wearstler-designed interiors that reflect the neighborhood’s flavor and a commitment to supporting local businesses.
In addition to its stylish accommodations, the Proper Hotel offers an array of unique services, including in-room vitamin injections delivered by VIP physicians. So whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the Proper Hotel will make your stay in San Francisco luxurious and unforgettable.
Note: While the Proper Hotel is a nice property and great hotel, the neighborhood that it is located in is somewhat “sketchy.” Please make note of this before booking. Thanks to The Adventure Beyond Blog for the neighborhood insight and expertise.
Inn at the Presidio ($$$)
Nestled in the heart of the Presidio, the Inn at the Presidio offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. This historic B&B is located in a beautiful Georgian renaissance building and offers guests a full breakfast and free wine in the evening. The Inn also boasts a cult-like following for its comfortable mattresses.
Visitors can relax on the broad porches of the Inn, or take advantage of the Presidio’s many leisure activities, such as hiking and jogging, visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum, or playing golf at the Presidio Golf Course. The Inn at the Presidio is the perfect place to relax and escape everyday life’s hustle and bustle. Even residents of San Francisco choose to stay here when they need a break from city living.
Axiom Hotel San Francisco ($$)
The Axiom Hotel is a sleek, modern hotel that debuted in 2016, located near Union Square and SoMa in San Francisco. The hotel’s guest rooms are designed with a relaxing color scheme of eggshell and powder blue and a minimalist style. The soft lighting, comfortable mattresses, and marble baths all carry this theme.
The hotel has received high ratings for its handy location, laid-back ambiance, and the delivery robot, Astro, who helps employees deliver items to clients without making contact. Even though it is more than a century old, this landmark hotel’s elegantly designed interiors and thoughtful facilities retain its historic appeal.
The Phoenix Hotel ($$)
The Phoenix Hotel has attracted the cool crowd since it served as a hangout for classic rock bands in the 1950s. In its current incarnation, the hotel is located in San Francisco’s Tenderloin area and has a sophisticated mid-century aesthetic. The rooms are compact and unadorned, but they make up for their lack of space with textured cushions, live-edge coffee tables, and striking accents of color. Some of the suites have separate living areas as well as private balconies.
The hotel’s central location makes exploring all that San Francisco offers easy, and its stylish setting makes it the perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay or a place to see and be seen, the Phoenix Hotel will meet your needs.
W San Francisco ($$)
When it comes to finding a hip and happening place to stay in San Francisco, the W Hotel is definitely at the top of the list. Centrally located and just a short walk from the renowned San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, this hotel boasts a vibrant lobby bar called the Living Room, an illuminated LED map of the city hanging over the front desk, and fireplaces that provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout.
Following a significant restoration project in 2019, all of the guest rooms have been modernized and now boast a variety of modern amenities. Many rooms are large and spacious, with some even providing panoramic views of downtown San Francisco. Other on-site highlights not to be missed include the farm-to-table restaurant TRACE and the 24-hour fitness center, which features a futuristic design and a dome ceiling that illuminates various colors at night.
Hotel Emblem ($)
The Mid-Century Modern movement was one of the most influential design movements of the 20th century, and its impact can still be seen in many areas of contemporary life. This boutique hotel pays tribute to the mid-century Beat Generation with its dark and moody public spaces, text written on the walls and floors, and typewriters as its source of inspiration.
The hotel’s central location in Union Square means guests can easily access various entertainment options, including shopping, dining, and drinking. The Obscenity Bar & Lounge at the hotel is the perfect place to end the night since it regularly features live jazz and poetry slams. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay while in town for business or pleasure, Hotel Emblem is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
The Golden Gate Hotel ($$)
The Golden Gate hotel is a pet-friendly hotel located in a towering Edwardian building. The exterior of the building is visually unique and charming, and the interior is just as lovely. The hotel has a historic birdcage elevator to get you from floor to floor, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea with cookies.
Union Square and the Theatre District are a few minutes walk away, and remember to say hi and bye to The Golden Gate’s resident cat Pip. The Golden Gate hotel is a great place to stay for both humans and pets alike.
Best Hotels in San Francisco
As you can see, various hotels in the city of San Francisco cater to a wide range of needs and preferences. So whether you’re looking for a luxurious and modern hotel or a more laid-back and vintage-inspired option, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay during your next visit to San Francisco.
