Known globally as the cultural, commercial, and financial hub of California, San Francisco is a bustling bubble of excitement with plenty to explore for travellers of all kinds. Whether you’re looking for a city break, a coastal retreat, or an adventurous getaway, San Francisco has all this to offer.
With views over to the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, as well as the exquisite San Francisco Bay, you can explore some of America’s greatest human-made landmarks while being steps away from some of its most beautiful natural landscapes.
There is an array of fascinating museums to explore if the weather isn’t too good, and neighbouring Treasure Island, Alcatraz and Angel Island State Park are just waiting to be discovered along the coastline. And, of course, San Fran has some of the best hotels in California, so you can rest easy in some delightful accommodation.
Let’s have a look at the best hotels in San Fransico:
1. The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square
Source: booking.comThis is a delightful hotel in a gorgeous building. Each room oozes character, but not at the expense of modern conveniences. Every room is large and well-equipped, with free Wi-Fi; some of them even have sweeping bay windows giving you glorious views across San Francisco Bay.
Location: Ghirardelli Square is one of the most bustling areas of the city centre, and the doors of the hotel open to a winery and an ice cream shop.
The National Maritime Museum and Fisherman’s Wharf are both just a two-minute walk away, and the Golden Gate Bridge is practically within arm’s reach.
2. Courtyard by Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf
Source: www.booking.comThis stylish and modern hotel is simple yet practical. There’s an onsite fitness centre if you want to burn off some steam, and a business centre that is perfect if you’re coming for a work trip.
Location: If you are coming for a recreational visit, this is an excellent choice. Located in the popular Fisherman’s Wharf area, you’ll have fantastic views across San Francisco Bay.
If you’re looking for an evening out, why not take the ten-minute walk to Pier 39, which hosts some gorgeous restaurants and bars overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
3. Galleria Park
Source: www.booking.comMarble-topped surfaces, glass ceilings, and a rooftop terrace to enjoy fabulous views – this hotel is a brilliant example of San Francisco’s lovely architecture.
There’s free Wi-Fi and great activities such as wine tasting laid on for guests in the evening.
Location: Centrally located in the lively Union Square, you’ll be next door to loads of entertainment, shopping, and dining places.
Here, you’ll be just three minutes away from Montgomery Street BART Station, which can take you straight to the airport.
4. Hotel Via
Source: www.booking.comTake in the glorious views of San Francisco’s unmistakable skyline from Hotel Via’s sun terrace, on which there’s a rooftop bar for you to enjoy a cocktail or two.
Amazingly fast Wi-Fi will keep you connected, and the breakfast café will fuel you up before a day of exploring.
Location: Hotel Via is located in the South Beach neighbourhood just across the street from the lovely Oracle Park.
The bustling centre of Union Square is just over a mile away, and the airport is about ten miles away.
5. Hotel Vitale
Source: www.booking.comIf you’re looking for somewhere to truly relax, this is the choice for you. You can enjoy a range of treatments from hotel Vitale’s onsite spa or soak in the tub in the bamboo garden.
Other amenities include a gorgeous rooftop bar overlooking the Embarcadero waterfront and a circular cocktail lounge with terrace.
Location: The airport is just over 30 minutes’ drive away, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is only about five miles away.
You’ll be overlooking the eastern side of San Francisco’s coastline from Hotel Vitale, which boasts views over to Treasure Island.
6. Hotel Drisco
Source: booking.comDating back to 1903, Hotel Drisco is a perfect example of San Francisco’s famous historical architecture.
Every room has a huge flat-screen TV, a soft, comfortable bed and a lovely, modern ensuite. A delicious breakfast is served every morning, and there’s a 24-hour fitness centre.
Location: Hotel Drisco is located in the Pacific Heights neighbourhood of San Francisco, which is a gorgeous leafy suburb not far from the city centre.
Nearby attractions include Presidio National Park, which is just a five-minute walk away.
7. Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa
Source: www.booking.comThis is an elegant, relaxed hotel with a chilled-out atmosphere, overlooking the Sausalito waterfront and marina.
With an onsite spa, you can have a range of treatments to allow you to unwind before grabbing a bite to eat at the fabulous onsite restaurant. Or just relax in one of the large rooms, some of which have balconies.
Location: The Golden Gate Ferry is just 500 yards away; this will take you to downtown San Francisco – a lovely way to travel around the city.
You can also easily access the Sausalito waterfront walkway from here, where you can get breathtaking views of Alcatraz.
8. Kensington Park Hotel
Source: www.booking.comThis is a gorgeous period property with glittering crystal chandeliers and characterful wooden beams.
The Farallon Restaurant offers delicious seaside cuisine and interesting décor. There’s also a business centre onsite if you have work to do.
Location: Set in the heart of Downtown, you’ll have great access to the city centre’s best art galleries and shops.
Fisherman’s Wharf is a 25-minute cable car ride away, and the airport is just a 40-minute drive away.
9. Comfort Inn By the Bay Hotel San Francisco
Source: www.booking.comThe clue is in the name with this one. If you want a comfortable and cosy stay, this is the choice for you.
With great Wi-Fi and a delicious complimentary American breakfast every morning, this will be your home away from home as you explore San Francisco.
Location: This hotel is just five minutes’ walk from Lombard Street, which is known as ‘the crookedest street in the world’.
Chinatown is just 1.2 miles away, and the famous Golden Gate Bridge is just over three miles away.
10. Pacifica Lighthouse Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Source: www.booking.comThis hotel is a little out of the city centre, but boy is it spectacular.
Take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the hot tub as you drink in the fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean, which is right on your doorstep.
The onsite restaurant, Moonraker, also offers incredible seafood.
Location: South of the centre of San Francisco, this is the best choice for someone looking for a more epic getaway by the sea.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a 15-minute drive away, and the airport is about the same distance.
11. Hampton Inn San Francisco Daly City
Source: www.booking.comThis fun and quirky hotel is another out of city centre option if you’re looking to access the surrounding areas of San Fran.
There is a daily free hot breakfast, onsite fitness centre, and free Wi-Fi.
Location: Just a 15-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport, this hotel is conveniently located.
Nearby attractions include the San Bruno Mountain State & County Park, which is great for hiking. But if you want to get into the city centre, hop on the BART in Daly City, just a short walk from the hotel.
12. Hotel Triton
Source: www.booking.comThis is a rustic and trendy hotel in the very heart of San Francisco’s bustling centre.
Originally opened in 1913, this hotel oozes history and character while offering some excellent facilities, like Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs in every room, as well as art exhibits from local artists.
Location: San Francisco International Airport is just under 14 miles away, and Union Square is just a five-minute walk away.
13. Kimpton Buchanan Hotel
Source: www.booking.comKimpton Buchanan Hotel is adorned with gorgeous Japanese artwork, which covers the walls of the lovely onsite restaurant and large, contemporary rooms.
Boasting a characterful bar and pleasant outdoor terrace, you’ll be catered for whatever the weather.
Location: Situated in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown, you’ll be surrounded by amazing Japanese bars and restaurants. You can even catch a movie at the neighbouring Sundance Kabuki Cinema.
Hop on a bus if you want to take a short one-mile ride down to Union Square.
14. Anchor Inn Pacifica
Source: www.booking.comIf you want to visit San Francisco’s city centre but also be close to the local beaches and hiking trails, this is the place for you.
This hotel works in units, offering you your own space with a kitchenette and seating area, all with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Location: To the south of the city of San Francisco, this is right on the edge of the USA on the Pacific coast.
San Francisco International Airport is just 11 miles away, and you can get to the city centre of San Francisco easily along the motorway.
15. Chelsea Inn
Source: www.booking.comThis is a higgledy-piggledy period property with tonnes of character and excellent access to local attractions.
There is a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a seating area in every room, as well as free parking.
Location: Chelsea Inn is located directly between the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, so you can easily access both.
Within a mile, you can find the iconic Union Square and Lombard Street to get your fix of shops and restaurants.