San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in the United States. I always look forward to my next visit. It has a great food scene (especially Asian food) and it’s close to some stunning national parks where you can hike among towering redwoods.
However, thanks to the booming tech scene, it’s also one of the most expensive cities in the country. As much as I love visiting the city, it’s easy to spend a fortune here. Especially on accommodation. There are an abundance of hotels in the city, but not all of them are worth staying (something I learned the hard way).
As someone who has been visiting SF on and off for over a decade, I’ve stayed in many different hotels over the years. Here’s my list of the best hotels in San Francisco to help you plan your trip:
1. Argonaut Hotel
In a nod to the building’s former life as a warehouse in the 20th century, everything at this award-winning four-star boutique hotel is nautical-themed. The spacious rooms on Fisherman’s Wharf are all decorated in blue and white, with exposed brick walls and wood beams, and wall decorations like large compasses or mirrors shaped like ship windows. Some also offer excellent bay views. Each room has a mini-fridge and minibar stocked with local goodies, a 50-inch HDTV, and a coffeemaker with free locally roasted coffee. The bathrooms are a bit small and dated, but the water pressure in the showers is good (a big plus in my eyes).
There’s also a 24-hour fitness center, in-room spa services, and a seafood restaurant where you get a $15 daily credit with your room. The restaurant also serves breakfast in the morning, and while it’s a bit pricey (like everything in this part of town), it’s pretty tasty, with plenty of omelet options, as well as French toast and pancakes. I especially like how eco-friendly the hotel is. They avoid single-use plastic in the rooms, use water-saving systems, and even compost in the hotel restaurant. You can also borrow one of the complimentary bikes to explore the area via pedal power. And if you’re traveling with your dog, the hotel is dog-friendly too.
2. Fairmont San Francisco
This five-star hotel in posh Nob Hill is an iconic symbol of elegance and luxury. With its distinctive architecture, this historic hotel has been welcoming guests from all over the world for over a century. I love the timeless grandeur it exudes, with its opulent decor featuring marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, and ornate furniture.
The rooms are spacious, with high ceilings, and amenities like a flat-screen TV, a desk with built-in USB ports, a tea/coffee maker, and a safe. Bathrooms are also large and feature marble bathtubs, plush robes and slippers, and complimentary toiletries. The entire hotel feels like a resort, with a spa, gym, and several restaurants (one of which serves an excellent breakfast). Don’t miss the kitschy Tonga Room, the legendary basement tiki bar—there’s even a lagoon with a floating stage where bands play. You have to see it to believe it!
3. Petite Auberge
I love this French-style bed and breakfast, which has three stars and is on the edge of Nob Hill and Union Square. The decor makes you feel like you’re staying in an old farmhouse, with uniquely patterned walls, hardwood floors, antique wood furniture, and a fireplace in some rooms. There’s a free continental breakfast in the morning (with pastries, cereal, yogurt, eggs, juice, and coffee), and there’s a happy hour in the evening with wine and snacks.
All rooms are spacious and in keeping with the hotel’s style, with floral wallpaper, bookshelves, wooden desks and cabinets, and plush beds. In-room amenities include a flat-screen TV, bathrobes, hairdryer, and luxury bath products. The bathrooms are a little small and the shower pressure is a little weak, but these are minor issues, as overall this place is super cozy and unique.
4. Inn San Francisco
This lovely three-star bed and breakfast is the best place to stay in the Mission District (a great area for nightlife and dining). It’s housed in a classic 1870s Victorian mansion, and I love the vibe here. The place is bursting with character, with large double parlors adorned with woodwork, marble fireplaces, stained glass windows, and old photographs of the area on the walls. It’s truly beautiful.
All rooms are uniquely decorated with antique furniture and decor, but still have modern amenities like an HDTV, mini-fridge, and comfortable beds. All bathrooms are different (some have freestanding tubs), but all are beautifully tiled and offer complimentary toiletries. There’s a delicious breakfast buffet included in the rate, with a huge variety of options, like fresh fruit, pastries, quiche, cold cuts, and eggs. After a long day, you’ll be treated to a glass of sherry, which you can enjoy on the rooftop sundeck or in the hot tub (open 24 hours) in the tranquil English garden behind the property. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay that really captures the historic essence of the city, this is the place to stay.
5. Hotel Emblem
As a fan of the Beat Generation (On the Road is one of my favorite travel books), I absolutely love this four-star beatnik-style hotel. It really leans into its literary theme, with a reading corner in the lobby, giant quotes on the walls, and a desk with an inspiration board above it in every room. I especially love the hotel’s atmospheric speakeasy bar, which hosts poetry slams and serves excellent cocktails. You’ll also receive a complimentary glass of sangria upon check-in.
The eclectic rooms all feature velvet chairs, pillowtop mattresses, a smart TV, Nespresso coffee machine, safe, and bedside USB ports. The large bathrooms also come with lovely complimentary bath products and fluffy robes. I also appreciate the healthy breakfast options (like breakfast bowls, smoothies, juices, and granola with yogurt and fresh fruit) at the hotel’s adjacent cafe. The hotel is conveniently located on the border of the Union Square and Nob Hill neighborhoods, less than a block from a cable car stop and a short walk from a BART station, making it easy to get around the city from here.
San Francisco is one of the cultural epicenters of the United States. Whenever I road trip through California, I stop here. It’s just so fun and beautiful. I always love my time here. Just choose a hotel from the list above and you’ll have an unforgettable stay in the Golden City.