Posted: May 10, 24 | May 10, 2024
San Francisco is one of my favorite cities in America. I always look forward to my next visit. There's amazing food here (especially Asian food) and it's close to a great national park where you can hike among towering redwoods.
However, thanks to its rapidly developing technology sector, the city is also one of the most expensive cities in the country. As much as I love visiting, it's easy to break the bank here. Especially when it comes to accommodation. There are tons of hotels in the city, but not all of them are worth staying at (something I learned the hard way).
I've been moving back and forth to SF for over 10 years and have stayed in a variety of hotels over the years. To help you plan your trip, here is a list of the best hotels in San Francisco:
1. Argonaut Hotel
This award-winning 4-star boutique hotel has a nautical theme throughout its former 20th-century warehouse building. Located in Fisherman's Wharf, the spacious rooms are all decorated in blue and white, with exposed brick walls, wooden beams and wall features such as a large compass or mirrors shaped like ship windows. Some rooms also offer great views of the bay. Each room features a mini-fridge, minibar stocked with local food, a 50-inch HDTV, and a coffee maker with complimentary locally roasted coffee. The bathroom is a bit small and outdated, but the water pressure in the shower is good (a big plus in my book).
There is also a 24-hour fitness center, in-room spa services, and a seafood restaurant with a daily USD 15 credit toward your room rate. The restaurant also serves breakfast in the morning. It's a bit pricey (like everything else in the area), but it's pretty tasty. A variety of omelet options are included as well as French toast and pancakes. I especially like that the hotel is eco-friendly. They eliminate single-use plastics in their rooms, use water conservation systems, and even use compost in their hotel restaurants. You can also take one of the complimentary bikes for a pedal-powered exploration. Even if you are traveling with your dog, this hotel is dog friendly.
2. Fairmont San Francisco
Located in posh Nob Hill, this 5-star hotel is an iconic symbol of elegance and luxury. Boasting unique architecture, this historic hotel has been welcoming guests from all over the world for over 100 years. I love the timeless grandeur of the décor: marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, and ornate furniture.
The spacious rooms feature high ceilings and amenities including a flat-screen TV, a desk with USB ports, tea/coffee making facilities, and a safe. The bathroom is spacious and includes a marble bathtub, plush bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries. With a spa, gym, and several restaurants (one of which serves a great breakfast), the whole place feels like a resort. Don’t miss the Tonga Room, a legendary tiki bar located in the basement. There's even a lagoon with a floating stage where bands play. You have to see it to believe it!
3. Little Inn
I love this French-style 3-star B&B located on the edge of Nob Hill and Union Square. Uniquely patterned walls, hardwood floors, antique wooden furniture, and some rooms even have fireplaces make you feel like you're staying in an old farmhouse. A complimentary continental breakfast is served in the morning (including pastries, cereals, yogurt, eggs, juice and coffee), and a happy hour with wine and snacks is offered in the evening.
All rooms are spacious and fit the hotel's style, with floral wallpaper, bookshelves, wooden desks and armoires, and soft beds. In-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, hair dryers, and luxury bath amenities. The bathroom is a bit small and the shower pressure is a bit weak, but that's a minor point as overall the property is very cozy and unique.
4. Inn San Francisco
This cute 3-star B&B is the best place to stay in the Mission District (a great area for both nightlife and food). It's located in a classic Victorian mansion from the 1870s, and I really love the vibe of it. It's full of character, with a grand double drawing room decorated with woodwork, a marble fireplace, stained glass windows and old photographs of the area on the walls. It's really beautiful.
All rooms are uniquely decorated with antique furniture and décor and are equipped with modern amenities including HDTVs, mini-fridges, and comfortable beds. All bathrooms are different (some have clawfoot bathtubs) but all are beautifully tiled and come with free toiletries. A delicious breakfast buffet is included, offering a variety of options including fresh fruit, pastries, quiches, cold cuts, eggs and more. After a long day, you can enjoy a glass of sherry on the rooftop sundeck or in the hot tub (open 24 hours a day) in the tranquil English garden. If you're looking for unique accommodation that truly captures the city's historic essence, this is it.
5. Hotel emblem
As a fan of Beat Generationon the road (one of my favorite travel books), I think this beatnik themed 4 star hotel is really neat. There are books in the lobby, large quotes printed on the walls, and desks with inspiration boards above every room, which really fits the literary theme. I especially love the hotel's atmospheric speakeasy bar, which hosts poetry slams and serves great craft cocktails. A complimentary glass of sangria is also provided upon check-in.
The various rooms all feature velvet chairs, pillowtop mattresses, smart TVs, Nespresso coffee machines, safes and bedside USB outlets. The spacious bathroom features complimentary bath amenities and plush bathrobes. We also appreciated the healthy breakfast options available at the cafe adjacent to the hotel (breakfast bowls, smoothies, juices, yogurt and granola with fresh fruit, etc.). This hotel is conveniently located on the border of Union Square and the Nob Hill area, less than a block from the cable car stop and a short walk to the BART station, which provides access to downtown. You can get around very easily.
San Francisco is one of America's cultural capitals. I always stop here whenever I travel to California. It's really fun and beautiful. I always love spending time here. You can enjoy a memorable stay in Golden City by choosing a hotel from the list above.
Book a Trip to San Francisco: Logistics Tips and Tricks
flight reservation
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. My favorite search engine searches websites and airlines around the world so you always know everything.
Accommodation Reservation
You can book hostels through Hostelworld, which offers the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, try Booking.com. We consistently offer the lowest rates on guesthouses and budget hotels.
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. Comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I can't go on a trip without it, as I've had to use it several times in the past. Here are some of my favorite companies that offer the best service and value:
Are you looking for the best company to save money?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list everything I use to save money on the go. You can also save money when traveling.
Need a guide?
San Francisco has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. You'll have a professional guide to show you around the city's best attractions. This is a walking tour company I often go to!
Want more information about San Francisco?
Be sure to visit our powerful destination guide to San Francisco for more planning tips!