Discover San Francisco - Hills, cable cars, and Golden Gate magic
Hotels in San Francisco blend Victorian charm with tech-world sophistication, from boutique stays in converted Edwardian townhouses to contemporary towers near Union Square and waterfront properties overlooking Alcatraz. You’ll find everything from historic Fisherman’s Wharf lodgings to design-led hotels in SoMa’s tech corridor, all with access to steep hills, cable car rides, and the Golden Gate Bridge framing fog-kissed views. Whether you’re here for tech conferences, exploring Haight-Ashbury’s hippie legacy, or simply enjoying California’s most European city, there’s a stay to match your visit.
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The San Francisco skyline with the Bay Bridge in the foreground
Where to Stay in San Francisco
San Francisco packs diverse neighbourhoods into a compact seven-by-seven-mile peninsula, each with distinct character from Victorian elegance to waterfront tourism. Your choice shapes whether you wake to cable car bells or bay views.
Union Square and Downtown – The commercial heart with shopping, theatres, cable car turnarounds, and central location. Perfect for first-timers wanting walkable access to major attractions and public transport connections.
Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 – The tourist waterfront with seafood restaurants, sea lions, Alcatraz ferries, and maritime atmosphere. Ideal for families and first-time visitors wanting classic San Francisco experiences.
Nob Hill and Russian Hill – Elegant hilltop neighbourhoods with historic hotels, steep streets, cable cars, and residential charm. Appeals to couples and luxury seekers wanting sophisticated surroundings.
SoMa and Financial District – The business and tech centre with convention hotels, museums, Oracle Park baseball stadium, and urban energy. Suits business travellers and conference attendees.
Marina and Cow Hollow – Upscale residential areas with boutique shopping, restaurants, Palace of Fine Arts, and Fort Mason proximity. Great for travellers seeking neighbourhood character and bay access.
The sloped streets of downtown San Francisco
Best Hotels in San Francisco
San Francisco’s hotel scene celebrates Victorian heritage and modern innovation, from cable car-era grand dames to design-forward boutiques and tech-savvy properties. Whether you’re after bay views, historic charm, or simply a central base near BART, there’s a stay to suit every traveller and budget.
Best Luxury Hotels in San Francisco
The Fairmont San Francisco (5-star) – An iconic 1907 Nob Hill palace with bay views, rooftop garden, and legendary San Francisco grandeur. Perfect for special occasions and history lovers wanting classic elegance.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco (5-star) – A contemporary tower near Yerba Buena Gardens with spa, refined service, and urban sophistication. Ideal for luxury travellers and business executives seeking polished comfort.
The St. Regis San Francisco (5-star) – A SoMa tower with museum proximity, butler service, and modern luxury near cultural attractions. Suits art lovers and luxury seekers wanting contemporary elegance.
Best Union Square Hotels in San Francisco
Hotel Nikko San Francisco (4-star) – A Japanese-inspired hotel with indoor pool, zen aesthetic, and central Union Square location. Great for shoppers and travellers wanting Asian hospitality touches.
Handlery Union Square Hotel (4-star) – A family-owned property with outdoor pool, parking, and mid-century character. Perfect for families and drivers wanting central convenience with facilities.
Hotel Zephyr (3-star) – A nautical-themed Fisherman’s Wharf hotel with bay views, fire pits, and waterfront location. Ideal for families wanting tourist area proximity.
Best Boutique Hotels in San Francisco
Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco (4-star) – A rock-and-roll-themed boutique near Union Square with bold interiors, game room, and rebellious spirit. Appeals to music fans and design enthusiasts.
The Marker San Francisco (4-star) – A theatre district boutique with library lounge, artistic touches, and cultural programming. Perfect for culture seekers and couples wanting intimate luxury.
Phoenix Hotel (3-star) – A rock-and-roll motor lodge in the Tenderloin with pool, artistic vibe, and edgy character. Suits adventurous travellers and music industry visitors.
Best Waterfront Hotels in San Francisco
Argonaut Hotel (4-star) – A historic cannery building at Fisherman’s Wharf with maritime decor, bay views, and family-friendly atmosphere. Great for families and history enthusiasts.
Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf (4-star) – A contemporary boutique near Ghirardelli Square with modern design and waterfront proximity. Perfect for couples and sightseers.
Pier 2620 Hotel (4-star) – A Fisherman’s Wharf property with nautical theme, family rooms, and tourist area convenience. Ideal for families prioritising location.
Best Nob Hill Hotels in San Francisco
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco (4-star) – A 1926 Nob Hill landmark with Top of the Mark skyline bar and historic elegance. Appeals to romantics and cocktail enthusiasts.
The Scarlet Huntington (4-star) – An intimate Nob Hill boutique with residential atmosphere, elegant rooms, and cable car proximity. Suits couples and luxury travellers.
Best Budget Hotels in San Francisco
Hotel Stratford (2-star) – A Union Square budget hotel with basic rooms and central location. Great for budget travellers prioritising location over amenities.
San Remo Hotel (2-star) – A Victorian-era North Beach hotel with shared bathrooms, period charm, and bohemian atmosphere. Perfect for backpackers wanting character on a budget.
HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel (hostel) – A central hostel with dorms, private rooms, and Union Square proximity. Ideal for solo travellers and backpackers.
HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel (hostel) – A waterfront hostel in Fort Mason with bay views, shared facilities, and budget beds. Suits young travellers exploring California.
Top Things to Do in San Francisco
- Golden Gate Bridge – The iconic orange suspension bridge with walking paths, vista points, and photo opportunities. A must for all visitors and photographers.
- Alcatraz Island – The infamous former federal prison with audio tours, prison cells, and bay views requiring advance ferry bookings. Perfect for history buffs and families.
- Cable Cars – Historic streetcars climbing steep hills offering quintessential San Francisco transport experience. Great for tourists and anyone wanting classic city experiences.
- Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 – Tourist waterfront with sea lions, seafood restaurants, street performers, and souvenir shops. Ideal for families and first-time visitors.
- Golden Gate Park – A vast urban park with museums, gardens, bison paddock, and Golden Gate Bridge views. Appeals to nature lovers and museum enthusiasts.
- Chinatown – North America’s oldest Chinatown with temples, dim sum restaurants, fortune cookie factories, and cultural heritage. Perfect for foodies and culture seekers.
Cable cars on California Street, San Francisco
Getting to and Around San Francisco
By BART and Muni: Bay Area Rapid Transit connects the airport and East Bay, while Muni operates buses, metro, and historic streetcars throughout San Francisco.
By Cable Car: Historic cable cars serve tourist areas connecting Powell Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill with single rides or day passes available.
By Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate throughout San Francisco with app-based pricing, often more convenient than public transport for hilly terrain navigation.
By Air: San Francisco International Airport serves global destinations 14 miles south with BART trains to downtown in 30 minutes or rideshares available.
When to Visit San Francisco
Spring (March to May) – Mild weather with blooming gardens, moderate crowds, and comfortable temperatures before summer fog arrives. Hotel prices are reasonable with pleasant exploration conditions.
Summer (June to August) – Peak tourist season with persistent fog, cool temperatures surprising visitors, and highest hotel rates. Pack layers for unpredictable microclimates and morning fog.
Autumn (September to October) – San Francisco’s warmest season with clear skies, sunny days, and comfortable temperatures often called “Indian Summer”. Mid-range hotel prices with best weather.
Winter (November to February) – Cool, rainy months with lowest hotel rates, fewer tourists, and occasional storms. Perfect for budget travellers and indoor museum exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco safe for tourists staying in hotels?
Popular areas like Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Nob Hill are generally safe, though the Tenderloin and parts of SoMa require caution. Research specific neighbourhoods before booking.
Do San Francisco hotels charge resort fees?
Some San Francisco hotels add daily amenity or urban destination fees of 15-35 dollars on top of room rates. Always check total costs including fees before booking.
Can I walk between San Francisco hotels and attractions?
San Francisco is compact and walkable, though steep hills make some routes challenging. Cable cars, buses, and rideshares help navigate the topography efficiently.
Do San Francisco hotels include parking?
Most hotels charge 40-75 dollars per day for parking due to limited space. Consider using public transport or rideshares to avoid expensive parking fees.
Why is San Francisco so cold in summer?
Summer fog keeps temperatures cool, especially near the coast. Pack layers and a jacket even in July and August, as temperatures rarely exceed 21°C (70°F).
Can I book San Francisco hotels through easyStay with free cancellation?
Yes, most easyStay listings include flexible cancellation. Look for “Free Cancellation” before confirming your stay.
Book Your Stay in San Francisco Today
Victorian grandeur to waterfront charm, hotels in San Francisco put you at the heart of California’s most beloved city. Whether you’re chasing Golden Gate views, cable car adventures, or simply enjoying fog-kissed hills, there’s a perfect Bay Area base waiting.
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