Where to Stay in San Francisco

Hard truth about a city I love: There are only a few decent places to stay, and even those aren't great. Not much remarkable interior design, few amenities, and almost nothing that feels like a good value.

It's a pity because there is so much potential.

I'm focusing on options that are close to attractions and mass transit and tend to be in areas where the city is making an extra effort to keep broom-swept clean.

There are also some fine options from the usual suspects—like the St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton —but I'm not including them here because if that’s your thing, they're already obvious.

Modern and Convenient

These new or recently updated hotels all happen to be near the waterfront and walkable to downtown.

Luma Hotel – Mission Bay

Near the ballpark. We love the views, the rooftop bar and restaurant, and the convenience of the Muni's T-Line. This light rail will take you up and down Third Street, as well as underground to Union Square and Chinatown. My kids love that the hotel delivers room service with a robot.

1 Hotel – Embarcadero

For a tourist visit, this location doesn't get much better. Smack dab across the street from the Ferry Building—a hub for food and ferry rides on the bay—as well as sweeping views of the Bay Bridge.

Hyatt Regency – Embarcadero

The hotel is renowned for its dramatic brutalist architecture and striking atrium lobby, which is the largest of any hotel in the world. Similar to the 1 Hotel, it's conveniently located near the intersection of Market Street and the Embarcadero, making it easily accessible to the Ferry Building and historic cable cars. The building was constructed in the 70s, and you should expect some wear and tear from this mostly business-traveler hotel, but it's a pretty safe option given its convenience and relatively modest prices. A room with a view of the bay would make a stay here more memorable.

Grand Old Dames

These are the classic palaces built in the style and tradition of the city's gold baron glory days. The lobbies are splendid, and the on-site restaurants are portals to another vintage of hospitality, but the rooms tend to be stuffy if not a little shabby.

Beacon Grand – Union Square

Formerly known as the Sir Francis Drake, this hotel was once one of San Francisco's star attractions. There's a fair amount of history that's worth reading. It towers over Union Square, and the Powell Street cable car runs past the lobby. It was updated in 2022.

Palace Hotel – SoMa

Opened in 1875 and rebuilt in 1909 after the earthquake, there are many elegant interiors like the glass-domed Garden Court, a favorite for afternoon tea. It's within walking distance of the Financial District, Union Square, and the Embarcadero, so it's a convenient base for both business and tourism. There's an indoor pool.

Fairmont – Nob Hill

Perched atop Nob Hill, the Fairmont has sweeping city and bay views. It's best known for its iconic Tonga Room tiki bar. There's also cable car access right outside. If you stay here, make sure to run across the street to the Mark Hopkins to visit their sky lounge, Top of the Mark. Stunning views.

Nice but Pricey

The Jay – Financial District

Marriott’s take on a boutique hotel. Spacious rooms, decent art, upscale amenities. There are several dining options, and it's known for being meticulously clean.

The Battery – Jackson Square

The Battery is an exclusive private club that offers 14 rooms to non-members, granting them temporary access to the club’s amenities. The common areas are richly designed, but the rooms seem more like an afterthought.

Comfortable but Car Dependent

I prioritize walkability and connectivity to the whole city. The following hotels are highly reviewed, but I believe they may be impractical for tourists because transit times to attractions like SFMOMA can take up to an hour (although there is an occasional free downtown shuttle) . You'll probably be Waymo-ing everywhere, but the upside is that you're close to much of SF's natural splendor around the Golden Gate Bridge and Presidio.

Hotel Drisco – Pacific Heights

I wish there were more hotels like this in San Francisco: something situated within one of our beautiful, peaceful neighborhoods. Although I have never stayed here, my friends who have visited rave about its simple elegance and bed-and-breakfast comforts. It seems like an ideal place to treat Mom and Dad when they visit.

Inn at the Presidio – Presidio

A serene retreat within the Presidio, an 18th-century military post turned into a forested park with trails and excellent views of the bay. The building is a Georgian Revival typical of officer housing on the former base; you'll find rocking chairs on porches and gas fireplaces in many of the rooms.

Honorable Mentions

• The Omni is highly reviewed and often fairly priced. You just have to love conservative interiors filled with deep burgundies, golds, and dark woods.
• The Proper and the Timbri (formerly The Line) are SF's answers to a design hotel. Regrettably, open drug use surrounds them, often leading to disturbing encounters on the nearby sidewalks.
• The Palihotel near Union Square is stylish and a good value. A sort of junior varsity version of an Ace Hotel. Note that I see many mixed reviews with nitpicks about the elevators, noise, and wifi. Given the price, it could be considered a fair trade.
• I asked around, and many people suggested Hotel Kabuki in Japantown. I've only visited the lobby bar, which is lovely, but the word is that the rooms pale in comparison.
• If you're flexible and curious about staying out of the city, Cavallo Point Lodge is just across the Golden Gate Bridge.