Best hotels & accommodations in San Francisco

We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in San Francisco as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places with at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.

 

Best cheap hotel in San Francisco: The Inn at Union Square

Best boutique hotel in San Francisco: Hotel Zetta

Best luxury hotel in San Francisco: Hotel St. Regis

Best hostel in San Francisco: HI San Francisco Downtown

Best eco-friendly hotel in San Francisco: Hotel Nikko

List view List view
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Guest rating
Price (usd)
Hotel Drisco, San Francisco

Recommended by:

Lonely Planet, Fodors, Forbes, Frommers, Telegraph

4.8 / 5
306 euro 272 gbp 379 usd 40174 jpy 295 cad 295 aud 2967 hkd 500 sgd 356 chf 2406 cny 3126 sek 2289 dkk 2952 nok
Palace Hotel, San Francisco

Recommended by:

New York Times, CNN, Frommers, Telegraph

4.4 / 5
157 euro 140 gbp 195 usd 20670 jpy 152 cad 152 aud 1526 hkd 257 sgd 183 chf 1238 cny 1608 sek 1177 dkk 1519 nok
Argonaut Hotel, San Francisco

Recommended by:

Fodors, Lonely Planet, Frommers, Telegraph

4.4 / 5
169 euro 150 gbp 209 usd 22154 jpy 163 cad 163 aud 1636 hkd 275 sgd 196 chf 1327 cny 1724 sek 1262 dkk 1628 nok
Four Seasons Hotel, San Francisco

Recommended by:

Fodors, Frommers, Forbes, Telegraph

4.4 / 5
344 euro 306 gbp 425 usd 45050 jpy 331 cad 331 aud 3327 hkd 561 sgd 399 chf 2698 cny 3506 sek 2567 dkk 3310 nok
Hotel Zetta, San Francisco

Recommended by:

New York Times, Fodors, Telegraph

4.4 / 5
153 euro 136 gbp 189 usd 20034 jpy 147 cad 147 aud 1479 hkd 249 sgd 177 chf 1200 cny 1559 sek 1141 dkk 1472 nok
Axiom Hotel, San Francisco

Recommended by:

New York Times, Fodors, Telegraph

4.3 / 5
123 euro 109 gbp 152 usd 16112 jpy 118 cad 118 aud 1190 hkd 200 sgd 142 chf 965 cny 1254 sek 918 dkk 1184 nok
Hotel The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

Recommended by:

Fodors, Frommers, Telegraph

4.4 / 5
315 euro 280 gbp 389 usd 41234 jpy 303 cad 303 aud 3045 hkd 513 sgd 365 chf 2470 cny 3209 sek 2349 dkk 3030 nok
Hotel St. Regis, San Francisco

Recommended by:

Frommers, Fodors, Forbes

4.6 / 5
344 euro 306 gbp 425 usd 45050 jpy 331 cad 331 aud 3327 hkd 561 sgd 399 chf 2698 cny 3506 sek 2567 dkk 3310 nok
Hotel Vitale, San Francisco

Recommended by:

Lonely Planet, Fodors

4.3 / 5
190 euro 169 gbp 235 usd 24910 jpy 183 cad 183 aud 1840 hkd 310 sgd 220 chf 1492 cny 1938 sek 1419 dkk 1830 nok
Hotel Boheme, San Francisco

Recommended by:

Lonely Planet

4.4 / 5
142 euro 126 gbp 176 usd 18656 jpy 137 cad 137 aud 1378 hkd 232 sgd 165 chf 1117 cny 1452 sek 1063 dkk 1371 nok
Kimpton Buchanan Hotel, San Francisco

Recommended by:

New York Times

4.3 / 5
133 euro 118 gbp 165 usd 17490 jpy 128 cad 128 aud 1291 hkd 217 sgd 155 chf 1047 cny 1361 sek 996 dkk 1285 nok
Grand Hyatt Union Square, San Francisco

Recommended by:

CNN

4.4 / 5
153 euro 136 gbp 189 usd 20034 jpy 147 cad 147 aud 1479 hkd 249 sgd 177 chf 1200 cny 1559 sek 1141 dkk 1472 nok

FAQ

What are the best neighborhoods to stay in San Francisco?

San Francisco is synonymous with the Golden Gate, the steep hills engulfed in fog and the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Fisherman’s Wharf
Located on the water-front, this popular tourist destination is famous for crab cakes and clam chowder, dishes tantamount with the Wharf. The view is breathtaking of the Golden Gate and Alcatraz prison. Boutiques and cafes are found check and jowl close to the celebrated chocolate factory. Renowned hotels are located here.

Mission District
A vibrant area with strong Latin influence and happening vibe, there is an eclectic mix of taco shops, live music clubs, with celebrity chef restaurants and chic lounges and gourmet ice cream parlour. Top luxury hotels are found here.

Chinatown
One of the oldest Chinese establishment and its alleyways are filled with dim sum stalls. Gothic cock-tail lounges and karaoke bars are popular here. A bevy of luxury hotels as well as budget options are situated here.

The Castro
The name stands in conjunction with the gay culture. It has numerous bars and taverns that draw a huge number of revellers. Traditional homely restaurants are famous here and so are adult shops. The culinary revelation is as exotic as the inherent atmosphere of this place.

North Beach
A pulsating neighbourhood with rich Italian heritage offers you a plethora of options like jazz clubs, inns, family-run eateries, gelato parlours, cafe and retro flavoured bars. If you are looking for some authentic Italian experience while enjoying the wonderful Californian view, then this is the place for you.

Also check out our travel guide about the best areas to stay in San Francisco.

What is the best budget hotel in San Francisco?

If you're looking for a cheap hotel in San Francisco, then book The Inn at Union Square. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Also check out our list of the best cheap hotels in San Francisco.

What is the best boutique hotel in San Francisco?

You like some luxury but don't like the famous chain hotels. If you're looking for the best boutique hotel in San Francisco, you should check out Hotel Zetta. It's a very cool hotel that has been highly recommended by travelers and experts.
Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in San Francisco, it's a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.

What is the best luxury hotel in San Francisco?

If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in San Francisco, then go for Hotel St. Regis. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in San Francisco, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.

What is the best hostel in San Francisco?

Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in San Francisco? Check out HI San Francisco Downtown. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our list of the best hostels in San Francisco.

Which San Francisco hotel offers great views?

If you're looking for a room with a view, then try Grand Hyatt Union Square or Hotel Vitale. Both hotels offer amazing views of San Francisco according to recent customer reviews.

How much does it cost to stay in a San Francisco hotel?

For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $200 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $290 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star San Francisco hotel then you can expect to pay around $480 per night.

Which San Francisco hotel serves great breakfast?

Try Palace Hotel if you're looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in San Francisco. The hotel has excellent customer review ratings for breakfast.

Which San Francisco hotel is the best for couples?

Try Hotel Drisco if you're looking for a romantic getaway in San Francisco, it has some excellent recent customer reviews by couples.

What are the best things to do in San Francisco?

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge Catamaran Cruise. Take in views of San Francisco's iconic skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge like never before on this 1.5-hour catamaran adventure. Feel the wind in your hair and enjoy the ocean air as you look for sea lions lounging in the bay. Price: $60.

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country - Full Day Tour from San Francisco. Escape to California’s famous wine country on this full-day tour from San Francisco. Taste regional varietals at multiple wineries in Napa and Sonoma, including both big-name and family-run estates. Price: $149.

San Francisco Zoo Admission Ticket. Visit more than 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals set over 100 acres of majestic and peaceful gardens located directly on the Pacific Coast. Watch talks and feedings throughout the day as you find adventure around every corner. Price: $23.

More things to do in San Francisco

About San Francisco

There’s something so magical about the city by the bay, and it’s not just the views. Known as one of the greenest cities in America, San Francisco is a haven for nature lovers. With lush parks, winding trails, and several gardens at every turn, it feels like you are exploring a different world when you step foot here. Not to mention its proximity to natural wonders like Yosemite National Park—it makes perfect sense why this city is overflowing with such raw beauty. If you love exploring new places and want to learn more about everything the Bay Area has to offer, keep reading!

Get Around
If you are staying near Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf, you can easily walk to most places in the city. If you are staying a little further out, you can take the bus or metro system, which is super easy and efficient. If you want to explore the city but don’t want to walk everywhere, you can rent a bike from the city. If you are coming to San Francisco during the summer or winter, you need to consider the weather before you head out. In the summer, it is HOT and humid, so make sure to stay hydrated and take advantage of the city’s many indoor attractions. During the winter, it can get cold and rainy, so be sure to layer your clothes and take advantage of the city’s indoor attractions once again.

Hop on a Sightseeing Tour
There are so many incredible tours to choose from in San Francisco, it can be hard to decide which ones to go on. If you love art and history, we recommend taking a tour of the Mission District, which is full of murals, Latin history, and incredible murals. If you want to learn more about the city’s history and current events, we recommend taking a tour of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. If you want to escape from the city for a bit and explore some of the natural wonders surrounding San Francisco, we recommend taking a tour of the Bay Area. Here you can explore the redwood forests of Muir Woods and the Pacific Ocean views of Sausalito.

If you want to venture outside of the city but stay in California, we recommend taking a tour of Yosemite National Park. If you have kids with you and want to keep them entertained and educated during your visit, we recommend taking a kid-friendly tour of the city, a behind-the-scenes tour of a baseball game, or a cooking class!

Dining
Dining in San Francisco is an experience you will never forget. If you’re craving a juicy burger, head to In-N-Out Burger. This famous spot is open until 2:00 AM and has an extensive menu full of southern Californian favorites. If you’re craving Asian food, head to Chinatown and try out Dumplings and Things. This spot has an extensive menu of dumplings and Asian specialties, and the atmosphere is lively and fun. If you want to experience a real San Francisco treat, you have to order a slice of sourdough bread from Boudin Bakery. This bakery has been around since 1849, so you know it’s serving up fresh and delicious sourdough!

Don’t Forget to Breathe
Now, this is important. If you’re stressing out while visiting San Francisco, you’re missing out on the beauty of the city and the experience of being there. Be open to trying new things, making new friends, and experiencing new things. If you’re wondering where to start, we recommend visiting the Golden Gate Bridge, taking a walk through Muir Woods, eating a local delicacy, like In-N-Out, visiting the Exploratorium, and sitting in a park. You can’t go wrong with any of these things, and they will help you experience the city in an entirely new way and truly embrace the magic of San Francisco.

Final Words
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from our time in San Francisco, it’s that nothing is as it seems. This city isn’t just a destination that appeals to tourists—it’s a place where people come to start new lives and pursue their dreams. You can’t visit San Francisco and not feel something, and we hope you’re able to experience everything this city has to offer.

We recommend that you read our guide about where to stay in San Francisco. It provides an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.

If you like our list of the best hotels in San Francisco, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Los Angeles or the best hotels in Chicago.