{"id":267663,"date":"2024-05-10T09:00:23","date_gmt":"2024-05-10T13:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=267663"},"modified":"2025-05-01T08:48:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T12:48:23","slug":"best-hotels-san-francisco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/best-hotels-san-francisco\/","title":{"rendered":"The 5 Best Hotels in San Francisco"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"People<\/p>\n

San Francisco<\/a> one of my favorite cities in the United States<\/a>. I\u2019m always looking forward to my next visit. There\u2019s an amazing food scene here (especially Asian food), and it\u2019s close to some stunning national parks where you can go hiking amid towering redwoods. <\/p>\n

However, thanks to the booming tech scene, it\u2019s also one of the most expensive cities in the country. As much as I love visiting, it\u2019s easy to break the bank here. Especially on accommodation. There\u2019s a plethora of hotels in the city, but not all of them are worth staying at (something I\u2019ve learned the hard way).<\/p>\n

Since I\u2019ve been visiting SF on and off for over a decade, I\u2019ve stayed in many different hotels over the years. Here\u2019s my list of the best hotels in San Francisco to help you plan your trip:<\/p>\n

1. Argonaut Hotel<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\nIn a nod to the building\u2019s former life as a 20th-century warehouse, everything in this award-winning four-star boutique hotel is nautically themed. Located at Fisherman\u2019s Wharf, the spacious rooms are all blue and white, featuring exposed brick walls and timber beams, and wall d\u00e9cor like large compasses or mirrors shaped like ship windows. Some have excellent views over the bay too. Each room has a minifridge and minibar stocked with local goodies, a 50\u201d HDTV, and a coffee maker with complimentary 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 book). <\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a 24-hour fitness center, in-room spa services, and a seafood restaurant in which you get a $15 USD daily credit with your room. The restaurant also serves breakfast in the mornings, and though it\u2019s a bit expensive (like everything in this part of town), it\u2019s pretty tasty, with lots of omelet options, as well as French toast and pancakes. I especially love how eco-friendly the hotel is. They avoid single-use plastics in the rooms, use water-saving systems, and even compost at the hotel\u2019s restaurant. You can also take out one of the complimentary bicycles for pedal-powered explorations. And if you\u2019re traveling with your pup, the hotel is dog friendly too. <\/p>\n

Book here!<\/a><\/center>
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2. Fairmont San Francisco<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\nLocated in posh Nob Hill, this five-star hotel is an iconic symbol of elegance and luxury. With its distinctive architecture, this historic hotel has welcomed guests from around the world for over a century. I love the timeless grandeur it exudes, with its opulent d\u00e9cor featuring marble floors, sparkling chandeliers, and ornate furnishings. <\/p>\n

The rooms are spacious, with high ceilings and amenities including a flatscreen TV, a desk with built-in USB ports, a tea\/coffee maker, and a safe. The bathrooms are large too and feature marble bathtubs, plush bathrobes and slippers, and complimentary toiletries. The entire place feels like a resort, with a spa, gym, and several restaurants (one of which serves an excellent breakfast). Don\u2019t miss the kitschy Tonga Room, the legendary tiki bar in the basement \u2014 there\u2019s even a lagoon with a floating stage that bands play on. You have to see it to believe it! <\/p>\n

Book here!<\/a><\/center>
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3. Petite Auberge<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"A
\nI love this French-style, three-star bed-and-breakfast situated on the edge of Nob Hill and Union Square. The d\u00e9cor makes you feel like you\u2019re staying in an old farmhouse, with uniquely patterned walls, hardwood floors, antique wooden furniture, and a fireplace in some rooms. There\u2019s a complimentary continental breakfast in the mornings (with pastries, cereals, yogurt, eggs, juice, and coffee) and happy hour with wine and snacks in the evenings too.<\/p>\n

All rooms are spacious and match the hotel’s style, with floral wallpaper, bookshelves, wooden desks and armoires, and pillowy beds. In-room amenities include a flatscreen TV, bathrobes, a hair dryer, and luxury bath products. The bathrooms are a bit small though, and the shower pressure kind of weak, but those are minor points, because overall this place is super cozy and unique. <\/p>\n

Book here!<\/a><\/center>
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4. Inn San Francisco<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\nThis cute three-star bed-and-breakfast is the best place to stay in the Mission district (a great area for both nightlife and food). It\u2019s situated in a classic Victorian mansion from the 1870s, and I love the atmosphere here. The place is bursting with character, with grand double parlors adorned with woodwork, marble fireplaces, stained-glass windows, and old photographs of the area on the walls. It\u2019s really gorgeous.<\/p>\n

All of the rooms are uniquely decorated with antique furniture and d\u00e9cor yet feature modern conveniences like an HDTV, a minifridge, and comfy beds. All the bathrooms are different (some have claw-foot tubs), but all are beautifully tiled and offer complimentary toiletries. There\u2019s a tasty breakfast buffet, which is included and offers a huge spread of options, like fresh fruit, pastries, quiche, cold cuts, and eggs. After a long day, you\u2019re treated to a glass of sherry, which you can enjoy on the rooftop sundeck or in the hot tub (open 24\/7) in the tranquil English garden out back. If you\u2019re looking for a unique place to stay that truly captures the historic essence of the city, this is it.<\/p>\n

Book here!<\/a><\/center>
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5. Hotel Emblem<\/a><\/h3>\n

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\nAs a fan of the Beat Generation (On the Road<\/em> is one of my favorite travel books<\/a>), I think this beatnik-themed four-star hotel is super neat. It really leans into its literary theme, with a book nook in the lobby, giant quotes printed on the walls, and a writing desk with inspiration board above in every room. I especially love the hotel\u2019s moody speakeasy bar, which hosts poetry slams and serves up excellent craft cocktails. Upon check-in, you\u2019ll get a free glass of sangria too. <\/p>\n

The eclectic rooms all feature velvet chairs, pillowtop mattresses, a smart TV, a Nespresso coffee machine, safe, and bedside USB outlets. There are nice complimentary bath products and plush bathrobes in the large bathrooms too. I also appreciate the healthy breakfast options (like breakfast bowls, smoothies, juices, and granola with yogurt and fresh fruit) at the hotel\u2019s adjoined caf\u00e9. 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 just a short walk to a BART station, making it super easy to get around town from here.<\/p>\n

Book here!<\/a><\/center><\/p>\n

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San Francisco<\/a> is one of the cultural epicenters of the United States. Whenever I\u2019m road-tripping around California<\/a>, I always make sure to stop here. It\u2019s just so fun and beautiful. I always love my time here. Just make sure to choose a hotel from the list above, and you\u2019ll have a memorable stay in the Golden City. <\/p>\n

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Book Your Trip to San Francisco: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n

Book Your Flight<\/strong>
\nUse Skyscanner<\/a> to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. <\/p>\n

Book Your Accommodation<\/strong>
\nYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a> as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a> as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. <\/p>\n

If you prefer to stay in a hostel, these are my favorites in San Francisco<\/a>. <\/p>\n

If you’re wondering what part of town to stay in when you visit, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of San Francisco<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong>
\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n