The Best Hotels in San Francisco

San Francisco — where fog dances over the Golden Gate and every hilltop tells a story. Your hotel is not just a room. It’s your front-row seat to the city’s magic. Whether you’re craving skyline views or a cozy nook with local flair, the best San Francisco hotels are anything but predictable.

Think grand dames with chandeliers dripping history in Nob Hill. Or sleek downtown towers where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Bay like living art. For those craving intimacy, the best boutique hotels in San Francisco hide in alleys and historic districts — think exposed brick, curated art, and staff who know the best dim sum spot around the corner.

What ties them all together? Location, personality, and that something you can’t quite name. Maybe it’s waking up to cable car bells, sipping local coffee while planning a day at Alcatraz, or stumbling back to a bed so comfortable you forget you’re in a top hotel in San Francisco.

Here’s the thing: The best hotels San Francisco offers aren’t about thread counts or Michelin stars (though those help). They’re about moments — like watching the sunset from your window, a concierge’s secret hike recommendation, or a lobby that feels like a friend’s chic living room. Ready to find yours?

Top Picks: The Best Hotels in San Francisco

What makes a hotel truly exceptional? Is it the thread count of the sheets? The view from your window? Or perhaps the way the staff remembers your name? The best San Francisco hotels somehow manage to nail all three.

Fairmont San Francisco

Perched atop Nob Hill like the city’s glittering crown, the Fairmont isn’t just one of thebest hotels in San Francisco — it’s a living museum of Bay Area grandeur. Since 1907, this 5-star hotel has hosted royalty, rockstars, and world-changing events (yes, the UN Charter was signed here). Step into the lobby, and you’re greeted by marble floors, golden ceilings, and staircases so grand they’d make Gatsby jealous. It’s the kind of place where you half-expect a 1940s starlet to glide by.

Rooms? Choose your vibe. Classic elegance with velvet drapes or splurge on a bay-view suite where the Golden Gate Bridge winks at you through the fog. Pro tip: Book high floors to dodge cable car clatter. Among 5 star hotels San Francisco, this one’s a showstopper — history buffs and Instagrammers unite.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

Sleek, silent, and sandwiched in SoMa’s skyline, this is where modern luxury meets “I’ll never leave.” Floor-to-ceiling windows serve up cityscapes like abstract art, while rooms whisper calm with neutral tones and beds so cloud-like you’ll debate skipping Alcatraz tours.

The flex? Full access to the Equinox Sports Club next door — a 55,000 sq ft playground with yoga studios, lap pools, and a spa that’ll knead out your flight stress. Perfect for travelers who want their Peloton fix and a CBD massage before dinner.

Location? You’re golden. Stumble to SFMOMA’s Rothkos, shop Union Square’s boutiques, or picnic at Yerba Buena Gardens — all without breaking a sweat. For top hotels in San Francisco, this one’s a masterclass in “effortless cool.”

Hotel Kabuki, a JdV by Hyatt Hotel

Step into a Japantown sanctuary where shoji screens flirt with mid-century modern vibes. This isn’t just one of the top hotels — it’s a cultural mashup that nails “zen with personality.”

Post-renovation, Kabuki’s all about contrast: serene rock gardens meet that Insta-famous 19-foot glass staircase (yes, it’s as dramatic as it sounds). Rooms whisper “wabi-sabi” with tatami-inspired headboards and deep soaking tubs big enough for two. High floors mean quieter nights — those cable cars clang like church bells at dawn.

Free sunrise yoga in the courtyard garden, where cherry blossoms outnumber tourists. Later, wander Japantown’s alleys for matcha soft serve or vintage kimonos — all without leaving the hotels that feel refreshingly different.

Why it’s a good hotel San Francisco regulars love? It’s peaceful, but never boring. You’re tucked away, yet a Muni ride from Union Square’s chaos.Among the best boutique hotels, this one’s a quiet rebel.

San Francisco Proper

The flatiron building that saved Mid-Market. Kelly Wearstler went full “maximalist maestro” here, turning this 1909 landmark into San Francisco luxury hotels’ most vibrant player.

A Wes Anderson film meets California coast. Velvet sofas in mustard yellow, geometric tiles that hypnotize, headboards wider than your California king. It’s a controlled chaos that screams “I’m artsy but can afford it.”

The crown jewel? Charmaine’s rooftop — where SF’s beau monde sips lavender margaritas under heat lamps. Local secret: Go pre-sunset for bridge views without the influencer crowds.

Though not officially a 5 star hotel San Francisco, the Proper out-luxes many with its details: custom fragrances in rooms, Duxiana beds, and staff who’ll score you last-minute Nopa reservations.

Perfect for: Culture vultures who want their hotel to feel like an art installation. Among the most unique San Francisco hotels, this is the rebel with a gold-leafed cause.

The St. Regis San Francisco

Sleek, sophisticated, and thoroughly modern, The St. Regis represents luxury’s contemporary face. The Museum of the African Diaspora shares the building — how many hotels can claim an art museum as a neighbor?

Butler service comes standard with suites. Need your shoes shined at midnight? Consider it done. Unpacking assistance? But of course. The indoor infinity pool offers another level of indulgence, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing downtown views.

5 Star Hotels in San Francisco: Ultimate Luxury Awaits

Love luxury? The 5-star hotels in San Francisco don’t just roll out red carpets — they reinvent them. Plush robes, rooftop lounges with firepits, and spas that melt away jet lag. But you don’t need a limitless budget. The good hotels in San Francisco — from vibrant Union Square spots to quiet retreats near the Presidio — balance comfort and charm without the price tag guilt.

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

The Ritz-Carlton doesn’t just occupy a historic 1909 building — it redefines Nob Hill luxury. As one of the top hotels in the city, this 5-star hotel blends old-world grandeur with sleek, contemporary style. Think marble columns meet minimalist design — a place where Gilded Age architecture gets a 21st-century heartbeat.

Guest rooms are like a love letter to the Bay. Recently redesigned with fog-inspired grays and misty blues, these San Francisco luxury hotels spaces turn weather into decor. Plush bedding, tech-savvy amenities, and bathrooms so sleek you’ll want to Instagram the marble — it’s calm, cool, and unmistakably Northern California.

At Parallel 37, the hotel’s restaurant, dishes aren’t just served — they’re staged. Think Dungeness crab arranged like modern art, with wines from Sonoma just a pour away. Breakfast here isn’t fuel; it’s an event — avocado toast gets a confit tomato upgrade, and pancakes arrive with bourbon-maple syrup that’ll ruin diners for life.

The St. Regis San Francisco

Making the list twice isn’t a fluke — it’s a statement. The St. Regis doesn’t just rank among the best hotels in San Francisco; it redefines luxury with microscopic precision. Housed in a sleek high-rise that mirrors the city’s modern edge, this 5-star hotel San Francisco staple turns stays into curated experiences.

Let’s start with the Remède Spa — a sprawling 9,000-square-foot sanctuary where treatments aren’t just massages, but rituals. Using potions you won’t find on Amazon, therapists tailor each session to your tension points. Post-treatment, lounge in the steam room and wonder why all spas can’t feel this… yours. As one of the premier 5 star hotels in San Francisco, the St. Regis ensures even relaxation is personalized.

The rooms are something else for sure. Think James Bond meets Scandinavian serenity. Bedside panels control everything from curtains to mood lighting (no fumbling for switches). Rainfall showers mimic a warm Pacific storm, and tubs are deep enough to float worries away. It’s the kind of luxury hotels detail that makes unpacking feel like settling into a condo you wish you owned.

What cements this as one of the top hotels? The blend of tech and touch. A good hotel offers comfy beds; the best hotel in San Francisco anticipates your needs before you do.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero

Not to be confused with its SoMa sibling, this newer Four Seasons property occupies the top floors of a 48-story building. The views? Absolutely staggering. From some rooms, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and Coit Tower simultaneously.

Recently renovated, the hotel features a clean, contemporary aesthetic that wisely steps aside to let those panoramas take center stage. The highest luxury hotels experience — literally.

Best Boutique Hotels in San Francisco: Unique Stays with Character

Chain hotels have their place, but for travelers seeking distinctive experiences, the best boutique hotels San Francisco offers deliver personality in spades.

San Francisco Proper

Earning two spots on this list isn’t a glitch — it’s proof. The Proper isn’t just one of the best boutique hotels offers; it’s a masterclass in balancing intimacy with ambition. With only 131 rooms, service feels tailored, not templated. Need a last-minute dinner rez? The concierge texts you options before you finish the thought.

Velvet chesterfields cozy up to geometric light fixtures, and bold wallpaper wars (peacefully) with abstract art. It’s like your coolest friend’s loft — if that friend had a PhD in interior design. Every nook feels discovered, not staged, making it a top hotel in San Francisco for creatives craving inspiration.

The rooftop lounge serves craft cocktails with cityscape views, while the basement spa rivals those at 5-star hotels San Francisco rivals. It’s boutique, but never basic —the best hotel in San Francisco for travelers who want personality without sacrificing polish.

Hotel Zephyr

Enter Hotel Zephyr — a hotel rebels love. Nautical? Sure, but think “designer sailor,” not “overboard on anchor motifs.” Ropes become art installations, portholes frame modern art, and the lobby’s giant compass rose? You’ll want to steal it for your living room.

The star? The Yard, an outdoor playground with fire pits, life-size Jenga, and shipping containers turned cozy lounge pods. Families devour s’mores here by night; by day, it’s remote workers sipping local brews under heat lamps. It’s this mix that lands it among the best hotels for both kids and adults.

While not a 5-star hotel San Francisco heavyweight, Zephyr nails what matters: location without boredom. You’re steps from the bay, but the energy here beats most hotel chains. Pro tip: Grab a bourbon cocktail at their bar before exploring the waterfront — it’s liquid courage against the tourist crowds.

The LINE SF

New to the San Francisco best hotels scene? The LINE doesn’t care. Nestled in the Tenderloin, this hotspot leans into the neighborhood’s edge with curated art walks and partnerships with local makers. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood rooms with light (and views of the city’s unfiltered pulse), while custom bed frames and SF-roasted coffee amps up the hometown pride.

The secret sauce? Their ground-floor venues. Ever seen hotel restaurants packed with locals? Here, the oyster bar pulls in chefs post-shift, and the café’s matcha lattes have their own fanbase. It’s this street cred that makes it the best hotel for culture cravers.

Exposed concrete meets velvet headboards. A lobby that hosts DJ sets and poetry slams. It’s not just a place to sleep — it’s a backstage pass to the city’s beating heart.

Good Hotels in San Francisco for Budget Travelers

Luxury isn’t always defined by price tag. These properties prove you can find a good hotel experience without emptying your wallet.

Axiom Hotel San Francisco

Tech-forward and centrally located, the Axiom offers solid value in the heart of downtown. The historic building (dating back to 1908) houses thoroughly modern interiors with thoughtful amenities like fiber internet and plenty of USB charging ports.

The Turn Café serves excellent coffee and light bites, while the game room offers a place to unwind after sightseeing. Location-wise, you can’t do better for the price — steps from Union Square and the Powell Street cable car turnaround.

The Phoenix Hotel

A 1950s motor lodge reborn as a rock ‘n’ roll haven, The Phoenix Hotel has hosted everyone from David Bowie to Kurt Cobain. The courtyard pool — a rarity in San Francisco — becomes a scene on weekends.

The rooms maintain their vintage motel charm while offering updated amenities. Located in the Tenderloin, it’s not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking an authentic slice of San Francisco counterculture, it’s perfect.

Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Japanese-inspired efficiency meets California hospitality at Hotel Nikko. While not budget by national standards, it offers excellent value for its Union Square location and amenities.

The heated indoor pool features a glass ceiling and outdoor sundeck — another San Francisco rarity. Rooms are spacious by city standards, with clean lines and comfortable bedding.

Hotels in San Francisco Bay Area: Beyond the City Limits

The city proper contains most of the region’s best accommodations, but several exceptional hotels lie just beyond the city limits.

LUMA Hotel San Francisco

Technically within city boundaries but feeling a world away, LUMA in Mission Bay represents San Francisco’s future. This emerging neighborhood offers waterfront access and proximity to Chase Center (home of the Warriors).

The hotel itself embraces technology without sacrificing comfort. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with water or city views, and the rooftop lounge offers a perspective few get to experience.

Inn at the Presidio

History buffs, rejoice. This former officers’ quarters within the Presidio offers a unique opportunity to stay inside a national park. The 1903 Georgian Revival building houses 22 rooms, most with fireplaces.

The porches lined with rocking chairs invite guests to slow down — a rarity in our hyperconnected world. Morning fog rolling through the towering eucalyptus trees creates a magical atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the Bay Area.

Tips for Choosing the Best Hotel in San Francisco

San Francisco’s hills aren’t just steep — its hotel scene can feel that way too. Here’s how to navigate it like a local:

Location is everything here.
Union Square? Shop till you drop. Fisherman’s Wharf? Tourist central (hello, sea lions). SoMa? Art by day, craft cocktails by night. Want fog-free mornings? Skip the Sunset District. Hunting for luxury hotels? Nob Hill’s your spot — those gilded lobbies have hosted presidents and rock stars.

Parking? Prepare for sticker shock.
That $50 nightly fee could buy you clam chowder for a week. Better yet: Book hotels in San Francisco Bay Area near BART stations or cable car lines. Pro move: A bike-friendly stay lets you conquer the city like a true local.

Microclimates aren’t a myth.
Pack like you’re visiting three cities. Downtown’s often sunny while the Marina shivers under fog. Staying in Chinatown? Layer up — those hills trap cool air. Eyeing 5-star hotels in San Francisco with rooftop pools? Check if they’re heated (trust us).

“Resort fees” are the new room service.
Always ask: “What’s NOT included?” before booking. The best boutique hotels offers often skip these sneaky charges.

Views cost more than your flight.
Want the Golden Gate framed from your bed? That’ll be 40% extra. Savvy alternative: Book a lesser-view room at top hotels and enjoy those vistas from their rooftop bar (martini optional but recommended).

The real magic? It’s in the details.
Best hotels in San Francisco deliver more than beds — think curated local guides, loaner umbrellas for surprise drizzles, or staff who text you secret taco spots. The best San Francisco hotels don’t just host you — they introduce you to the city.

Your perfect San Francisco stay isn’t about stars or Zagat ratings. It’s about morning coffee with a cable car soundtrack, slipping into a robe after pounding those hills, and feeling like you’ve cracked the city’s code.