San Francisco, one of America’s most iconic cities, sits on the tip of a 47-square-mile peninsula at the western tip of the U.S. Here is our guide to the best places to stay in San Francisco.
Depending on what you have planned for your visit, certain parts of the city may be a better area to stay in San Francisco than others.
See also
Best hotels in San Francisco
Cheap hotels in San Francisco
Where to stay in downtown San Francisco
Dense with history and humanity, downtown San Francisco encompasses several vibrantly different neighborhoods, stuck between the coast and the hills.
At the heart of it all is Union Square .This is one of San Francisco’s most lively urban spaces, the city’s main hotel and shopping district, and the crossroads of its major transportation lines (including cable cars). Along the waterfront is the elegant Embarcadero, anchored by the Ferry Building and its immensely popular market, which surrounds San Francisco’s unrivaled Financial District.
Union Square is unrivaled for its variety of options and central location, with some hotels near the Embarcadero offering a combination of luxury and bay views.
For art lovers:Hotel des ArtsThis lively place is a hybrid art gallery and hotel, and many rooms are custom decorated by local artists.A fun and inexpensive place to stay.
For classic luxury: Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel Union SquareThis boutique destination, one of the best Art Deco hotels downtown, features brick walls, abundant mosaics and impeccable overall design.
Where to stay in North Beach and The Hills
Inland North Beach was named when the area was along San Francisco’s original north shore and is best known as the home of the city’s Italian community.However, it retains an easy, worn feel, and its sloping residential streets and main drag are ideal for wandering aimlessly.
Meanwhile, Telegraph Hill and Russian Hill, mainly residential, have beautiful old houses.Hidden gardens can be found in the paths of the steep hillside streets.south of Russian Hill is Pristine, but historically boastful Nob Hill.
For a B&B style hotel:Washington Square InnWith views of Washington Square, this hotel has spacious and spacious rooms with a European flavor.some have large windows.
For large budgets: The FairmontThe most famous of Nob Hill’s landmark hotels, this striking palace offers fantastic views despite being relatively low to the neighborhood.
Where to stay around the Northern Waterfront and Pacific Heights
From east to west, San Francisco’s north shore begins with rude commercialism, passes through areas of great wealth and ends at the city’s most famous landmark.
This is an area that almost all visitors enter at least.Its breathtaking views, opulent (though homogenous) neighborhoods and even the tourist schlock seem to have something for everyone.
Too expensive and tasteless, Fisherman’s Wharf is convenient for trips to Alcatraz and Angel Island.things change for the rich in the Marina and Cow Hollow neighborhoods, where yacht clubs and boutiques dominate the scene.perched on the high hill above are majestic, exclusive Pacific heights.This is where much of San Francisco’s old money resides, as well as some of its newfound wealth.
The Best on a Budget:Hotel del SolAn updated and unconventional motor lodge with a tropical theme.It has a small but cozy outdoor pool (a San Francisco rarity).
The best for a boutique B&B: Grand Lady VictorianGloriously restored Victorian building that enjoys its second life with rococo furniture with golden details and clusters of silk flowers.
Where to stay in SoMa and Tenderloin
The idea of San Francisco as a utopia with Victorian lines holds true until you walk through the areas west and south of the city center.
Better known as SoMa, South of Market is a sprawling district with wide, traffic-laden streets lined with tall office buildings, apartment buildings, hotels, nightclubs and major museums. the adjacent Civic Center and Tenderloin districts show a different side of the city.The Civic Center has large government and cultural buildings, and a number of visual and expressive arts venues. The back, meanwhile, is one of the poorest areas of the city. Keep in mind that it maintains a bad reputation, and most tourists choose to avoid it. If you are on a particularly tight budget, but don’t want to stay in a hostel, these areas are your best option, with some more modern accommodations in South of Market.
The best for movie fans: Hotel VertigoFamous as the place where Alfred Hitchcock filmed the dramatic stair scenes at Vertigo, this elegant place has a mix of classic French style and modern urban sophistication.
The best in boutique luxury:Hotel VitaleFollowing the ferry building, this hotel features elegant contemporary rooms (many with bay views) and a hotel spa with rooftop baths.
Where to Sleep in La Misión and El Castro
Together, La Misión and El Castro form the beating heart of San Francisco.Here more than anywhere else in the city, there are several cultures outside the boundaries of mainstream America.
These captivating neighborhoods are filled with galleries, murals, unique local shops, vibrant restaurants and lively nightlife.the Mission is the center of San Francisco’s working class Latino community.meanwhile, Castro is the epicenter of Bay Area gay culture, and some would say the United States.
Many B&B’s here are housed in historic buildings.
The best thing for a B&B with a view:Inn San FranciscoMagnificent and spacious B&B located in two adjacent historic Victorians-expect breathtaking views of the city from the rooftop smoking terrace.
The best for a green stay: Nineteen 06 MissionEach room is designed with the environment in mind: low energy lighting, reused building materials and free organic toiletries are provided.
