The 12 best hotels in San Francisco

Planning a road trip to California? Stop off on the shores of one of the world’s most beautiful bays and stay at some of the best hotels in San Francisco!

Clinging to the Pacific northwest of Los Angeles, San Francisco is an unusual destination, the land of all possibilities. Renowned for one of the world’s most beautiful bays, the aptly-named « City of 43 Hills » draws you into a motley whirlwind where you won’t know where to turn. Behind its mythical fog, a myriad of treasures and surprises await you!

Planning to spend a few days here to cross the famous Golden Gate Bridge, watch sea lions from Pier 39, sail to Alcatraz or explore Silicon Valley? Here’s our selection of the best hotels in San Francisco where you can sleep in style and comfort!

Urban Hotels

1. Club Quarters Hotel

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Whether you’re visiting on business or just want to soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere, the Club Quarters Hotel is sure to please. Located in the financial district, just a few minutes from the Embarcadero and Union Square, it’s the ideal base for easy access to the city’s main attractions.

Spend the morning shopping, walk to the Ferry Building Marketplace for a quality lunch and finish your digestion in one of the city’s parks. On your return, you’ll be delighted to settle into the sober, chic and comfortable rooms.

2. Hotel Emblem San Francisco

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Located in downtown San Francisco, at the crossroads of Nob Hill and Union Square, Hotel Emblem immerses you in a unique atmosphere that pays homage to the Beat Generation. More than just a place to stay, this San Francisco hotel is a true experience.

Take refuge amidst furnishings inspired by the world of literature, and appreciate every detail from the splendid book-lined lobby onwards. Relax in the inspiring rooms, where you’ll soon feel like a poet. Finally, continue your quest for creative energy in the lively streets of the theater district.

3 The Clancy, Autograph Collection

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Arty and designer, The Clancy, Autograph Collection is a formidable showcase that promises to blow your mind. Without leaving its walls, from its sophisticated rooms to its art-decorated communal areas, you’ll have the pleasant sensation of watching the different facets of Fog City pass by.

Admire the neon lights and frescoes on the walls. Alternatively, spend some time in its various chill-out corners and eateries, or complete a final file from the workstation in each room. While it may be tempting to spend your days here, the call of downtown will be even more so. From Oracle Park to the Chase Center, you won’t be disappointed when you step outside.

Luxury Hotels

4. San Francisco Marriott Marquis

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Take a sumptuous break in the heart of the city at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis. Just a stone’s throw from the Museum of Modern Art and the Moscone Center, it’s the perfect retreat after long hours in the hustle and bustle of the city.

Would you prefer to sip a cocktail in the lounge bar, with its panoramic views? Sample a selection of bourbons and beers at the B55 Craft House and Kitchen? Or relax in the contemporary rooms and suites, some of which boast a beautiful view of SF? In the evening, grab a table at the M Club for refined dining.

5. Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel

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Originally opened in 1875, the Palace Hotel is a sumptuous testament to California’s golden age. Last renovated in 2015, it perfectly blends its original charm with more modern touches. Behind its impressive façade, you’ll be drawn into the legend of San Francisco’s oldest luxury hotel. From floor to ceiling, walls to fabrics, magnificence embraces guests for a most memorable getaway.

Step through the solid oak door to your room, tread its soft carpet with bare feet and lie back in the soft bed with a view of the city. After a restful sleep, treat your taste buds to breakfast under the crystal chandeliers of the remarkable Graden Court restaurant, and take a dip in the glass-ceilinged swimming pool.

Boutiques-Hotels

6. Argonaut Hotel

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Experience an extraordinary getaway at the Argonaut Hotel. This beautiful San Francisco hotel is the perfect place for a waterfront stay. In its enchanting rooms decorated in marine style and warmed by red brick walls, you’ll enjoy magical awakenings overlooking San Francisco Bay.

After a stroll along the Embarcadero and several cultural visits, you’ll love tucking into one of the delicious home-cooked dishes at its Blue Mermaid restaurant. Mussels, fish soups and many other seafood specialties will make your mouth water.

7 Inn at Union Square

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It’s in Union Square, close to the city’s most popular attractions, that you’ll find the Inn at Union Square. Cozy and warm, this small boutique-hotel with thirty powder-coated rooms offers an intimate atmosphere that’s sure to please.

Thanks to its central location, you’ll have no trouble getting around and discovering the many facets of the amazing San Francisco. Visit its Museum of Modern Art, stroll through its trendy neighborhoods and be sure to check out its reputation as a « culinary capital » by dining in some of the area’s most renowned restaurants.

8. Hotel Kabuki

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At the crossroads of East and West, in the heart of Japantown, Hotel Kabuki takes on the air of an urban oasis, a peaceful and unique retreat. Step into its wood-beamed lobby, let yourself be guided into its modern, Japanese-style rooms and indulge in a moment of Zen in its interior garden, complete with fish pond.

For a gourmet break, head to Nari, Chef Pim Techamuanvivit’s restaurant offering cuisine with Thai and Californian influences. Fancy a drink? The bar at this San Francisco hotel, with its cutting-edge selection of spirits, is well worth a visit.

9. Stanford Court Hotel

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Perched atop Nob Hill, the Stanford Court Hotel is an upscale cocoon that lets you see San Francisco from a different angle. Avant-garde and minimalist, this boutique hotel is all about embracing the City by the Bay’s characteristic energy and love of innovation.

Start the day on the right foot with sensational views over the city and a coffee at the Commons, before exploring this neighborhood known as a gold rush stronghold. Stroll past opulent residences, find a rare gem in a vintage boutique, watch a stunning sunset and finish with dinner at the Mixing Room. In its sleek, comfortable rooms, you’ll quickly fall into the arms of Morpheus.

10. The Laurel Inn

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Ideally nestled in Pacific Heights, just minutes from Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate Bridge, The Laurel Inn welcomes you with elegance and conviviality. Perfect for a stay for two, this San Francisco hotel is the fruit of the meeting of beauty and comfort.

Soak up its softness, take advantage of its location to discover the city’s hidden gems, or take time to relax in its delicate rooms. For an exquisite moment, take a seat at the Laureate Bar & Lounge to sample signature cocktails or local craft beers.

The Original Hotels

11. Hotel Zephyr

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Right on the waterfront, near the famous Pier 39, Hotel Zephyr is the promise of an exhilarating, colorful and fun stopover. Fall under the spell of its quirky look and let yourself be carried away by the warm atmosphere. Slip into the shoes of a sailor as you spend time in the rooms that pay homage to this illustrious maritime quarter, and enjoy yourself in the various areas set aside for this purpose.

From its vast outdoor recreational area to its atypical games room, where you can meet new people or have fun with friends, you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs. In the surrounding area, you’ll also be spoilt for choice in terms of activities. Whether you’re a freshwater sailor, a history buff or a gourmet, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

12. Phoenix Hotel

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Have you always dreamed of living the lifestyle of a rock star? For a weekend or more, don your leather jackets and brush up on your rock classics at the Phoenix Hotel. Established in the Tenderloin since the 1950s, this San Francisco hotel is a concentrate of rock history and anecdotes that will electrify visiting musicians and travelers looking for a boutique establishment.

With its forty-four rooms and suites enhanced by brightly colored accents, this iconic address guarantees unforgettable memories. After a wild night out in the city’s nightclubs or at a concert, laze in the sun on a deckchair by the lovely pool. Before you leave, don’t forget to stop by the lobby boutique to pick up a few gifts.