The 10 best hotels in San Francisco for 2025

For a stay which feels fresh but still reflects a bit of that quintessential San Francisco vibrance, The Clancy is one hell of a solid bet. It sits in the city’s SoMa district (for travelers, that’s South of Market) which means you’ve got the city’s Museum of Modern Art, the Embarcadero waterfront, and the Ferry Building all within comfortable walking distance. It’s a more modern spot which keeps you within a good grasp of Downtown, and there’s plenty of brilliant restaurants (try The Post Room) and bars (go for a drink at Bar Sprezzatura) nearby. 

But let’s talk about the hotel itself. The design here is probably best described as ‘playful’, with bold pops of color, neon signage and eye-catching murals which nod to the city’s identity brightening the walls and lobby. Block 9 is the common courtyard which anchors the hotel, and you’ll find plenty of benches illuminated by a pleasing zig-zag of fairy lights above out there. Killing time before a dinner reservation? Cop a seat by a fire pit and pause. 

The rooms lean more into a monochromatic color scheme, with white chesterfield headboards boldly contrasting black and grey geometric carpets and the occasional splash of red, but all are modern and seriously comfortable. Fancy elevating your experience a little? The hotel offers a ‘pure wellness’ experience, which includes an air purifier, special pillows and duvet, a fancy shower filter and even sleep therapy sound machine and yoga kit. 

Seven Square Restaurant and Taproom Lounge will be your go-to for breakfast and dinner, should you opt to dine at the hotel, and you’ll find fun morning plates such as a “south of soma bowl” (brown rice, scrambled egg, black beans and pico de gallo), and a drool-worthy kale and pumpkin seed pesto linguine in the evenings. 

Time Out tip: Traveling with your favorite canine? Your pooch will receive their very own bed, bathrobe and pet treats—we are in the US’s most dog-friendly city, after all. 

Address: 299 Second Street, San Francisco, California, USA 94105
Price per night: Rates start from around US $160–250
Closest transport: The hotel is about a 7-minute walk to the Market Street & 2nd Street cable car stop.

Sure, the Hotel Emblem’s style could be considered a bit left field, but its commitment to a theme inspired by the literary rebellion of the Beat Generation has given this stay a defined and particular identity which is unusual for big city hotels. 

And when we say committed, we mean it: typewriters are summonable upon request, the lobby’s “writers alcove” is decorated with stacks of books, and the Obscenity Bar includes drinks named “first edition” (a lavender infused gin collins) and an “ink spill” (a bourbon Manhattan with bitters, Cynar and a cherry). 

But the hotel isn’t just quirky—it’s also a comfortable and practical place to stay on a vacation to San Francisco. Rooms here are compact, but come with pillow-top mattresses and sumptuous Italian cotton bedding, as well as Bluetooth audio systems, white noise machines and diffusers, plus in room tea and coffee service, but the theme, of course, continues. You’ll find mid-century style sofas, cobalt blue armoires and quaint writing desks as well as some pretty funky original artwork. 

Now, for the neighborhood. The hotel is nestled just north of Union Square and the Theatre District, so it’s about as central as you can get in San Francisco. Chinatown is a mere 10-minute walk away, as is the charming, historic and bougie neighborhood of Nob Hill, but in terms of things to do, you’ll find the Secret Improv Society and the Warfield concert hall close by. 

Time Out tip: This spot can be fun, but a little noisy at night. If you’re a light sleeper, request a quiet room when booking. 

Address: 562 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Price per night: Rooms can start from around US $150–$200 per night for two adults
Closest transport: The hotel is just a short walk from the Powell Street cable-car/Muni stop (Powell St & Sutter St) and is within a few minutes’ walk of Union Square.

Dreaming of a cutesy, quintessentially quaint place to stay in San Francisco? Enter the Nob Hill Hotel. It’s worlds away from the sleek, ultra-minimalist stays that are so common in city center locations, but its down-to-earth charm is what makes it so brilliant. 

The hotel itself has got bags of character. The decor still has nods to Victorian style with crown moulding and tiled floors, but the rooms offer easy-on-the-eye earth-tone furniture and artwork which makes for a relaxing space—think sage green bathroom walls and blush colored abstract paintings. The bathrooms will either feature rainfall showers or tubs, depending on your room type, but you’ll still have 21st century comforts like flat-screen TVs and sound-insulated walls. Keen for some bay views? Opt for a higher-floor room and you should be in luck. 

Tired from travelling? You’ll find a decent fitness centre as well as a sweet little Italian restaurant, Colombini, onsite, so heading out and exploring the neighborhood is encouraged, but not necessary. 

However, once you’ve recovered, the location of this hotel is one of its biggest draws. As you might have guessed, it’s nestled in the swish eponymous San Francisco neighborhood, and its design mirrors the old fashioned charm that you’ll find in buckets on the surrounding streets. Nob Hill is a little sleepier than other spots in central San Francisco, but go-tos for first time visitors like Union Square are within comfortable walking distance. However, there’s plenty on the doorstep that’s worth checking out, too. Head to Crostini & Java for your morning coffee, The Library bar for a cocktail and Liholiho Yacht Club or Ox & Tiger for dinner. 

Time Out tip: Nob Hill has lots of little art galleries—why not stop by women-run KnK Contemporary or orangeland gallery for a mooch?

Address: 835 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
Price per night: From around $150–$200 for a standard room
Closest transport: The cable-car stop at California St & Hyde St is just a 3 minute walk away. 

With a name like the Golden Gate Hotel, you’d have probably guessed correctly that this hotel is a prime spot to stay for some old-fashioned San Francisco vibes. Nestled in a pleasing, four-story, bay-windowed building which is a mere five minute walk from Union Square, getting an old-timey flavor of the city is exactly what staying here will deliver. 

We’re gonna level with you—the vibe here is throwback. Inside, rooms feature headboards upholstered in rich fabrics, twee floral wallpaper, twinkly chandeliers, claw-foot bathtubs, and antique mirrors, but if the house from Mrs. Doubtfire looked cute and cozy to you, this could well be your dream hotel. Oh, and be sure to book a room with a private bathroom if you’re not keen on sharing—some of the budget options are a communal set up. 

Fuel up in the mornings at the complimentary breakfast buffet (served in the homely parlor) and head out to explore—it really is in a fantastic location, but being positioned at a slight elevation means you’re protected from the immediate noise. 

You’re only a short walk away from the Powell/Mason or Powell/Hyde cable car lines, which is a must-try way to get around while you’re in the city, but the shopping and brilliant restaurants of Downtown are conveniently close by. Matador is an excellent Mexican Restaurant which is just a five minute walk away, and you can head to Bar Maritime for after-dinner drinks. 

As for getting some snaps of the namesake Golden Gate Bridge? That’s between a 15 and 20 minute drive away from the hotel—we’d recommend rising early to catch it in the pretty morning light. 

Time Out tip: Mrs Doubtfire’s actual house is less than 30 mins away via public transport.

Address: 775 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA.
Price per night: From approximately $89 per night.
Closest public transport: The cable-car stop at Powell St & Bush St is about a 2-minute walk away

If you’re visiting San Francisco, particularly if it’s for the first time, we reckon your priority should be staying in a comfy hotel in a good location, and if both those criteria can be met on a budget? Well, that’s even better. 

Say hello to the San Remo Hotel. This little family-run boutique sits in the buzzy neighborhood of North Beach, is less than a 10-minute walk away from Fisherman’s Wharf, and is perfectly situated for exploring the city at a very, very affordable nightly rate.

What can you expect? Well, buckets of old-world charm. The hotel was built back in 1906, the interiors are furnished with one-of-a-kind antiques, and the walls are adorned with vintage memorabilia. No two rooms are exactly the same—we mean it when we say unique—and while this is worlds away from the glitzy sky-rise hotels of downtown, it has a wonderfully homey charm that’ll make you feel like a San Francisco local as soon as you enter reception. 

The hotel houses a historic little Italian restaurant Fior d’Italia (think delectable classics like linguine alle vongole and gnocchi alla piemontese) which is well worth a visit, but North Beach is actually known for its Italian-American population, so it’s far from the only option if they’re short on tables. Flour + Water is a trendy favorite known for its seriously tasty pasta dishes (make sure you book in advance), and Cotogna is a rustic, date-night appropriate restaurant that does a brilliant menu of meat, fish, pasta and wood-fired pizza. 

Time Out tip: You’re not too far from Pier 39’s famous sea lion colony. Best to catch them early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Oh, and if you’re visiting from between mid-May to mid-July, keep your eyes peeled for pups.

Address: 2237 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94133, US
Price per night: Rooms start from around US $80+ for two adults
Closest transport: Approximately a 2-minute walk to the Taylor St & Francisco St stop (Muni/cable-car) in the North Beach area.

San Francisco is generally considered a pretty friendly place, but if you’re properly seeking people to hang out with while you travel, HI Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel is an excellent contender.

It sits in the lush green gourds of Fort Mason (a former US Army post in the Marina District which is now a lively arts and culture hub) and brags gleaming bay views with both Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge in sight, but dispute the prime real estate, it’s a safe bet if you’re traveling on the budget. 

In typical hostel fashion, there are both dorm rooms (mixed and single-sex) and private rooms available to book, as well as a large and friendly communal kitchen, plus a games space with a pool table and juke box and a movie lounge, so you can easily approach other guests. Oh, and there’s free WiFi throughout the building, free luggage storage, and handily, a 24-hour reception. You’d do well to bring earplugs—this is a hostel, after all—but that’s more to ensure you’re not too disturbed by the comings and goings of other guests than because of the area.

The gorgeous park-by-the-water setting at the nightly rates here is actually a pretty unusual find, and not only are you minutes from the namesake Fisherman’s Wharf and other must-see spots like Ghirardelli Square, but you’re also in a convenient spot for fun evening hangouts like Radhaus beer hall and The Interval at Long Now

Time Out tip: The Magic Theatre is part of Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, so check out what’s on while you’re staying. 

Address: 240 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123, USA
Price per night: Dorm beds from around $35–$90, private rooms from $100
Closest transport: Bus lines at Van Ness & Bay Street are within walking distance. Also a short walk to the waterfront, marina, and multiple links (Fisherman’s Wharf, Marina District).