The 5 Best Hotels in San Francisco

Posted: 5/10/24 | May 10th, 2024

San Francisco one of my favorite cities in the United States. I’m always looking forward to my next visit. There’s an amazing food scene here (especially Asian food), and it’s close to some stunning national parks where you can go hiking amid towering redwoods.

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

Since I’ve been visiting SF on and off for over a decade, I’ve stayed in many different hotels over the years. Here’s my list of the best hotels in San Francisco to help you plan your trip:

1. Argonaut Hotel

In a nod to the building’s former life as a 20th-century warehouse, everything in this award-winning four-star boutique hotel is nautically themed. Located at Fisherman’s Wharf, the spacious rooms are all blue and white, featuring exposed brick walls and timber beams, and wall décor 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” 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).

There’s 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’s a bit expensive (like everything in this part of town), it’s 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’s restaurant. You can also take out one of the complimentary bicycles for pedal-powered explorations. And if you’re traveling with your pup, the hotel is dog friendly too.

2. Fairmont San Francisco

Located 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 décor featuring…