The Fairmont combines the history, cachet, and decor of a turn-of-the-20th-century grand old dame with the amenities, technology, and corporate-dominated clientele of a large chain property. What separates it from its luxury competitors are its beautiful, well-appointed rooms, many with stunning views, and its location atop Nob Hill.
The Fairmont combines the history, cachet, and decor of a turn-of-the-20th-century grand old dame with the amenities, technology, and corporate-dominated clientele of a large chain property. What separates it from its luxury competitors are its beautiful, well-appointed rooms, many with stunning views, and its location atop Nob Hill.
King George Hotel is a historic three-pearl property with a great central location right next to Union Square and close to attractions, restaurants, shops, and public transport. Its 153 elegant rooms come with flat-screen TVs, work desks, tablets, and coffeemakers, though not all have air-conditioning and some get bothersome street noise. Other downsides include dated interiors and no proper restaurant, but there is a breakfast buffet available (for a fee), as well as a bar, 24-hour room service, and meeting rooms for rent. Travelers might also want to consider Hotel Union Stay which has a more modern style and a free wine hour.
King George Hotel is a historic three-pearl property with a great central location right next to Union Square and close to attractions, restaurants, shops, and public transport. Its 153 elegant rooms come with flat-screen TVs, work desks, tablets, and coffeemakers, though not all have air-conditioning and some get bothersome street noise. Other downsides include dated interiors and no proper restaurant, but there is a breakfast buffet available (for a fee), as well as a bar, 24-hour room service, and meeting rooms for rent. Travelers might also want to consider Hotel Union Stay which has a more modern style and a free wine hour.
Location is the main highlight of this mid-range boutique hotel, which is situated just two blocks away from Union Square and within a two-minute walk of a BART station and cable cars. Sleek and stylish common spaces -- a chic lobby, lobby bar, and dining room -- are a big contrast to the guest rooms, which are due for an update. They're small and feature lackluster decor, but offer a good set of amenities, including flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. There's not too much here in terms of features beyond the lobby bar and a small fitness room. Breakfast is available for a fee, as is valet parking. For an alternative with more perks, the Executive Hotel Vintage Court offers a free wine happy hour in the evenings, but common spaces aren't as stylish as the Fusion.
Location is the main highlight of this mid-range boutique hotel, which is situated just two blocks away from Union Square and within a two-minute walk of a BART station and cable cars. Sleek and stylish common spaces -- a chic lobby, lobby bar, and dining room -- are a big contrast to the guest rooms, which are due for an update. They're small and feature lackluster decor, but offer a good set of amenities, including flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi. There's not too much here in terms of features beyond the lobby bar and a small fitness room. Breakfast is available for a fee, as is valet parking. For an alternative with more perks, the Executive Hotel Vintage Court offers a free wine happy hour in the evenings, but common spaces aren't as stylish as the Fusion.
The Four Seasons' huge, well-outfitted rooms and attentive service are among the city's best, but the 277-room property falls a bit short of expectations. Its pool and fitness center are outsourced, and its business-centric SoMa location lacks the prestige of Nob Hill, where some if its strongest competitors reside.
The Four Seasons' huge, well-outfitted rooms and attentive service are among the city's best, but the 277-room property falls a bit short of expectations. Its pool and fitness center are outsourced, and its business-centric SoMa location lacks the prestige of Nob Hill, where some if its strongest competitors reside.
Converted from an 1908 fruit canning factory and reopened in 2003 with 252 nautical-themed rooms and suites, the Argonaut is one of Fisherman's Wharf's trendiest options. Spacious rooms, which were renovated in 2012, have more character than the nearby chain hotels, though the Sheraton is often cheaper. Features include a seafood restaurant, and the location makes some of San Francisco's most popular attractions easily accessible.
Converted from an 1908 fruit canning factory and reopened in 2003 with 252 nautical-themed rooms and suites, the Argonaut is one of Fisherman's Wharf's trendiest options. Spacious rooms, which were renovated in 2012, have more character than the nearby chain hotels, though the Sheraton is often cheaper. Features include a seafood restaurant, and the location makes some of San Francisco's most popular attractions easily accessible.
The upscale Hotel Vitale has a great location on the Financial District waterfront, surrounded by fine dining and across the street from the famous Ferry Building. Its 200 rooms are warm and spacious, with a soothing neutral palette, free Wi-Fi, and upscale amenities such as Bose sound systems, LCD TVs, fully stocked minibars, and limestone bathrooms. Americano Restaurant & Bar is known for its popular happy hour, which spills over to its cute outdoor terrace, and the spa offers a serene bamboo patio with soaking tubs. Rates are average for location and style, but there is a steep fee for valet parking, and the mandatory “Urban Fee” (which includes basic Wi-Fi, daily 10-minute massages, and Nespresso machines) may make some guests feel nickel-and-dimed. In this price range Le Meridien San Francisco offers a comparable experience.
The upscale Hotel Vitale has a great location on the Financial District waterfront, surrounded by fine dining and across the street from the famous Ferry Building. Its 200 rooms are warm and spacious, with a soothing neutral palette, free Wi-Fi, and upscale amenities such as Bose sound systems, LCD TVs, fully stocked minibars, and limestone bathrooms. Americano Restaurant & Bar is known for its popular happy hour, which spills over to its cute outdoor terrace, and the spa offers a serene bamboo patio with soaking tubs. Rates are average for location and style, but there is a steep fee for valet parking, and the mandatory “Urban Fee” (which includes basic Wi-Fi, daily 10-minute massages, and Nespresso machines) may make some guests feel nickel-and-dimed. In this price range Le Meridien San Francisco offers a comparable experience.
This budget, 25-room bed-and-breakfast is situated in a prime spot between Union Square and Nob Hill, with many of San Francisco’s attractions within easy walking distance and public transportation. The cozy, family-owned hotel is best suited to adult travelers, couples, and families with older children -- particularly those who appreciate meeting other guests over breakfast, which includes fresh baked goods. Rooms are individually decorated and full of antiques, and a friendly house cat functions as the hotel’s mascot. Guests wanting more amenities along with a homey vibe could consider the Nob Hill Hotel, which has a gym and restaurant.
This budget, 25-room bed-and-breakfast is situated in a prime spot between Union Square and Nob Hill, with many of San Francisco’s attractions within easy walking distance and public transportation. The cozy, family-owned hotel is best suited to adult travelers, couples, and families with older children -- particularly those who appreciate meeting other guests over breakfast, which includes fresh baked goods. Rooms are individually decorated and full of antiques, and a friendly house cat functions as the hotel’s mascot. Guests wanting more amenities along with a homey vibe could consider the Nob Hill Hotel, which has a gym and restaurant.
A historic property renovated in 2008, the Renaissance Stanford Court has several of the less endearing quirks of an older building but few of its vestigial charms. Still, it's a relative bargain for the posh Nob Hill address.
A historic property renovated in 2008, the Renaissance Stanford Court has several of the less endearing quirks of an older building but few of its vestigial charms. Still, it's a relative bargain for the posh Nob Hill address.
One block from Union Square, this charming boutique hotel offers attractive rooms that mix antique furniture and modern comforts. But amenities are few -- there's not even a fitness center on-site (though guests can access one at a different hotel a few blocks away). Still, its impressive historic building, intimacy, and stately feel make it one of the better options for the price in this location. Travelers should compare Kensington's rates with the ones at Hotel Cartwright, another early-20th-century charmer that's low on frills but a short walk from Union Square.
One block from Union Square, this charming boutique hotel offers attractive rooms that mix antique furniture and modern comforts. But amenities are few -- there's not even a fitness center on-site (though guests can access one at a different hotel a few blocks away). Still, its impressive historic building, intimacy, and stately feel make it one of the better options for the price in this location. Travelers should compare Kensington's rates with the ones at Hotel Cartwright, another early-20th-century charmer that's low on frills but a short walk from Union Square.
A seven-minute walk to Union Square and around the block from several pubic transportation options, the upper-middle-range Galleria Park Hotel is ideally located for both leisure tourists and business travelers alike. Inviting interiors are full of stylish touches and the atmosphere is welcoming, encouraged by fun initiatives like Evening Sipping Hour with free wine and gin martinis. An atmospheric Parisian-style brasserie serves classic French fare and has two bars (one focusing on cognacs, and one on champagne). The 177 guest rooms are small -- and bathrooms are tiny -- but they're tastefully decorated and have Illy coffee machines and well-stocked minibars. Note that there's a daily amenity fee added to rates. Travelers might want to compare rates with the nearby Hotel Adagio, Autograph Collection, which offers similar features.
A seven-minute walk to Union Square and around the block from several pubic transportation options, the upper-middle-range Galleria Park Hotel is ideally located for both leisure tourists and business travelers alike. Inviting interiors are full of stylish touches and the atmosphere is welcoming, encouraged by fun initiatives like Evening Sipping Hour with free wine and gin martinis. An atmospheric Parisian-style brasserie serves classic French fare and has two bars (one focusing on cognacs, and one on champagne). The 177 guest rooms are small -- and bathrooms are tiny -- but they're tastefully decorated and have Illy coffee machines and well-stocked minibars. Note that there's a daily amenity fee added to rates. Travelers might want to compare rates with the nearby Hotel Adagio, Autograph Collection, which offers similar features.