The 96-room Hotel Emblem is a quirky, literary-themed boutique hotel located in downtown San Francisco, two blocks from Union Square. The stylish property has a sceney vibe and a fun style that pays tribute to the Beat Generation (think throw pillows that read “Pot Is Fun” and William Carlos Williams quotes embedded on custom carpeting). The attractive rooms have funky, midcentury-inspired decor, as well as flat-screen TVs and glass decanters by the bedside (each floor has a station with filtered water and afternoon fruit and cookies). Perks include a hip lobby bar with excellent cocktails, a billiards room, and an outpost of the Brooklyn-based Bluestone Lane coffee shop. However, there’s no full-service eatery, and no fitness center. All in all, it’s a cooly mellow spot for couples or solo travelers; for something a bit more buttoned-up, consider The Inn at Union Square - A Greystone Hotel.
The 96-room Hotel Emblem is a quirky, literary-themed boutique hotel located in downtown San Francisco, two blocks from Union Square. The stylish property has a sceney vibe and a fun style that pays tribute to the Beat Generation (think throw pillows that read “Pot Is Fun” and William Carlos Williams quotes embedded on custom carpeting). The attractive rooms have funky, midcentury-inspired decor, as well as flat-screen TVs and glass decanters by the bedside (each floor has a station with filtered water and afternoon fruit and cookies). Perks include a hip lobby bar with excellent cocktails, a billiards room, and an outpost of the Brooklyn-based Bluestone Lane coffee shop. However, there’s no full-service eatery, and no fitness center. All in all, it’s a cooly mellow spot for couples or solo travelers; for something a bit more buttoned-up, consider The Inn at Union Square - A Greystone Hotel.
The upper-middle-range Hotel Spero is a chic boutique that dates back to 1923 and occupies a convenient location three blocks from Union Square and within a six-minute walk to a BART station in San Francisco. Renovated in 2018, interiors here are full of style that melds original details like beautiful hand-painted wooden ceiling beams in the lobby with contemporary decor. A diner-like restaurant and bar serves American fare and offers happy hour specials, plus there’s a fitness center well stocked with modern Precor machines and Peloton bikes. Other features include a co-working space and five meeting rooms. The 236 rooms are a bit small, but they’re attractive and equipped with flat-screen TVs and robes. Suites add living rooms. Wi-Fi is covered by the resort fee. For a cool boutique property with more amenities like an infinity pool and spa, consider the Huntington Hotel in Nob Hill.
The upper-middle-range Hotel Spero is a chic boutique that dates back to 1923 and occupies a convenient location three blocks from Union Square and within a six-minute walk to a BART station in San Francisco. Renovated in 2018, interiors here are full of style that melds original details like beautiful hand-painted wooden ceiling beams in the lobby with contemporary decor. A diner-like restaurant and bar serves American fare and offers happy hour specials, plus there’s a fitness center well stocked with modern Precor machines and Peloton bikes. Other features include a co-working space and five meeting rooms. The 236 rooms are a bit small, but they’re attractive and equipped with flat-screen TVs and robes. Suites add living rooms. Wi-Fi is covered by the resort fee. For a cool boutique property with more amenities like an infinity pool and spa, consider the Huntington Hotel in Nob Hill.
Formerly the Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf, the three-pearl Hotel Zephyr ditched its outdoor pool in favor of a sprawling playground that's filled with fire pit lounge spaces and giant yard games. Some guests may mourn the loss of a pool, but overall the Zephyr raised the bar on its family-friendly amenities, which extends to the interiors. Common spaces feel like an urban amusement park, including a game room. Even its 361 guest rooms have a playful spirit, stocked with dart boards, iPod docks, and huge 48-inch smart TVs. Its location right across the street from the waterfront is appealing, and rates are cheaper than the nearby Hyatt or the Holiday Inn Express. If Hotel Zephyr is booked up, check out the nautically themed Argonaut Hotel farther along the waterfront.
Formerly the Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf, the three-pearl Hotel Zephyr ditched its outdoor pool in favor of a sprawling playground that's filled with fire pit lounge spaces and giant yard games. Some guests may mourn the loss of a pool, but overall the Zephyr raised the bar on its family-friendly amenities, which extends to the interiors. Common spaces feel like an urban amusement park, including a game room. Even its 361 guest rooms have a playful spirit, stocked with dart boards, iPod docks, and huge 48-inch smart TVs. Its location right across the street from the waterfront is appealing, and rates are cheaper than the nearby Hyatt or the Holiday Inn Express. If Hotel Zephyr is booked up, check out the nautically themed Argonaut Hotel farther along the waterfront.
Built in 2005, the St. Regis offers the best in luxury: rooms with great beds and bathrooms, 24-hour butler service (for suite rooms only), and Remede Spa and pool. Its business-heavy SoMa surroundings and modern building lack the historical grandeur of Nob Hill's grand dames, but otherwise it stands shoulder to shoulder with its hilltop competitors.
Built in 2005, the St. Regis offers the best in luxury: rooms with great beds and bathrooms, 24-hour butler service (for suite rooms only), and Remede Spa and pool. Its business-heavy SoMa surroundings and modern building lack the historical grandeur of Nob Hill's grand dames, but otherwise it stands shoulder to shoulder with its hilltop competitors.
This Union Square boutique -- a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection since 2013 -- has 171 up-to-date, well-appointed rooms that deliver the right luxuries -- pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- in a stylish package. A fitness center, business center, great service, and an on-site restaurant make this hotel one of the best options in its area and price range.
This Union Square boutique -- a member of Marriott's Autograph Collection since 2013 -- has 171 up-to-date, well-appointed rooms that deliver the right luxuries -- pillow-top mattresses, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi -- in a stylish package. A fitness center, business center, great service, and an on-site restaurant make this hotel one of the best options in its area and price range.
Located in the city's vibrant Castro neighborhood, this mid-range bed-and-breakfast is housed in a charmingly restored Victorian with views of the Bay and Diamond Heights. The eight guest rooms and three apartments are decorated in a colorful and eclectic style, but not all have en-suite or private bathrooms. Apartments come with full kitchens. Breakfast, which gets enthusiastic reviews from guests, is included in the rate, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Apart from that, there's little in the way of features, but the location does allow for travelers to tap into San Francisco's gay and lesbian community and nightlife. There's also a Zen-style garden in the back with a luscious collection of plants. Another inexpensive option that's full of personality is the Inn at the Presidio, though its location is far more remote.
Located in the city's vibrant Castro neighborhood, this mid-range bed-and-breakfast is housed in a charmingly restored Victorian with views of the Bay and Diamond Heights. The eight guest rooms and three apartments are decorated in a colorful and eclectic style, but not all have en-suite or private bathrooms. Apartments come with full kitchens. Breakfast, which gets enthusiastic reviews from guests, is included in the rate, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Apart from that, there's little in the way of features, but the location does allow for travelers to tap into San Francisco's gay and lesbian community and nightlife. There's also a Zen-style garden in the back with a luscious collection of plants. Another inexpensive option that's full of personality is the Inn at the Presidio, though its location is far more remote.
This 1,499-room business behemoth ideally straddles SoMa, the Financial District, and Union Square, and clearly caters to meeting attendees with its multiple restaurants, huge fitness center, and comfortable, if unexciting, quarters. The public spaces can get so overwhelmed by the suit-and-tie set, however, that it often feels more like a convention center than a hotel.
This 1,499-room business behemoth ideally straddles SoMa, the Financial District, and Union Square, and clearly caters to meeting attendees with its multiple restaurants, huge fitness center, and comfortable, if unexciting, quarters. The public spaces can get so overwhelmed by the suit-and-tie set, however, that it often feels more like a convention center than a hotel.
You don't get the service you'd receive at high-end area competitors, but the Park Central Hotel San Francisco does offer immaculate quarters with super-comfortable beds, solid amenities, and a business-friendly location two blocks from the convention center. For travelers seeking a more subdued environment than the nearby mega-Marriott and who aren't up for paying St. Regis prices, this is an acceptable option.
You don't get the service you'd receive at high-end area competitors, but the Park Central Hotel San Francisco does offer immaculate quarters with super-comfortable beds, solid amenities, and a business-friendly location two blocks from the convention center. For travelers seeking a more subdued environment than the nearby mega-Marriott and who aren't up for paying St. Regis prices, this is an acceptable option.
This 104-room hotel between Union Square and Nob Hill boasts LEED certification but not much else. It's eco-friendly -- and proud of it -- but that's about as special as the hotel gets. Rooms are comfortable and clean, and amenities are nondescript. It's a fine but somewhat boring choice with affordable rates in a central location.
This 104-room hotel between Union Square and Nob Hill boasts LEED certification but not much else. It's eco-friendly -- and proud of it -- but that's about as special as the hotel gets. Rooms are comfortable and clean, and amenities are nondescript. It's a fine but somewhat boring choice with affordable rates in a central location.
The upper-middle-range Harbor Court Hotel is a charming property situated on the waterfront, just a five-minute walk from the Ferry Building Marketplace and close to lots of public transportation. A $10-million revamp in 2018 redesigned all 131 rooms and the lobby into the chic spaces they are now. Although small, rooms are stylish and packed with amenities, including large flat-screen TVs, tablets, and minibars stocked with organic treats; many have panoramic bay views. The hotel is home to a wonderful Japanese restaurant popular with locals and a 24-hour cafe, plus a handful of free perks are offered to guests, including evening wine receptions, morning coffee and tea, and access to a nearby YMCA gym. However, a daily amenity fee is added to rates. Travelers wanting an on-site spa and fitness center may prefer the W San Francisco, but it's pricier.
The upper-middle-range Harbor Court Hotel is a charming property situated on the waterfront, just a five-minute walk from the Ferry Building Marketplace and close to lots of public transportation. A $10-million revamp in 2018 redesigned all 131 rooms and the lobby into the chic spaces they are now. Although small, rooms are stylish and packed with amenities, including large flat-screen TVs, tablets, and minibars stocked with organic treats; many have panoramic bay views. The hotel is home to a wonderful Japanese restaurant popular with locals and a 24-hour cafe, plus a handful of free perks are offered to guests, including evening wine receptions, morning coffee and tea, and access to a nearby YMCA gym. However, a daily amenity fee is added to rates. Travelers wanting an on-site spa and fitness center may prefer the W San Francisco, but it's pricier.