With the fog rolling across the Golden Gate Bridge, the lights across the Bay, the food, and the views, San Francisco surely goes toe to toe with Europe’s best romantic cities. After all, the city is known as the Paris of the West! Whether you’re in the city for the first time or you’re out for a date night, there’s no better way to kick the romance up a notch than staying at one of its romantic hotels. In fact, romantic hotels in San Francisco CA range from seriously charming Bay-view historic inns to plush hotels with round-the-clock service. From intimate escapes to posh retreats, San Francisco’s romantic hotels are the perfect love nest to turn a one-night stay into a happily ever after.
That said, there’s so much to see and do in the city that you might just feel like exploring before you head back to your cozy nest. The first stop on everyone’s itinerary is, of course, the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge, one of the Top Tourist Attractions In The USA. Don’t miss Fisherman’s Wharf either – it’s where you’ll see a sea of sea lions – pun unintended! Did you know that the city had another architectural landmark beside the Golden Gate Bridge? It’s the Transamerica Pyramid, one of the World’s Largest Pyramids. To top it all, San Francisco also has gardens, hiking trails, museums, and what-not. Clearly, even romantic culture vultures will love this city. To that end, here are the 11 most romantic hotels in San Francisco CA.
Where to Stay in San Francisco?
Few cities in the world are as exciting as San Francisco. It’s buzzing when you feel like going about town and it seems to slow down when you do. One of the best areas to stay in The Golden City is Embarcadero, which has a host of casual and fine dining options. Aside from walks along the riverfront, you can even hop onto romantic dinner cruises around the Bay. If you both love exploring or are visiting the city for the first time, then Union Square is where you should stay. Food, shopping, nightlife, and sightseeing – the neighborhood has it all. Oh, and don’t forget to take selfies next to the famous “heart work” sculptures in the plaza! Romance is in the very air at Nob Hill. It offers a slew of places to wine and dine and spectacular views of the city.
Meanwhile, South of Market, or SOMA, is home to a host of luxurious and indulgent hotels whose spas offer some much-needed R&R with your special someone. For those couples who plan to stay indoors amidst wanton luxury, SOMA is the neighborhood to do so. For those who wouldn’t mind checking out the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County offers some of the most incredible views of the bridge, the Bay, and the city.
Mansion on Sutter
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Mansion on Sutter is easily one of the most old-world romantic hotels in San Francisco. The 1881-built Victorian mansion drips with charm and is now a boutique hotel. You will love gazing at the owner’s personal art collection that hangs throughout the hotel and was collected during their travels. Sparkling chandeliers lend an old-world air of refinement, as does Victoria-era furniture. The hotel is built for romance, right down to the amenities, which include welcome treats baked by the in-house pastry chef and a complimentary bottle of wine when you check-in. Aside from an in-house florist – yea, they have those – the hotel also offers decadent in-room couple’s massages and turndown services. After a long day of exploring the city, it sounds just perfect.
If that wasn’t enough, foodie couples would particularly love the offerings at 1881, the hotel restaurant. It serves up bespoke Franco-American cuisine and a complimentary breakfast every day. Coming to the accommodations, the rooms have been designed in a lavish manner meant to delight the senses. What’s more, they have whimsical names such as Joie de Vivre and Champagne Room and feature L’Occitance bath products and Frette sheets on plush beds. Bathtubs add to the sense of ‘amour.’
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The St. Regis San Francisco
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Sleek and sexy romance comes to town in the form of The St. Regis, one of the most romantic hotels in San Francisco CA. Melding culture and romance, the hotel lies in the heart of the SoMa district and is the perfect base for culture-loving couples. Not only does it lie right next to the Museum Of Modern Art, but this chic and dreamy hotel goes a step ahead and houses the Museum of the African Diaspora! Besides incredible cultural credentials, the hotel has a long list of amenities meant to pamper you to the hilt. After a couple’s massage or body treatment at the Remède spa, enjoy a romantic soak in the jacuzzi. Afterward, head to the relaxation rooms where you’re plied with champagne as you indulge yourself a bit more.
But that’s not all. Tuck into sublime contemporary Californian cuisine and à la carte breakfasts at the restaurant. Drama lovers, on the other hand, will love the full afternoon tea and champagne served in the lobby lounge. Savvy travelers will especially love the rooms here, which are the epitome of elegance and comfort. Think swanky flatscreen TVs and Wi-Fi, which is perfect for a night of movies with some snacks. Butler service is available at the touch of a button, and there are touch screens for everything from TVs to lights. Oh, and did we mention the blackout shades for blissfully sleeping in late in each other’s arms? Yep. Flowers and spa bathtubs in the bathroom seal the deal.
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Hotel Drisco
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Tucked away in posh Pacific heights, Hotel Drisco is one of the most romantic hotels in San Francisco. It’s perfect for couples who want to stay away from all the chaos of downtown but not skimp on luxury or style. The hotel might sit in a classic 1903 structure, but it’s incredibly stylish and modern on the inside. Thus, it feels like an intimate romantic getaway at a country hotel. Tuck into a hearty complimentary breakfast spread with stellar views of the neighborhood. After a day of exploring, don’t miss the complimentary evening wine reception. It has not only charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, and local California wines, but also hot hors d’oeuvres, fresh fruit, and meatballs!
However, the sumptuous rooms and suites here are the real ticket. Revel in urban luxury with plush king beds with pillowtop mattresses and pillow menus. The marble bathrooms, meanwhile, are utterly indulgent with sleek black counters and white showers. Bathroom products by Bvlgari, plush robes, slippers, and heated floors sure make the bathroom an interesting and highly coveted place for indulging in some romance. What’s more, the hotel is big on guests celebrating an occasion, such as anniversaries or birthdays. So, do make sure to tell them – and they’ll ply you with a bottle of wine and chocolate cookies in the shape of the hotel logo to celebrate!
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Petite Auberge
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The French inspired many modern-day romances, so it’s only fitting that you choose a French love nest in the city. Welcome to Petit Auberge, which, despite its name, might just be one of the cutest romantic hotels in San Francisco CA. Its name translates to “small hostel,” but the French-inspired Nob Hill boutique hotel is anything but that. The French aesthetic extends to the rooms, thus enhancing their intimacy. Most of the rooms have fireplaces, which means you and your partner can enjoy cozy movie nights snuggled up on the bed together. The decor is innately French, right from the wallpapers to the cushy armchairs. Modern conveniences such as flatscreen TVs, Wi-Fi, and bathtubs add to the comfort. The best bit is the huge French doors that open into Juliet balconies.
The boutique hotel makes sure that you and your partner begin the day on a high note with a hearty complimentary breakfast buffet that includes freshly baked pastries. What’s more, they serve baked cookies throughout the day, which is great if you’re staying in. Plus, the famed pizzeria of Del Popolo serves room service here! After a long day, sip on a complimentary glass of wine and nibble on snacks in front of the fireplace.
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Galleria Park Hotel
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If you have work in San Francisco’s financial district and your significant other is accompanying you, then the Galleria Park Hotel is perfect. The art-deco hotel is an elegant oasis and one of the most romantic hotels in San Francisco. Rooms and suites here are designed to seduce with touches such as silvery and shiny mirrors and headboards behind the nightstands. What’s more, they also have luxurious amenities and touches such as espresso machines, spa-like waffle robes, and rainfall showers. Add to that Jonathan Adler bath products and bathtubs, and you have a decadent space to indulge in romance after a long workday.
But that’s not all. Your evening actually begins at the wine hour in the lobby, which is served in front of the art-nouveau fireplace that looks straight out of a fairytale. It’s a great place to quietly sit for a few moments and enjoy your partner’s company. After that, you can indulge in some more romantic moments at the Park Terrace, which is replete with greenery. When the hunger pangs strike, the romantic Gaspar Brasserie serves delicious traditional French eats with creative twists. The low-lit dining room with maroon banquettes and a long fine wine list ensures that dinner will be one long and sensual affair.
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The Fairmont
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Stay at The Fairmont, which is not only a historic landmark but also one of the most romantic hotels in San Francisco CA. The vibe of the hotel might be stately and elegant, but on the inside, it’s perfect for couples looking to have fun and blow off steam. Its basement tiki bar, Tonga Room and Hurricane Bar, is a very popular spot for youngsters. Decked out in a Polynesian theme and tropical décor, it serves delicious drinks such as mai tais in fake coconuts! If that wasn’t enough, there are even surprise thunderstorms and a floating band that belts out tunes from a lagoon. Couples who love clicking pictures and are social media crazy will certainly love this one.
But, that’s not all. After a long night of partying, the wellness spa offers a lovely respite. If you don’t feel like heading down to the massage, the massages even come up to you in the rooms! And, there’s nothing like a couple’s massage to fire up the senses. Likewise, room service is impeccable, but if you want to spend some nice outdoor time, we’d recommend the rooftop garden with superb views of the city. It’s a great place to catch some quiet moments with your significant other.
Many of the Fairmont’s dreamy rooms have stellar views of the city’s iconic sights. Prepare for romantic evenings in as the hotel boasts cloud-like beds, smart TVs, huge bathtubs, and plush robes. The cherry on top is the toiletries from Le Labo, an exclusively Fairmont brand of products with their signature Rose 31 fragrance. It’s no wonder that the Fairmont is one of the Best Hotels in San Francisco.
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Noe’s Nest Bed and Breakfast
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Are you an LGBTQ couple looking for a romantic nest in San Francisco? Look no further than Noe’s Nest Bed & Breakfast, which is not only one of the most romantic hotels in San Francisco but also amongst the Top Gay-Friendly Hotels In San Francisco! Tucked in the heart of the charming and serene Noe Valley neighborhood, this intimate B&B is just what you need for a quiet getaway in the city.
The cozy walled garden and the million-dollar views are what set this B&B apart from its peers. The breakfast is certainly the highlight of the day here. Think made-to-order eggs, bread, pastries, bagels, cheeses, fresh fruits, nuts, and dried fruits – it’s a veritable spread. While breakfast can be enjoyed in the dining room, we’d highly recommend eating out in the garden when the sun is out. It’s the perfect romantic start to the day. If you and your partner are interested in exploring the city, all you need to do is ask the concierge – and they’ll take care of the rest.
Choose from eight rooms with the most entertaining names, such as View Room, Sheila’s Chapeau Room, etc. Moreover, all rooms come with flatscreen TVs, soft beds, and marble bathrooms that add to the amorous ambiance. Plus, a few suites even have views of the garden and a relaxing spa bath and garden views.
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The Chateau Tivoli
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How about mixing romance with a feeling of 19th-century royalty? Welcome to The Chateau Tivoli, one of the most romantic hotels in San Francisco CA. The 1882-built bed and breakfast is the place to stay for indulging in Victorian-era romance with your significant other. During the week, dig into a cold continental breakfast of cheese, muffins, and fruit. But, what you’ll really love is the weekend champagne breakfast that you can enjoy in the dining room or in a more romantic spot in the garden. No matter where you go exploring, make it back for the wine-and-cheese reception every day, which is a cozy experience. What’s more, the B&B even does champagne brunches on the weekends!
All nine rooms and suites are lavishly decorated with ornate Victorian antiques and fixtures. The best part is that there’s no TV, which means you and your partner have all the time in the world for just the two of you. Spend a lot of it in the claw-footed tubs that are perfect for bubble baths. Did we mention that the four-poster beds are the softest ever? Retiring to bed sure seems more interesting.
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Huntington Hotel
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What makes the Huntington Hotel one of the most romantic hotels in San Francisco is the world-class spa. Not only does it have a steam room and sauna, but it even has a pool and a hot tub. So, enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool before heading for a couple’s massage. There’s even a spa store in the lobby if you want to pick up bespoke products for taking some of the romance back home. The poolside loungers are also a great place to sip on champagne with striking views of downtown. Drinking and dining at the sleek and low-lit hotel restaurant is an equally sensual affair. It’s the perfect place for a date where you can sip on gin and bourbon cocktails before digging into American fare and making your way back to the rooms.
What also helps up the hotel’s romance factor is the exotic Moroccan and Asian-themed rooms that boast sweeping views of Grace Cathedral. Think gilded detailing on lamps and furnishings, brightly colored textured headboards, and puffy satin blackout curtains. However, it’s the bathrooms that inspire romance, complete with huge soaking tubs and antique wood countertops featuring luxe bath products.
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Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
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For those who love their romance with a healthy dollop of history, Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco is the place they should be. The historic hotel’s origin goes back to 1926 and it happens to be one of the most romantic hotels in San Francisco CA. Rooms and suites here, just like the rest of the hotel, boast oodles of elegance and character. What’s more, they offer superb views of Nob Hill, the San Francisco skyline, or the Golden Gate Bridge. But what makes their ambiance really romantic are indulgent additions such as plush robes, cushy sofas for watching TV all cuddled up, and the plushest beds you’ll ever lay on.
There’s a lot of food for romance at this hotel. For a romantic meal, head to the iconic penthouse lounge that boasts 360-degree panoramas of the city. Kindle some seriously sexy vibes on the dance floor before heading back to your room. Moreover, the champagne brunch every Sunday is a rather charming and slow-paced meal to enjoy with your partner. If you and your partner are oenophiles with a big hankering for American fare, the farm-to-table restaurant has a stash of local California wines and excellent food.
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The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
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There’s little doubt that The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is one of the most romantic hotels in San Francisco. The hotel sits in a 1909 structure in one of San Francisco’s most romantic neighborhoods, Nob Hill. This stunning property basically has everything that a couple-in-love could possibly want. All 300+ rooms and suites are luxuriously appointed for the perfect romantic staycation. Think Frette sheets, terry cloth bathrobes, and round-the-clock in-room dining. Adding to the air of indulgence are the marble bathrooms, which are loaded with Asprey bath amenities and the most amazing deep-soaking bathtubs ever. A nightly turndown adds to the pampering.
Even amenities at the hotel are geared towards indulgence and opulence. Tuck into amazing meals at the farm-to-table restaurant, which also serves a delicious a la carte breakfast. The Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea with your significant other, while the JCB Tasting Lounge is where you go wine-tasting before you hit the bed. Want to unwind together? The peaceful spa L’Occitane is famed for the 90-minute Couple’s Escape ritual. Sigh.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars in San Francisco:
- Sonoma Valley Half-Day Wine Country Tour: Couples who’re also oenophiles will love this tour that takes them around the beautiful Sonoma Valley wineries. This half-day wine-tasting adventure takes you to the famed Carneros Wine Region outside a few hours from San Francisco. Not only do you stop at the vineyards, but you even get to sample the delicious grape concoctions.
- Villon Restaurant & Lounge: Set in the lobby of the Proper Hote, this stylish and seductive restaurant serves creative craft cocktails and delicious Californian cuisine. Do get the Dungeness crab with green goddess dressing.
Recommended Activities in San Francisco:
- San Francisco: California Sunset/Twilight Cruise: There’s no better way to romance your significant other than a sunset cruise. Hop on to this incredible evening cruise and enjoy spectacular views of San Francisco, its skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
- San Francisco GoCar Sightseeing Tour: What could be more fun and playful way of exploring San Francisco with your partner than a cute little GoCar? Hop into a bright yellow-colored GPS-guided storytelling car that navigates and points out the city’s best and most important sights. If you’re both intrepid travelers, then you’ll love this car that was dubbed as one of the “coolest inventions of the year.”
