No matter when it’s always a great time to visit San Francisco. We don’t even mind to go there right now if we could. Housing the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, and many more, we always expect a sea of people whenever we travel to Frisco. But one important thing you should note is that most hotels here don’t have free parking. Due to limited space and high demand for parking, hotels often charge a fee for valet or self-parking. That’s why we want to show you the best hotels in San Francisco with free parking! Parking fees can take a toll on your trip, and we’re not huge fans of paying for parking either. But with the hotels below, you don’t have to worry about that anymore. Better yet, most of them are budget-friendly accommodations.
Table of contents
- Greenwich Inn
- Presidio Parkway Inn
- Best Western Red Coach Inn
- La Luna Inn
- Cow Hollow Inn and Suites
- HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel
- Inn on Broadway
- Buena Vista Motor Inn
- Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco
- Coventry Motor Inn
- 1 Hotel San Francisco
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in San Francisco
- Can you park for free in San Francisco?
- Can you stay in San Francisco without a car?
- Why is parking so expensive in San Francisco?
Greenwich Inn
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Kicking off this list is the Greenwich Inn. We think travelers who want an affordable place to spend their nights without sacrificing a lot would love this motel. Unlike many other big hotels, this motel actually offers free guest parking. While it’s on a first-come-first-serve basis, we were able to find a spot easily. Of course, you shouldn’t expect 5-star rooms here. However, our Standard Double Room was honestly impressive. It came with all the must-haves. From the microwave to the fridge, everything worked well. While there’s no air conditioning, we didn’t find it to be a major issue during our stay.
What about the location? This motel is set in the heart of the Marina District. It’s just a short walk from all the shops, restaurants, and attractions that this vibrant neighborhood has to offer.
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Presidio Parkway Inn
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The Presidio Parkway Inn is a solid choice for travelers looking for a budget-friendly place. Location-wise, we liked this motel. It was just a short distance from popular attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. We truly felt it was a convenient base for exploring the city.
The rooms here are clean and functional, with all the basic amenities you’ll ever need, including free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a microwave, a mini fridge, and a coffee maker. The decor in our room was a bit simple, but it wasn’t a problem as all we wanted was a comfy and quiet place to rest our heads. The complimentary perks were among the best things about the Presidio Parkway Inn. We enjoyed the continental breakfast each morning, which provided us with a quick and easy start to our day. The on-site parking was also a huge convenience, especially considering the limited parking options in the city.
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Best Western Red Coach Inn
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Another great addition to this list is the Best Western Red Coach Inn. It’s a great value for money. Located just a block away from Highway 101 and within walking distance of the Civic Center BART station and Hyde Street light rail stop, its location was incredibly convenient for us.
This cheap hotel in San Francisco was bright and cheerful, with red balconies making it more colorful. Our room was simple but clean and comfortable, with quilted bedspreads, light-wood furnishings, and all the essentials like a private bathroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a TV with premium movie channels. We also appreciated the guest-only elevator and free on-site parking, which made our stay even more hassle-free. Overall, the Best Western Red Coach Inn was a great choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in San Francisco.
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La Luna Inn
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We present you La Luna Inn, one of the best hotels with free parking in San Francisco CA. Its location is simply perfect for exploring San Francisco. Just a short stroll away, the Presidio offered a tranquil escape from the city’s vibrant energy. Plus, Marina Green Park and the legendary Lombard Street were within easy walking distance – talk about convenience!
Beyond the prime spot, we were especially impressed by the complimentary perks. The continental breakfast fueled us up for our daily adventures, and the free parking was a lifesaver. Of course, you can also expect free Wi-Fi and impeccable service from the staff.
Since we craved some extra breathing room, we opted for the Large King Room. It was way more spacious than the standard option, offering everything we needed. If you’re feeling fortunate, you might even snag a room with jaw-dropping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts. We’re convinced those vistas would make your stay truly unforgettable.
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Cow Hollow Inn and Suites
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While the Cow Hollow Inn and Suites isn’t right in the heart of the tourist action, the location worked well for us. The hotel sits just off Route 101, making it easy to get around by car. Plus, it’s only a 7-minute walk to the chic Marina District with its abundance of shops and restaurants. Even iconic landmarks like the Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge were within reach.
Our Deluxe Room had a vintage vibe that we loved. It was warmly furnished and offered all the standard amenities you can think of. There was even a desk that came in handy for planning our adventures. We especially appreciated the sitting area, a nice spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
The included covered parking for one car per room was a major plus, especially considering the often steep San Francisco streets. We also appreciated the 24-hour front desk for any questions or needs that arose during our stay. The concierge services and ticket assistance were a bonus, making it easy to book tours or shows.
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HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel
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Best Budget. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind socializing, consider the HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel. As one of the best hostels in San Francisco, it’s clean, well-maintained, and offers a variety of amenities to make your stay comfortable. We especially enjoyed the outdoor seating area with picnic tables, where we could relax and enjoy the bay’s gorgeous views.
Staying here, you don’t have to worry about spending much on food either. Simply take advantage of the fully equipped guest kitchen! Apart from that, we also appreciated the free luggage storage and free on-site parking, which made our stay even more convenient.
For the accommodations, this hostel offers all kinds of dorms. There are men-only, women-only, and all-gender dorms. We stayed in the all-gender dorm, and there were 20 beds in total. It was crowded, but we were never bothered as everyone was busy with their own thing. But even so, we were able to make some new friends!
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Inn on Broadway
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Best Location. We stayed at the Inn on Broadway during our recent trip to San Francisco, and it surprised us in every way possible. First, the location was fantastic. We particularly enjoyed the stunning views of the marina and Bay. Can’t sit still and want to explore Frisco’s top attractions? Perfect! We were able to go to the Exploratorium and Chinatown easily.
One of the things we appreciated most about Inn on Broadway was the friendly and helpful staff. They were always willing to assist us with anything we needed, from recommendations for restaurants to directions around the city. The inn also had a few additional amenities that we found useful, such as a lift and a vending machine. While these may seem like small details, they can make a big difference in terms of convenience.
For our stay, we booked the Deluxe Suite. It was even better in person. Every corner was spotless, and it was bright and cozy. Even the bathroom was amazing. And thanks to the plush bed, we were able to sleep every single night like babies.
“This is such a thoughtful and convenient hotel. It’s one of those hotels that deserve more recognition from travelers!”
WOW Travel
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Buena Vista Motor Inn
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Our next pick is the Buena Vista Motor Inn. We didn’t expect much, but we ended up having a surprisingly pleasant experience. Located on the edge of the Marina District, this low-key budget hotel offered a convenient base for exploring San Francisco. We were within walking distance of the Marina District, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the iconic crooked portion of Lombard Street.
The rooms here are spotless, big, and fresh, with all the essentials like WiFi, a TV, and a work desk. We appreciated the option to request a mini fridge and microwave, which came in handy for storing our snacks and drinks.
One of the highlights of our stay was the rooftop deck. It offered stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, making was the best spot on-site to relax and enjoy the city. On top of that, the hotel also has a garden. While the on-site parking is free, it’s limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. So if you’re planning to drive, it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot.
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Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco
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While the Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco may not be the most luxurious hotel around, it did provide us with a comfortable and affordable stay in a prime location. Staying here, we were just a block away from the Lombard Gate entrance to the Presidio, which was a major advantage. It provided easy access to the park’s scenic trails, historic landmarks, and stunning views.
For the amenities, the hotel’s free continental breakfast was great. It has everything we were looking for. The on-site parking was convenient, too, especially since many hotels in San Francisco don’t offer one. We also appreciated the business center, which came in handy for work-related tasks. If you’re traveling with your furry friend, you’ll be happy to know that pets are welcome for a fee.
Our room was the King Room. It was clean and comfortable, with all the essentials we needed for a pleasant stay. The free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV with premium channels were convenient, and the minifridge and coffeemaker were nice additions. Best of all, kids under 17 can stay for free.
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Coventry Motor Inn
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Best Value for Money. If you’re searching for cheap hotels in San Francisco with free parking, the best answer is the Coventry Motor Inn. Though affordable, our experience at this hotel was delightful. With Chestnut St just a short walk away, we were able to explore a plethora of shopping and dining options easily. For those seeking a bit more adventure, popular attractions like the Palace of Fine Arts, Chinatown, and the iconic Alcatraz Island are all within easy reach.
When it comes to the room selection, we were glad with our pick, the One King Bed Room. Aside from the essential amenities, the room’s quiet street view provided a peaceful ambiance, allowing us to relax after hours of flight. One of the standout features of our stay was the complimentary covered parking. This was a major convenience, as it saved us the time and hassle of searching for street parking, especially in the bustling city center.
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1 Hotel San Francisco
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Best Luxury. It’s only fitting for the 1 Hotel San Francisco to be in the number one spot, and that’s not because of its name. This hotel is a true gem, nestled right in the heart of the city with breathtaking views of the Bay. Let’s talk about the best part of our stay: our Terrace Studio Suite. Some may argue it’s pricey, but it was worth every extra dollar. The spacious suite was beautifully appointed and offered stunning panoramic views of the water. We loved relaxing on our massive private terrace, sipping our complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and enjoying the tranquility of the city.
Furthermore, we appreciated the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. From its locally sourced ingredients to its eco-friendly practices, it was clear that it cared about the environment. We especially enjoyed dining at Terrene, where we indulged in delicious organic and sustainable cuisine.
If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, the Bamford Wellness Spa is a must-visit. The treatments are incredibly relaxing and the atmosphere is peaceful and serene. We also took advantage of the complimentary fitness classes offered by Love Story Yoga and LuxFit SF. Oh, have we mentioned that the hotel is also pet-friendly?
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Our Verdict!
Still not sure which hotel to choose? Fret not! We’ve summarized our top picks based on the following categories, so you can pick the one that suits your preferences best.
- Best Luxury: 1 Hotel San Francisco
- Best Value for Money: Coventry Motor Inn
- Best Location: Inn on Broadway
- Best Budget: HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel
Where to Stay in San Francisco
San Francisco has a wide range of different neighborhoods, and each has its perks. If you want a central location and easy access to major attractions as well as transportation hubs, stay in Union Square. Here, you’ll find high-end department stores, designer boutiques, and upscale restaurants. Getting around is easy too since the neighborhood is well-connected to public transportation.
Here for the views? Consider staying in Fisherman’s Wharf! It’s home to popular attractions like Pier 39 and the Maritime National Historic Park. You can easily enjoy the stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island from this area.
However, if you’re a history buff, you might be interested in Nob Hill. It’s a historic neighborhood known for its elegant mansions and grand architecture. This place also offers panoramic views of the city and the bay, making it a popular spot for sightseeing. It’s served by the iconic San Francisco cable cars, providing a unique and scenic way to get around. For the accommodations, we’re sure you’ll love these historic hotels in San Francisco.
Another favorite area of ours is The Marina. This neighborhood boasts beautiful waterfront views. Make sure to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge! The area also has a variety of upscale eateries and shops, including waterfront dining. Families love to spend their time here as there are several playgrounds and parks. Speaking of which, have you read our list of the best hotels in Marina District San Francisco?
Can you park for free in San Francisco?
Free parking in San Francisco is rare, especially in the city center. However, you might find free spots in residential areas, near parks, or during off-peak hours. Or, you can consider staying at the San Francisco hotels with free parking above.
Can you stay in San Francisco without a car?
Yes, you can easily stay in San Francisco without a car. The city has a robust public transportation system, including buses, cable cars, and the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system. Additionally, many attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it convenient to explore the city on foot.
Why is parking so expensive in San Francisco?
Parking in San Francisco is expensive due to limited space and high demand. This scarcity, combined with the city’s popularity as a tourist destination and a major business hub, drives up prices.