11 Best Hotels in Downtown San Francisco

San Francisco’s downtown district is a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and history. It’s where you can find quite literally anything you can think of, including accommodations. One of the reasons why we love staying here is because there are so many hotels to choose from. We’re talking about unique boutiques, luxurious ones, and those with the city’s gorgeous views. As avid travelers, we’ve explored enough hotels to make a list of the best hotels in Downtown San Francisco. They not only offer an unbeatable location but also charming amenities that are sometimes hard to find. So, are you ready to elevate your SF stay to the next level? Keep scrolling and book your room today!

San Francisco Proper Hotel

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Housed in a historic building where vintage streetcars rumble past Roaring Twenties façades, the San Francisco Proper Hotel offers a fascinating glimpse into the Mid-Market neighborhood, where start-up culture meets the city’s grittier side. Union Square’s shopping heaven was a mere five-block stroll away, while the newly renovated SFMOMA beckoned just slightly further. For waterfront enthusiasts like us, the hotel’s position two miles from the Embarcadero was ideal for morning jaunts to the Ferry Building’s farmers market and afternoon cruises to Alcatraz.

Our Premier King Room showcased a designer’s eye for detail, with hardwood floors, angular lamps, and an impressive four types of wallpaper somehow working in harmony. The large windows flooded the space with natural light, while the bathroom struck us with its black and brown subway tiles and gold fixtures. There are so many accommodation options on-site, including 12 bunk rooms that offer a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing style.

We also enjoyed the on-site Villon. We started our mornings with outstanding breakfast choices – the breakfast pho with beef short rib and pork belly became an instant favorite, while the ricotta pancakes with raspberry and crème fraîche had us plotting our return visit before we’d even finished. The rooftop bar, Charmaine’s, is also one of the hotel’s biggest draws. Despite the occasional challenge of getting served during peak hours (even with guest priority access), the wraparound terrace with fire pits offered some of the best views we’ve found in San Francisco.

Hotel Nikko

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Hotel Nikko is the perfect example of an Asian-inspired boutique hotel. Featuring a blend of Japanese elegance and San Francisco’s charm, the hotel is loved for many things, including its amenities that exceeded our expectations. The fifth-floor health club particularly impressed us, featuring an outdoor grass run. The glass-enclosed pool and hot tub area, complete with saunas and steam rooms in the changing facilities, offered a luxurious escape after our city explorations. We also loved the Feinstein’s at the Nikko, the hotel’s Broadway-inspired club. And for dining, ANZU was our favorite. The California-inspired Japanese cuisine offered a perfect fusion of flavors.

Though our Deluxe Room wasn’t the largest we’ve seen in San Francisco, the intelligent design made excellent use of space. The wall-mounted TV and sliding bathroom door demonstrated thoughtful space optimization, while the Keurig coffee maker on the bathroom counter was a welcome touch for our morning routine. What truly stood out were the considerate extras: an umbrella for San Francisco’s famously unpredictable weather, a minibar with cold storage for our leftovers, and the ability to text housekeeping for simple requests.

Finally, the hotel’s position was ideal for our San Francisco adventure. While there were car rental facilities right outside, they were unnecessary – the Powell Street Transit Station was a mere three-block walk away, offering direct lines to San Francisco International Airport, Golden Gate Park, and the zoo. Market Street’s proximity gave us easy access to Fisherman’s Wharf and other attractions via regular bus services.

For more boutique accommodations, here are the best boutique hotels in Downtown San Francisco!

Taj Campton Place

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The Taj Campton Place has successfully solidified itself as one of the most expensive hotels in San Francisco. You’ll find everything you expect from a lavish hotel here. One of the hotel’s unique features is its open-air fitness center, offering stunning views of the city skyline. We truly enjoyed working out there. The exposed gym was truly a unique concept, and it’s a refreshing change from traditional indoor gyms.

Furthermore, the hotel’s Michelin-starred Campton Place restaurant is a culinary masterpiece. Here, you’ll find a unique fusion of Indian and Californian flavors. While the tasting menu is a bit pricey, it’s an unforgettable dining experience. For a more casual option, the adjacent bar and bistro offers delicious breakfast and lunch dishes. We also found the staff at the Taj Campton Place to be incredibly friendly and helpful. They provided us with excellent recommendations for local dining and activities.

The rooms at the Taj Campton Place vary in size and configuration, but all are well-appointed with modern amenities. For our stay, we chose the Deluxe King Room, and it was flawless. Every night was a dream, and we loved the spacious layout. Our favorite thing about the room? The window seat and bathtub!

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

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Best Wellness Amenities. Of course, we also have to tell you about our experience at the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, a sophisticated sanctuary nestled amidst the bustling heart of the city. As one of the best hotels in San Francisco Market Street, it offered us easy access to the city’s iconic landmarks, shopping districts, and cultural attractions. The Bay Bridge, Ferry Building, and the vibrant Castro district were within easy reach, while the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and Yerba Buena Gardens were just a stroll away.

One of the highlights of our stay was the exclusive access to Equinox, a luxurious fitness club spread across three floors. The state-of-the-art facilities, including a basketball court, swimming pool, and various fitness classes, catered to our every wellness need. Meanwhile, the on-site spa offered a serene escape, perfect for indulging in rejuvenating treatments.

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The hotel’s spacious rooms are bathed in natural light, and the Premier rooms feature comfortable seating areas with stunning city views. We booked the Premier King Room, and it was honestly the best. The stylish decor, combined with thoughtful amenities like the Nespresso machine and Bose speaker, enhanced our overall experience.

Galleria Park Hotel

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We’re still thrilled by how we managed to discover a gem in San Francisco’s downtown: the Galleria Park Hotel. It’s where historic Art Deco charm meets contemporary sophistication. Walking through the doors, we were immediately struck by the grand lobby with its stunning Art Nouveau fireplace, elegant white marble staircase, and original skylight with floral chandeliers.

Our favorite discovery was the third-floor park terrace, a peaceful urban oasis where we could escape the city’s bustle. While the advertised “running track” around the perimeter might be better suited for a casual stroll, we appreciated the thoughtful addition of benches for quiet contemplation. For proper exercise, we opted for the modest but well-appointed fitness center, which offered entertaining street views during our workout.

That’s not all! Our Deluxe King Room managed to feel both glamorous and cozy. We particularly loved the custom grey carpets with their flowing patterns, which is another clever nod to the city’s famous fog. Moreover, the silvery headboard and strategic mirror placement created an atmosphere of understated luxury. Of course, we also made good use of the comfortable two-seater sofa, spacious wardrobes, and the excellent Illy espresso machine.

Hotel G San Francisco

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Hotel G San Francisco is a conveniently located hotel just a block west of Union Square. As one of the best hotels in San Francisco downtown, it allowed us to easily explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. The Powell Street cable car stop is nearby, making it a breeze to reach North Beach or Fisherman’s Wharf. Additionally, Market Street, with its various transportation options, is within walking distance.

The check-in process was smooth and the staff were professional. While the hotel itself offers limited amenities, its buzzing neighborhood compensates for this. One of the highlights of our stay was the hotel’s restaurant, Ayala. This stylish seafood restaurant offers delicious small plates and larger dishes in a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired setting. We particularly enjoyed the raw kampachi and the nori spaghettini. Make sure to check out Benjamin Cooper, the hotel’s chill bar, too.

After contemplating for quite a while, we decided to choose the King Suite. It was exactly like the pictures and came with antique elements as well as modern design. We appreciated the tech-friendly features like the Nespresso machine. The bathroom, though small, was well-appointed with a walk-in shower and quality toiletries.

Phoenix Hotel

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Best Decor. The Phoenix Hotel is an edgy choice that offers a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll and modern comfort. Its central location and proximity to the city’s vibrant music scene make it a compelling choice for music enthusiasts and adventurous travelers. But what interested us was the fact that legends like David Bowie and Kurt Cobain have graced its rooms, leaving an indelible mark on its character.

The heart of the hotel is undoubtedly its palm-fringed pool area. With its black and white tiling, sculptural accents, and inviting atmosphere, it was our favorite spot to soak up the Californian sun. The poolside bar offered us a selection of refreshing cocktails, and the on-site Chambers Eat + Drink had delicious food, from hearty breakfasts to sophisticated dinner fare. Speaking of food, we really appreciated the complimentary coffee and pastries every morning in the lobby.

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We spent our nights in the King Room. The spacious, well-appointed space featured huge windows overlooking the pool, crisp white linens, and a stylish blend of modern and vintage furnishings. The attention to detail was evident, from the original pop art prints to the retro telephone.

Axiom Hotel

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Best Location. We couldn’t have asked for a better location during our stay at the Axiom Hotel. Situated right beside the iconic Powell-Hyde cable car turnaround, we found ourselves at the epicenter of San Francisco’s charm. The sight of operators manually turning the historic cars became our daily entertainment, while the constant flow of excited tourists reminded us of the city’s timeless appeal.

The hotel’s Cloud Level quickly became our favorite hangout spot. This mezzanine floor above Turn Café houses an impressive collection of free vintage arcade games like Asteroids, Paperboy, and Pac-Man, as well as a foosball table. For our fitness enthusiasts, the basement’s 24/7 glass-walled gym, while compact, served our needs well with its selection of cardio machines and free weights. Throughout our stay, we were also consistently impressed by the super-friendly, can-do attitude of the staff.

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Our Executive King Room was equally impressive. The dark wood floors and minimal furnishings in sophisticated slate grey, navy, and tan created a calming atmosphere. Of the 152 rooms, we particularly recommend our room for its generous size and additional sitting area. While there’s no minibar, the inclusion of a fridge and an Illy espresso machine more than made up for it.

InterContinental San Francisco

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We’re sure you’ll enjoy staying at the InterContinental San Francisco as much as we did. The hotel’s prime location right next to the Moscone Center made it incredibly convenient for us as convention attendees. But even if you’re not there for a conference, the hotel is still a great base for exploring the city. We were able to easily walk to SF Moma, the Metreon, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.

Our Queen Room was everything we wanted. It was stylish and comfortable, with modern decor and all the necessary amenities. The floor-to-ceiling windows provided stunning views of the city, too. For something even better, you should consider the Club Floor accommodation, which offers even better views and exclusive access to the Club Lounge.

Now, let’s talk about the hotel amenities. The heated lap pool was the place to be for relaxation, and the 24-hour fitness center was well-equipped. For food, we loved spending our time at Lobby Bar 888. It was a great spot for a casual meal and drink. But for a more upscale dining experience, head to Luce.

Palace Hotel

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Best 5-Star. If you want nothing but the best in Downtown San Francisco, stay at the Palace Hotel. First of all, its prime location made it easy to explore the city, with public transit, BART trains, and streetcars all within reach. We were just a short walk from SFMOMA and Union Square, and the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf were easily accessible by streetcar.

The hotel itself is a sprawling complex, occupying an entire city block. The multilingual concierges, members of Les Clefs d’Or, were incredibly helpful in planning our sightseeing excursions. We were also impressed by the hotel’s amenities. We’re talking about the stunning indoor pool, enclosed by a glass roof, and the 24-hour fitness center. The hotel’s centerpiece, the Garden Court, is a breathtaking space with Austrian glass chandeliers and a stained-glass dome. We enjoyed the breakfast buffet and the signature Saturday afternoon tea, both of which were delightful.

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For our stay, we booked the Junior Suite. It was beautifully appointed, with a tasteful color palette and modern amenities. The high ceilings made the space feel even more spacious, and the tiled bathroom, with its ocean liner-inspired details, was so luxurious. If you’re ready to splurge, check out the Presidential Suite!

“We were transported back in time to an era of elegance at the hotel thanks to the opulent decor and impeccable service.”

WOW Travel

Speaking of which, we have another highly recommended hotel in the area. Check out our review of the Hilton Union Square Hotel in San Francisco!

Omni San Francisco

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Best Overall. The Omni San Francisco is one of those hotels that does everything right effortlessly. This hotel is perfectly positioned in the Financial District. While this area quiets down considerably on evenings and weekends (perfect for peaceful nights), we were delighted to discover Chinatown just a block away and the charming Little Italy of North Beach nearby. Transportation proved convenient, with the California cable car line a block west and multiple transit options on Market Street.

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When we arrived, the hotel staff won us over immediately. We particularly enjoyed chatting with the doorman, a San Francisco native whose encyclopedic knowledge of the city’s transportation and neighborhoods impressed us. And during our free time, we would head to the well-equipped 24-hour gym with its Nautilus machines. For dining, we recommend Bob’s Steak & Chop House, the hotel’s sole restaurant. We particularly recommend trying the Oscar-style preparation for steaks – the combination of hollandaise, asparagus, and crab meat elevated the dishes beautifully.

Our room exceeded our expectations in both size and comfort – a rare find in downtown San Francisco. We loved the thoughtful furnishings: a spacious desk, comfortable armchair, and a bed with incredibly plush pillows. The soundproofing was also excellent; despite having an early-rising neighbor, we barely heard a peep.

Our Verdict!

With its easy access to nearby attractions, spacious and cozy rooms, as well as top-notch amenities, we think it’s only fair to name Omni San Francisco as the best overall. However, this doesn’t mean the rest aren’t worth considering. Below are the hotels that we’ve categorized into what we think are important criteria so you can choose the right hotel more easily.

• Best 5-Star: Palace Hotel
• Best Location: Axiom Hotel
• Best Decor: Phoenix Hotel
• Best Wellness Amenities: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

Where to Stay in Downtown San Francisco

When people are talking about Downtown San Francisco, they’re usually talking about the Financial District and other nearby areas like Union Square, SoMa, and Civic Center. So, if you want to look for a hotel in San Francisco downtown, you should find one in one of these areas.

Let’s first talk about the Financial District. The heart of the city, it’s a stark contrast to San Francisco’s iconic bohemian spirit. It’s a typical corporate hub with towering skyscrapers. While it lacks the city’s iconic hippie charm, it offers practical conveniences like numerous dining, drinking, and shopping options. Moreover, its prime location allows for easy access to more picturesque parts of the city.

Travelers also love staying in Union Square. It’s right in the heart of the city, making it easy to access many of San Francisco’s top attractions, including Chinatown, North Beach, and the Financial District. It’s also home to many high-end stores and restaurants, perfect for those who want to indulge in some retail therapy or enjoy a delicious meal. There are a variety of hotels in the area, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options, so you can find something that fits your budget and preferences.

Then, there’s South of Market or SoMa. The area is home to several world-class museums, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Museum of the African Diaspora. SoMa boasts a variety of restaurants, from trendy cafes to Michelin-starred establishments, as well as a range of hotels, too.

Last but not least is the Civic Center. This place is home to iconic attractions like City Hall, the Asian Art Museum, and the War Memorial Opera House. There are a variety of hotels and other accommodations in the area, some of which are more affordable than those in other parts of the city.

Is downtown San Francisco worth visiting?

Yes, downtown San Francisco is definitely worth visiting. It’s a vibrant area with diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and a unique blend of history and modernity.

How far is downtown San Francisco from the airport?

The distance from San Francisco Airport to downtown San Francisco is 14.5 miles and takes about 24 minutes by car. For your convenience, check out these best hotels with a shuttle to San Francisco Airport!

Do you need a car in downtown San Francisco?

No, you don’t need a car in downtown San Francisco. The city has excellent public transportation options, including buses, cable cars, and the BART subway system, making it easy to get around without a car.