Frequent travelers to and from California would know this, San Francisco International Airport is one of the busiest airports here. It’s a gateway to several destinations inside and outside the USA. As frequent travelers, we stopped at this airport many times, either to head to San Francisco itself or to wait for another flight. Sometimes, we had to stay a night or a couple of nights, so we tried to find the best San Francisco Airport hotels to stay near the airport.
Since we already tried different hotels near the airport, we are sharing the best we could find in this article. We are recommending hotels based on things like the basic services and amenities the hotel offers, its location, the availability of airport shuttle service, and others. Continue reading below if you’re heading to San Francisco to save your time looking for a perfect hotel.
Table of contents
- Hotel Aluxor SFO
- The Millwood
- Ritz Inn-San Francisco Airport SFO
- Residence Inn by Marriott
- Hotel Aura SFO Airport
- The Westin San Francisco Airport
- Hotel 1550
- Aloft San Francisco Airport
- El Rancho Inn SureStay Collection
- La Quinta by Wyndham
- Grand Hyatt
- Our Verdict!
- Where To Stay Near San Francisco International Airport
- Best Restaurants in San Francisco International Airport
- Best Restaurants near San Francisco International Airport
- Best Things To Do at San Francisco International Airport
Hotel Aluxor SFO
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Starting off the list of the best hotels near San Francisco Airport California with Hotel Aluxor SFO. This two-star hotel is very lovely and full of life. Don’t get fooled by knowing that it’s a two-star option. It might surpass other higher-standard hotels and impress you. First, the location was the main thing we were looking for, and we got what we were looking for. The hotel is around three kilometers from the airport. Further, this relatively small hotel offers airport shuttle service at specific times. So, contact them to know the schedule and arrange yourself.
Moreover, our room was equipped with most of the amenities we usually find in other hotels. We had free WiFi and toiletries inside the room. Also, there were several vending machines for snacks and drinks all day. In addition, we tried the gym, and it was good, just missing a pool or a night bar to pass some time. Overall, a nice experience in a small hotel with relaxing rooms and beds in addition to a great location.
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The Millwood
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The second option on the list is The Millwood, a small hotel also close to the airport, also offering airport shuttle service at a minimum cost. Overall, you won’t pay a lot during your stay at this hotel. The breakfast is essentially complimentary, and it’s pretty delicious. Also, the rooms are equipped with a microwave and a refrigerator to get your own food from wherever you want. There are many food options around, so don’t bother yourself with this.
Though it’s a small hotel, there is a good fitness center inside. You can spend your day there or get out to explore the surroundings. We moved around easily using public transportation. The area around is very interesting, and we never ran out of options. From parks to restaurants, everything around is calling for another visit to San Francisco.
“Very clean rooms, everything is reachable and the staff are very helpful. We got we paid for and much more! Looking forward to repeat the visit.”
WOW Travel
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Ritz Inn-San Francisco Airport SFO
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Who said you have to pay a lot to stay in good San Francisco CA hotels near the airport? Ritz Inn-San Francisco Airport SFO is a budget-friendly hotel or motel you can stay in if you want to save your money for something else. To be honest, you won’t get all the services and amenities you might get at luxurious hotels. However, considering the rate you’ll pay, it’s very reasonable. This doesn’t mean that the hotel is below average. We got a clean room with some necessary amenities, a tea and coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, and the main room services. Moreover, the parking is free for all guests with cars. And if you don’t have a car and need transportation, you can ask them at the front desk. They will be willing to help and call you a taxi.
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Residence Inn by Marriott
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Another great option for those searching for a great location and a great view from the room is the Residence Inn by Marriott. In Millbrae, this hotel is reachable from the airport in minutes and from the city center via public transportation. Unfortunately, there is no shuttle service at the hotel, but moving around is pretty easy. The area there is very vibrant. The rooms at the hotel have a lot of things we missed at other hotels. For example, we used the coffee machine for early espresso shots while gazing at the breathtaking view of the city from our room. Further, we used the indoor swimming pool in the morning. At night, it was time for a nice BBQ party, and the hotel provided us with all the needed facilities. So, it’s one of the best hotels near San Francisco Airport, California.
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Hotel Aura SFO Airport
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Look at this retro-modern hotel that resembles old historical buildings, and it’s the amazing Hotel Aura SFO Airport. This hotel isn’t an old one; it’s just the exterior design. Inside, everything is completely modern and state-of-art. The rooms, bathrooms, restaurant, and even the lobby. However, the oldish design reminds us of the historic hotels of San Francisco. One of the services we were offered once we arrived was a list of different day trips in San Francisco. Newbie travelers will find this very helpful, and you can ask for transportation schedules as well. We literally liked everything inside the hotel, including the free airport shuttle. We just wished there was more to do inside, such as a swimming pool or a fitness center.
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The Westin San Francisco Airport
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Best for comfort. We had the most comfortable night at The Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel, a very well-known hotel near the airport. This four-star hotel is a few miles from the airport, with free shuttle services running from 4 a.m. You don’t have to worry about transportation at all because it’s also a few miles away from a Bay Area Rapid Transit public transport station. Adding to the convenient experience, this amazing hotel has a large fitness center with professional equipment for those who want to stay on track even while traveling. Further, the indoor pool is jaw-dropping and very clean as well. This isn’t all! We had lots of amenities inside our super comfy room, and we could order lunch inside the room. In addition, pets are allowed, which is great for all pet parents out there.
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Hotel 1550
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Best for free services. If you want to experience a luxurious stay without paying a lot, stay at Hotel 1550! This hotel lies in the affordable hotels category. However, we enjoyed the offered services as if we were staying in the fanciest hotels. One of these services is the free airport shuttle that works all around the clock. Also, we won’t settle for any hotel unless it offers free refreshing coffee and tea 24\7 like Hotel 1550. From the outside, the hotel looks small. It’s just a two-story building. Hence, we didn’t expect such services and amenities. However, once we stayed our first night, we knew that we were staying in a hotel whose staff really knew how to deal with their guests. One of its main selling points is the home-like experience you’ll get.
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Aloft San Francisco Airport
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Aloft San Francisco Airport will never disappoint those looking forward to enjoying nightlife without staying in the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. The hotel has a lively late-night bar to enjoy a drink at any time of the night. But if bars aren’t your thing, there is an indoor pool to enjoy a few laps without getting sunburnt. The hotel has it all to serve its guests and deliver unforgettable experiences.
To reach the airport, we didn’t use any public transportation. We just asked for the free shuttle service available at the hotel. On the other side, if you have your own car, you can just park in the free parking area at the hotel. Even though we had a one-night stay in this hotel, we didn’t need more to know how value for money this hotel is. As a side note, we fell in love with the design of the hotel and rooms; it looks so modern.
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El Rancho Inn SureStay Collection
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Best value for money. It’s no wonder that most of the best San Francisco airport hotels are pricey, as everything comes at a price. However, you can still find something affordable and enjoy a close location to the airport as well. That’s the El Rancho Inn SureStay Collection. The hotel is a few miles from the airport, and it’s also closer to San Francisco’s downtown area. We could also reach the Pacific Ocean beaches in less than half an hour from the hotel. Don’t miss out on these day trips from San Francisco if you’re already there or about to travel.
If you’re asking how we traveled throughout our trip, it’s very easy. We used the public transportation that is a few blocks away from the hotel. Apart from the location, our flight arrived early, but we were lucky we booked at this hotel because they allowed us to check in earlier. All the staff were so friendly, so we are planning to repeat it once more.
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La Quinta by Wyndham
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Best location. Transportation is the easiest if you stay at La Quinta by Wyndham. This hotel has an airport shuttle service but checks out the times because we learned that it isn’t operating all the time. Meanwhile, we took a taxi from the airport to reach the hotel, which is only three miles away. On the other day, we wanted to go farther, so we reached the BART rail station. It took us around five or six minutes to reach the station. Apart from the location, it’s one of the most known hotels near SFO Airport San Francisco.
The rooms are quite spacious, including all the amenities we normally find at any hotel. Moreover, the outdoor swimming pool is similarly large, and the lounge chairs are so comfy. After a busy day, nothing is better than lounging by the pool or sweating in the fitness center. Both are free for all guests, so don’t miss them out.
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Grand Hyatt
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Grand Hyatt is definitely the best San Francisco Airport hotel we stayed in. It’s the nearest hotel, and it’s one of the fanciest as well. As the best hotel, it’s only one kilometer away from the airport. Thus, we trip took us a couple of minutes to and from the airport. There is no shuttle service offered by the hotel, but it isn’t a major problem anyway. We’re just a few minutes away from the airport.
We don’t need to talk about the services or amenities offered by this hotel. Grand Hyatt is already an international hotel chain that is known for the luxurious experience it offers to all its guests. Among the facilities, there is the huge swimming pool, the large fitness center, and the 24\7 excellent room service. The rooms are also exceptional regarding the cleanliness and the available amenities.
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Our Verdict!
Still confused and don’t know what to choose? Perhaps, you can start with these four hotels if you have specific criteria in your mind.
- Best value for money: El Rancho Inn SureStay Collection
- Best location: La Quinta by Wyndham
- Best for free services: Hotel 1550
- Best for comfort: The Westin San Francisco Airport
Where To Stay Near San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport isn’t too close to the city’s downtown, but you can still find all that need around the airport. There are a couple of places to stay in, and actually, we didn’t have to go far because the area is full of food, shopping, and entertainment options.
Grand Hyatt is the main San Francisco SFO airport hotel; you won’t need to get outside the airport if you stay there. Rather than Grand Hyatt, there are many hotels on both sides of El Camino Real’s main road. Further, this road has many several bus stops, so reaching any hotel there is easy.
Another option would be South San Francisco City. Why are we recommending this city? Simply because it’s way cheaper than the downtown area. Yet, there are a couple of luxurious hotels there as well, and some others overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Hence, enjoy a breathtaking view from your room there. Otherwise, check out these best hostels in downtown San Francisco if you prefer a city-center stay.
Best Restaurants in San Francisco International Airport
Check out the best restaurants in SFO airport:
- Dogpatch Bakehouse & Caffe – You don’t have to manipulate your healthy lifestyle just because you’re out of town. We found this marvelous small restaurant in boarding area E with plenty of healthy food options for those who want to keep on their diet.
- Green Beans Coffee – How about a cozy lounge with your favorite espresso or cold beverage while waiting for the next flight? We also ordered some fresh bakeries and a large bowl of green salad to fill our stomachs before a long flight. The prices there are very affordable.
- Pie Five Pizza – At Terminal 3, we found a nice pizza restaurant that offers custom pizza. We tried the High Five-Meat pizza, which is full of different meat cuts, and the Tandoori Feather with its mouth-watering spicy marinara sauce. Moreover, you can create your own pizza there, choosing the crust, the toppings, sauces, and some signature fresh finishes.
Best Restaurants near San Francisco International Airport
- Crepevine Restaurant – Out for fresh and organic food? Crepevine is your destination. It has some of the best omelet dishes we have ever tried in San Francisco. The crepes are also worth a try. So, don’t miss it out!
- Limón – For a change, we tried this restaurant serving Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant is large, and the setting is very cozy if you’re a group of friends or business travelers.
- In-N-Out Burger – For drive-thru or dine-in delicious burgers, this restaurant is one of the best. Using fresh ingredients, they deliver the tastiest cheeseburger you’ll ever try.
Best Things To Do at San Francisco International Airport
- Shopping – Though San Francisco has many shopping venues, we could do some shopping without leaving the airport. You can check out some of the options inside the airport if you don’t have time. Pass by Sunset News and Skyline News for souvenirs and snacks. Also, take a look at We Are SFC for some garments and Zoom Travel Stores for travel products.
- Outdoor Terrace – Sometimes, we just want to enjoy peaceful quiet times until the next flight. The SkyTerrace at the airport is a perfect spot to unwind for a couple of minutes or hours. However, make sure you’re there between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.