11 Best Boutique Hotels in Downtown San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the world’s most creative and uninhibited cities, and Downtown San Francisco is its crown jewel. The bustling neighborhood is home to some of the best entertainment, shopping, dining, and sights in the city. The hotel scene in SF, as locals lovingly call it, has come a long way in just a few years, but it’s the boutique hotels that have taken off. The best boutique hotels in Downtown San Francisco boasted a wide range of options that catered to every budget and taste. What’s more, they offered us a unique, personalized staying experience, combined with a warm vibe and attention to detail. As true aesthetes, we wanted a chic boutique hotel in the heart of Downtown that was as comfortable as it was beautiful. When we went looking for them, we found so many options that it was difficult for us to choose one!

Whether you’re after eco-friendly modernity, spaces with private terraces, or daily wine tastings and historical charm abound, Downtown SF has a boutique stay for everyone. Here are the best boutique stays in the ‘Golden Gate City.’

Hotel Zeppelin

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We begin with Hotel Zeppelin, an edgy boutique hotel right above Union Square. It’s owned by the same set of peeps as The Zetta, another hotel on this list. Just like the Zetta, this place also celebrates a slice of SF culture while paying homage to its counterculture tradition. However, it was a groovier version of Zetta and we were all for it!

We ended up loving Zeppelin’s 1970s punk-rock vibe which was also reflected in the design details. The stylish and funky tooms boasted eye-catching rock n’ roll-inspired decor, like vinyl players and crushed velvet pillows. Our favorite touch, though, was the bathrooms that were emblazoned with the names of local bands in the form of psychedelic wallpapers. So, there were classic rock posters from the 60s and 70s to the 2000s, featuring everybody from the Grateful Dead to Green Day. Wow!

Just like the Zetta, the public spaces here were all about lounging and fun. For instance, there’s an epic game room, where we played a few rounds of bingo, shuffleboard, skeeball, and more. Heck, there was even a cozy fireplace, plush sofas, a pool table, and even basketball hoops. Since we wanted to get out too, we grabbed one of Martone Cycling’s sleek electric bikes and cruised around the neighborhood. Back at the hotel, we even watched movies at the cozy onsite theater and sipped cocktails in the hotel’s swanky bar.

White Swan Inn

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Most romantic. Romance is the name of the game at White Swan Inn, an intimate and eclectically designed boutique hotel at the northern fringes of Union Square. This luxurious boutique stay radiated British charm throughout its four-stored Victorian architecture and interiors. On the inside, it seamlessly blended old-world charm with contemporary design and mod-cons, with floral chintz wallpaper and crystal doorknobs perfectly clashing with pop art and modern creature comforts.

Our days here started with delicious B&B-style hearty breakfasts, complete with excellent coffee. They’d even deliver snacks and wine to our room in the evening. Moreover, the place has even joined forces with Del Popolo, the famous neighborhood pizzeria, to deliver food right to our room. We loved the verdant outdoor space, especially after a long day of exploring the city. Our favorite part, though, was visiting the onsite Lion & Bell Library where we could enjoy reading books with a glass of wine. Did you know that book loans were complimentary here? Yep.

We especially loved the rooms here, all of which came with personal fireplaces and gorgeous four-poster beds. Our room was spacious and even had a separate seating area right next to the balcony.

Proper Hotel

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Best chain boutique hotel. Despite being part of a chain, the boutique Proper Hotel was one of the most stylish and one-of-a-kind hotels we stayed at in SF. It catered to the ‘global nomad’ traveler and it perfectly suited our love for the juxtaposition of styles. The painstakingly restored flatiron structure itself sits on the National Register of Historic Places right at the intersection of three popular SF streets Downtown. What more could we want?

And yet, the hotel offered a host of places to eat and drink. For instance, Gilda’s was all about salon dinners while Villon served everything from all main meals to brunch, high tea, and even cocktails. However, the swanky rooftop bar Charmaine’s was undoubtedly the standout. The long line to get into the bar on Friday evening was a testament to its fame as one of SF’s best rooftop bars. Who would be able to resist outdoor pits and lounge-style seating, right? Other amenities include a fitness center, in-room dining, and in-room massage services too.

We had the choice of a wide range of different room options, which boasted huge 50-inch flatscreen TVs, luxe bathrooms with Aesop bath products, cotton kimono robes, boutique linens, custom Bluetooth speakers, and locally curated minibars.

The Line SF

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Right in the heart of the Central Market neighborhood, The Line SF embodies the city’s modern art scene. We were enamored by this flatiron structure with an excellent Downtown location, with cultural hotspots like Union Square and SF MoMA a stone’s throw away.

When we stepped inside, we were thoroughly reminded that we were in San Francisco. For instance, the lobby boasts an awe-inspiring wall sculpture, a live-art chandelier, and even a photo light box, besides a carefully curated art collection, of course. The bars here are the highlight, especially since they all have very different vibes. While the rooftop bar, Rise Over Run, is all about fantastic city views, a solarium, and a party scene, the lobby’s Dark Bar is all about intimate experiences. Alfred Coffee was a godsend for busy days, and all restaurants offered in-room dining options.

We loved the modern rooms here, which blended contemporary creature comforts with a bold yet subdued Victorian-inspired color palette. What’s more, all rooms boasted spectacular views of the downtown skyline from their large square windows. We chose the Corner Studio Room, which boasted a deep soaking tub, huge wraparound windows, and a king bed.

Hotel Nikko

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In the heart of the Market Street area, just a block off it sits Hotel Nikko, just a few blocks off Union Square. The Japanese influences are evident right off the bat. Think glass entryways, white marble walls and floors in the lobby, and gorgeous fountains adding a soothing sound to the background. After its massive 2017 makeover, the hotel got updates not only to its public spaces and rooms but also got a substantial technology and seismic upgrade. So, naturally, we were excited to check it out, and we were impressed.

First impressions make for lasting impressions, and the ‘hang out’ lobby with opulent curtains over soaring windows, standing lamps, high-backed chairs, and couches is a testament to that. It was refreshing to see a 10,000 sq ft gym with a steam room and dry saunas here. However, our favorite was the glass-enclosed pool that let lots of sunlight stream in during the day, making us feel like we were outdoors when we were unwinding comfortably indoors. There was also Anzu, Nikko’s flagship restaurant which not only served lunches and dinners but also delivered delicious food right to our room. No wonder it’s one of the best boutique hotels in San Francisco.

The refurbished rooms were a visual delight, with blue upholstered chairs, gray-and-blue patterned carpets, and white linens with blue accent pillows. What’s more, all rooms boasted gorgeous bathrooms with custom Lather products, bedside lamps hanging from the ceilings, and oversized windows streaming in natural light.

The Clancy

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Staying at the Clancy was like taking a journey through San Francisco — not its touristy side, but rather its eclectic and charming side. How do they do that? Think sprawling, vibrant art installations everywhere, Muni lines painted on the lobby’s floor, and bold seating, patterned walls, and lighting. It’s practically like a living, breathing poem to the city. What made it even more attractive for us was its prime location in the heart of the city’s Financial District. No wonder it’s considered one of the best boutique hotels in San Francisco Downtown.

The amenities at this hotel were utterly modern, including a delicious complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi everywhere. So, our days exploring the city would be off to a fantastic start. After a long day, we’d enjoy cocktails in a lovely outdoor setting at the Seven Square Taproom Lounge. When there was a chill in the air, the outdoor lounge with fire pits was just the place to unwind. Not only that, but they even had a fabulous cafe, the Radiator Coffee, which served strong coffee and the locally famous Craftsman and Wolves pastries.

If you were impressed by this, wait till you see the rooms and suites themselves, which were modern with chic furnishings. What’s more, many rooms, including ours, offered sweeping city views.

Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel

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If Renaissance Revival is your idea of boutique luxury, then look no further than the Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel. Formerly the Sir Frances Drake, this hotel’s renovation honored its Renaissance Revival architecture with the addition of modern touches. That’s why it’s one of the best historic hotels in San Francisco.

Off the bat, we thought the grand lobby was, well, grand — think gleaming marble floors, oak furnishings, and original chandeliers. The standout is the Post Room, a bar, lounge, and an all-day dining destination rolled into one. Often featuring live music, it was a fantastic spot to grab a cocktail before we headed out to explore SF’s nightlife. The high point for us was the five-course Macallan Whisky Pairing Dinner at The Post Room’s Hidden Library, a gorgeous Prohibition-style space. The best bit? The Post Room even served a delicious breakfast in the mornings, along with some much-needed coffee.

With more than 400 rooms, this is one of the largest boutique hotels in the city. What’s more, the rooms and suites retain their grand character while also featuring modern luxuries. So, while there are custom wallpapers and luxurious bathrooms, there are also regal blue embellished wall panels and European hardwood floors. Of course, nothing beats the stunning views of the city from the best rooms.

Mansion on Sutter

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Most luxurious. SF doesn’t get more old-school elegant than Mansion on Sutter, a Lower Pac Heights Victorian mansion-turned-intimate and luxurious haven. It sat on the fringes of Downtown in Union Square, making it perfect for us. We loved the history of this place, which was formerly the Payne House built for the Payne family who made a killing during the mid-19th-century gold rush. However, the facilities were far more chicer and modern than those of gold rush–era campsites! Think haute furnishings, Murano Venetian glass chandeliers, paintings, and deluxe Belisari Italian linens.

The 17,000 sq ft of living space is a living testament to SF’s golden Victorian architectural age. Despite being a boutique hotel, the place had a fitness center, which is very rare for a boutique hotel. What’s more, they even had a business center and served a continental breakfast in the parlor, right from 7 am to noon. Did we mention the chocolates, sofa, and fresh fruit in our room, and the glass of wine on arrival? Sigh.

“We loved staying at this historic boutique hotel, which made our stay in SF all the more special.”

WOW Travel

Besides exuding elegance, the rooms here made for a very unique but cozy stay. We had the choice of just 10 guest suites, making our stay as exclusive and intimate as it got. Moreover, all drew inspiration from classical and modern tastes, but every room was uniquely luxurious. While there were regular deluxe rooms, we chose a vintage-style room with a four-poster bed.

The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco

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The name might say Royal Sonesta, but The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco is one of the hippest boutique hotels in Union Square. Designed by famed French designer Philippe Starck, the luxury and swanky hotel was right up our alley. Besides the comfy and minimalist furniture, we loved the groovy rugs, fireplaces, Salvador Dali furniture, and chandeliers.

Despite being a boutique hotel, the place has a restaurant and a bar. Besides the modern Fredericks, the highlight was the legendary Redwood Room right off the lobby, which was reminiscent of an old English club. It’s named so because the floor-to-ceiling wood paneling is said to have famously come from a single redwood tree! The centerpiece is the massive, backlit, etched glass bar, with wingback chairs and low-slung couches completing the space. Are you here on Thursday/Friday? You’ll find DJs spinning cool tunes and good-looking people drinking cocktails. We had to pay a USD 28/day facility fee, but it included tea/coffee in the lobby, USD 10 food/drink credits every day, and high-speed internet access. Moreover, there were even bikes that we could borrow to explore the neighborhood. Did you know that the hotel rears its bees on its rooftop, using the honey in its bar and kitchen? Yes!

Even standard entry-level rooms boasted custom Philippe Starck-designed English sycamore chairs and king sleigh beds. What’s more, all rooms had bathrooms with Malin + Goetz bath products, tubs, merino wool throws, down duvets, and minibars (paid) with even razors and charging kits.

Hotel Zetta

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Since we were in Silicon Valley, we decided to do as the techies did by staying at Hotel Zetta smack in the heart of SoMa. Imagine several game rooms and a massive life-size Plinko board to get your play on. But we loved the Zetta for a lot of things beyond that, like its design and style. We fell in love with the rescue-and-salvage aesthetic that showcased design and artwork features made from upcycled materials. So, what was this hotel’s hip ‘techy’ style? The entire place channels the Big Tech campuses, with games like Plinko and shuffleboard in the lobby. There was even a VR game station for VR aficionados! After playing some spirited games, we stuffed ourselves silly at the onsite Cavalier restaurant, followed by drinks at the S&R Lounge.

After a long day of exploring the city and enjoying the hotel, we practically passed in our sleek and spacious room. Even the digs were homely in a ‘techy’ kind of way, and we felt like we were living the life of a Big Tech employee! The coolest bit, though, was that we could even order Atari or Nintendo Wii game consoles to our room!

Phoenix Hotel

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Best overall. It’s hard to imagine that a former motor lodge from the 1950s is one of the best boutique hotels in SF, but it’s true! We’re talking about the Phoenix Hotel, which wears the crown of the most hip boutique hotel in the city, sitting at the cusp of Union Square and Civic Center. This former caravan lodge is a funky pastel paradise that is reminiscent of a beach motel from the 1950s. Think swanky rooms and a tropical courtyard. It even transformed into a rocker’s dream in the 1980s, having hosted the likes of the Killers, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even David Bowie and Kurt Cobain. Yes!

We loved the vibe of the 2018 restyling, which added an element of cool while retaining its rock n’ roll soul. When we entered, we felt we were in a 70s recording studio, complete with an enviable record collection and vintage posters galore. The heated outdoor pool was a true SF treat and the center of all action. Moreover, it came with flexible beach chairs to relax after we were done with a leisurely swim. There was even a restaurant, Chambers Eat + Drink, which dished out a seasonal California menu for brunch and dinner. Even though there was no breakfast offered, the area around had a smattering of amazing restaurants for the same.

All 44 rooms were arranged around the iconic pool, and while they were smaller in size, they were very stylish. Think dramatic pops of colors, live-edge coffee tables, textured pillows, snacks, and coffee-makers. Our suite even had a separate living room and a private balcony. Did we mention the turntable in our upgraded room? Yep.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all of Downtown SF’s boutique hotels, here are our absolute favorites.

• Most luxurious: Mansion on Sutter
• Best chain boutique hotel: Proper Hotel
• Most romantic: White Swan Inn
• Best overall: Phoenix Hotel

Where to Stay in Downtown San Francisco?

You might think picking a place to stay in Downtown SF might be easy. However, the fact is that the neighborhood includes not just the Financial District, but also the Union Square, Civic Center, and SoMa, or South of Market Street.

We have to talk about Union Square when talking of Downtown San Francisco. This square-block-long park is the heart of Downtown and is a shopping paradise with many high-end shops lined up along the park. What’s more, it also has one of the highest choices for boutique hotel options. Secondly, there is the Financial District, which is a short walk from Union Square. While it doesn’t have many boutique hotel options right in the neighborhood, there are many options along the fringes. Finally, there’s SoMa, or South of Market Street, which is one of the arterial boulevards of Downtown SF. This popular district is home to many restaurants, performing centers, and top museums. What’s more, it also has a slew of popular boutique hotels and some of the top things to do in San Francisco.

What area in Downtown San Francisco is the best to stay?

Our overall recommendation is Union Square or SoMa. Both neighborhoods are a nice mix of boutique hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Are three nights enough to explore San Francisco?

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a repeat visitor, three days is a great amount of time to explore San Francisco.

Which are the most affordable boutique hotels in Downtown SF?

The Line SF and the Zeppelin hotels are some of the best affordable boutique hotels in Downtown SF.