San Francisco is one charming destination with plenty of attractions. However, one of the things that always excite us no matter how many times we’ve been to the city is Pier 39. It’s a popular shopping center with practically anything you could imagine. We’re talking about a large colony of sea lions, waterfront seafood restaurants, a video arcade, and endless shopping opportunities. That’s why the hotels close to Pier 39 San Francisco are hugely sought after. Lucky for you, we’ve made a special list that can help you decide which one suits you best. From family-friendly hotels to opulent ones, take a look at our favorites!
Table of contents
- Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf
- Marriott Vacation Club
- Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf
- Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco
- Argonaut Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf
- San Remo Hotel
- The Wharf Inn
- Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
- Columbus Motor Inn
- Hotel Zephyr
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in San Francisco Near Pier 39?
- What is the difference between PIER 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf?
- Is Pier 39 good at night?
- Can I see the Golden Gate Bridge from Pier 39?
Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf
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Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf is an upscale hotel just a short walk away from the bustling Pier 39. But this hotel has so much more to offer than just its location. One of the things we appreciated most was the hotel’s amenities. We enjoyed starting our days with a cup of coffee in the lobby and taking advantage of the loaner bikes to explore the area. We also loved the off-site fitness center, which managed to help keep our bodies in shape. When it comes to dining, we could always count on the hotel’s trattoria-style restaurant.
Just like the amenities, the rooms here don’t disappoint either. You can expect modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, minibars, and more. We stayed in the suite and it was fantastic. We loved being able to wake up to the city views, and we had a spacious living area, too. Some suites even come with a cozy fireplace.
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Marriott Vacation Club
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If you’re a fan of Marriott, chances are you’ll also love the Marriott Vacation Club, one of the best San Francisco hotels near Pier 39. Thanks to its convenient location, we also enjoyed exploring Coit Tower. What’s more, the cable car stop was just a short stroll away, making it super easy to get around the city. There’s no reason not to love its location.
As you might expect, this hotel has a range of amenities, including a well-equipped 24/7 gym. We loved spending our spare time relaxing in the courtyard, where we enjoyed the cozy atmosphere by the fire pit. On top of that, valet parking is available for guests who need it, although there’s a fee. Our room? We booked the King Room, and it was everything we could’ve asked for. Some rooms here even have living areas and city views.
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Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf
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Best for Families. If you’re coming with your loved ones, consider Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf. So, what can you expect from this hotel? It’s a modern and chic place, offering streamlined rooms that are not only comfortable but also stylish. We booked the King Room with a partial bay view, and it was magnificent. We had everything we needed, and the view was worth the extra money.
Beyond the accommodations, this family hotel in San Francisco had a great selection of amenities to keep us entertained and busy. We loved to spend our time taking a dip in the outdoor pool, playing games in the game room, and staying fit in the fitness room. The regular movie screenings are another fun bonus, especially for families.
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Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco
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Another recommendation that won’t disappoint you is the Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. The hotel’s location is perfect, right in the heart of the action. We loved being able to easily walk to the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, and of course, Pier 39. The hotel was beautiful, with a modern yet rustic vibe. We got the King Room and it was spacious and clean, with all the amenities we needed. We had a comfortable bed, a 47″ HDTV, and a mini-refrigerator. Aside from that, we also appreciated the Bluetooth-capable media hub!
Furthermore, the on-site restaurant and lounge were great. We enjoyed having breakfast at The Wardroom, which had a delicious variety of options. Meanwhile, Brick & Beam was a fun spot to grab a cocktail in the evening. Need a place to relax your body? You’ll love the heated outdoor pool and hot tub! We also appreciated the convenience of the 24-hour marketplace, where we could pick up snacks, drinks, and toiletries.
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Argonaut Hotel
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Best Rooms. We were delighted with our stay at the Argonaut Hotel. Nestled in a restored warehouse across the street from Aquatic Park, this hotel offers a unique blend of history, modern comfort, and stunning views. Meanwhile, the nautical-themed rooms are beautifully decorated with exposed brick walls, flat-screen TVs, and cozy yoga mats. We stayed in the suite, which featured separate a living room and a whirlpool tub. It made our stay feel luxurious. The views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay from our suite were also breathtaking.
In addition to the comfortable accommodations, the Argonaut Hotel also offers a variety of amenities to enhance your stay. We enjoyed working out in the exercise room and relaxing with complimentary wine receptions in the lounge. Moreover, the seafood restaurant, with its terrace seating, provided us with a delightful dining experience we couldn’t forget.
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Courtyard by Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf
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Is the Courtyard by Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf worth it? Of course! This hotel has many things to offer. One of them is a strategic location. it’s just a short walk from Pier 39 and Coit Tower. Thanks to that, we were able to explore the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood and its hidden corners easily. Then, there are the contemporary-styled rooms. They’re big, clean, and overall very well-appointed.
However, the hotel’s brightest star is its social spaces. They include the living room-style lobby and outdoor courtyard, which provided us with a relaxing atmosphere to unwind. We also adored the restaurant, which served delicious breakfast options and all-day drinks, including Starbucks coffee. We were spoilt! For those needing to work, the 24/7 business center is more than convenient. Plus, there’s an exercise room for staying active.
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San Remo Hotel
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Best Historic. The San Remo Hotel is more than just a place to stay. Standing tall since 1906, it’s a testament to the city’s resilience and the enduring spirit of hospitality. From its humble beginnings as the “New California Hotel” to its current status as a beloved North Beach institution, the San Remo has witnessed the city’s transformation. Nestled in the heart of North Beach, the hotel’s location is also unbeatable. Surrounded by authentic Italian restaurants, charming shops, and a vibrant atmosphere, we felt immersed in the city’s rich culture.
Our room was a cozy haven with stunning views of the city. The large windows offered a panoramic perspective, allowing us to wake up every morning to the sight of Coit Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. Moreover, dining at Fior d’Italia, the historic Italian restaurant within the hotel, was a culinary highlight. With its rich history and elegant ambiance, the restaurant offers a delicious array of Northern Italian dishes. From classic pasta to hearty entrees, the quality of the ingredients and the flavors are simply exquisite.
For our full review, check out San Remo Hotel in San Francisco: A Timeless Treasure!
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The Wharf Inn
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Those searching for San Francisco hotels close to Pier 39 should consider The Wharf Inn. The location is hard to beat. The hotel is just a short walk from the bustling Pier 39 and its shops and restaurants. We loved being able to easily hop on the cable cars or light rail to explore the city. But beyond its convenient location, the hotel also offers cozy accommodations.
We booked the Classic King Room, and it was equipped with all the basic amenities we needed. At first, we were skeptical about the ceiling fans. Thankfully, it was enough to keep us cool when the weather was hot. If you don’t mind spending more, feel free to choose the suite with a balcony. While the hotel doesn’t have its on-site fitness center, we found the 24-hour fitness center at Northpoint Center to be a convenient option. It was just a short walk away and the small fee was well worth it.
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Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
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Best Amenities. Among all of the hotels near Pier 39 San Francisco, the Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the best, especially when it comes to amenities. We kid you not, they’re top-notch. During our stay, we spent almost every single day relaxing by the heated outdoor pool and sunbathing on the sundeck. The pool was clean, big, and sparkling! It’s honestly one of the best in the city. We also enjoyed the restaurant, which was our go-to spot for unwinding whenever we needed a drink. Of course, all of that was balanced with a quick workout session at the in-house gym.
When it comes to accommodations at this hotel, we can say that they have a modern and laid-back vibe. All rooms are equipped with the must-haves. We’re talking about TVs, Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges. For our stay, we booked the suite. It was one of the more spacious options we could get. We really loved the separate living room, and the city views from our room were to die for.
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Columbus Motor Inn
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Best Value for Money. Another great addition to this list is the Columbus Motor Inn. You’ll love this motel, especially if you’re on a budget. Located in the charming Cow Hollow neighborhood, the inn is within walking distance of numerous restaurants, shops, and spas. One of the biggest advantages of staying at the Columbus Motor Inn is its proximity to public transportation. The Chestnut Street bus and cable car stop are just a short walk away, so we could explore the city easily. Fisherman’s Wharf, a popular tourist destination, is also within walking distance.
The rooms here are basic but clean and comfortable, with amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and seating areas. We chose the King Room, and it was better than we expected. It wasn’t fancy, but it had everything we needed. The bed was cozy, and there was even a small balcony with a nice view of the neighborhood. If you’re traveling with a larger group, the 2-bedroom suites can accommodate up to 4 people.
For more similar accommodations, check out these best cheap hotels in San Francisco!
“This place might be a motel, but the experience that we had was so good that it didn’t feel like one at all.”
WOW Travel
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Hotel Zephyr
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Best Overall. If you’re looking for the top hotel close to Pier 39 San Francisco, Hotel Zephyr should rank high on your list. The hotel’s prime location in the Fisherman’s Wharf district offered us easy access to all the attractions of San Francisco, while the nautical theme made our whole experience much more fun. Speaking of fun, you should book the Waterfront King Room! Ours wasn’t only spacious but also came with a lovely balcony from where we could take in the surrounding views.
Beyond the comfortable accommodations, Hotel Zephyr offered a variety of amenities to keep us entertained. We spent time working out in the colorful gym and relaxing in the airy lounge room, which featured a pool table. Meanwhile, the furnished terrace with fire pits was a great place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful San Francisco weather. We loved this hip and comfortable hotel!
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Our Verdict!
Based on our experience, we think Hotel Zephyr is the best overall hotel. The rooms here are big and comfy, with views of the bay. The amenities are superb, and it was super close to Pier 39. However, the rest are also worth considering. We’ve categorized some of them based on the following criteria, so give them another look!
- Best Value for Money: Columbus Motor Inn
- Best Amenities: Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
- Best Historic: San Remo Hotel
- Best Rooms: Argonaut Hotel
- Best for Families: Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf
Where to Stay in San Francisco Near Pier 39?
If Pier 39 is your ultimate destination, the most obvious neighborhood in San Francisco to call home is Fisherman’s Wharf. As you can see from our list above, most of the hotels are set in this area. It’s a vibrant and lively area that offers something for everyone. Aside from Pier 39, you can expect street performers, freshly caught seafood being sold, and many other attractions.
There are also many other nearby neighborhoods worth considering. The first one is North Beach, which is known for its Italian-American heritage. Thus, it’s often called the Little Italy. The streets here are charming, and you can easily spot cozy cafes and the famous Coit Tower.
Then, there’s Chinatown. It’s one of the biggest Chinatowns outside of Asia, This neighborhood is a bustling hub of culture, history, and authentic Chinese cuisine. It also hosts numerous festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
If you’re into shopping, there’s Union Square. This is a high-end shopping district with some of San Francisco’s most expensive hotels, upscale restaurants, and theaters. Have your wallet ready and have fun splurging!
What is the difference between PIER 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf?
Fisherman’s Wharf is a broader area that encompasses several piers and attractions along the San Francisco waterfront. Pier 39 is a specific pier within Fisherman’s Wharf, known for its sea lions, shops, and restaurants.
Is Pier 39 good at night?
Pier 39 is a bustling tourist destination with plenty to offer, even at night. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, stunning views of the bay and Alcatraz, and the charming lights illuminating the pier.
Can I see the Golden Gate Bridge from Pier 39?
Yes, you can.
