11 Best Hotels in Presidio San Francisco

As a pristine park neighborhood with little traffic, Presidio, San Francisco, has emerged as one of the most popular wellness destinations near the Golden Gate Bridge. It is undoubtedly the hidden gem on the edge of San Francisco, offering everything a modern adventurous traveler hopes for, from scenic views of the bridge and the bay to hiking and biking trails. The sustained high demand for the best hotels in Presidio San Francisco is, therefore, not strange considering the impressive and diverse attractions in the little park city and its surrounding neighborhoods. Since we’re avid travelers ourselves, we loved staying at these amazing Presidio stays, which certainly made our San Francisco vacation all the better. Not only did all these hotels boast amazing locations, but also they had all the comforts we wanted for a comfortable and memorable holiday.

Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco

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Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco is one of the best motels near the Presidio in San Francisco. We have stayed here multiple times because of the place’s convenient location. It is within walking distance of most tourist attractions in the Northern part of San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, the Palace of Fine Arts, Golden Gate Park, and the main gate to The Presidio. We booked a deluxe room with two queen beds on the first floor on our last stay and enjoyed our long stay. The room wasn’t fancy, but we got our money’s worth because it had all the basics, including stable internet, a TV with cable channels, a minifridge, and a coffee machine.

The motel also offers a free buffet breakfast, which we enjoyed because they had different options on the menu every morning. The place is surprisingly quiet for a motel, but still conveniently close to stores and diners, which makes it convenient for families. They also have free complimentary parking and access to over five bus lines to every part of the city, so we didn’t have to use a taxi to get around all the time. For trips that needed a taxi ride, Uber, Lyft, and the driverless Waymo were readily available.

Inn at Golden Gate

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We booked a family room at the Inn at Golden Gate in the summer while looking to stay close to North Beach as well as the Presidio. This is a modern motel, so it has nothing fancy, but it provides all the basics for anyone looking for a cheap hotel in San Francisco. Our stay was short and pleasant, mostly because of the friendly staff at the front desk who always ensured we had everything we needed. We had two spacious beds with cozy linens, fluffy pillows, and lots of room for everyone to move around. The highlight of our room was the large bathroom with a spacious walk-in shower, which had excellent water pressure. We also had a large TV with cable channels and strong Wi-Fi, which kept the young ones occupied while in the room.

The motel is located on the quiet end of Lombard Street, and we always felt safe walking around with the family, even at night. There were lots of affordable Italian restaurants in the neighborhood, with one right next to the motel, so we didn’t have to walk far for food and groceries. The Presidio is adjacent to the motel, while North Beach, The Palace of Fine Arts, and Crissy Field are within walking distance of the motel.

Greenwich Inn

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If you are looking for the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as staying close to The Presidio of San Francisco and the bars and restaurants on Union Square, then the Greenwich Inn is the place to stay. It is another cheap motel within a short drive of The Palace of Fine Arts, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Marina Green Park. We booked a room here at the last minute and had no complaints, especially because of the pocket-friendly price. Our room had all the basics, including toiletries, a mini-fridge, a microwave, and a coffee maker. The pillows weren’t the softest, but the bed was cozy, as were the linens.

There were no disturbances despite the motel’s proximity to the road and nearby restaurants, which made our stay more comfortable. We had a parking spot reserved for us on arrival despite our last-minute reservation. There was movement around the motel when we arrived, but things quietened down quickly enough for us to enjoy a good night’s sleep. We had breakfast at Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria, right outside the motel.

The Laurel Inn – JDV by Hyatt

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The Laurel Inn – JDV by Hyatt was just a five-minute walk from the Presidio. So, we were close to not just the Presidio, but also the bayfront, the Marina District, and, of course, Pacific heights. That being said, the hotel’s location was just one of its many USPs. However, we were truly blown away by the rooms and suites, which were not only spacious and modern but also very well-appointed. What’s more, our King Room also came with a kitchenette where we could cook meals, a stylish bathroom, and even a separate seating area with a TV.

The amenities at the hotel were no less excellent. Firstly, there was the Laureate Bar & Lounge, which offered us a great selection of cocktails, wine, and craft beer, as well as food. Besides the chill vibe here, the hotel also had 24-hour tea and coffee service. Rounding things up was the warm and friendly staff.

Hotel Drisco

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Most luxurious. One of the best hotels near the Presidio in San Francisco also happens to be one of San Francisco’s most expensive hotels. We’re talking about Hotel Drisco, which sits in the exclusive Pacific Heights area right next to the Presidio. We loved the incredibly attentive, warm, and welcoming service, the intimate vibe, and the attention to the details. Think real metal keys, chocolate cookies in the form of the hotel logo, and inlaid wooden floors.

We fell in love with the rooms the minute we laid our eyes on them. They were done up in white and cream, whether it was the beds, the drapes, or the patterned carpets. What’s more, all digs feature glass water bottles and Brita pitchers, along with mod-cons like pillow menus, Ikaati teas, Nespresso coffee machines, and sleek bathrooms with Bvlgari bath products. Sleep is taken very seriously, with everything on offer: chocolate shortbread cookies and white-noise machines at turndown, in-room sound machines, and the softest sheets we’ve ever laid on.

The complimentary breakfast spread was as beautiful as it was delightful in terms of taste and variety. What’s more, it boasted 24-hour room service as well as a reception in the evening with complimentary hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and wine. The room service menu is exceptionally vast, and there was even a collection of discs we could borrow to play on the DVD players in our rooms. Besides complimentary bikes, the hotel even has a small fitness center.

Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast

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Best B&B. Smack dab in the middle of Pacific Heights, just a five-minute walk from the Presidio, sits the Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast. Tucked in a storied building dating back to 1875, this romantic B&B was the perfect amorous base closest to the Presidio.

We had the choice of nine rooms across three categories, California King rooms, Petite Queen ones, and Unique rooms. They might all differ in space and layout, but they all had high ceilings and were decked out in European style with antique furnishings. What’s more, they offered a boatload of mod-cons free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and bathrooms with rainfall showers. Some tooms, like ours, even had Persian rugs and chandeliers, adding a nice old-world charm to them. If you want more space, go for the suites which add sitting rooms with pull-out sofas. Oh, and the soundproofing was certainly a nice touch and a blessing.

We loved the fact that the B&B served delicious full breakfasts, and that too either in an old-world lounge or in the comfort of our rooms when we didn’t want to step out. Moreover, there was also a business area, concierge services, a lounge, and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel Kabuki – JDV by Hyatt

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Hotel Kabuki – JDV by Hyatt has always been our go-to hotel in Japantown because it is connected to the mall, so we never have to walk far for food and shopping. That’s why it’s also one of the best hotels in Japantown, San Francisco.

We have stayed here multiple times and were really pleased with the hotel’s new look after a major facelift on our last visit. Despite the renovations, the hotel retains its charm with a perfect blend of Japanese, European, and American themes. We were given a surprise upgrade to a king suite with a sofabed to accommodate everyone because we were traveling as a family. The staff gave us extra bed sheets and fluffy pillows as well as towels to accommodate everyone.

The common areas of the hotel were, however, our absolute favorite. The Japanese garden and koi pond, which fit the hotel’s theme, were the most Instagrammable spots on the property. Other top-notch amenities including the state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with a classes roster, and a bar and a fantastic eateries, including a Japanese restaurant, Nari.

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Hotel Del Sol

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If you are looking for a quaint place to stay in the Maria District, then Hotel Del Sol is the place to stay. We have stayed here multiple times over the years because of the welcoming nature of the place. It is located on Webster Street, far enough from the chaos, but still within walking distance of most iconic places in the area. On our last visit, we stayed in a deluxe double room for the whole family and spent a lot of time by the fire pits in the courtyard. Our room had clean, comfy linens and lots of room for children to play around. The hotel also offers all the basics, including a coffee machine, microwave, and toiletries. We didn’t have any issues with the air conditioning and the water pressure during our stay, which is a huge plus for such a cheap hotel in Cow Hollow.

The TV and the Wi-fi were also great, but the highlight of the hotel was the spacious pool with lots of chairs. We also signed up for the free breakfast, which included fresh-baked muffins and bread as well as many proteins. The staff was friendly and always gentle with the kids. The hotel also has bike rentals, which we used to tour the marina and the Presidio, which are within walking distance. There are lots of boutiques and restaurants along the street, so we didn’t have to drive around for food and groceries.

Queen Anne Hotel

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If you prefer staying at one of the most historically significant hotels in the city, then Queen Anne Hotel is one of the best. The hotel is located in the serene Pacific Heights neighborhood and within walking distance of Union Street and The Presidio. We stayed here while attending a family event at The Presidio and enjoyed every moment. Our double room had spacious Victorian-style beds with cozy linens and fluffy pillows. Everything in the room felt classy, including the soft rug, blackout curtains, and the spacious bathroom with a tub and wide rainfall shower. The antique designs, with matching chandeliers and customizable bedside lights in the room that complement the hotel’s antique charm, which flows all the way from the lobby.

The staff was always friendly, offering lots of recommendations for places to shop and visit around the neighborhood, as well as complimentary drinks and snacks. They made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived because and even gave stuffed toys to the children. The meal routine in the hotel is also Victorian style, including a continental breakfast with lots of Mediterranean dishes on the menu, free afternoon snacks in the lobby, which include delicious cookies and evening tea.

Inn At The Presidio

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Best Golden Gate Bridge views. We were looking for an intimate, tranquil escape in the Presidio, and the Inn at the Presidio fit the bill perfectly. It’s surrounded by lush forests, enchanting beaches, miles of biking and hiking trails, stunning beaches, and breathtaking vistas of the San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

“We had an excellently memorable time staying at the unique Inn at the Presidio. The historic experience and modern creature comforts were the cherry on top of our San Francisco holiday!”

WOW Travel

The main structure is a Georgian Revival-style building housing the historic Pershing Hall, which was the former home to bachelor officers of the U.S. Army post at the Presidio. Today, it’s a guest lodge where we had the choice of 22 spacious digs, which included 17 suites with gorgeous fireplaces. The other structure, the historic and now-renovated Funston House, has four rooms with a cozy feel since it sits in a forest. Nevertheless, they all feature a whole bunch of creature comforts, making staying here as comfortable as memorable.

Their complimentary continental breakfasts in the restored dining room were the best way to begin the day. Besides event spaces for meetings and celebrations, the inn had verandas with fire pits, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day. Moreover, there were even rocking chairs on the front porch, where we’d sip on coffee or wine.

Lodge at the Presidio

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Best overall. Technically, there are only two hotels inside the Presidio, one of which is the Lodge at The Presidio (the other being the Inn at the Presidio). It’s hard to imagine that San Francisco’s best-kept hospitality secret is in a national park, but it’s true. Tucked inside the national park, right along San Francisco Bay, this upscale hotel sits in a stately red-brick structure with sweeping, unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge. In fact, it’s the hotel closest to the Golden Gate Bridge, with the courtyard practically pointing at the orange towers.

We loved the comfortable yet elegantly modern rooms which featured views of either the bat or the bridge. What’s more, they featured contemporary decor and mod-cons such as minibars, coffeemakers, smart TVs, and free Wi-Fi, with the suites adding living areas with sofabeds. We especially loved the artwork of likenesses of soldiers who used to sleep here.  

Our days began with hearty breakfasts, which were included in the room rates. The lounge was a particularly lovely place to unwind, as was the patio and porch with a fire pit. Moreover, the lodge even held regular socials with wine and cheese and ran shuttles back and forth to downtown San Francisco. The real gem here, however, are the 1,500 acres of woodland, beaches, and trails that awaited outdoorsy travelers like us.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all the stays in Presidio, these are the ones we liked the best.

• Best overall: Lodge at the Presidio
• Best Golden Gate Bridge views: Inn At The Presidio
• Best B&B: Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast
• Most luxurious: Hotel Drisco

Where to Stay in Presidio, San Francisco?

The Presidio itself is a neighborhood, with historical sites, lush forests, trails, and amazing Golden Gate Bridge views. So, it’s a fantastic neighborhood for an immersive experience. The best bit is that we had the choice of two accommodations that allowed us to stay inside the park!

Next, there’s Pacific Heights, which sits southeast of the Presidio. It’s famous for not only being close to the Presidio’s green spaces and hiking trails, but also for its beautiful mansions-turned-stays. Thirdly, there’s also Cow Hollow, which sits directly outside the eastern fringes of the Presidio. It’s famed for its proximity to attractions, a lively atmosphere, and amazing restaurants and shops. The Marina District northeast of the Presidio is scenic and trendy at once, while also being close to Fisherman’s Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge. Finally, there’s the Presidio Terrace, a small and extremely affluent gated community just south of the Presidio.

What can you do at the Presidio?

There are many things you can do at the Presidio. These include paying a round of golf, exploring the architecture, taking a historic tour, and enjoying outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and exploring the trails and beaches. 

Is there an entry fee for Presidio?

No, there’s no entry for accessing the park, the trails, or any of its sights.

Are there any hotels inside the Presidio?

Yes, there are two, the intimate and more traditional Inn at the Presidio and the more contemporary Lodge at the Presidio.