11 Best Hotels in San Francisco on Market Street

Almost every major world city has a signature boulevard. Paris has Champs-Élysées, NYC has Fifth Avenue, and San Francisco has Market Street. It starts in front of the ferry terminal at The Embarcadero, at the city’s northeastern edge, running southwest through downtown. While the Financial District, Civic Center, and Union Square lie on its northern side, Castro and SoMa (South of Market) lie on the south. This iconic thoroughfare is a major arterial road and where much of the action happens. It’s not only home to restaurants, bars, shops, and historic structures, but also hotels. The best hotels in San Francisco on Market Street range from huge, palace hotels and modern five-stars to smaller, boutique hotels, value-for-money ones, and even hostels. So, when we went looking for a place to stay on Market Street, we didn’t have to worry about spending more, as there was a hotel for every budget.

Interestingly, the city made a stunning and unprecedented decision to ban private vehicles from the eastern end of Market Street in 2019. It’s part of a multi-million-dollar project called “Better Market,” which aims to create a futuristic boulevard that separates all kinds of vehicles, with the BART trains running underground. Currently, while taxis can ply on the iconic boulevard, private cars cannot. So, as travelers, we had no issues at all. To that end, here’s a detailed guide to the best stays along Market Street in Golden Gate City.

Did you know that the ferry building, where Market Street begins, is home to the Ferry Building Clock, one of the world’s most beautiful clocks?

Mosser Hotel

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We begin with the Mosser Hotel, a place where art and history come together beautifully. It sits on the opposite side of Union Square on 4th Street, right as you turn off Market Street. So, we were located not on the main thoroughfare but just a minute off of it anyway. In terms of location, we couldn’t do better.

There are a lot of things we liked about the Mosser Hotel. This historic 1913-built landmark was originally the Keystone Hotel but is incredibly modern today. While it has business facilities and conference rooms and such, we were more interested in The Harlequin, a cocktail lover’s paradise of an in-house bar and restaurant. There was also the Gold Bar with an extensive draft beer selection, which meant that we didn’t have to step out for drinks or food.

We had the choice of everything from standard rooms with shared bathrooms to more spacious ones with private ones. We chose one of the spacious suites to stay in, but they all were well-designed, flatscreen TVs, modern bathrooms, and even mini-fridges and coffeemakers.

HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel

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Best value-for-money. We were looking for a value-for-money and different living experience on Market Street, which meant that we landed up at the amazing HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel. It sits on Mason Street, just off Market Street, a mere two-minute walk to the main boulevard.

Needless to say, we had a lot of fun staying here, mingling with people, and making friends. Firstly, there were plenty of common spaces and areas to hang out and things to do with fellow travelers. Not only were there events held on some nights, but they also organized social activities like pub crawls, bike tours, etc. Our room rate included a wonderful help-yourself breakfast of coffee, tea, fruit, oatmeal, and fresh bagels with cream cheese. Plus, the shared kitchen and laundromat were a huge help, especially since we were on an extended vacation.

When it came to rooms, we had the choice of both private rooms and dorms, which we shared with other guests. All bunks had comfy mattresses, duvets, bed lights, and electrical sockets, and shared spick and span bathrooms.

The Ritz-Carlton Club

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We elevated our Ritz-Carlton experience by staying at The Ritz-Carlton Club in the heart of Union Square on Market Street. The Marriott Vacation Club’s timeshare outpost in Golden Gate City, this luxury hotel staying experience was like no other. Not only was it comfortable and exclusive, but also, we were treated to signature personalized service.

We enjoyed a wide range of exclusive and luxurious amenities at this Marriott hotel on Market Street in San Francisco. Firstly, all members were assigned dedicated concierges, who were more than happy to arrange everything for us, right from dinner reservations to activities. Besides a business center, the club also boasted a two-storied 24/7 fitness center, but the real ticket was the 12th Floor Members’ Lounge. After a long day of exploring the city, we could relax by the fireplace with a cup of tea, coffee, and even a glass of wine. Did we mention that tea and coffee were available 24/7 and there were even social events, including wine-tasting, taking place? Yep. Finally, we even had the comfort of a complimentary house car for trips close by.

We had the choices of one/two/three-bedroom residences, all featuring luxurious furnishings, Italian marble bathrooms, plush beds, flatscreen TVs, fully equipped kitchens, and every other mod-con we could think of.

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

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Best chain hotel. It seemed like Market Street began right at the doorstep of Hyatt Regency San Francisco. This perfectly located property sits right near the Ferry Building in Embarcadero/Financial District, making it an easy walk down Market Street for us. So, staying on Market Street couldn’t get better than this Hyatt outpost.

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We were taken in the minute we saw the massive, flowing pyramid of a structure that the hotel is. Entering the dramatic 17-story atrium lobby, which starred in many 1970s flicks, including the epic disaster movie, “The Towering Inferno,” impressed us all the more. The lobby as well as a massive rotating restaurant, now the Regency Club, made this one of the city’s most exciting structures in the 1970s. Today, the hotel also boasts a fitness center and an onsite restaurant offering mouthwatering breakfasts. Are you a Hyatt member? The Regency Club offers a hearty complimentary breakfast, among other perks.

All rooms and suites featured floor-to-ceiling windows with city/bay views, smart TVs, modern bathrooms, blackout curtains, and comfy “Hyatt Grand” beds to sleep well.

St. Regis

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We were looking for a luxury hotel with a prime SoMA location, so what better than the St. Regis San Francisco, right? After all, this is also where the Dallas Mavericks stayed after their game against the Warriors too! The modern and swanky reception was one for the ‘Gram — think framed prints above the reception desk, floor-to-ceiling glass walls with tons of natural light, a long, open gas fireplace, and a mirrored bar.

Even the scale of the amenities at this hotel was massive. For one, the fitness center is huge at 5,700 sq ft and also boasts some pretty spectacular views. Our favorite, though, was the 50-ft-long heated saltwater lap pool that was open 24 hours a day. So, we even went for late-night swims, with mesmerizing views of the twinkling city lights. Topping everything off was the bi-level Remède Spa, complete with a nail bar, steam room, sauna, and whirlpool.

Even the smallest of the rooms were spacious, all of them designed by famed Canadian design firm Yabu Pushelberg. Besides the neutral white and cream hues, they all had soft, cloud-like beds and plush bathrooms with plush robes, vanity mirrors, rainforest showerheads, and soaking tubs. Did we mention the 24/7 room service? Yes. 

Hotel Zelos

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Understated luxury is the name of the game at Hotel Zelos, a stylish haven on the top five floors of the green-tiled Pacific Building. This luxurious oasis sits right across from Union Square right on Market Street, so we were right in the heart of the busiest part of town. For distances that were further, we borrowed the hotel’s free bikes to explore.

The softly lit lounge area with plush sofas welcomed us within, giving way to the hotel’s crown jewel, the Dirty Habit restaurant and bar. This rooftop restaurant is famous for its creative menu and outdoor patio and was a favorite with not just us travelers but also locals. We soaked in the old Hollywood glamour while digging into seasonally inspired dishes, including craft cocktails. Rounding things up is the 24-hour fitness center.

The spacious rooms and suites were kitted out with sleek furnishings, modern art pieces, in-room spa services upon request, and even on-demand music and movies. Moreover, there was even a complimentary honor bar stocked with organic treats, plush robes, and luxury bath products.

Yotel San Francisco

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Smack dab in the heart of the up-and-coming Mid-Market neighborhood on Market Street is Yotel San Francisco. The excellent public transport right at our doorstep was an absolute blessing, but there were a lot more things we loved about staying here. Yotel’s San Francisco outpost sits in a 1904-built structure, so the blend of old and new was mind-blowing. Think original ornate staircases, exposed brick walls, and geometric furniture. We checked ourselves in the light-flooded lobby, after which we were shown to our rooms.

While the signature cabins are on the smaller side, we loved the ingeniously designed spaces that had everything we needed. Think lots of USB sockets, rain showers in the private bathrooms, smart TVs, and lots of storage. Of course, there were no traditional hotel luxuries, but we knew we weren’t getting them. However, there are other, roomier categories, too, like the Sky Cabins and the Corner Rooms. We certainly caught up on a lot of sleep and rest, thanks to the signature ‘smart beds.’

However, it was the rest of the ‘hotel’ that impressed us. The Komyuniti coworking space on the mezzanine had a lot of comfy seating as well as a 24/7 complimentary hot drinks machine. What’s more, there was also a decent-sized fitness center, a touchscreen vending machine, and ‘phone rooms’ with desks, comfy seating, and soundproof walls. The ground-floor restaurant and the sprawling rooftop bar, though, were our favorites.  

Palace Hotel

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We can’t ignore the city’s oldest hotel if it happens to sit on Market Street, can we? The Palace Hotel, which has been around since the early 20th century, was a place for the powerful and wealthy to see and be seen. Think American presidents, heads of state, and other royalty from all around the world. Today, it’s a tasteful and elegant luxurious retreat that retains its old-world touches like a domed glass ceiling, ionic Italian marble columns, and Austrian crystal chandeliers. However, we were absolutely taken in by the 8,000-sq-ft “Garden Court,” which still is one of California’s most magnificent dining rooms.

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The digs are no less glorious; the chic, dove-grey rooms and suites boast glorious high ceilings, oversized plush beds, Frette linens, marble countertops, and — get this — crazy robotic toilets in the form of TOTO washlets, complete with front and rear cleansing options and heated seats.

Since it’s one of San Francisco’s most historic hotels, the star highlight here is the traditional afternoon tea under the whacking great chandelier and gilded glass dome, which we never missed. Besides being home to one of SF’s most storied nightclubs, the hotel also boasts a huge indoor pool and a whirlpool enclosed by a glass ceiling and lined with comfy lounge chairs. If you’re traveling with kids, they can meet chief concierge by the lobby on Thursdays at 4:30 pm to pick up lessons and tips on travel etiquette.

The Line San Francisco

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Best boutique hotel. The Line San Francisco is as buzzing a spot as they come, and we were lucky that it sat right on Market Street on the southern fringes of Union Square. We loved all that SF magic soaking in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, with local artworks adorning every wall.

We were very impressed by the digs, which saw pared-back minimalist industrialism meeting classic mid-century design. The rattan-style drink cabinets and nude leather headboards added a softness to the space. Since we chose a larger suite, we even enjoyed a glass-encased bathroom with a deep freestanding bathtub. Of course, all rooms and suites boasted Cowshed bath products that certainly helped soak our tired muscles from exploring the city. That’s why it’s one of the best boutique hotels in San Francisco Downtown.

We made sure that we nabbed our spot on the roof terrace when the sun was coming down, as it would get filled up very quickly. Moreover, we had a choice of marble tables and firepits looking out over the city skyline, sipping bespoke cocktails from the glasshouse bar. Also part of the exceptional food and beverage program is the Northern California cuisine, so guests never have to travel far for a taste of the city.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

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Most kid-friendly. Elegance without being ostentatious; that’s what best describes Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. This glass-fronted downtown property opened directly onto the lively Market Street, right near the Union Square’s high-end shops. Since we were visiting SF with the kids, convenience was very important to us. Hence, the location couldn’t be better.

However, that’s not all that we loved about this Four Seasons outpost. We all loved the cool decor with an industrial vibe, as well as the lovely views of the Yerba Buena Gardens from the veranda. The amenities were incredibly swanky, too, especially the health facilities. When we wanted to unwind, the swish Equinox Sports Club, complete with a spa, a basketball court, and a lap pool, was perfect. It even had barre and yoga studios as well as a detailed and comprehensive class schedule. While we relaxed, the younger ones snagged board games, coloring books, and movies from the DVD library, enjoying to the hilt.

Since we were a large party, the spacious rooms and suites suited us perfectly. Moreover, they were kitted out with smart TVs, Bose sound systems, and Nespresso machines, while the handy bar was well-stocked too. Did we mention 24-hour room service? Yes! No wonder it’s one of the most expensive hotels in San Francisco.

San Francisco Proper

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The height of cool in SF sits right in the heart of Market Street, near the Loft Historic District. We’re talking about the San Francisco Proper, a jewelry-box-like bolthole where we saw graphic white-and-black prints, eclectic paintings, mixing with mirrors, and bright florals on the pillows, rugs, and furniture. It was definitely a rather welcome departure from the neutral hues that ran rampant in most other Market Street hotels.

“Staying at the SF Proper made us feel young and hip for sure!”

WOW Travel

The jewel-hued textiles, color-popping florals, and artfully clashing prints extend to the rooms and suites too. Interestingly, we had the choice of regular and bunk rooms, but way fancier than they sound or looked when we were kids! Think TVs with inbuilt headphones, USB ports, outlets, and brass ladders to the plush beds. Notwithstanding which room you choose, they all have floral wallpaper, patterned throw rugs, and geometric tables and lamps, which complement the rainfall showers, speakers, and tablets very well. Did we mention the in-room vitamin drips? Yep.

When we stayed here on a Friday night, we saw everything from blazers and cocktail dresses to boots and leather. There was also a complimentary car service for the neighborhood around, but the hip, swanky rooftop bar, Charmaine’s, a weather-friendly place with spectacular views and excellent cocktails and finger food.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all of the Golden Gate City’s stays, the ones below are our favorite for more reasons than one.

• Best value-for-money: HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel
• Best chain hotel: Hyatt Regency San Francisco
• Best boutique hotel: The Line San Francisco
• Most kid-friendly: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco

Where to Stay in San Francisco on Market Street?

Market Street in San Francisco begins in the Financial District and Embarcadero in the north along the San Francisco Bay. It then meanders through Chinatown, Union Square, and SoMa (South of Market Street), all of which are Downtown neighborhoods. The popular bit of Market Street roughly ends south of Mid-Market, but the Street goes on even more.

Union Square is perhaps the heart of everything in Downtown San Francisco. This square-block-long park is not only home to many sleek hotels along Market Street but is also a shopping paradise. Next, there’s the Financial District and Embarcadero which is where Market Street begins. It’s a short walk north of Union Square and is home to many luxurious hotel options, helmed by the Hyatt Regency. SoMa, one of Downtown SF’s arterial boulevards, is a popular neighborhood with many luxury hotels, museums, performing and entertainment centers, and restaurants and bars. Plus, it’s home to some of the top things to do in San Francisco.

Finally, there’s Mid-Market, which is home to many theaters in the region, many of which began as vaudeville theaters.

What is Market Street in San Francisco famous for?

Market Street is a critical transit artery and has carried everything from horse-drawn carriages to cable cars, electric streetcars, trolleybuses, and diesel buses.

Can you drive on Market Street in San Francisco?

No, cars aren’t allowed on Market Street, but taxis are allowed to operate on the thoroughfare.

How wide is Market Street San Francisco?

Market Street has been around since San Francisco’s inception in 1847 and is 120 feet wide, making it one of the city’s arterial boulevards.