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Best Hotels in San Francisco (2026)

Where you stay in San Francisco shapes your trip. Nob Hill is home to grand historic hotels such as the Fairmont San Francisco, with the cable cars passing close by. Around Market Street and Union Square you are central and close to public transport, with options such as the Palace Hotel, rebuilt in 1909, and the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, on 12 floors of a 42-storey tower on Market Street.

Fisherman's Wharf suits families and first-time visitors who want the waterfront on the doorstep. The Argonaut Hotel occupies a historic warehouse beside Hyde Street Pier, and Hotel Zephyr has a large outdoor games yard. For something quieter, the Inn at the Presidio is a small historic inn in a former officers' building, with walking trails from the back door. On a budget, the HI hostel at Fort Mason offers dorms and private rooms with views of Alcatraz, and the Phoenix Hotel is a colourful rock and roll motel with a pool.

Hotel prices rise sharply during large conventions and in summer, so book early and compare direct rates. Parking is expensive at many hotels, so check the charges if you are driving, and ask about packages that include it.

8 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 hotels in San Francisco

  1. Fairmont San Francisco Historic luxury hotel, Nob HillThe Fairmont San Francisco is a 1907 Beaux Arts landmark on top of Nob Hill with 606 rooms, afternoon tea in Laurel Court and the Tonga Room tiki bar.
  2. Palace Hotel Historic luxury hotel, SoMaThe Palace Hotel on Market Street rebuilt after 1906 and opened in 1909, and is known for its glass-domed Garden Court and the Maxfield Parrish mural in the Pied Piper.
  3. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco Luxury hotel, Market StreetFour Seasons Hotel San Francisco occupies 12 floors of a 42-storey Market Street tower, with city views, MKT Restaurant and Bar and access to an Equinox club.

Hotel

2. Palace Hotel

Historic luxury hotel$$$$SoMa

The Palace Hotel on Market Street rebuilt after 1906 and opened in 1909, and is known for its glass-domed Garden Court and the Maxfield Parrish mural in the Pied Piper.

View details — Palace Hotel

Hotel

4. Argonaut Hotel

Waterfront boutique hotel$$$Fisherman's Wharf

The Argonaut Hotel occupies the landmark Haslett Warehouse at Fisherman's Wharf, with 252 rooms, bay views and the Blue Mermaid restaurant.

View details — Argonaut Hotel

Hotel

5. Hotel Zephyr

Nautical-themed hotel$$$Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Zephyr is a 361-room, nautical-themed hotel at Fisherman's Wharf with an 8,000-square-foot outdoor games yard, fire pits and an indoor game room.

View details — Hotel Zephyr

Hotel

7. Phoenix Hotel

Retro boutique motel$$Tenderloin

The Phoenix Hotel is a colourful rock and roll motel on Eddy Street, a music-world favourite since 1987, with a pool and the Chambers bar and restaurant.

View details — Phoenix Hotel