Staying Downtown in San Francisco means being close to the shops around Union Square, the squawks of the sea lions on Pier 39 and the massive vantage point of the Colt Tower.
Worn legs and feet (thank you Filbert Street and your 31.5% incline) can use nearby BART and MUNI stops with abandon or a trip on the quintessential SF cable car. An affordable stay near San Francisco’s must-sees? These rooms are the must-books!
Hotel near the Presidio
Monte Cristo B&B
Also near Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow
Photo from trivago.
If you’re celebrating the spirit of San Francisco’s hippie past, take a step back into history a bit further with a stay at the Monte Cristo B&B. Located in the Pacific Heights neighbourhood, the once bordello, saloon and speakeasy also housed refugees of the 1906 Earthquake when most structures in the area had been destroyed. Outfitted with period furnishing, Persian rugs, hardwood floors and period wallpaper, it’s a feast of San Francisco flair. Included in your stay is a homemade breakfast of eggs, quiches, SF sourdough, pastries and more, taken privately in bed or the lovely breakfast room.
Hotel near Fillmore Street
Kimpton Buchanan
Also near Lafayette Park
Photos from trivago.
Why do so many leave their heart in San Francisco? Perhaps it’s the free love, maybe it’s the incredible mashup of cultures stemming from all corners for the world to congregate. The Kimpton Buchanan sits amid the Fillmore, Pacific Heights and Japantown, plucking style tips from each. The result is airy, modern yet zen rooms, perfect for unwinding from a day in the City by the Bay.
Hotel near Chinatown
The Stanford Court
Also near the Transamerica Pyramid and the Financial District
Photo from trivago
Roosting on the top of Nob Hill, The Stanford Court’s city views never fail to remind you of the city you’re (temporarily) inhabiting. The integration of the latest technology from MacBooks and iPads to the electric vehicle charging stations comes naturally to this eco-conscious and techy, truly San Francisco hotel. Marathon walkers, the beds come as a welcome relief at the end of the day, especially when paired with that million dollar view.
Hotel near Japantown
Hotel Kabuki San Francisco
Also near the Fillmore and SF Jazz Center
Photos from trivago.
The Hotel Kabuki reigns sleek and serene in the heart of Japantown. Bearing trademark Japanese relaxation elements like a garden with koi pond, the real beauty of the property can be found in the three-foot Japanese-style baths. Sweat it all out in the wood sauna, grab your custom soaking bath salt and strip your muscles any sores.
Hotel near Haight-Ashbury
Sleep Over Sauce
Also near Hippie Hill and Haight-Fillmore
Photo from trivago.
Not quite a hotel nor a B&B, Sleep Over Sauce is a unique concept of living over the Sauce restaurant. Rooms are available individually but the entire eight rooms can be reserved together to accommodate you and your 16 closest friends. Before checking in, why not tuck into a portion of gooey mac and cheese. Settle the bill at the bar as the barkeep has the keys to your room!
Hotel near Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf
Hotel Zoe San Francisco
Also near Ghiradelli Square, Lombard Street and Russian Hill
Photos from trivago.
The Hotel Zoe San Francisco ensures you get the full San Fran experience from the moment you walk out the door every morning. Inspired by the yachts that dock their anchors in the nearby Fisherman’s Wharf, the hotel has moved comfortably into the age of tech. Modern accessories including the convenient Cubie radios allow you to charge two phones and two backup power banks all at the same time- followers, get ready for an onslaught of Instagram stories.
Hotel near the Tenderloin
Hotel Vertigo
Also near the Asian Art Museum and City Hall
Photos from trivago.
If Hotel Vertigo looks familiar, it’s not just a deja-vu. Having played a cameo in Hitchcock’s classic “Vertigo”, the hotel plays the movie on a continuous loop in the lobby. Free WiFi, morning tea and coffee get you up and at ‘em every morning (or afternoon). The hotel’s punchy tangerine-dream decor is whimsical without forgoing on practicality. The Nob Hill location is posh SF at its best and a stay here guarantees your stay downtown will be spent in style.
Hotel near the Civic Center
USA Hostels San Francisco
Also near Union Square and the Orpheum Theater
Photo from trivago.
If you’re coming with the entire posse, no one risks being torn apart between different hotels- this is where USA Hostels SF comes in. Everyone gets their own privacy pods in the dorm rooms but you’re never more than a few feet away from your travel pals. Free breakfast and use of the kitchen for cooking drive down the cost for the weekend making this a great option for budget-conscious SF visitors.
Hotel near North Beach
Boheme
Also near Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill
Photo from trivago.
Feel like you’re in Europe while still celebrating the spirit of San Francisco with Hotel Boheme. Built by Italian immigrants and preserved in the 1950s style of its North Beach neighbourhood, it reminds us of the beat poets that flocked to the city before the hippies took their hold. Practice your best poetry slam or read a book to unwind at day’s end.
Hotel near Union Square
Hotel Diva
Also near Market Street, Moscone Center and Yerba Buena Gardens
Photo from trivago.
What could be better after a long day of immersing yourself in the day in the life of an Alcatraz convict than wrapping your body in 400-thread count sheets on a Serta Five Star Mattress? We’re willing to bet not much. Hotel Diva, one block away from Union Square, is perfect for any bon vivant’s quest into minimalist luxury. Free WiFi and an evening Sake hour are the perfect way to wind down from a day of browsing and buying.
Where will we find you on your next San Francisco getaway?
This article was adapted from trivago magazine US.