The fog was heavy as we crossed the San Francisco Bay from Oakland by ferry. There was an eerie stillness with only an occasional fog horn sounding or sea bird calls. As we approached the Bay Bridge, the fog lifted. San Francisco greeted us with the morning sun covering the seven hills, rising sharply from the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
In the Golden City, 21st century and Victorian architecture stand side-by-side. Green parks dot the landscape. In the bay, sailboats and kayaks mingle with cargo ships. Ferries shuttle commuters and visitors. Tour boats circle Alcatraz. Cruise ships take on passengers and provisions. Fishing boats come and go with the tide.
But what really defines San Francisco is its diverse neighborhoods, from the Latino roots of the Mission District to the dim sum restaurants of Chinatown and beyond. It’s in these neighborhoods that you’ll find some of the finest and funkiest hotels on the planet, each property with its own way of making your visit a unique and memorable experience.
Find your base, suited to your tastes (and budget), in this list of the 10 coolest hotels in San Francisco.