The 13 Best Boutique Hotels in San Francisco

Galleria park

The hotel choice in San Francisco perfectly mirrors this vibrant, trendy, and liberal urban space. None better seen than in the city's boutique hotels. From design properties with wild San Franciscan flare to hotels with bars that really know how to mix a cocktail. So where to start when picking your next stay? Our hotel experts have got you covered with their comprehensive list of the best boutique hotels in San Francisco. Looking for a space right in the heart of the city? Tick. Or how about booking a room in the only hotel in Presidio National Park? Tick! So why not browse through our offerings and start planning your next trip...

For urban cool

Palihotel San Francisco

  • Palihotel San Francisco mixes chic sophistication with a young trendy twist. Expect whitewashed brick walls adorned with bright modern art topped off with Smeg fridges and luxurious bathrooms. The superb French restaurant and bar is a real draw.
  • The Zeppelin is located in the heart of the city beside Union Square. Atmospheric rooms have moody hues and contemporary art while downstairs there is a lively games room and bar. A hip city choice.
  • Sangria on arrival sets the tone for this stylish property. Hotel Emblem is set slap bang in the heart of the city. Interiors are slick and minimalist with large works of modern art. However, the convivial bar, restaurant, and games room are what makes this a real stand-out stay.
  • Phoenix Hotel is an undeniably cool choice. Located near some of San Francisco's best music venues. This converted motel features chic boutique rooms located around a large pool and lively outdoor bar.
  • Hotel Zetta is another Union Square offering. Smart rooms embrace repurposed vintage decor, salvaged antiques, and beautiful delicate mosaic-tiled baths. Communal areas are hip, colourful and lively, with a games room, restaurant and lounge bar.

For a hotel in Presidio National Park

The Inn at the Presidio

  • The Inn at the Presidio is the only accommodation set within Presidio National Park. Set within a former officers' quarters, the interiors are grand and spacious. With walks through the park starting on the doorstep this is a unique and quiet San Franciscan stay.

For foodies

Hotel Kabuki

  • Hotel Kabuki is a very stylish boutique. Asian inspiration gives a unique look to the otherwise minimalist design. Renowned for its restaurant Nari, the latest project by renowned Chef Pim Techamuanvivit, which focuses on elevated Thai dining. There's a superb Japanese Whiskey bar too.

For a private members' club

The Battery

  • The Battery is a small exclusive boutique located within a smart members' club. The 14 rooms are that perfect mix of tradition meets contemporary design. Due to the club, there are amenities beyond the hotel's size including a spa, restaurant and atmospheric bar.

For a traditional stay

The Parsonage

  • The Parsonage B&B is a beautiful Victorian house set in the lively Hayes Valley area. Spacious rooms are filled with antiques and family heirlooms. With easy access to the city's attractions, this is an intimate stay in an authentic San Franciscan neighbourhood.
  • The Inn at Union Square is, admittedly, not an entirely traditional stay. Instead, the chic interiors take a contemporary spin on period design. The walls are adorned with paintings and the best rooms have working fireplaces and writing desks. Set just off Union Square this is a great central base.

For the design

The Proper

  • The Proper is San Francisco cool epitomised. The design is a perfect mix of contemporary art and contrasting fabric patterns. The rooftop bar and lounge set around firepits complete this very stylish boutique.
  • The Marker offers vibrant modern design in a grand traditional building. Spacious rooms are bright, colourful, and very hip. The trattoria restaurant is a lively place to spend an evening. Located beside Union Square this is a perfect city crashpad.
  • Galleria Park is set in an Art Deco building that has been beautifully renovated to complement the original design. Bright white rooms are adorned with colourful works of art. Downstairs, a patisserie completes the picture in this cool San Franciscan stay.

Still not sure which to book?

The 13 Best Boutique Hotels in San Francisco

The Inn at the Presidio
The Inn at the Presidio

San Francisco (Presidio Park)

Red-brick hotel and former officer's quarters, the only accommodation in the beautiful Presidio National Park close to the Golden Gate Bridge. The sleek, spacious rooms are stylishly furnished, the top floors have spectacular views. The Park offers many nature trails and other outdoor activities.

  • Back to Nature - The Presidio has many beautiful nature trails that you can explore by walking, jogging, or cycling, and there are wildlife tours
  • City Style - Former officers' quarters, the only accommodation in the national park, right by the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Local exploring - Close to the Golden Gate Bridge, Baker Beach, Crissy Field, Alcatraz, Treasure Island and other sights.
  • Full of character
from AU$390 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Parsonage B&B
The Parsonage B&B

San Francisco (Hayes Valley)

Quaint B&B with authentic Victorian features in the lively Hayes Valley area. The comfortable rooms are furnished with antiques and family heirlooms, and the library and two parlours are perfectly manicured with Georgian-era furniture. Close to the Civic Centre and the bustle of Hayes Valley cafes.

  • Local exploring - 15 minutes from the Civic Centre, with performances at the Symphony Hall and Opera House, and art museums.
  • City Style - Hayes Valley is a charming neighbourhood bustling with lively cafes, galleries and restaurants.
  • Four poster beds - The Alma Spreckles room has a lovely 4-poster bed.
  • Full of character
from AU$273 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Hotel Zetta
Hotel Zetta

San Francisco (Union Square)

Trendy and central hotel near the Union Square shopping district. The modern rooms embrace repurposed vintage decor with reclaimed wood and salvaged antiques, and boast delicate mosaic-tiled baths. The communal areas are hip, colourful and lively, with a games room, restaurant and lounge bar.

  • Total relaxation - With a games room and services at the neighbouring spa also offering in-room services, it is perfect for some urban relaxation.
  • City Style - A lively hotel in the trendy Union Square shopping district and well-connected to the main sights- an urban retreat.
  • Local exploring - A central hotel 10 minutes' walk from Union Square and the Moscone Centre, and surrounded by arts museums.
  • Restaurant - The Cavalier Restaurant is a brasserie serving UK-style food in four elegant rooms, with cocktails and an extensive wine list
from AU$254 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Galleria Park
Galleria Park

San Francisco (Union Square)

Chic hotel in the very centre of San Francisco, between the Union Square and Financial Districts. The contemporary, designer furnishings in the rooms complement the Art Deco and Art Nouveau heritage of the building also on display, creating a vibrant and colourful self-proclaimed pied-à-terre.

  • Local exploring - Ideally located between the Union Square shopping district and the Financial district and well-connected to the best city sights
  • City Style - Stylish and chic hotel ideally located and newly renovated, perfect for casual or business visitors.
  • Restaurant - A Parisian-style brasserie serving classic French dishes alongside a good selection of wines.
  • Lively
from AU$293 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Proper Hotel
Proper Hotel

San Francisco (Mid-Market)

This slick modern hotel is full of joyous works of art and design features, as well as all the latest technology. Rooms are a dizzying mix of patterns and retro furniture that somehow works perfectly. High-end inventive menus are served in the popular restaurant and bar. San Francisco cool.

  • Local exploring - Set in a central location ideal for exploring the city's shops, restaurants, bars and cultural spots
  • Sights nearby - Bay-facing Embarcadero boulevard is the spot to catch Alcatraz cruises, Bay Bridge views and the Ferry Building farmer's market
  • Designer - A combination of Victorian and Art Deco features with Cubism to Bauhaus and beyond
  • Lively area
from AU$394 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Kabuki
Hotel Kabuki

San Francisco (Japantown)

This boutique hotel is nestled in San Francisco's Japantown. After a recent renovation, the hotel now offers suites inspired by Asian design, from vintage graphic prints to wooden screens. Home to a Thai restaurant and Japanese whiskey bar, this hotel offers an authentic taste of the neighbourhood.

  • City Style - With new, custom-designed interiors inspired by cosmopolitan San Francisco, this hotel has lots of local city charm
  • Foodies - The hotel is home to Nari, the latest project by renowned Chef Pim Techamuanvivit focusing on elevated Thai dining
  • Local exploring - Set in the heart of San Francisco's Japantown, this hotel is perfectly placed for local exploring in the city
  • Great walks - Discover San Francisco on foot with a long walk to Belden Place, the city’s so-called French Quarter
from AU$588 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Phoenix Hotel
Phoenix Hotel

San Francisco (Tenderloin)

A hip little boutique situated in the Tenderloin district, just minutes from some of the city's most famed music venues. Interiors have been completely done-up - yet still maintain their motel charm. A swimming pool takes centre stage and there's a lively bar. Popular with visiting musicians.

  • Value chic - For San Francisco, which suffers from a lack of good mid-range options, this is an affordable and stand out stay
  • Boutique - A little indie boutique offering a whole lot of charisma
  • Sights nearby - Take a trip to marvel at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from AU$260 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Inn at Union Square
The Inn at Union Square

San Francisco (Union Square)

A chic 30-room hotel set just off Union Square. Smart rooms have a fresh and modern feel but the design is traditionally inspired. Pick a suite for a writing desk and charming lounge area. Breakfasts are served and the city's sights are just a stroll away.

  • Local exploring - Set just off Union Square this property is right in the heart of the city and surrounded by shops, restaurants, and galleries
  • City Style - A small hotel with chic design that offers a contemporary take on period style
  • Sights nearby - Head to nearby Chinatown and take a snap by the iconic Dragon's Gate
  • Boutique
from AU$552 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Marker
The Marker

San Francisco (Union Square)

A grand hotel just a few blocks from Union Square. The design is vibrant and contemporary yet the building's original features remain. The Trattoria restaurant is a lively spot to spend an evening. An idyllic base for a city escape.

  • City Style - Stylish, elegant, and bang in the heart of downtown - this is a perfect city base
  • Foodies - The buzzy trattoria serves excellent dishes and even makes its own limoncello
  • Restaurant -
  • Full of character
from AU$412 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Zeppelin
The Zeppelin

San Francisco (Union Square)

A stylish hotel located just one block from Union Square. Modern rooms are designed with atmospheric moody hues, contemporary art, and plush beds. Downstairs is a well-equipped games room and a trendy restaurant and bar where guests dine in leather-clad booths. A chic central stay.

  • Local exploring - Just one block from Union Square, there are restaurants, shops, and museums within walking distance
  • Lively - With regular live music events and an atmospheric bar - this is a great evening destination
  • Restaurant - Rambler offers modern Californian cuisine
  • Boutique
from AU$317 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Emblem
Hotel Emblem

San Francisco (Union Square)

A stylish hotel with a very central location, just two blocks from Union Square. The sangria on arrival sets the tone for this hip hotel. Rooms feature sink-into beds, large artworks and luxury bathrooms. The bar and games room downstairs give this hotel a convivial vibe.

  • Local exploring - Located just two blocks from Union Square with great transport links across the city and a host of entertainment on its doorstep
  • Boutique - A stylish boutique with a retro-styled bar and cool modern design complete with large contemporary art works
  • Designer
from AU$357 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Palihotel San Francisco
Palihotel San Francisco

San Francisco (Union Square)

Palihotel's LA cool is a perfect San Franciscan fit. Interiors mix chic sophistication with a young trendy twist. Whitewashed exposed brick walls in the rooms are adorned with modern art, there are Smeg fridges and luxurious bathrooms too. While the French restaurant and bar is a real draw.

  • City Style - Palihotels have perfected that mix of grown-up sophistication with urban cool
  • Foodies - Fisher Loft is a superb French restaurant and bar - worthy of a visit alone
  • Restaurant -
from AU$215 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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Written by Katie Harris

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