The 15 Most Unique and Cool Hotels in San Francisco

San Francisco is the USofA's iconic Capital of Weird: haven of free-love hippies, beret-wearing revolutionaries, underground music and Beat poets. So, it makes sense that there are so many unique and cool hotels in San Francisco. Our experts have selected the zaniest, loudest, quirkiest and most idiosyncratic, from bohemian-chic stays and hipster escape pads in renovated harbourside warehouses, to luxury B&Bs in Victorian mansions and exclusive, luxury hotels hidden in private members clubs. We've done the hard work - all you have to do is choose from our list of the most unique and cool hotels in San Francisco and start planning your stay.

For a new vintage stay

• Hotel Zetta is the ultimate regression session. A trendy stay in the highly central location of Union Square - the famous shopping district - it resembles a kind of upmarket student digs, with its repurposed vintage decor of salvaged antiques, recycled wood and mosaic-tiled bathrooms. It's a seriously happening place. The games room is worthy of note, where you can go on a nostalgia-trip of air hockey and pool, in the glare of a red telephone box that was placed there, seemingly, by some drunk students in the name of irony. The Cavalier Restaurant is a highlight, serving good old fashioned British fare.
• Moody, chic and sexy, The Zeppelin is aptly named because it exudes the sort of rock'n'roll aesthetic of its namesake. With a kind of reclaimed post-industrial vibe of ornate fireplaces and exposed brickwork set alongside comic book art, peace signs and velvet cushions, it certainly packs a stylishly retro punch. But rock'n'roll isn't merely a matter of personal decorating: the moody, dimly-lit bar is a favourite of locals and has the atmosphere of a speakeasy, while also being a regular host of live music. Definitely one of the most unique hotels in San Francisco.

For bohemian vibes

• Just two blocks from Union Square, Hotel Emblem's hip, Beat-themed boutique accommodation sets the scene with sangria on arrival. This endlessly chic stay combines exposed brickwork with New Wave artwork on the walls, while the cosy, colourful rooms have plush, sink-into beds. Cool. Loud. Artsy.

For post-industrial-chic

• A former YMCA, Harbor Court Hotel is now a luxurious stay with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay. Glowing in a distinctly hipsterish vibe - post-industrial-chic - the elegant, whitewashed rooms still manage to be snug. Downstairs, you'll find a cool cafe serving infamously tasty coffee, and there's a trendy Japanese restaurant next door.
• Hotel Zephyr, in Fisherman's Wharf, is a cool, laid-back and endlessly fun place to stay. A great place for families on a sightseeing expedition, the light-filled and spacious rooms are decked out in a nautical theme, with seabird pillows, faded old maps and private terraces boasting sublime views. The games room, with its trendy lighting, is a nice addition.

For an arthouse hotel

• The Proper Hotel is that cool kid at school who was always at the forefront of the latest trends. The interiors - from the lobby to the restaurant - are styled in a Victorian-meets-Art Deco vibe (the lobby itself effectively doubles up as a modern art gallery), and the spacious guestrooms and suites are ablaze with a dizzying mix of patterns and retro furnishings. Its rooftop bar is something of a local landmark, with its extensive cocktail list, and fabulous city views.
• Seemingly stolen from the set of a Wes Anderson movie, The Marker is a delightfully chic stay a few blocks from Union Square. Set in a grand building with the neoclassical facade of a Renaissance palace, the interiors are colourful and modern while still retaining some of the original grandiosity, with a marble-tiled stairwell and bathrooms. The rooms are plush, with a palette of reds, yellows, blues and whites, and the Trattoria serves up excellent food, and makes its own limoncello!

For an Historic B&B

• Chateau Tivoli is more or less a museum of objets d'art, curios and artefacts. A stately, yet homely, 19th century mansion just a 3-minute walk from the landmark Painted Ladies row of colourful houses in Alamo Square, this charming B&B features unique rooms furnished with ornate four-poster beds, heavy drapes and beautiful artworks, the walls painted in royal-blues, peaches and brooding reds. A beautiful, historic property, and an elegant stay.

For city style

• Nestling in Japantown, Hotel Kabuki seamlessly fuses chic Asian styles with cosmopolitan San Francisco vibes. The spacious guestrooms are symbolic of this marriage: coloured in muted tones, with wooden screens, low-lying tables and graphic prints. It is cool, classy and elegant. The real draw is downstairs: the Thai restaurant, Japanese whisky bar and lounge are all in an enormous, open-plan, light-filled room, and prove to be a great way of tasting the local culture.
• Sitting by Union Square - a highly central location - StayPineapple oozes in romance and style. The marble-floored lobby, hanging with splashes of modern art, leads you to the cocktail bar where stands a blood-red grand piano. The rooms themselves are chic and contemporary, with sink-into beds, marble-tiled bathrooms, all done in cloud-whites and daffodil-yellows. A sweet stay for couples looking for something with a bit of style.

For Value chic

• The Palihotel brand is famed for its authenticity and independent spirit, and Palihotel San Francisco is no exception. Charmingly full of curios and objets d'art, the rooms are spacious and homely, while still being chic: think plenty of exposed, whitewashed brickwork, fading wooden panels, splashes of modern art, sink-into-beds and an overall stripped-back vibe. The French restaurant and bar are seriously cool, and to top it all off, it's amazing value for money. For all of those reasons, this is definitely one of the coolest hotels in San Francisco.
• With its prime waterfront location, Argonaut is a favourite of families. The nautical-chic rooms are spacious and homely and seriously cool with exposed brickwork, colourful fabrics and plush bedding. The bar and restaurant carries on this theme with a relaxed, let-your-hair-down vibe, all set within a centuries-old waterfront warehouse. Cool, gorgeous and great for sightseeing.
• A classic American motel given a stylish makeover, Phoenix Hotel has an iconic place in San Francisco's music scene. A favourite amongst touring musicians, it's just a few minutes away from some of the city's most beloved music venues. The rooms are decorated in an indie-boutique style, and face the swimming pool. Hip, fun and very well priced for San Francisco; young people will love it.

All out luxury

• The Battery is one of San Francisco's best kept secrets. Hidden in a private members club, set in a former sweet factory, it's exclusive, stylish and plush. The rooms feature redbrick walls and are furnished with vintage pieces by Fulk and the hotel lounge and library carry on with this theme. The pampering spa is a real highlight, boasting a sauna, steam room and treatment room. If you want real luxury, book the Penthouse Studio with its spacious patio that offers some of the most beautiful views around. This is a gem.

For a romantic break

• A grandiose 5* Victorian mansion that combines classical elegance with effortlessly chic style, Mansion on Sutter is a great place for couples on a break. The fairytale-like exterior exudes a certain magic, while inside, the chic rooms and period furnishings blend seamlessly. You can expect velvet cushions, antiques, and original artworks along the walls from the owner's private collection. Intimate, plush and romantic, the bar tops it all off with style. The wine tasting and gym are the cherry on top. Divine!

Still not sure?

• Refine your search further and check out our collection of the best hotels in San Francisco with a private balcony or the best San Francisco hotels with airport transfers
• Wanting somewhere downtown? Check out our list of the best hotels in Downtown San Francisco.
• Seeking relaxation? See our collection of the best hotels in San Francisco with a pool
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our Gurus for advice.

  • Hotel Zetta San Francisco (Union Square) 116 rooms from CA$219

    
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    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

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    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. See More

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  • The Zeppelin San Francisco (Union Square) 196 rooms from CA$271

    
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    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

    

    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. See More

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  • Hotel Emblem San Francisco (Union Square) 96 rooms from CA$305

    
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    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  -  Uniquely designed interiors.

    

    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. See More

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  • Proper Hotel San Francisco (Mid-Market) 131 rooms from CA$337

    
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    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  -  In the thick of the action.

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet

    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. See More

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  • The Marker San Francisco (Union Square) 208 rooms from CA$353

    
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    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  -  Recommended.

    Full of character

    

    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. See More

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  • Hotel Kabuki San Francisco (Japantown) 225 rooms from CA$503

    
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    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

    

    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. See More

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  • Staypineapple San Francisco San Francisco (Union Square) 93 rooms from CA$254

    
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    Local exploring  -  Located just three-blocks from Union Square, there are theatres, restaurants, and shops galore within walking distance

    Boutique  -  A small boutique that focuses on luxury and quality - super soft towels, sink-into beds and high tech gadgets

    

    A chic boutique with luxurious interiors and a very central setting beside Union Square. Rooms have an indulgent feel with sink-into beds, fluffy towels and rain showers. The bar serves up innovative cocktails and the breakfasts (which include exceptionally good burritos) are a real pleasure. See More

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  • Palihotel San Francisco San Francisco (Union Square) 82 rooms from CA$184

    
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    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  -  Recommended.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    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. See More

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  • Argonaut San Francisco (Fisherman's Wharf) 252 rooms from CA$287

    
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    Local exploring  -  Located near Fisherman's Wharf there are museums and markets to explore locally (plus the bay) and great transport links

    Local markets  -  Wander through the sea front market at Fisherman's Wharf

    Sights nearby  -  Make a trip to marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge

    Full of character

    

    Stylish accommodation in a prime location near Fisherman's Wharf. The chic rooms have a distinctly nautical feel and the bathrooms are stocked with luxury Lather® products. The lively restaurant and bar have a laid back feel. Offered at excellent rates, this is a great city base. See More

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  • Phoenix Hotel San Francisco (Tenderloin) 44 rooms from CA$222

    
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    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

    

    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. See More

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  • The Battery San Francisco (North Beach) 14 rooms from CA$757

    
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    City Style  -  With designer interiors and an unbeatable location beside the financial district, book this hotel for sleek San Francisco style

    Local exploring  -  This hotel is perfecty placed for local exploring, with the city's attractions within easy walking distance

    Spa breaks  -  The club is home to a hideaway urban spa, complete with a sauna, steam room and treatment rooms

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    This exclusive hotel is nestled within a private members' club in San Francisco. Housed in a former sweet factory on Jackson Square, inside, guestrooms have exposed red brick walls styled with custom and vintage pieces by Fulk. Enjoy access to the club's first-class facilities during your stay. See More

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  • Chateau Tivoli San Francisco (Alamo Square) 9 rooms from CA$288

    
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    Families  -  There are interconnecting rooms and a couple of family rooms that sleep up to three

    Boutique  -  A characterful small boutique filled with antiques, heavy drapes, and rich hues

    Sights nearby  -  Golden Gate Park is just one-and-a-half miles from the property

    Full of character

    

    Enjoy a slice of 19th-century splendour at this lavish San Franciscan mansion set in one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods. Ornate rooms are individually styled but expect hefty antiques, four-posters, and rich hues in each. Better yet the city's sights are in striking distance. See More

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  • Harbor Court Hotel San Francisco (Financial District) 131 rooms from CA$334

    
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    City Style  -  A stylish base overlooking San Francisco Bay and perfectly placed between the Financial District and Oracle Park

    Sights nearby  -  Make a stop by the Golden Gate Bridge and admire the impressive structure

    Views  -  Many of the rooms have wonderful views over San Francisco Bay

    Restaurant  -  A Japanese restaurant located next to the hotel

    

    A smart hotel located overlooking the bay in a convenient spot between the Financial District and Oracle Park. Once a YMCA - a massive renovation has turned this into a luxury stay. Rooms are small but perfectly formed with a hint of an industrial feel in the design. Ideal for city exploring. See More

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  • Hotel Zephyr San Francisco (Fisherman's Wharf) 360 rooms from CA$315

    
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    Local exploring  -  Well postioned right beside Fisherman's Wharf - step out of the hotel and explore San Francisco's boutiques and restaurants

    Families  -  With fun design, a laid back feel, a games room and large courtyard area - this is ideal for those travelling with children

    Sights nearby  -  A trip to the city wouldn't be complete without a stop by the Golden Gate Bridge

    Local markets  -  Explore the waterfront marketplace at Fisherman's Wharf

    

    The Zephyr Hotel could not have a better location - set right by Fisherman's Wharf. This is a large hotel with a spacious central courtyard filled with all sorts of activities. The interiors are fun and vibrant with a distinctly nautical feel, Perfect for exploring the city with friends or family. See More

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  • Mansion on Sutter San Francisco (Pacific Heights) 12 rooms from CA$604

    
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    Total relaxation  -  Excellent organic wines, suites with in-room tubs, and a gym to stress bust - the perfect combination for a relaxing stay

    Luxury  -  San Francisco's only five-star Victorian mansion hotel

    Sights nearby  -  A trip to marvel at Golden Gate Bridge is a real must on any trip to the city

    

    A five-star Victorian mansion offering 12 chic rooms. Interiors are period-inspired with dark-hued velvet furnishings, intricately tiled floors and antiques. Thoughtful added touches such as in-room baths (in some suites), a smart gym, and organic wines really elevate this B&B to luxury status. See More

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Written by Edmund Wise

posted Monday, 15th August 2022