The 10 Best Historic Hotels in San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, hip and modern city, but it still retains its old-world charm. There are plenty of gorgeous and refined historic properties in the area, and we've scoured the neighbourhoods to bring you the the best of the best! In this collection of the best historic hotels in San Francisco, we've included faux-Renaissance palaces, charming Victorian manors, former officers' quarters, industrial-chic waterside renovations and some of San Francisco's oldest and most luxurious hotels. Check it out!

For a business stay

• Located just outside the Financial District, and surrounded by countless upmarket shops, stands Taj Campton Place. Dating back to the early 1900s, it’s been thoroughly modernised, while it still retains its original elegance. The rooms are full of light, spacious and refined, yet the Michelin-star restaurant set in the grand dining room is evidence of the hotel’s more ornate past. With infamously attentive service, in-room spa treatments, business meeting rooms and 24h rooftop gym facilities, it's the ideal destination for business or leisure travellers.
• Housed in a faux-Renaissance palace built in 1916, and just a stone’s throw from Union Square, the Clift Royal Sonesta is something of a local institution. A favourite of high-flyers from Silicon Valley, it boasts extensive conference facilities, making it great for business conventions. The rooms themselves are flooded with light, minimalist and contemporary, but the bar is the real draw: high-ceilinged, and panelled with redwood from the forests north of the city, with a classic décor and plush armchairs, it makes you feel like the member of a gentleman’s club.

For an historic B&B

• Walking through Chateau Tivoli is like walking through a museum. Except, at this museum, when you wake up in one of the grand, four-poster beds, you won’t be asked to leave the premises immediately. A 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 individually-styled rooms adorned with hefty antiques, heavy drapes and beautiful artworks, the walls painted in royal-blues, peaches and brooding reds. A truly unique experience in a beautifully restored historic property!
• The Parsonage is a gorgeously refined B&B set in a 19th century house, decked head-to-toe in family heirlooms. The red-walled library, with its deep armchairs and Victorian-era furniture, provides a wonderful nest to relax. The rooms themselves are alive in the same antique-splendour: think original marble fireplaces, assorted objets d’art and plush four-poster beds. Living, breathing history at its finest.

For families

• A former officers' quarters in the Presidio National Park, and close to the Golden Gate Bridge, the Inn at the Presidio is a wonderful stay for families seeking an authentic, old-fashioned hotel. The rooms and suites are spacious, stylish and flooded with light, looking out over the sprawling green garden of oak and palm trees. Families will love its great location for hiking expeditions, and its proximity to some of the great sights of San Francisco. The complimentary wine and cheese for adults, and the chocolate, puzzles and cookies for the kids, are merely added bonuses.
• Dating back to 1893, the Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghirardelli Square started life as a chocolate factory. Now, it's a fine all-suite family hotel with private terraces facing out over the Bay, where parents can enjoy wine and cheese tasting. The suites range from one to three beds, and are done in a chic minimalist design. While there’s no restaurant, in-suite fine-dining can easily be arranged.

For industrial-chic

• Post-industrial-chic at its best, the Harbor Court Hotel is a former YMCA renovated into a lush, luxury hotel overlooking San Francisco Bay. The smart, whitewashed rooms are cosy yet hipsterish, and there’s a cool Japanese restaurant next door. Breakfast isn't included, but there's a trendy cafe near the lobby.

For old-world glamour

• Fairmont San Francisco is an iconic, historic hotel that once saw Tony Bennet singing in the Venetian Room. A local institution, it’s 5* luxury at its finest, exuding the sort of grand, ornate luxury of yesteryear. Offering light, contemporary and spacious guestrooms, and some suites with their own private terraces affording gorgeous cityscape views. Families will enjoy the spacious suites, (with beds for up to 6 people). Plus there's a pampering spa, and superb Californian Coastal cuisine in the Laurel Court Restaurant.

For a luxury B&B

• From the outside, Mansion on Sutter looks like a mini fairytale castle. That’s no deception, because inside this luxury 5* Victorian mansion lies something resembling magic. An intimate, luxurious affair, the rooms are effortlessly chic and adorned with period furnishings; you can expect dark-and-sexy velvet sofas, antiques, and colourful walls adorned with the owner’s private collection of artworks. This really is one of the best luxury B&Bs around.

For over-the-top grandeur

• The Palace Hotel was San Francisco's first premier luxury hotel, and dates back to 1875. In its heyday, it was the largest in the world. Stepping inside is like stepping out of a time machine into an imperious, gilded age. With its grand, arched lobby, chandeliers dangling from the high ceilings, scintillating like the stars, and ornate marble columns, this luxurious hotel basks in the glory of Versailles. The rooms, however, are plush and contemporary, and the swimming pool and gym are a modern comfort. The hotel boasts beautiful views of the city at night, and the spa will spoil you rotten.

Still not sure?

• Looking for something with beautiful street views? Try our collection of the best hotels in San Francisco with a private balcony.
• 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
• or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

  • Taj Campton Place San Francisco (Union Square) 111 rooms from €230

    
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    City Style  -  In a historic building that has been modernized and with a Michelin Star-rated restaurant, explore San Francisco in style.

    Local exploring  -  Minutes from Union Square and less than 2 miles from Fisherman's Wharf and Bay Bridge, it is ideally located.

    Foodies  -  The Michelin star-rated restaurant draws queues of foodies from all over the city.

    Restaurant  -  Campton Place Restaurant is Michelin Star-rated and serves Mediterranean-inspired California cuisine.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Sleek hotel with ideal location on Union Square. The elegant rooms have contemporary and stylish furnishings, and the service is renowned for being hyper-attentive. The Michelin star-rated restaurant serving high-quality Mediterranean fare in the grand dining room is very impressive. See More

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  • The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel San Francisco (California) 372 rooms from €216

    
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    Surfing  -  Ocean Beach is where to catch the waves whether surfing or kite surfing.

    Sights nearby  -  Golden Gate Park and with views of the famous Gold Gate Bridge.

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Historical landmark hotel renovated to modern luxury with art and furniture being a big feature. Rooms are bright, with great views of the San Francisco skyline. The popular Redwood Room bar is lively. Location next to Union Square and city delights is on point. See More

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  • Chateau Tivoli San Francisco (Alamo Square) 9 rooms from €197

    
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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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  • The Parsonage B&B San Francisco (Hayes Valley) 5 rooms from €161

    
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    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

    

    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    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. See More

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  • The Inn at the Presidio San Francisco (Presidio Park) 22 rooms from €230

    
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    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

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, I Escape

    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. See More

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  • The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square San Francisco (Fort Mason) 53 rooms from €706

    
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    Luxury  -  A landmark setting with some seriously indulgent extras including in-suite fine dining and a spoiling spa

    Families  -  With suites that range from 1 - 3 bedrooms this is an ideal choice for a luxury family break

    Sights nearby  -  Take a leisurely stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge and admire the city views

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    

    A luxury all-suite hotel offering a landmark setting on San Francisco's bay. Accommodation ranges from one to three bed suites all designed with stylish minimalism and most with superb bay views. There is no restaurant as such but in-suite fine-dining is a real luxury. A very fine stay. See More

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  • Harbor Court Hotel San Francisco (Financial District) 131 rooms from €228

    
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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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  • Fairmont San Francisco San Francisco (Nob Hill) 606 rooms from €332

    
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    City Style  -  Somewhat of a city landmark, this hotel does traditional elegance impeccably

    Sights nearby  -  Make a trip out to Alcatraz - both a fascinating place to visit and a great way to admire the city from the sea

    Opulent

    Romantic  -  Good for couples.

    

    This hotel is a real landmark. It has seen the likes of Tony Bennet sing in the Venetian Room - and it still has that same old-world grandeur. Enjoying spectacular views of the bay (especially good from the suites' terraces) and boasting a design that combines tradition and modern elegance. See More

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  • Mansion on Sutter San Francisco (Pacific Heights) 12 rooms from €413

    
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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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  • Palace hotel , San Francisco San Francisco (Financial District) 552 rooms from €382

    
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    Local exploring  -  1 block from the Financial District, 3 blocks from Union Sq, & 4 blocks from Moscone Center

    5* Luxury  -  Original architecture, luxurious bedding, expansive headboards, marble bathrooms & many opulent amenities

    Restaurant  -  The Garden Court and Pied Piper Bar & Grill - famous, superb, grand

    Sights nearby  -  Yerba Buena Gardens, Martin Luther King memorial, Chinatown...

    

    A lavish hotel with classically designed architecture. An elitist, rich and stylish look. Gorgeous and smart guest-rooms feature 11-foot high ceilings, marble bathrooms, opulent bedding. Glass domed indoor pool, various dining options and bars. Ideal for spending your city break in true 5* luxury. See More

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Written by Edmund Wise

posted Wednesday, 22nd June 2022