The 13 Best Boutique Hotels in San Francisco
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 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 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 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 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 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 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?
- Consider our Guru’s list of all the best hotels in San Francisco.
- Widen your search to include our pick of places to stay in nearby Sausalito or all our recommendations across California or the best hotels in downtown San Francisco.
- Or why not browse through our list of the best hotels near Union Square, the best hotels near Fisherman's Wharf, the best pet friendly hotels in San Francisco, or the top San Francisco hotels with parking?
- Alternatively you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
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Palihotel San Francisco San Francisco (Union Square) 82 rooms from £109
City Style - Palihotels have perfected that mix of grown-up sophistication with urban coolFoodies - Fisher Loft is a superb French restaurant and bar - worthy of a visit aloneRestaurant - Recommended.
Recommended by - TabletCheck AvailabilityPalihotel'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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The Inn at the Presidio San Francisco (Presidio Park) 22 rooms from £200
Back to Nature - The Presidio has many beautiful nature trails that you can explore by walking, jogging, or cycling, and there are wildlife toursCity 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 EscapeCheck AvailabilityRed-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 Zeppelin San Francisco (Union Square) 196 rooms from £161
Local exploring - Just one block from Union Square, there are restaurants, shops, and museums within walking distanceLively - With regular live music events and an atmospheric bar - this is a great evening destinationRestaurant - Rambler offers modern Californian cuisineBoutique
Check AvailabilityA 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 £181
Local exploring - Located just two blocks from Union Square with great transport links across the city and a host of entertainment on its doorstepBoutique - A stylish boutique with a retro-styled bar and cool modern design complete with large contemporary art worksDesigner - Uniquely designed interiors.
Check AvailabilityA 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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Hotel Kabuki San Francisco (Japantown) 225 rooms from £298
City Style - With new, custom-designed interiors inspired by cosmopolitan San Francisco, this hotel has lots of local city charmFoodies - The hotel is home to Nari, the latest project by renowned Chef Pim Techamuanvivit focusing on elevated Thai diningLocal exploring - Set in the heart of San Francisco's Japantown, this hotel is perfectly placed for local exploring in the cityGreat walks - Discover San Francisco on foot with a long walk to Belden Place, the city’s so-called French Quarter
Check AvailabilityThis 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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The Parsonage B&B San Francisco (Hayes Valley) 5 rooms from £140
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 EscapeCheck AvailabilityQuaint 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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Phoenix Hotel San Francisco (Tenderloin) 44 rooms from £132
Value chic - For San Francisco, which suffers from a lack of good mid-range options, this is an affordable and stand out stayBoutique - A little indie boutique offering a whole lot of charismaSights nearby - Take a trip to marvel at the iconic Golden Gate BridgeSwimming Pool - Outdoor pool
Check AvailabilityA 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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Proper Hotel San Francisco (Mid-Market) 131 rooms from £200
Local exploring - Set in a central location ideal for exploring the city's shops, restaurants, bars and cultural spotsSights nearby - Bay-facing Embarcadero boulevard is the spot to catch Alcatraz cruises, Bay Bridge views and the Ferry Building farmer's marketDesigner - A combination of Victorian and Art Deco features with Cubism to Bauhaus and beyondLively area - In the thick of the action.Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, TabletCheck AvailabilityThis 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 £209
City Style - Stylish, elegant, and bang in the heart of downtown - this is a perfect city baseFoodies - The buzzy trattoria serves excellent dishes and even makes its own limoncelloRestaurant - Recommended.Full of character
Check AvailabilityA 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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The Inn at Union Square San Francisco (Union Square) 30 rooms from £280
Local exploring - Set just off Union Square this property is right in the heart of the city and surrounded by shops, restaurants, and galleriesCity Style - A small hotel with chic design that offers a contemporary take on period styleSights nearby - Head to nearby Chinatown and take a snap by the iconic Dragon's GateBoutique
Check AvailabilityA 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. See More
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Hotel Zetta San Francisco (Union Square) 116 rooms from £130
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 SmithCheck AvailabilityTrendy 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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Galleria Park San Francisco (Union Square) 177 rooms from £150
Local exploring - Ideally located between the Union Square shopping district and the Financial district and well-connected to the best city sightsCity 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 - Hip and happening.Recommended by - TabletCheck AvailabilityChic 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. See More
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Written by Katie Harris
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