12 Most Romantic Hotels in San Francisco

From the Golden Gate Bridge to the skyline at night, San Francisco is a city of romance, and the most romantic hotels in San Francisco all boast beautiful views of this magical city. There are so many gorgeous hotels perfectly suited to couples on a city-break, whirlwind romance, week-away or honeymoon. In this collection of the most romantic hotels in San Francisco, we've selected something for every taste and budget, from five-star luxury and chic post-industrial hotels to glittering old-world grand-dames and city escape-pads. We've done the ground work - all you have to do is choose!

For a city escape-pad

• Hotel Drisco is where romance blossoms. A neoclassical building perched high on Pacific Avenue affording sweeping views of the city-at-night, this elegant Edwardian hotel offers plush, spacious, contemporary rooms with plentiful light pouring through the large windows - the perfect nest to spend a lazy morning with a cup of coffee. Couples will love the evening wine and cheese tasting at the reception, and the breakfast rooms exudes an elegant, regal air.

For foodies

• Taj Campton Place dates back to the 1900s, and though it's been renovated it still has those original, romantic, classical flourishes.The rooms are refined, elegant and quietly contemporary, and the Michelin-star fine-dining at the restaurant provides a bit of pomp, ceremony and refined taste to the proceedings. Add to that the 24h gym facilities, the in-room spa treatments, and round-the-clock room service, it makes for a plush stay.

For a historic B&B

• Grand, historic and traditional, Chateau Tivoli is a lovely little couples' hideaway. Think ornate four-poster-beds, charming unique rooms filled with antiques and gorgeous artworks, the walls adorned in royal-blues, apricots and lipstick blood-reds, all set within a 19th century mansion. A B&B with charm and sophistication in an effortlessly romantic setting - gorgeous.
• The Inn at the Presidio is wonderful stay for couples. One of the real draws is its wonderful setting: in a national park, near the Golden Gate Bridge, and set within a beautiful, spacious garden. The house itself is a historic property, a former army officers' quarters, now boasting a selection of 22 spacious rooms including a large number of suites with fireplaces. Don't miss the complimentary nightly wine and cheese tastings.

For post-industrial chic

• Hotel Via stands in South Beach, the old industrial quarter of San Francisco. No wonder, then, that it's set in an old warehouse where you can expect post-industrial-chic vibes. The rooftop terrace bar is the real focal-point, an amazing place to soak up the views of the nighttime skyline - a 360 panorama - while sipping a classic cocktail. The rooms are minimalist, modern and spacious.

For old-world glamour

• A landmark and local institution in San Francisco, the Fairmont San Francisco simply oozes old-world luxury. This is 5* luxury at its best: ornate, grand and gorgeous. Couples will love being pampered in the extensive spa, and sampling the delectable cuisine in the restaurant. The views from the light-filled, contemporary and spacious rooms - especially from those with private terraces - are the definition of romance.

For intimacy

• Parker Guest House is an elegant boutique property that feels homely-yet-stylish. The rooms are flooded with light from the high, wide windows, and are decorated antique furniture interspersed with cool wall-art. Yet it still manages to feel like the comfortable, plush home of a well-to-do friend.
• Snugly nestling in Little Italy, the Washington Square Inn takes on a more old-school vibe. This charming inn offers elegant, traditional rooms with bay windows. It's perfect for couples looking for a unique, comfy nest in this turbo-charged, super-modern city.

City in style

• Sitting by Union Square - a highly central location - StayPineapple oozes in romance and style from the marble-floored lobby, adorned with modern art to the rooms themselves which 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.

All out luxury

• For couples seeking a grand stay, look no further. The Palace Hotel has it all: chandeliers, marble colonnades and beautiful artworks adorn the vast communal spaces. The rooms are modern, smart and minimalist and many provide stunning views of the city, especially when darkness falls. Beautiful. Luxurious. Breathlessly romantic.
• The Ritz Carlton San Francisco continues on this theme, a grand world of glitz and glamour: the building's interiors feel like the palace of a glorious, golden age, with a smattering of contemporary comforts and smart, modern technology. The spacious, light-filled rooms are luxury at its finest, while the bar is brimming with atmosphere, and the restaurant is Michelin-starred. Here, you can spoil your significant other rotten like the rich and powerful.

For a luxury B&B

• Mansion on Sutter is a 5* luxury B&B, set in a Victorian mansion, offering intimacy and style. The rooms are old-world-chic, with velvet sofas, beautiful antiques, and period furnishings, not to mention the artwork - gorgeous paintings from the owner's own private collection. In the bar, romance is in the air: a chandelier hangs above this Edwardian lounge, glittering there as you sip your cocktail. Add to that the smart gym, the organic wine tasting, and you've got something truly special.

Still not sure?

• Consider our Guru’s list of all the best hotels in San Francisco.
• Check out our picks of the best 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 or the best hotels near Fisherman's Wharf.
• Looking for something quieter? Try our list of the best hotels in Orange County.
• Fancy a seaside holiday? Check out our collection of the best Californian beach resorts and hotels!
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Hotel Drisco San Francisco (Pacific Heights) 48 rooms from £232

    
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    Local exploring  -  A great base for exploring San Francisco and the surrounding area.

    Sights nearby  -  Good location for accessing all of San Francisco major attractions.

    Great walks  -  Five minute walk from Presidio National Park

    

    If you love classical architecture then this elegant Edwardian hotel is the place for you. Sitting at the top of Pacific Avenue, you can enjoy sweeping views of San Francisco and walk to Presidio National Park within minutes whilst never being too far from shopping trips and gourmet food downtown. See More

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  • Hotel VIA San Francisco (South Beach) 159 rooms from £322

    
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    Local exploring  -  Set beside AT&T Park and San Francisco Bay - locations don't get much more central than this

    Boutique  -  A stylish boutique spot with an urban loft feel and sleek minimalist design

    Sights nearby  -  Make a stop by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    A stylish boutique hotel in San Francisco's trendy South Beach, once the city's industrial district. Minimalist rooms are light and airy and have a soft feel in stark contrast to the warehouse building. A roof terrace bar is a real draw and the bay views are mesmerising. A hip central base. See More

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  • Parker Guest House San Francisco (The Castro) 21 rooms from £140

    
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    Hideaway  -  A charming guesthouse with a homely feel in a trendy, yet tranquil, part of the city

    Sights nearby  -  Visit nearby Mission Dolores church – where San Francisco was founded

    Full of character

    Traditional

    

    A charming guest house in the vibrant neighbourhood of The Castro which is a hip part of town, close to the city centre. Interiors have a cosy traditional feel with oak wood furniture, roaring fires and breakfasts served in the kitchen. The perfect home away from home. See More

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  • Washington Square Inn San Francisco (North Beach) 15 rooms from £195

    
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    Sights nearby  -  Saints Peter and Paul Church is surrounded by boutiques, shops and cafes for an ideal afternoon.

    Local markets  -  Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday is the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market.

    Full of character

    Boutique

    

    Little Italy in North Beach is home to a delightful boutique overlooking Washington Square Park. Natural light floods into the cosy rooms and the mornings kick off with a delicious home baked breakfast in the dining room. Sit at the local sidewalk cafes, soak up some sun and relax! See More

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  • Staypineapple San Francisco San Francisco (Union Square) 93 rooms from £151

    
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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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  • Palace hotel , San Francisco San Francisco (Financial District) 552 rooms from £332

    
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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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  • Ritz Carlton San Francisco San Francisco (Nob Hill) 336 rooms from £389

    
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    Local exploring  -  Perfectly located in the upmarket Nob Hill area just minutes from the commercial district and Union Square

    City Style  -  A perfect blend of the old and the new in the indulgent five-star

    Opulent

    Traditional

    

    A grand five-star located in upmarket Nob Hill. Beautifully refurbished, the neoclassical building blends the old and the new. Spacious rooms are simple and chic with smart marble bathrooms. The acclaimed restaurant is headed by a Michelin-starred chef and the bar turns out some very good cocktails. See More

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  • Taj Campton Place San Francisco (Union Square) 111 rooms from £200

    
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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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  • Chateau Tivoli San Francisco (Alamo Square) 9 rooms from £171

    
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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 Inn at the Presidio San Francisco (Presidio Park) 22 rooms from £200

    
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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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  • Fairmont San Francisco San Francisco (Nob Hill) 606 rooms from £288

    
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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 £358

    
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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 Wednesday, 22nd June 2022