The 6 Best Family Hotels in San Francisco

San Francisco is a fun place for families. Sunlit beaches and watersports abound, not to mention some great sightseeing opportunities to be had, from the landmark Golden Gate Bridge to the historic isle of Alcatraz; there's also amazing restaurants, shops and the Aquarium of the Bay, not to mention rides on the iconic cable cars. In this collection of the best family hotels in San Francisco, we've selected hotels with a child-friendly atmosphere, from historic properties ideal for sightseeing expeditions, to top-notch luxury hotels with cinemas and spacious suites. Find out more by checking out our collection of the best family hotels in San Francisco!

For local exploring

• A redbrick, historic hotel – a former officers' quarters – nestling in the Presidio National Park a stone’s throw from the Golden Gate Bridge, the Inn at the Presidio is a wonderful stay for families. Offering spacious, stylish, light-filled rooms and suites, set in a lovely garden of oak and palm trees, it’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the sights of San Francisco, and it’s surrounded by a spiderweb of hiking trails. While there’s no restaurant, complimentary wine and cheese is served in the evening, and kids are given chocolate, puzzles, milk and cookies – the American dream!

For a chic stay

• Looking out over the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, Hotel Zephyr is a cool, fun, laid-back place for families with young children. Firstly, the rooms have a nautical-chic feel, full of light, with S.O.S. bedspreads, faded old maps and seabirds splayed on pillows, along with private terraces affording stunning views. But that’s not all. Kids will love the effortlessly cool games room, with its trendy undersea lighting.

For a luxury city break

• Perfect for a luxury family city break, the Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghirardelli Square is a plush all-suite hotel with gorgeous private terraces looking out over San Francisco Bay. With suites ranging from one to three beds, designed in a chic minimalist style, it’s ideal for famliy groups. There’s no restaurant per se, but in-suite fine-dining can be easily arranged. Explore the city on the hotel bicycles, and finish the day with a spot of wine tasting on the terrace!
• Four Seasons San Francisco is a delightfully pampering affair, right in the heart of Downtown San Francisco. Exclusive, grand and modern, the spacious suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms and gorgeous views of street life. Kids enjoy the stay as much as parents: while there’s access to the renowned Equinox Health Club, there’s also the Saturday movie night (held between June and September), the Steak and Seafood Restaurant, as well as the plentiful array of games on the Veranda Terrace.

For old world glamour

• A landmark hotel exuding old-world grandeur, Fairmont San Francisco once saw the likes of Tony Bennet singing in the Venetian Room. A tourist destination in itself, it’s 5* luxury at its finest. The light, contemporary guestrooms are spacious, and the ornate private terraces (if you book one of the terrace suites), allow for beautiful views. Some of the rooms have beds for up to 6 people, making it a fine, grand stay for families, and the restaurant and spa top things off with a spoiling finish.

For top-notch luxury

• When you hear the name “Ritz Carlton” you think of star-studded glamour, old-world opulence and unbridled luxury. The Ritz Carlton San Francisco is no different. With classy interiors and a neoclassical facade, the child-friendly hotel is an elegant blend of the old and the new: the bright, spacious suites are plush and contemporary, coloured in blues, greys and whites, while the bar is a neon affair – much like a speakeasy – and the restaurant’s Michelin-star chef serves up sumptuous cuisine. 5* family friendly luxury at its finest.

Still not sure?

• Check out all our recommended hotels in San Francisco,
• Expand your search to incude all our California picks,
• Or contact a Guru for some expert advice.

  • The Inn at the Presidio San Francisco (Presidio Park) 22 rooms from $256

    
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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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  • Hotel Zephyr San Francisco (Fisherman's Wharf) 360 rooms from $239

    
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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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  • The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square San Francisco (Fort Mason) 53 rooms from $785

    
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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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  • Four Seasons San Francisco San Francisco (SoMa) 277 rooms from $895

    
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    Total relaxation  -  With access to one of the city's most exclusive health clubs, Equinox, this is an indulgent choice

    City Style  -  A contemporary hotel offering all the usual five-star trimmings and a very exclusive feel

    Sights nearby  -  Make a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge and marvel at the astounding feat of engineering

    Restaurant  -  Recommended.

    

    A five-star offering occupying 12 floors of a 42 storey building in downtown San Francisco. Rooms are sleek and contemporary with floor to ceiling windows and marble-clad bathrooms. The steak and seafood restaurant is a smart spot and access to the exclusive Equinox health club is a real bonus. See More

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  • Fairmont San Francisco San Francisco (Nob Hill) 606 rooms from $369

    
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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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  • Ritz Carlton San Francisco San Francisco (Nob Hill) 336 rooms from $499

    
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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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Written by Edmund Wise

posted Monday, 27th July 2020