Search the best hotels in San Francisco

The Clift Royal Sonesta

For those who want to be in the thick of it, then pick a hotel near Union Square. Surrounded by some of San Francisco's best shops (a lot of designer outlets) and a number of theatres, plus you're just a skip and a jump from Fisherman's Wharf and Golden Gate Bridge. With this being such a focal point of the city many hotels have sprung up here over the years - some, well, better than others! This is where our hotel experts have stepped in. Looking for a hotel that serves up some mean cocktails? Or would you rather a chic boutique? Our Hotel Gurus have got you covered. So why not scan through our list of the best hotels in Union Square, San Francisco, to start planning your trip?

For a boutique

The Inn at Union Square

  • The Inn at Union Square has the feeling of staying in a home, albeit a very smart one. The 30 rooms are designed with a contemporary spin on traditional design. The perfect city crashpad with a laidback vibe and central location.
  • Hotel Triton is a chic boutique stay designed with hygge in mind. Rooms are contemporary yet homely. Downstairs is a superb French bistro and gelato bar which make this a very alluring choice!

For foodies

Hotel Nikko

  • Hotel G is a smart boutique stay with design comprising of that heady mix of perfectly crafted old and new. The sleek small plate seafood restaurant, Ayala, has made this (unsurprisingly) somewhat of a foodie destination.
  • Hotel Nikko is a sleek contemporary hotel with subtle Asian touches to the design. A large indoor pool, sauna, and steam room give this a luxury feel. However the Japanese-Californian restaurant ANZU really draws the crowds for its innovative cuisine and superb wine list.
  • For Michelin starred dining pick the Taj Campton Place. Feast on exceptional Mediterranean inspired cuisine in the grand dining room. With spot on service and elegant interiors, this is a special stay.

For a landmark hotel

The Clift Royal Sonesta

  • The Clift Royal Sonesta is an historical hotel and something of a San Franciscan institution. Housed in a building dating from 1916, the interiors have been renovated creating smart luxury rooms. The wood panelled Redwood Room Bar is a popular and elegant spot for a cocktail.

For a lively stay

The Zepplin

  • The Zeppelin is a stylish hotel just a stroll from Union Square. Complete with a games room and featuring regular live music events and an atmospheric bar - this is a great evening destination.
  • At Hotel Emblem 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.

Still not sure which to book?

The 8 Best Hotels in Union Square, San Francisco

Taj Campton Place

San Francisco (Union Square)

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.

  • 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.
from $254 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel

San Francisco (California)

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.

  • 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 -
  • Restaurant -
from $240 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel G

San Francisco (Union Square)

A boutique property occupying a central spot near Union Square. Chic rooms feature well-selected antique-style furniture set in a simple whitewashed space. The seafood restaurant Ayala is a real high point with innovative small plate dining. A stylish and central base.

  • Foodies - The sleek small plate seafood restaurant, Ayala, has made this somewhat of a foodie destination
  • Local exploring - Situated just one block from Union Square, this is a perfectly central location
  • Local markets - Head to Fisherman's Wharf and wander through the seafront market
  • Restaurant -
from $195 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Nikko

San Francisco (Union Square)

Located just a few blocks from Union Square, this is a central hotel with sleek modern design. Spacious rooms have touches of Japanese-inspired style and lend fabulous city views from the floor to ceiling windows. The innovative Japanese restaurant is a real must (as is sampling one of their wines).

  • Local exploring - Well situated in the heart of the city (about three blocks from Union Square) and surrounded by restaurants, museums, and shops
  • Foodies - ANZU restaurant serves up excellent Californian-style Japanese cuisine alongside fabulous cocktails and a broad wine list
  • Sights nearby - Hop on the train and whizz down to Golden Gate Bridge to view the iconic structure
  • Local markets - The kitchy market at Fisherman's Wharf is a fun place to spend an afternoon
from $269 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Inn at Union Square

San Francisco (Union Square)

A 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.

  • Local exploring - Set just off Union Square this property is right in the heart of the city and surrounded by shops, restaurants, and galleries
  • City Style - A small hotel with chic design that offers a contemporary take on period style
  • Sights nearby - Head to nearby Chinatown and take a snap by the iconic Dragon's Gate
  • Boutique
from $359 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Zeppelin

San Francisco (Union Square)

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.

  • 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
from $206 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Emblem

San Francisco (Union Square)

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.

  • 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
from $232 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Triton

San Francisco (Union Square)

A chic central hotel designed with hygge in mind. Rooms and suites are decorated in pastel hues with contemporary art and luxury bathrooms. A French bistro serves up high-quality fare and there is even a gelato bar on site. A convenient city base.

  • Local exploring - Set beside Union Square the city's best shops, the Financial District and Chinatown are all on the doorstep
  • City Style - Designed with Sweden's concept of hygge in mind, rooms are stylish yet homely
  • Designer
  • Restaurant
from $179 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Katie Harris

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