Top places to stay in San Francisco

Iconic San Francisco cable car rolling down a hill at dusk, flanked by glowing city lights and classic architecture.

San Francisco is the kind of place where the light feels enchanted, a soft, golden haze that settles over hills, bridges, and Victorian rooftops like the city is permanently caught between a dream and a memory you can’t quite place.

Set along the cliffs and curves of the northern California coast, San Francisco blends natural drama with a kind of intellectual and artistic electricity you feel the moment you start walking. Fog drifts like slow-motion silk through the Golden Gate, climbing and falling over the headlands as though the landscape is breathing. Neighborhoods layer themselves along steep streets, pastel houses leaning into the hills, cable cars climbing with that nostalgic hum, cafés that smell like espresso and ocean wind, bookstores tucked between flower-lined stoops. Every corner feels storied: Chinatown lanterns glowing above bustling alleys, North Beach echoing with old jazz, the Mission radiating color and warmth from its murals and taquerias. And beyond the neighborhoods, the coastline steals the show, cliffs dropping into roaring Pacific surf, cypress trees bent into perfect silhouettes, and sunsets that wash the entire city in shades of coral and lavender. San Francisco isn’t just beautiful, it feels alive, textured, expressive.

5. Hyatt Regency

Lobby buzz and bay breeze wrapped into one bold downtown anchor.

TAKE A LOOK

4. Ritz-Carlton

Classic quiet luxury that doesn’t need to prove a thing.

TAKE A LOOK

3. Inn at Union

Comfort with a local soul steps from the stories that built this city.

TAKE A LOOK

2. Four Seasons

Polished views and plush energy made for high floors and higher standards.

TAKE A LOOK

1. St. Regis

Rich materials and softer moments it knows exactly what kind of statement it’s making.

TAKE A LOOK

What’s the best area to stay in SF?

Union Square is central and great for shopping and transit, while Fisherman’s Wharf offers a touristy, waterfront vibe. If you’re into boutique charm, try neighborhoods like Nob Hill, Hayes Valley, or the Mission.



Are there SF hotels with Golden Gate Bridge views?

Yes, look for hotels in the Marina District, Presidio, or higher-up areas like Nob Hill. Some rooms at luxury hotels also offer partial views if you’re lucky with the angle.



Is SF walkable for tourists?

Yes, but pack your walking shoes, those hills are no joke. Many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly, and you can combine walking with Muni, cable cars, or quick rideshares.



Do hotels in SF charge extra fees?

Often, yes. Many charge urban or destination fees that can range from $20, $40 per night. Always double-check the fine print before booking.



What’s the best way to get around from your hotel in SF?

Public transit is solid, especially Muni buses and BART. Rideshares are everywhere. If your hotel offers parking, expect steep fees, it’s often $60+ per night.



Are there family-friendly hotel options in SF?

Yes, look near Fisherman’s Wharf or Embarcadero for easy access to kid-friendly attractions like Pier 39, Exploratorium, and the aquarium. Hotels there often offer suites or adjoining rooms.

Start your journey with Foresyte, where the planning is part of the magic.

Discover the experiences that matter most.

GET THE APP

San-Francisco-Adjacency

Read the Latest:

Daytime aerial view of the Las Vegas Strip with Bellagio Fountains and major resorts.

📍 Itinerary Inspiration

Perfect weekend in Las Vegas

Read now
Illuminated water fountains in front of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas

💫 Vibe Check

Five fascinations about Las Vegas

Read now
<< Back to news page
Right Menu Icon