San Francisco, the city by the bay, holds a truly special place for us. It’s where our story began – meeting, falling in love, building a life together, and even taking the leap to create this very travel website. For years, San Francisco was our home, and as avid walkers, we explored every nook and cranny of this incredible city on foot, from the sprawling beauty of Golden Gate Park to the charming hidden alleys.
However, we understand that navigating San Francisco as a tourist, especially when it comes to choosing Where To Stay In San Francisco, can be a bit perplexing. The city presents a unique geographical quirk: the neighborhoods brimming with hotel options aren’t always the same as the most exciting and authentic areas that capture the true San Francisco spirit.
That’s why we’re here – to leverage our years of living in and exploring SF to guide you through the city’s distinct neighborhoods. We’ll help you pinpoint the perfect place to stay based on your travel style, budget, and specific needs. Whether you’re seeking pet-friendly accommodations, require parking, or simply desire to be in the heart of the action, this guide is designed to clarify your options and make your decision easier.
Each San Francisco neighborhood boasts its own unique personality, price range, and set of advantages and disadvantages. We’ll delve into these details, providing you with a comprehensive overview so you can confidently choose the ideal base for your San Francisco adventure.
Our goal is simple: by the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge necessary to select the best place to stay in San Francisco for you and your travel companions.
Ready to explore the best areas to stay in San Francisco? Let’s dive in.
Important Note: This is a detailed and comprehensive guide, and we encourage you to use the table of contents below to navigate directly to the sections most relevant to your travel plans. We’ve structured it with clear headings and summaries to ensure you can easily find the information you need without having to read every single word.
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1. Where to Stay in San Francisco: Top Neighborhoods for Visitors
Let’s get straight to the point. Our approach to choosing accommodations begins with selecting the right neighborhood first. Once you’ve identified the ideal area that resonates with your travel style and preferences, finding a fantastic hotel, hostel, or apartment within that neighborhood becomes much easier.
While San Francisco offers diverse neighborhoods beyond those highlighted in this guide, we firmly believe that the areas we’ve selected represent the best places to stay in San Francisco for the vast majority of travelers. We’ve carefully curated these recommendations, drawing upon our extensive firsthand experience to explain precisely why we believe they stand out.
Generally, we advocate for focusing your search within the “downtown core.” We define this core as the triangle formed by the Financial District, Union Square, and Nob Hill. These neighborhoods offer a blend of convenience, accessibility, and a vibrant atmosphere, making them excellent choices for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.
We’ve also included a section on neighborhoods that offer a more residential and local experience for those seeking a less tourist-centric stay.
One of the primary challenges in finding where to stay in San Francisco lies in the city’s unique hotel distribution. Outside of the downtown core and Fisherman’s Wharf, hotel and guesthouse options are surprisingly limited. San Francisco has intentionally concentrated hotels in areas like Union Square, prioritizing residential space in other parts of the city.
However, in the neighborhoods we’ll explore below, you’ll discover charming pockets with excellent accommodation options that offer a more authentic, less overtly urban, and often more desirable residential ambiance – which is often our personal preference when we travel.
Now, we know some of you are eager for a quick answer: “Just tell me the best place to stay in San Francisco already!”
For those short on time, here’s a concise summary of our recommendations. However, we highly encourage you to delve into the detailed sections for the neighborhoods that pique your interest. These deeper dives contain valuable tips and local recommendations to enhance your San Francisco experience.
Here’s a map to help you visualize the geographical relationships between the neighborhoods we recommend:
A Quick Word on Airbnb and Vacation Rentals in San Francisco: Despite Airbnb’s San Francisco headquarters, regulations in the city effectively restrict renting out entire homes or apartments if they aren’t your primary residence for the majority of the year. This explains the limited availability of whole-home rentals on platforms like Airbnb. When searching for where to stay in San Francisco, hotels are genuinely your most practical and readily available option. Beyond legal considerations, we also believe that choosing hotels supports the local economy and helps maintain the city’s housing balance.
1.1. Nob Hill: Our Top Pick (And Where We Called Home)
Walking around near Union Square in San Francisco
Let’s be upfront: we are undeniably biased towards Nob Hill. Alysha lived in Nob Hill when we first met a decade ago. Years later, when we decided to move in together, we chose a cozy apartment right in the heart of Nob Hill.
Alysha’s continued preference for Nob Hill speaks volumes. We called this neighborhood home until we embarked on our journey to build this travel website in early 2020.
Nob Hill is central, charming, and brimming with fantastic restaurants and bars. It’s a truly wonderful place to live and an equally excellent base for exploring all that San Francisco has to offer.
Even now, when we return to San Francisco, Nob Hill is often our chosen neighborhood to stay. We wholeheartedly stand by our recommendation based on our deep personal experiences as both residents and visitors.
Keep in mind that Nob Hill lives up to its name – it’s situated atop a significant hill. If mobility is a concern, this is worth considering. However, ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber are readily available to navigate the inclines. Parking in Nob Hill is notoriously challenging, so we strongly advise against bringing a car if possible (and honestly, you really don’t need to rent a car to explore San Francisco effectively).
1.1.1. Pros and Cons of Staying in Nob Hill
Having lived in Nob Hill and returned as tourists, here are the pros and cons we’ve identified:
Pros of Staying in Nob Hill:
- Unparalleled Charm: Nob Hill exudes charm at every turn. Picture tree-lined streets (Hyde Street, where we once lived, is particularly delightful with its cable car line), breathtaking views of the city and the bay, and a vibrant atmosphere that buzzes at all hours. There’s a reason we chose to make Nob Hill our home, even if our tiny apartment stretched our budget and lacked closet space – it was undeniably worth it.
- Culinary Paradise: For food and drink enthusiasts, Nob Hill is a dream. Between the diverse options within the neighborhood itself along Polk, Hyde, and Bush Streets, and the incredible culinary scenes of adjacent Chinatown and North Beach, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
- Central Location with Excellent Transit: While Nob Hill isn’t directly walkable to BART (the Bay Area’s rapid transit system), we don’t consider this a major drawback for most San Francisco visitors. The bus and cable car connections are exceptionally convenient. Cable car lines run directly through Nob Hill, whisking you down to the Embarcadero, Union Square, or Fisherman’s Wharf. Numerous bus routes also serve the neighborhood, including a Van Ness Avenue route that provides easy access to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Cons of Staying in Nob Hill:
- Parking Nightmares: Parking in Nob Hill is, to put it mildly, a nightmare. When we moved to Nob Hill, Matt promptly sold his car due to the parking situation. The neighborhood is densely populated, and parking spaces are far too scarce for residents and visitors alike. Adding to the challenge, most street parking in Nob Hill is limited to two hours unless you possess a residential parking permit. If you’re staying in Nob Hill and have a car, be prepared to pay for hotel parking.
- The Hills Are Real: When people talk about San Francisco’s famous hills, Nob Hill is often the epitome they have in mind. Walking downhill to North Beach or the Embarcadero is enjoyable, but the uphill return is undeniable. Thankfully, cable cars and bus routes like the #1 offer convenient alternatives to walking uphill.
- Limited Accommodation and Higher Prices: Nob Hill maintains a largely residential character, especially for a centrally located San Francisco neighborhood. This means fewer accommodation options compared to areas like Union Square. While there are excellent hotels in Nob Hill, they are in high demand, so booking well in advance is crucial, and prices tend to reflect the neighborhood’s desirability.
Find your perfect Nob Hill stay here
View from the Alice Marble Tennis Courts in Nob Hill, San Francisco
Victorian architecture in San Francisco's Nob Hill
1.1.2. Top Hotel Recommendations in Nob Hill
Nob Hill offers a selection of excellent hotels, but be prepared for prices that reflect its upscale reputation. This is one of San Francisco’s most desirable areas, and accommodation costs are generally higher.
Petite Auberge: French-Inspired Bed & Breakfast (Our Personal Stay)
Fireplace in our room at Petite Auberge, San Francisco
After moving out of San Francisco, we opted for a staycation in our beloved Nob Hill. We chose Petite Auberge because, along with its sister hotel, the White Swan Inn, it embodies the most charming hotel experience in the area.
Petite Auberge leans more towards a bed and breakfast than a traditional hotel. Their description – “part bed & breakfast, part boutique hotel” – accurately reflects our experience.
This guesthouse enjoys a prime location on Bush Street, within easy walking distance of Polk Street and its vibrant bars and restaurants, as well as the Financial District and the Ferry Building. BART access is also conveniently walkable.
Notably, Del Popolo, one of San Francisco’s best pizza spots, is located next door and provides room service for Petite Auberge. Just up the block on Bush Street, you’ll find Peacekeeper, one of our favorite cocktail bars in the city. Location is definitely a major highlight.
What about the rooms? They exude a French-inspired ambiance, with floral wallpaper and classic wooden furniture. Some rooms feature fireplaces, which we particularly enjoyed. The rooms are also surprisingly spacious for a city like San Francisco, known for its compact living spaces.
Like many San Francisco buildings, Petite Auberge has a touch of vintage charm. You might hear footsteps from guests above you (though surprisingly not from adjacent rooms), and the pipes may be audible. However, these are minor quirks and didn’t detract from our overall experience.
A delightful perk is the array of complimentary offerings: breakfast featuring coffee from local roaster Equator Coffees and pastries, complimentary wine during afternoon happy hour, and tea, coffee, and bottled water available throughout the day.
A pleasant outdoor patio area is available for enjoying these complimentary beverages, although it was closed during our visit, and we used the patio at the White Swan Inn next door instead.
Parking is expensive at $50+ per day (valet only), so we recommend arriving car-free if possible.
The Stanford Court Hotel: Mid-Range Value in a Perfect Spot
Stanford Court, a boutique hotel in Nob Hill, was located about five blocks from our former apartment. I regularly walked past it on California Street on my commute to work, often taking the cable car.
In our opinion, Stanford Court offers the best value hotel experience in San Francisco.
The location is simply unbeatable – perched atop Nob Hill, directly on California Street, a major thoroughfare to downtown. The iconic San Francisco cable car stops right outside the hotel’s front doors.
Stanford Court underwent a complete remodel in 2020 and early 2021, and the transformation is impressive. Rooms now feature modern amenities, including USB charging ports, and all rooms are equipped with mini-fridges.
Guests have access to a well-equipped fitness center (with Peloton bikes!) and complimentary bike rentals (though navigating Nob Hill’s hills on a bike might be a challenge!).
Enjoy excellent in-room coffee from Equator and tea from Mighty Leaf, among the best coffee and tea options we’ve encountered in hotel rooms.
Pet-friendly accommodations are available for a $50 pet fee, which includes a welcome goodie bag with treats and toys for your furry companion.
White Swan Inn: Petite Auberge’s English-Themed Sister
The White Swan Inn is the sister property to Petite Auberge, located nearby.
Positioned on Bush Street, bordering Nob Hill and Union Square, it leans more towards the Nob Hill aesthetic.
You’ll find similar amenities to Petite Auberge: complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast, evening wine, and in-room fireplaces. The generous complimentary food and beverage offerings at both properties are a significant plus.
The primary distinction is the White Swan Inn’s English theme, in contrast to Petite Auberge’s French inspiration.
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway: Best Value in Nob Hill
This Holiday Inn might not win awards for charm, primarily due to its location on Van Ness Avenue.
Van Ness is a major, multi-lane thoroughfare cutting north-south through the city (also part of Highway 101). It lacks greenery, and walking along Van Ness can be noisy and fume-filled due to heavy traffic.
However, in terms of practicality, it’s hard to beat. Being on Van Ness provides excellent bus connections to BART and other neighborhoods. Plus, it’s just a block from Polk and Hyde Streets, both offering fantastic dining, drinking, and shopping options, and walkable to Pacific Heights on the other side of Van Ness.
My mother has stayed at this Holiday Inn when visiting us in Nob Hill (our apartment was too small for guests) and found it to be a good value option.
While not the most glamorous hotel in San Francisco, it’s a solid, affordable (by San Francisco standards) choice in a convenient location.
Amenities include an on-site fitness center and self-parking for $40 per day (with in-and-out privileges), making it a practical option if you have a car and want to stay in Nob Hill.
A significant advantage is the absence of “destination” or “amenity” fees – the price you see is the price you pay.
1.2. Union Square: Most Convenient for First-Time Visitors
As we’ve gained more travel experience, we’ve come to appreciate the functional role neighborhoods like Union Square play for travelers.
While it might not be San Francisco’s trendiest neighborhood (arguably, it might rank lowest in coolness), convenience sometimes trumps trendiness, especially for shorter trips or business travel.
Union Square excels in convenience. It’s essentially the city’s central point, at the base of Nob Hill and roughly equidistant from the Mission District, North Beach, and the Embarcadero. It also boasts the largest concentration of hotels in San Francisco.
However, Union Square is also characterized by chain stores and restaurants (think Cheesecake Factory and Macy’s). It lacks distinct neighborhood highlights (we’ve even omitted a “neighborhood highlights” section below because there’s simply not much to include).
Union Square’s primary strength is its accessibility to other parts of the city. This, combined with its high concentration of hotels (including some relatively affordable options), makes it a practical choice.
Important Note for Union Square Stays: The infamous Tenderloin neighborhood, known for its challenges, is directly west of Union Square (roughly bordering Jones Street). I used to walk through the Tenderloin daily on my commute. While perhaps not as extreme as some portrayals suggest, the visible signs of homelessness and substance abuse are undeniable and disheartening. We wouldn’t recommend walking through the Tenderloin at night – opt for a rideshare or taxi if you need to travel through it after dark.
Alysha walking around near Union Square
1.2.1. Pros and Cons of Staying in Union Square
Here’s our take on the pros and cons of staying in Union Square:
Pros of Staying in Union Square:
- Utterly Central: Union Square is as centrally located as it gets in San Francisco. It’s a 5-10 minute uphill walk to the best parts of Nob Hill, and a short ride from the Mission District, North Beach, and the Embarcadero. For a truly central base, Union Square is hard to surpass.
- Excellent Public Transit, Including BART: The central location translates to excellent public transportation connections. Union Square has a BART station (Powell Street Station), providing access to the Mission, East Bay, and South Bay destinations like the airport and Oakland. If you’re flying into SFO, BART to Powell Street and a short walk to your hotel is a time-saving and cost-effective alternative to taxis or rideshares (especially during peak traffic).
- Widest Hotel Selection Across Price Points: As visitors in recent years, we’ve noticed a scarcity of hotels outside of tourist hubs like Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. While this might benefit residents, it limits accommodation choices in more authentic neighborhoods. Union Square offers the broadest range of hotels in San Francisco, from opulent luxury to more budget-friendly options.
Cons of Staying in Union Square:
- Lacks Character and Charm: Beyond perhaps catching the Hyde Street Cable Car, there’s little intrinsic reason to spend time in Union Square itself. It serves primarily as a utilitarian base due to its central location and transit connections. We’d generally recommend dining elsewhere.
- Tenderloin Proximity: As mentioned, the Tenderloin, San Francisco’s most challenging neighborhood, borders Union Square to the west. If you’re not accustomed to visible homelessness and urban challenges, the Tenderloin’s proximity might be unsettling, especially for families with children.
Find your ideal Union Square hotel here
1.2.2. Top Hotel Recommendations in Union Square
When choosing hotels in Union Square, we generally recommend focusing on the eastern side of the neighborhood, further from the Tenderloin and closer to Nob Hill, the Financial District, and the Embarcadero.
CitizenM San Francisco Union Square: Our Favorite Hotel Chain
Alysha walking around near Union Square
Alt text: Modern and minimalist hotel room interior at CitizenM, featuring a large bed, contemporary design, and city view.
CitizenM Hotels are one of our favorite hotel chains worldwide. As of writing, we’ve stayed at three CitizenM locations (London, Boston, and Seattle – though not yet the San Francisco location).
CitizenM is our top recommendation in Union Square, hands down.
We’ve recommended them in Seattle and elsewhere, and confidently recommend CitizenM San Francisco Union Square based on our consistently positive experiences at other locations.
CitizenM’s concept is consistent globally: nearly identical rooms with a large bed, blackout curtains, and a compact footprint.
In a city known for expensive, traditional hotels, CitizenM offers a refreshing, modern, and streamlined alternative that we greatly appreciate.
This Dutch hotel chain prioritizes ease and efficiency, providing amenities modern travelers value (USB charging, iPad-controlled climate, etc.) while eliminating unnecessary frills (robes, slippers, sitting areas) to offer excellent value.
Another appealing aspect is their simplicity in room types. Unlike hotels with confusing room categories (small, deluxe, partial city view, etc.), CitizenM has a single room type: a compact room with a king bed.
While not ideal for groups uncomfortable sharing a bed (though the price of one CitizenM room might equal two rooms at other SF hotels), it’s perfect for couples and solo travelers who don’t mind sharing a bed.
CitizenM Union Square is centrally located, a block from the cable car and Powell Street Station (BART access to the airport and Mission District), and walkable to the Financial District and Ferry Building.
Bonus: no hidden “amenity” fees! However, parking and pets are not accommodated.
Hotel Emblem San Francisco: Stylish and Literary-Inspired
Hotel Emblem (formerly Hotel Rex) is a hip hotel with a creative vibe. From the lobby’s writer’s alcove filled with books to eclectic guest rooms with unique artwork and literary touches, it stands out.
Rooms feature free Wi-Fi, 55″ flat-screen TVs, a “book butler” service, Bluetooth audio systems, ROIL luxury bath amenities, and Nespresso coffee and tea makers!
Some rooms offer accessibility features. Pets are welcome for a $75 per pet, per stay fee.
Valet parking is available for $58 per night, making it less ideal for car travel. Consider alternative parking if driving.
A $34 daily amenity fee is unfortunately standard at many hotels today. Factor this into your budget to avoid surprises, as it can significantly impact the overall cost.
Palihotel San Francisco: Beautiful Hotel Near Nob Hill and FiDi
The gorgeous Palihotel San Francisco sits on the border of Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Financial District, offering easy access to all three. Chinatown is also a short walk away.
Housed in a charming historic building, Palihotel has 82 king and queen rooms, a full-service restaurant, bar, and lounge.
Guest rooms feature exposed brick walls, Smeg fridges, minibars, 43″ HDTVs, custom bath products, and workspaces. They are comfortable and stylish, offering en-suite facilities and ample space to relax after exploring San Francisco.
Self-parking is available for $45 per night (relatively affordable for San Francisco), and dogs under 30lbs are welcome for a $100 per pet, per stay fee.
1.3. NoPa, Alamo Square, & Japantown: For a Local San Francisco Vibe
Alamo Square, San Francisco on a sunny day
We’re grouping these distinct neighborhoods – NoPa, Alamo Square, and Japantown – together because they share a similar residential vibe, are geographically close, and offer an alternative to the urban intensity of the downtown core neighborhoods.
The primary reason for grouping them is the limited number of accommodations in this western part of the city (west of Union Square, Nob Hill, and the Financial District). It’s more practical to discuss them together when each area has only a handful of hotel options.
If you seek a more local experience, where you can immerse yourself in the daily life of San Francisco residents, this area is an excellent choice for where to stay in San Francisco.
The trade-off is location – it’s less central than downtown. However, we argue that the location is still quite good, albeit less convenient for North Beach and the Embarcadero, due to its proximity to Golden Gate Park, the Richmond District, and the Sunset District.
Geographically, we’re referring to the area between Divisadero Street and Fillmore Street – two of the city’s best stretches for dining, drinks, and shopping – from the Panhandle park in the south to California Street in the north.
This area is predominantly residential, showcasing the beautiful Victorian architecture synonymous with San Francisco, famously featured in the “Painted Ladies” at Alamo Square.
Victorian architecture in San Francisco residential area
Divisadero and Fillmore Streets are the bustling spines of this area, offering a wealth of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Combine this with nearby parks – Alamo Square and Lafayette Park are favorites – and the proximity to Golden Gate Park, and you have an ideal home base for exploring San Francisco.
Divisadero Street in San Francisco with shops and restaurants
1.3.1. Pros and Cons of Staying in NoPa / Alamo Square / Japantown
Here are the pros and cons of choosing this more residential area:
Pros of Staying in NoPa / Alamo Square / Japantown:
- Green Spaces Abound: We value urban green spaces, and this area is rich in them. Alamo Square (home of the Painted Ladies) and Lafayette Park (our former local park) are excellent options right in your neighborhood. A short walk away are the Panhandle and Golden Gate Park, one of the nation’s best urban parks. (Matt lived a block away for years and finally learned to enjoy long walks thanks to Alysha’s Sunday morning park excursions).
- Dining, Drinks, and Shopping on Fillmore and Divisadero: As detailed in the highlights below, you’ll find no shortage of fantastic places to eat, drink, and shop along Fillmore and Divisadero Streets.
- Proximity to the Coast and Golden Gate Bridge: While still a journey to the coast, it’s a quicker and more direct route than from Union Square, saving 15-20 minutes of travel time. Experiencing Ocean Beach, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the scenic Lands End Trail coastline is a key part of any San Francisco itinerary.
Cons of Staying in NoPa / Alamo Square / Japantown:
- Less Central Than Downtown Core: Travel times to the Embarcadero, Mission District, and North Beach will be longer. The advantage of park and coast proximity is balanced by being further from other key areas.
- Fewer Accommodation Options: This is a primarily residential area, meaning fewer hotels and guesthouses, especially truly exceptional ones.
Find accommodations near Alamo Square here
1.3.2. Top Hotel Recommendations in NoPa / Alamo Square / Japantown
Here are a few standout hotel options in this area:
The Grove Inn: Reasonably Priced Guesthouse Near Alamo Square
The Grove Inn, located a block from the Painted Ladies, is a worthwhile option. It’s quiet, clean, and centrally located within this area.
You’ll be in the heart of Hayes Valley, the Fillmore District, and NoPa – a fantastic location. Rooms are simple and spacious, with various configurations and sizes to suit different groups.
Some rooms feature bay windows for enhanced natural light.
Note that parking is not available. Street parking (limited to two hours without a residential permit and highly competitive) or nearby parking garages are your options. The Grove Inn is also not pet-friendly.
Hotel Kabuki: Charming Japantown Hotel with Amenities
Hotel Kabuki (formerly Miyako Hotel), where my mother stayed during a visit, is situated in Japantown. Japantown is a pleasant, largely residential area with good transit connections via express buses on Geary Boulevard.
Room options range from traditional king or double rooms to rooms with balconies and city views offering more space. All are bright with large windows and clean, modern design.
Hotel Kabuki has a sizable hotel gym with free weights and Peloton bikes.
A $35 daily amenity fee applies, so factor this into your budget.
Dogs under 30 pounds are welcome (for a $100 fee). On-site parking in a small outdoor lot is $45 per day, or a nearby garage offers parking for $29 per day (no in/out privileges).
Kimpton Hotel Enso: Solid Mid-Range Option in Japantown
Kimpton Hotel Enso is also located in Japantown, a few blocks from Hotel Kabuki, sharing similar locational advantages.
Rooms are simply decorated but spacious and comfortable, with king or queen bed configurations. Some rooms offer city views, balconies, or private courtyard patios.
While the design is basic, we appreciated the green tile in the showers (we have a fondness for colored tile and are planning a bathroom remodel!).
Amenities include a fitness center, a large communal courtyard, and a complimentary wine hour each afternoon with refreshments.
We appreciate their transparent pricing with no surprise “amenity” or “resort” fees – it’s all included in the room rate.
Pets are welcome without an extra fee, and self-parking is available on-site for $49 per day.
1.4. The Financial District / Embarcadero: Business Focus & Waterfront Views
We have mixed feelings about staying in San Francisco’s Financial District (FiDi). On one hand, it’s conveniently located within walking distance of key landmarks like the Ferry Building, the Embarcadero, and Oracle Park (home of the San Francisco Giants).
It’s also adjacent to North Beach and Nob Hill, offering easy access to excellent dining and drinking.
However, the major drawback is that FiDi is dead on weekends. Businesses are closed, streets are deserted, and the atmosphere is very quiet. Most tourists visit San Francisco on weekends.
The primary advantage is location – it’s central and well-connected to the rest of the city via cable cars, buses, streetcars, and BART.
Being near the Embarcadero, the waterfront promenade along the San Francisco Bay beneath the Bay Bridge, is also a significant draw – it’s one of the city’s most beautiful areas.
San Francisco Financial District skyline
1.4.1. Pros and Cons of Staying in the Financial District & Embarcadero
Here’s our assessment of FiDi:
Pros of Staying in the Financial District:
- The Ferry Building Marketplace is Amazing: Despite being a tourist attraction, the Ferry Building Marketplace is a place we frequented as residents. We often walked down from our Nob Hill apartment to the Ferry Building Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Inside, you’ll find local vendors selling everything from cheese to ice cream to coffee (and Mariposa, the best gluten-free bakery in SF, a staple of our gluten-free San Francisco guide). It’s a vibrant and enjoyable place to explore.
- Walkable to Nob Hill, North Beach, and the Embarcadero: Also walkable to SoMa and Oracle Park. It’s a central location allowing for extensive walking exploration.
- Excellent Transit Connections: Unsurprisingly, a central business district has excellent public transit. Easy access to buses, BART (to the Mission, East Bay, and South Bay), cable cars, and streetcars.
Cons of Staying in the Financial District:
- Dead on Weekends (Beyond the Embarcadero): Outside of business hours, FiDi is very quiet. Many businesses close on weekends due to lack of demand.
- Furthest from Golden Gate Park and Bridge: It’s the furthest neighborhood from Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate Bridge, requiring longer travel times.
- Lacks Local Vibe: FiDi is primarily a business district with few residents, resulting in a lack of local neighborhood feel. If you prefer a more authentic residential experience, this might not be ideal.
- Hotels Tend to Be Expensive: Hotels in FiDi cater to business travelers and generally lean towards the luxury end of the spectrum.
Find your Financial District hotel here
Modern architecture in San Francisco's Financial District
View from Pier 7, San Francisco Embarcadero
1.4.2. Top Hotel Recommendations in the Financial District
Here are some noteworthy hotel options in FiDi.
The first two are located on the Embarcadero, near the Ferry Building, offering waterfront locations:
1 Hotel San Francisco: Luxury Waterfront Option
1 Hotel San Francisco, located directly on the Embarcadero, is our top luxury pick in this area, albeit a splurge even by San Francisco standards.
Rooms are bright, airy, and relatively spacious for hotel rooms.
Room choices range from traditional king rooms to two-queen rooms, with city or water views (water views at a premium).
Suites with more seating areas and suites with private terraces overlooking the Ferry Building are also available.
A $45 daily amenity fee is charged, covering gym access, bike use, a courtesy shuttle, and…filtered water? We prefer transparent pricing, but be aware of this fee.
Pets are welcome (no added fee!). Valet parking is $75 per day (in/out privileges).
Harbor Court Hotel: More Affordable Waterfront Choice
Harbor Court Hotel, a more moderately priced option on the Embarcadero, is a good alternative.
While not as visually striking as other FiDi hotels, the price reflects this (remember, it’s still San Francisco’s Financial District). The location is equally excellent.
Rooms are more compact than other FiDi hotels but provide all essential comforts.
Note that rooms with two beds are not available, so it’s best suited for solo travelers or couples comfortable sharing a bed.
A $34.35 (plus tax) daily amenity fee covers gym access, bike use, continental breakfast, and afternoon wine hour refreshments.
Valet parking is $70 per night (in/out privileges), and pets are allowed (with a $100 per stay fee).
The Jay, Autograph Collection: New Boutique Hotel with Large Rooms
Initially, The Jay, Autograph Collection (formerly Le Meridien) seemed pricey.
However, upon closer inspection, the rooms are huge – over 400 square feet, roughly double the average hotel room size (more than double some modern hotel rooms). This size justifies the higher price point.
Rooms (again, very large) come in various configurations (one or two beds) and views (no view, skyline view, Bay view).
Suites are larger, approaching one-bedroom apartment size (without a full kitchen).
While prices are high, we appreciate the lack of hidden “resort” or amenity fees (gym access is included).
Pets are welcome for $125 per pet per stay, including a welcome basket with dish, treats, and bed.
Valet parking is a steep $82 per night. Consider alternative parking or arriving car-free.
2. Where NOT to Stay in San Francisco
While the neighborhoods above are our recommendations for where to stay in San Francisco, we also want to address neighborhoods we’d advise avoiding for various reasons:
Fisherman’s Wharf: Similar to Union Square in being tourist-centric, but Fisherman’s Wharf is far less conveniently located. Visit for a few hours – sourdough bread bowl chowder, sea lions, Alcatraz tour – and then stay elsewhere.
The Tenderloin (and Civic Center): The Tenderloin is the one San Francisco neighborhood we generally avoid. While I (Matt) walked along its edge for years without feeling unsafe (as a tall white man accustomed to cities), it’s not a comfortable area for many travelers due to visible social challenges. There are also few good hotels in the Tenderloin.
The Mission District: We love the Mission! Explore it extensively for its food and drink scene. However, it’s not a practical place to stay due to a lack of hotels. It’s primarily residential and heavily gentrified. Visit often, but stay elsewhere.
The Castro: We adore the Castro – great parks, dining, and nightlife. However, it’s very residential with only a couple of known hotels or guesthouses.
The Richmond or Sunset Districts: Too far from central attractions. Located on the edges of Golden Gate Park (north and south). While lovely to explore (especially Inner Richmond along Clement Street and Geary Boulevard), they are not ideal for convenient tourist stays. We joke that commuting from the Richmond to the Financial District took longer than from our Nob Hill apartment to Oakland.
North Beach: Another neighborhood we enjoy! Historically Italian, located at the northeastern tip of the peninsula, adjacent to the Embarcadero, Nob Hill, and FiDi. Location is good, but North Beach is a nightlife hub. Limited hotels are either poorly reviewed or noisy due to nightlife. Great to visit, but not to stay.
