San Francisco hotels

Evocative of the city’s modern art scene, The Line SF is a creative gem in the heart of San Francisco. The unique flatiron-shaped building stands at the corner of Turk and Market, with cultural hotspots like SFMOMA just a short walk away.

One of my favorite parts about staying at this chic hotel is the attention to detail. The rooms are decorated with local art pieces, exuding an understated luxury for those seeking a romantic escape. You also don’t have to leave the property to sample some of the city’s best cuisine.

You can enjoy the multicultural menu at Tenderheart where Asian flavors unite with modern American dishes or the sophisticated Rise Over Run rooftop bar while you sip on a cocktail by local legend Danny Louie. With weekend pilates classes from Alonzo King LINES Ballet, staying at The Line is a typical San Fran experience – even at the gym.

For travelers looking for the perfect blend of luxury and culture, the Hotel Kabuki is one of the most unique hotels in San Francisco. Nestled in the heart of historic Japantown – the largest and oldest of its kind in the US – it’s designed to create a sense of zen.

What I think makes it so special is that guests can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Japan while still enjoying the pleasures of modern-day San Francisco. The 225 rooms and suites – some featuring city views – combine a simple elegant design with bold, Asian-inspired art, which truly embodies the neighborhood culture.

While Japantown’s ramen hotspots are nearby, it’s worth staying in for a meal at Nari. This California-inspired Thai dining experience, led by Michelin Star-rated Chef Pim Techamuanvivit, is one of the highlights. And for an extra fee, you can bring your four-legged friend along.

Housed in a historic flatiron building, Proper Hotel embodies the vibrant Mid-Market district. It’s hard to leave the hotel walls, with four dining and cocktail settings offering menus curated by Michelin-star-rated Chef Jason Fox.
Head up to Charmaine’s rooftop, my favorite in the city, for a fusion of the energetic ambiance of a European terrace with laid-back California vibes.

Retreat from a day of exploring in one of the 131 rooms and suites decorated by Kelly Wearstler. With a clashing of bold prints and plenty of natural lighting, the interiors appeal to global nomads looking for an authentic Bay Area experience.

Added touches like handmade Aireloom beds, Italian bed linens, and Aesop bath and body products, elevate it to one of the top-rated hotels in San Francisco. And thanks to the triangular shape of the building, every room comes with a view to remember.

This century-old building has been transformed into one of the best boutique hotels in San Francisco while retaining its historic character. Behind the intricate facade is a modern interior incorporating the latest digital technology, which is what I think makes it so impressive.

Centrally located on Powell Street, within walking distance of the SoMa district, making it an ideal hotel for travelers visiting for business but who don’t want to miss out on the fun. Meeting rooms are fitted with high-tech amenities and unique lounges where you can spark inspiration with your team, plus a large event space is perfect for conferences and corporate functions.

While not screaming creativity, the contemporary rooms are polished, with soft lighting and smart TVs. Matching the hotel’s contemporary business vibe, the onsite Turn Cafe is designed for those looking for fresh, healthy food on the go.

Situated in San Francisco’s vibrant downtown, LUMA offers easy access to the best entertainment spots. Oracle Park in just four minutes on foot, and Chase Center is only half a mile away. With state-of-the-art meeting facilities and a range of community-driven activities such as Spark Social, it’s an ideal hub for those looking to connect with San Francisco’s social scene in a sleek, futuristic building. But the real highlight is its culinary offerings.

Located sky-high on the 17th floor is my personal favorite: Cavaña, a Latin American-inspired restaurant with skyline views. The thoughtfully curated menu showcases elevated South American street food made with San Francisco’s freshest local ingredients. Its lively atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to mingle with other diners, travelers, and locals alike, and their agave spirit program drives the bar offerings home.

Staying true to its reputation as a luxury brand, the Ritz Carlton San Francisco is set in a classic 1900s neoclassical landmark building in the prestigious Nob Hill neighborhood – one of my favorite districts in the city. It’s an opulent retreat with sumptuous furnishings, statement artwork, and mood lighting throughout.

Whether traveling for a romantic getaway or business venture, this five-star hotel will likely exceed expectations. Even the standard guest rooms show off a palette of crisp whites, deep blues, and rich grays for a sense of tranquility – but the highlight is undoubtedly the Ritz-Carlton Suite, boasting breathtaking panoramic vistas of the San Francisco Bay, Coit Tower, and Alcatraz.

The hotel also features an award-winning wine and food experience, with The Lounge featuring delicious Coastal Californian cuisine and handcrafted cocktails overlooking the skyline, or opt for some exclusive wine tasting at JCB Tasting Lounge with legendary winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset.

Discover the timeless charm of this architectural gem from 1926 in San Francisco’s classy Nob Hill district. With a legacy of almost a century in the city, it’s easily one of the most impressive luxury hotels in San Francisco and where I often recommend to my discerning out-of-town guests.

Voted amongst the best places to stay in the city, be prepared to be wow-ed by the regal interior combining old-world elegance and modern luxury. Each room is designed to suit different travelers, with a classic city view, king rooms to spacious penthouse suites.

The true gem of the hotel, however, is the Top of the Mark – an elevated top-floor bar and lounge that has been a classy scene since 1939, showcasing 360-degree panoramic views of San Francisco’s skyline. Sip on their signature martinis while live music sets the mood.

From the moment you step into the glamorous lobby of the Palace Hotel, you’re transported to a bygone era of grandeur. With a history stretching back to 1875 as one of San Francisco’s first luxury hotels, the ornate chandeliers and intricate details make it unlike most modern hotels.

The rooms have been refurbished and modernized to suit the business traveler as well as couples looking for a romantic getaway, with plush king beds, marble bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows and jacuzzi-style bathtubs. The dining scene is equally timeless and a personal favorite haunt, with the Pied Piper Bar & Grill serving signature cocktails and premium spirits to locals and guests alike.

Or try the Garden Court Restaurant with dining tables under Austrian chandeliers, marble pillars, and a century-old glass dome. I always recommend a dip in the heated indoor pool, illuminated by a stunning skylight.

This classy lifestyle hotel just steps away from Union Square is one of the best hotels to stay in San Francisco for both couples and those on business trips. Originally built in the 1900s but completely overhauled to reflect the edgy, urban scene of downtown San Francisco, this stylish hotel is for the sophisticated traveler with lots of energy.
With a blend of muted and earthy tones, mixed with local art, it showcases some of my favorite hotel art in San Francisco.

Plus, there is plenty of indoor greenery in the lobby and lounge, making it a cozy yet polished place to relax and escape the hustle outside.Just steps from Union Square, the best of the city is at your doorstep. But if you prefer to dine in, then Hotel G also features a Euro-American restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a bar offering an exceptional selection of spirits and cocktails.

Located in the heart of the city, CitizenM makes seeing virtually every attraction in a matter of days as easy as possible, which is what I love about it. Especially close to The Warfield, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and Union Square, from here, visiting SF’s most beloved sights is a breeze. Focused on streamlined design and convenience, all rooms are designed the same and perfectly set out for business travelers and couples.

Adopting the latest tech, each room has mood lighting, blackout blinds, and temperature control all done through an app on your phone. Those traveling for work will find superfast Wi-Fi, iMacs for guest use, and a stylish common area for checking emails and meeting like-minded travelers. Serving all hours of the day and night, canteenM is a casual eatery, or head to the rooftop bar for something more sophisticated to end your day.