San Francisco is a charming metropolis overlooking the San Francisco Bay in Northern California. You probably have seen this hilly city in one of your favorite T.V. shows or movies. This iconic city is one of those places that has something for everyone.
There is plenty for visitors to do in San Francisco. Enjoy riding the iconic cable cars up and down its hilly downtown area. Head down to the water to explore the famous Fisherman’s Warf, Pier 39, and catch spectacular views of the Golden Gate and Bay bridges.
You can even explore some famous landmarks in the bay by visiting the infamous Alcatraz Island, a former prison. Don’t forget to try some favorite local treats, such as clam chowder in a bread bowl, mission-style burritos, fortune cookies, and Ghirardelli chocolate.
If you plan on exploring this spectacular city, here are the five best boutique hotels in San Francisco.
Hotel Zetta
Perched between the popular SoMa and Union Square districts is Hotel Zetta, a hip boutique hotel with high-tech gadgets and local art. You have access to the city’s most vibrant shopping district just outside of the hotel’s doorstep.
You’ll find a modern space inside the hotel with all the latest technology you would expect from someplace so close to Silicon Valley. However, you’ll discover some surprises throughout, such as the British red telephone box, enormous Beatles portraits, and other anglophile touches.
There are plenty of entertaining amenities in the rooms, such as a Bluetooth jukebox and Netflix-equipped smart T.V. Nintendo Wiis and Atari consoles are available upon request.
Hotel Zetta guests loved the prime location, excellent amenities, and thoughtful details.
New York Times review:
“Stay at the playful, tech-savvy Hotel Zetta, well situated downtown in SoMa and near the Powell Street BART station; it’s Viceroy Hotels’ first San Francisco property and home to the Cavalier, a modern British-style gastro pub by the local restaurateur-chef team Anna Weinberg and Jennifer Puccio.”
Hotel details
Address:
55 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA.
Guest rating:
4.4 out of 5
Price per night:
From $189
Palihotel
Palihotel is a quintessential San Francisco retreat with a classic Victorian exterior and a difficult-to-top location adjacent to Chinatown. Within minutes of this hotel, you can access some of the city’s best culture, art, restaurants, and retail spots.
The hotel itself has a décor that exudes California cool. Its laid-back design reflects the state’s plentiful sunshine and sandy beaches. Each one of its 84 rooms has unique artwork and Smeg fridges packed with snacks.
On the second floor, you can sample tasty treats at its charming restaurant Fisher Loft. Wash down some of these delicious dishes with a drink from the hotel bar that doubles as a lobby lounge.
Visitors loved Palihotel’s California vibes, ideal location, and ample room amenities.
Hotel details
Address:
417 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA, 94108, United States of America, 800-246-8357.
Guest rating:
4.1 out of 5
Price per night:
From $125
Hotel Emblem
Hardly a block from Union Square and Nob Hill is the quirky and creative Hotel Emblem. Walking around this neighborhood, you’ll find premier galleries, retail, theaters, and eateries to explore. However, you don’t even need to leave the hotel to experience something interesting.
There is a book-lined Writer’s Alcove, bookish artwork, and a Beat-themed cocktail bar within the literary-themed hotel. Each of its 96 rooms has just as much character as the rest of the property.
The décor in these rooms continues the literary theme, with book quotes and themed artwork lining its walls. Within the hotel, you can dine at a cocktail-driven restaurant with mouthwatering food.
Highlights at this hotel include its whimsical ambiance, prime location, and friendly staff.
Hotel details
Address:
562 Sutter Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States of America.
Guest rating:
4.4 out of 5
Price per night:
From $160
Hotel Zeppelin
Hotel Zeppelin is a bit of a rebel among the sea of classic hotels in San Francisco. Throughout the hotel’s property, there’s a rock-and-roll theme infused into the décor and hotel amenities.
You can’t get any more central than Hotel Zeppelin. Union Square is less than two blocks away, and you can shop to your heart’s content at the endless stores in the surrounding area.
Within the hotel, you’ll find plenty to entertain you. There are unique and luxurious touches in every room, such as the velvet accent pillows and dramatic headboards. If you book a suite, you will have access to a record player with vinyl disks available.
Visitors enjoyed the bold theme, high-quality amenities, and excellent customer service.
Hotel details
Address:
545 Post Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States of America.
Guest rating:
4.2 out of 5
Price per night:
From $190
The Hotel Castro
Right in the middle of San Francisco’s legendary Castro District, The Hotel Castro is effortlessly cool. With just 12 small but stylish mini-suites, it feels way more like staying at a friend’s place than checking into a big, impersonal hotel.
The rooms are modern, comfy, and definitely not generic. Each one features a mural of a historic LGBTQ+ icon, which gives the hotel a lot of personality and heart. Every room also has its own private outdoor terrace, so you can soak up that neighborhood energy without even leaving your space.
The whole setup is super chill. Check-in is totally touchless and keyless through an app, and help is always available by text or chat, day or night. There’s a rooftop area for hanging out, plus a retro-glam Lobby Bar downstairs that’s run separately from the hotel.
There’s no on-site parking, but street parking is usually manageable, and getting around by public transit or rideshare is easy. If you’re looking to explore the Castro’s food, history, and nightlife, you’re already right where you want to be.
CN Traveler review:
“Bringing San Francisco’s iconic Castro neighborhood to life, Hotel Castro is an intimate boutique filled with fun vibes and loud interiors. With just 12 rooms, each inspired by an LGBTQ+ hero, past and present, the minimalist furniture is contrasted with the bespoke artwork and colorful feature walls displaying portraits of local heroes.”
Hotel details
Address:
4230 18th St Unit A, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States.
Guest rating:
4.3 out of 5
Price per night:
From $150
Beacon Grand
Beacon Grand is a seriously cool place right in the middle of San Francisco’s Union Square. The building has tons of old-school charm like marble staircases, vaulted ceilings, and chandeliers, but it’s been refreshed to feel modern and easygoing.
The rooms blend classic details such as European oak floors and high ceilings with modern comforts like fast Wi-Fi, Chromecast TVs, and eco-friendly luxury toiletries.
When you’re not hanging out in your room, there’s plenty going on. The Post Room is a cozy all-day spot where you can grab breakfast, dinner, or a cocktail, and they even have local live music on weekends.
If you’re in the mood for something a little glam, head up to Starlite on the 21st floor. It’s a legendary rooftop bar with vinyl DJ nights, creative cocktails, and some pretty amazing views.
Fodors review:
“This 1928 landmark—renovated and reopened in 2022—welcomes guests in its ornate, high-ceilinged lobby and classically elegant rooms that come equipped with 21st-century tech amenities but evoke the hotel’s heyday with gorgeously restored wood plank floors and plush white comforters.”
Hotel details
Address:
450 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States.
Guest rating:
4.3 out of 5
Price per night:
From $160
About our boutique hotel recommendations in San Francisco
We are a travel research company. We help you discover the best boutique hotels in San Francisco by researching the internet for you. It’s not just our opinion, it’s the opinion of many travelers who have been there before you.
We make it easy for you to find out about cool design hotels and unique design hotels in the city. Some of them might be so romantic you might not want to leave your room.
Please note, we only list hotels that have an aggregated guest review rating of at least 4.0 out of 5. We aggregate all reviews from different booking sites and other unbiased review websites. Hence, you can be certain all hotels listed above offer you a great stay in San Francisco.
Best price guarantee
We partner with Booking.com and Agoda to provide you with the lowest price guarantee on your stay in San Francisco! Both those websites offer price matching. That ensures that you are paying the lowest price available online.
If you find a cheaper offer on another website for the same cool hotel in San Francisco at least 24 hours before check-in, contact them to claim a refund of the difference!
Top 6 cool hotels in San Francisco
Before you go, let’s summarize this guide. Based on thousands of guest reviews and tips from travel experts, these are the coolest hotels in San Francisco:
More San Francisco tips
If you like our guide above, you should also check out our other articles about San Francisco:
Best cheap hotels in San Francisco
Where to stay in San Francisco
