Where To Stay

Good question. Locals already have a place to stay!

But San Francisco does have some great hotels – from the Fairmont and old school Mark Hopkins or St Francis, to the boutique hotels or motel-like properties around Fisherman’s Wharf. And upscale modern like W or the convention-oriented Marriott Jukebox on Market.

The biggest problem with being a native is the local prejudice against certain areas. While I have no problem booking a room in a tourist-type hotel in a questionable area of New York – or London or Paris – I’d be more selective at home. It narrows my choices, but my prejudices shouldn’t narrow yours. There are some great rooms available all over the downtown area, and like any visitor to any place, you’re not going to be spending all that much time in your room, anyway!

Where to stay will definitely depend on your budget – and San Francisco rooms are not cheap. Here are a few to consider.

High End

  • Hyatt Regency Embarcadero – I have to start off with this one only because I worked for Hyatt for many years and stayed here more than twice. The location is great and the hotel has gone through some major renovations. It’s not the grandest hotel in the city, but the design and location are pretty swell. We stayed there back in November 2008 and had a great room at a great price. excellent service – except for a jackass at the valet parking.
  • Mark Hopkins – High atop Nob Hill, The Mark was where our parents spent their wedding night – and where we got them the same room for their 25th Anniversary. The “Top of the Mark” has been one of San Francisco’s premier clubs since the 1930’s. The rooms are (or, at least were the last time I was there) beautifully appointed in old-style elegance.
  • The Ritz Carlton – I haven’t stayed at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco, but we did spend a week at the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman. Wow. And the mother-ship, Ritz Carlton Boston was always a favorite when I worked across the river at the Charles Hotel at Harvard Square. The 1909 Beau Arts building was converted to the Ritz in 1991 and rooms upgraded in 2006. From the RCSF: “Our luxurious Nob Hill hotel feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Ritz-Carlton is the only five-star hotel in San Francisco, and sure to satisfy the most exquisite of tastes.” Believe it.
  • The St. Francis – One of the oldest hotels in San Francisco, the St. Francis has been offering luxury for decades. I worked for Westin Hotels for several years and knew my way around the kitchens and back hallways quite well. It’s a remarkable property located right on Union Square.
  • The Fairmont – Gutted by fire before it opened in the 1906 earthquake, The Fairmont held its grand opening on April 18, 1907 – one year to the day after the earthquake. Meticulously restored to its 1907 grandeur, The Fairmont is definitely the crown jewel of Nob Hill.
  • The Palace – A 1989 restoration brought The Palace back to its 1909 elegance. the Garden Court is probably the most beautiful public space in the city. The Sunday Brunch is worth every penny. And the Pied Piper Bar is the perfect place for a cocktail or two.
  • The Clift – One of San Francisco’s venerable old hotels was reinvented as a contemporary establishment a few years back – to the horror of old-time San Franciscans. I have to admit that they did a grand job of it, but I still miss the old place. It’s definitely jet-set today.
  • The Marriott – Called The Jukebox for obvious reasons, the Marriott is a 39 story convention hotel across from Moscone Center and close to all of the downtown attractions. It wouldn’t be my first choice of places to stay, but if you have a lot of Marriott Rewards points – go for it.
  • Kimpton Hotels – the Kimpton Group has renovated several boutique properties in San Francisco. All are worthy.
  • W San Francisco – Here’s another SF hotel I’ve never stayed at, but I like W a lot. Last year we went to NYC for Victor’s birthday and stayed at the W Court. At check-in, we were upgraded to a sumptuous suite on the top floor. Happy Birthday, indeed. The W sits across the street from Moscone Center where I worked back in the mid-’80s. The site was a corner store or a Wallgreens, or something. The neighborhood has changed a bit in 25 years….. W has only gotten better.

At The Wharf

  • The Argonaut – The newest addition to Wharf hotels, the Argonaut is housed in an historic 1907 building that was opened in 2003. It’s a 4-star property smack in the middle of all there is to see and do at The Wharf and a few steps to a cable car that takes you to Union Square, Chinatown, or Market Street.
  • Holiday Inn – A large property in a prime location. It’s not glamorous, but who cares?!?
  • Hyatt Fisherman’s Wharf – It’s a Hyatt. All of the amenities you expect from Hyatt, as well as the price. Not cheap, but a nice hotel in a great location.
  • The Wharf Inn – Possibly the best deal on the wharf. Not glamorous, but clean, friendly, and conveniently located. Frommer’s likes it!
  • Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf – The largest hotel at the wharf, the Sheraton offers a great location and great service.
  • Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf – It’s a Marriott. The consistency you expect from Marriott is here, along with a great location.
  • Best Western Tuscan Inn – A smaller hotel with rich amenities and location.