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11 Best Boutique Hotels in San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a stylish city, and the boutique hotels found here reflect the city’s sophisticated-yet-funky charm. From rock-and-roll-inspired accommodations to hotels boasting beautiful views of the bay, there is a unique boutique hotel in San Francisco for all types of travelers. Embrace San Francisco from one of these one-of-a-kind boutique hotels in the city.

Inn at the Presidio Inn at the Presidio
Credit: Inn at the Presidio by Inn at the Presidio

Inn at the Presidio

Inn at the Presidio is a historic boutique hotel that offers an incredible way to experience San Francisco. Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, guests here catch incredible views of the bridge while relaxing on the outdoor patio. In its early days, the Inn at the Presidio was used for army officers. However, now, this quaint inn is an urban oasis that offers a scenic escape. Close enough to the city’s popular spots but also within walking distance of walking and hiking trails, the Inn at the Presidio offers a unique stay in San Francisco.

Key Amenities:

  • Golden Gate Bridge views

  • Outdoor patio

  • Free breakfast and wine/cheese reception

The Laurel Inn The Laurel Inn
Credit: The Laurel Inn by The Laurel Inn

The Laurel Inn

The Laurel Inn offers sweeping city views from the Pacific Heights neighborhood, just five blocks from Presidio Park in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The stylish boutique hotel offers a complimentary daily breakfast, afternoon cookies and lemonade, and a continuous supply of fresh-brewed coffee. The bar/lounge serves thoughtfully-crafted classics and California-inspired cocktails along with hyperlocal beer and wine. All rooms are stylish and spacious, with an urban studio apartment feel. Most have kitchenettes and all come with flat-screen TVs, Blu-ray players, and bathrooms with robes and shower/tub combinations.

Key Amenities:

  • Lounge/bar serving local beer, wine, and California-inspired cocktails

  • Free breakfast, plus refreshments and cookies in the lobby

  • Concierge services + discounted rate at an off-site fitness center

Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights
Credit: Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights by Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights

Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights

Hotel Drisco is a popular spot for honeymooners and romance-seekers in San Francisco, although anyone looking for more intimate, upscale accommodation will enjoy a stay here. Located in desirable Pacific Heights, known for its stunning bay views and architecturally significant homes, including many Queen Anne Victorians like the 1886 Haas-Lilienthal house, here you’ll be just a short drive from the Golden Gate Bridge and all sorts of recreational opportunities. The rooms are extra-spacious and include Sound + Sleep devices, iPod docks, minifridges, robes, and large flat-screen TVs. There’s a small fitness center on-site, and complimentary bike rentals are available too. The rates include a free breakfast and an evening reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres.

Key Amenities:

  • Complimentary breakfast

  • Evening reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres

  • Free bike rentals

Infinity Hotel SF, Ascend Hotel Collection Infinity Hotel SF
Credit: Infinity Hotel SF by infinityhotelsf.com

Infinity Hotel SF, Ascend Hotel Collection

Just a short drive from the Golden Gate Bridge and steps from award-winning restaurants, unique shops, green spaces, and art exhibitions in the Marina District, the most noteworthy feature at Infinity Hotel SF is its rooftop patio. Before you head out to explore, you’ll want to enjoy the view, which includes the city skyline and the famous bridge. Next door, you’ll find a coffee shop that serves delicious breakfasts, and there’s a convenience store in the lobby. Free coffee and bottled water is provided, while the rooms and suites all come with free Wi-Fi, USB charging stations, microwaves, minifridges, and coffeemakers.

Key Amenities:

  • Rooftop patio with beautiful views

  • Convenience store in the lobby

  • Complimentary coffee and bottled water

Argonaut Hotel, Fisherman's Wharf Room at the Argonaut Hotel, San Francisco
Credit: Room at the Argonaut Hotel, San Francisco by argonauthotel.com

Argonaut Hotel, Fisherman's Wharf

Located on the waterfront, the Argonaut is a luxury boutique hotel that has the feel of a cruise ship. Decorated in nautical style with items like vintage steam trunks and antique telescopes, it offers gorgeous views of the bay while putting guests steps from attractions like the famous Pier 39 and the ferry to Alcatraz Island. Set within a historic building with weathered brick walls and exposed beams, rooms continue the nautical theme with items like compasses and sand dollars. Many have views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, and some have whirlpool tubs. Enjoy in-room spa services and workouts at the on-site fitness center, while dining is available at the Blue Mermaid Restaurant & Bar. The specialty is sustainable seafood like San Francisco sourdough bread bowls with clam chowder, but there are burgers and other items too.

Key Amenities:

Taj Campton Place, Union Square Taj Campton Place
Credit: Taj Campton Place by tajcamptonplace.com

Taj Campton Place, Union Square

Set within two adjoining century-old buildings, Taj Campton Place is one of the best hotels near the famous Union Square, which is known for its high-end shopping. It’s close to many of the city’s top museums while offering a cozy feel and friendly service minus the pomp and circumstance. There’s a very well-equipped open-air fitness center available 24/7 with chilled bottled water, fruit, and towels, but the Michelin-starred restaurant is the crown jewel here, highlighting sophisticated California fare with Indian accents. There’s also a master sommelier and a wine cellar with over 1,500 labels. From the top-floor rooms, you can watch the action on the square below while enjoying amenities like double-paned windows that keep the noise out. All come with Nespresso coffeemakers, BoseWave radios, and flat-screen TVs with pay-per-view menus.

Key Amenities:

  • 24-hour open-air rooftop fitness center

  • Michelin-starred restaurant

  • 24-hour room service

Hotel Zetta Hotel Zetta
Credit: Hotel Zetta by Hotel Zetta

Hotel Zetta

Stylish and fun, both travelers and foodies are drawn to this eco-friendly hotel in SoMa. With a swanky onsite restaurant and a game room with billiards and shuffleboard, you don’t even need to leave Hotel Zetta to enjoy a great date night. Its style is showcased in the lobby with chandeliers made from repurposed eyeglasses.

Key Amenities:

  • Pet-friendly rooms

  • 24-hour fitness center

  • Game room with billiards and shuffleboard

San Francisco Proper San Francisco Proper
Credit: San Francisco Proper by San Francisco Proper

San Francisco Proper

For guests looking for a boutique hotel that has lavish decor, impeccable dining, and an impressive rooftop bar, then look no further than San Francisco Proper. This hotel in the Mid-Market neighborhood of San Francisco is found near Civic Center. Hotel Proper invokes a vintage vibe before even walking in the door, as the hotel operates inside a 1904 flatiron building. L.A.-based interior guru Kelly Wearstler is responsible for the sophisticated decor of the Proper Hotel. From local artwork to floral accents to vintage-inspired furnishings, the Proper Hotel brings an Old World vibe into the new age of hospitality.

Key Amenities:

  • Pet-friendly rooms with vintage decor

  • Rooftop bar

  • Complimentary car service

Hotel Kabuki Hotel Kabuki
Credit: Hotel Kabuki by Hotel Kabuki

Hotel Kabuki

If you’re looking to find some zen in San Francisco, then book a stay in Hotel Kabuki, a boutique accommodation found in Japantown. Asian-inspired decor, relaxing public spaces and an outdoor Japanese koi pond and garden can all be found at Hotel Kabuki. This beautiful hotel also has high-class amenities, like luxury linens, a yoga studio and a bar offering Japanese teas and whiskeys.

Key Amenities:

  • Japanese koi pond and garden

  • Yoga studio

  • Bar with Japanese teas and whiskeys

Hotel Zeppelin Hotel Zeppelin
Credit: Hotel Zeppelin by Hotel Zeppelin

Hotel Zeppelin

Modern amenities meet psychedelic, vintage design at Hotel Zeppelin. This boutique hotel near Union Square boasts a classy, rock-and-roll vibe, with rooms containing vintage record players, hand-painted murals and lava lamps. Hotel Zeppelin’s ambiance can be felt when the sun goes down, as many guests can be caught sipping craft cocktails by the fireplace. By the morning, however, guests don’t want to miss out on San Francisco favorites waiting in the lobby at the Zeppelin Cafe. Along with a vintage vinyl library and a retro gaming room, Hotel Zeppelin transports guests back in time without limiting modern luxuries.

Key Amenities:

  • Pet-friendly rooms

  • Vintage vinyl library and gaming room

  • Coffee shop with donuts

The Orchard Hotel The Orchard Hotel
Credit: The Orchard Hotel by The Orchard Hotel

The Orchard Hotel

The Orchard Hotel puts guests steps from Union Square, close to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Chinatown, and more, as well as providing convenient access to the famous cable cars. It’s been named among the most eco-friendly hotels in the country and was one of the first in the state to be LEED-certified. The focus is on personalized service, but it also hosts an excellent restaurant, Roots, which serves fresh, healthy seasonal cuisine. The sumptuous breakfast features everything from local fruits and veggies to cage-free, fresh-from-the-farm eggs. There’s a rooftop terrace for unwinding with a drink and a city skyline view too. Book the King Terrace room for a furnished terrace with a city view and upscale amenities like an espresso machine, mini-fridge, 50″ flat-screen TV, and plush robes and slippers.

Key Amenities:

  • On-site restaurant

  • Top eco-friendly hotel in the U.S.

  • Rooftop terrace with city skyline views

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