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The 10 Best Design Hotels in San Francisco, USA

Check out our pick of great boutique hotels in San Francisco

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Centrally located in downtown San Francisco, this luxury 4-star hotel is one block from Union Square. It offers an Italian restaurant and rooftop lounge, a sauna, and spacious rooms with free WiFi.

Donatello’s Club 1500 is located on the top floor of the building and offers panoramic views of the city. Zingari Ristorante serves authentic Northern Italian cuisine.

Very good location. The room was clean and very big and the staff was amazing.

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9
Superb
1,115 reviews
Price from
£150
per night

Guest rooms at this hotel boast modern amenities such as a 42-inch flat-screen HDTV and a Blu-ray player. The en suite bathrooms feature luxury bath amenities and plush microfiber robes. Egyptian cotton sheets, goose down comforters and an adaptive sound sleep machine are provided. Fresh espresso can be brewed with the in-room coffee machine. Guests can enjoy 24-hour room service.

Everything was great! The bed is amazing, the vies from the room.

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9.5
Exceptional
50 reviews
Price from
£480
per night

In one of the oldest neighbourhoods in San Francisco, California, surrounded by restaurants and shopping, this inn offers unique guestrooms and first-rate services.

Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast Bed & Breakfast serves a continental breakfast featuring fresh fruits, yoghurt, pastries as well as gluten free option. After breakfast, guests can relax in their guestroom and watch the flat-screen TV or use free wireless internet access.

Looking for a hotel in the Presidio area of San Francisco? Stop looking and make a reservation at this fantastic B&B. The breakfasts, snacks, fresh cookies, signature chocolates were wonderful. Thank you to Jack for the outstanding hospitality. As Arnold would say, “I’ll be back!”

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9.1
Superb
49 reviews
Price from
£231
per night

Sensor locks and online check-in make staying at the Axiom Hotel a technology forward experience. Lounge areas , Century-old architecture fuses with an electric modern design in this boutique hotel.

A 48-inch Samsung flat-screen Smart TV with wireless streaming capabilities is featured in each room. A Kube Bluetooth clock radio and an electronic laptop safe are provided for convenience. Premium linens, signature Axiom robes and LATHER brand toiletries are also provided.

Location is very good. Room is exactly same as the picture shown. Very convenient to check in and check out.

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8.4
Very good
1,061 reviews
Price from
£155
per night

Each nautical-themed room features fishnet-covered light fixtures and porthole-style windows. A satellite TV and WiFi offer in-room entertainment. Featuring a bath or shower, the en suite bathrooms come with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Extras include a refrigerator, desk, a safety deposit box, and a laptop safe. Select rooms offer stunning views of San Francisco Bay.

The location is prefect and the things the hotel is offering were very special. At night, when it’s not nice to be outside it was very fun to be inside the hotel!

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8.3
Very good
4,960 reviews
Price from
£191
per night

Located adjacent to the Powell and California cable car stop, Stanford Court San Francisco is a technology-friendly boutique hotel that features a lobby and business centre equipped with 7 MacBooks, iPads and iPad minis all running high-speed WiFi. Bar and Lounge serves craft brews and whiskey. San Francisco’s Union Square,Chinatown, and North Beach are is just 10 minutes’ walk away.

the staff are very courteous. very thoughtful to give water bottles for free at the lobby that you can pick everyday. the breakfast option are not bad and quite affordable too.

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8.6
Fabulous
3,189 reviews
Price from
£182
per night

Located in the Marina District of San Francisco, the Seaside Inn is within 10 minutes’ walk to the Marina Green and renowned shops and cafes on Chestnut and Union Street.

All modern rooms provide free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and an en suite bathroom with marble accents and complimentary toiletries. Styled in dark wood furniture, each room includes plush white linens.

good location, clean and close to Lombard attraction

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8.1
Very good
1,418 reviews
Price from
£134
per night

Situated next to the the Moscone Convention Center, this downtown San Francisco hotel offers luxurious rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs. Facilities include a fitness center.

Rooms at San Francisco Marriott Marquis feature a stylish interior. All rooms have air-conditioning, a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. Select rooms have panoramic city views.

the location and the room was very big and “the view” at 39 floor

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8.3
Very good
2,201 reviews
Price from
£173
per night

Located in a historic building that is just 5 minutes’ walk from Union Square, Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel Union Square boasts a rooftop restaurant, a library, a full-service health club and a 564 seat on-site theatre. All spacious guest rooms include free WiFi.

We liked the location, the room was spacious, very clean. The breakfast was ok, although the same every day. The view from our room was really amazing. The staff was very welcoming and ready to help.

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8.6
Fabulous
1,912 reviews
Price from
£261
per night

This boutique San Francisco hotel is less than 2 blocks from Union Square and the Powell Street and Market Street cable car line. Free WiFi is offered.

A flat-screen cable TV and a desk are included in all of the luxurious guest rooms at Palihotel San Francisco.The bright, bold rooms feature marble bathrooms and blackout curtains.

realy good location and true SF feeling in this hotel!

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8.3
Very good
1,284 reviews
Price from
£112
per night

Looking for a boutique hotel?

These hotels offer something a little different in the way of design and usually sit in a trendy, urban part of town. More intimate than your average hotel, they offer high standards with a homely vibe.
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Most booked boutique hotels in San Francisco this month

Enjoy breakfast in San Francisco!

  • Hotel Drisco
    9.5
    Scored 9.5
    Exceptional
    Rated exceptional
     · 50 reviews

    Built in 1903, Hotel Drisco boasts Edwardian architecture. Atop Pacific Heights on Pacific Avenue, this luxurious San Francisco hotel is only 5 minutes' walk from Presidio National Park.

    Everything was great! The bed is amazing, the vies from the room.

  • Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 49 reviews

    In one of the oldest neighbourhoods in San Francisco, California, surrounded by restaurants and shopping, this inn offers unique guestrooms and first-rate services.

    quirky but very comfortable, and immaculately clean

  • InterContinental San Francisco, an IHG Hotel
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,862 reviews

    Overlooking San Francisco's SoMa area and moments from top city centre sites, InterContinental San Francisco provides guests with modern in-room amenities.

    great meals, clean new looking room, overall great experience

  • Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,816 reviews

    This San Francisco hotel in Union Square is just steps from Chinatown. On-site dining and a 24-hour gym are available for guest convenience.

    Very clean and modern with great views of the city.

  • Executive Hotel Vintage Court
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 2,235 reviews

    This San Francisco hotel is located just 2 blocks from Union Square and 5 blocks from the Powell Street BART Station.

    Everything,super friendly staff.Arturo was Amazing!!

  • Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 11,957 reviews

    Located within 10 minutes’ walk from Pier 39, the family-friendly Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf is a non-smoking accommodation that features an outdoor pool.

    Lovely and clean location was perfect breakfast was delicious

  • Hotel Majestic
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,955 reviews

    Set within the Victorian neighborhood of Pacific Heights, this historic hotel features early 20th Century architecture and is adorned with French and English antiques.

    Staff were lovely and really helpful. Thank you all.

  • The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,858 reviews

    Well set in San Francisco, The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco provides air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a shared lounge.

    Beautiful hotel. Well kept rooms. Very friendly staff

Save money on boutique in San Francisco – budget options available!

  • 1906 Mission
    Budget options available
    7.2
    Scored 7.2
    Good
    Rated good
     · 224 reviews

    This San Francisco bed and breakfast features a modern, environmentally conscious design. Free WiFi access is available in the shared lounge.

    Good location for foodies, clean despite the shared bathroom.

  • Hotel Des Arts
    6.5
    Scored 6.5
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 170 reviews

    Offering uniquely-designed guestrooms created by local artists, this hotel is situated in San Francisco's French Quarter, only a short distance from Union Square and features many thoughtful amenities...

    great location and price. great bed and furnishings.

  • Edwardian Hotel
    Budget options available
    6.9
    Scored 6.9
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 301 reviews

    Located in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood, Edwardian Hotel offers boutique rooms with free WiFi. For convenience, the F tram line stops in front of this hotel.

    Tidy, well kept rooms and friendly, helpful staff.

  • The Marker San Francisco
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 440 reviews

    Offering French-inspired architecture, The Marker San Francisco, provides guests with an ideal city centre location just 7 minutes' walk to Union Square and is eco-friendly.

    breakfast, room, free water bottle, staff all friendly.

  • Hotel Fiona
    Budget options available
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 71 reviews

    Located 10 minutes’ walk from San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza, Hotel Fiona offers guest rooms with WiFi.

    Friendly staff; clean, updated rooms; amazing value

  • SoMa House
    Budget options available
    6.7
    Scored 6.7
    Pleasant
    Rated pleasant
     · 24 reviews

    Situated in San Francisco’s SoMa district, renowned for its museums, shops and gourmet restaurants, SoMa House blends retro-style furnishings with state-of-the-art amenities and services.

  • Hotel Garrett
    Budget options available
    7.4
    Scored 7.4
    Good
    Rated good
     · 68 reviews

    Hotel Garrett offers access to the rooftop pool at the SoMa House, just across the street for your enjoyment. Each room features: .

    The Room was Clean, Spacious and Felt very Comfortable

  • The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square
    9.2
    Scored 9.2
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 198 reviews

    Built high atop Ghirardelli Square with San Francisco Bay views, this urban San Francisco resort features luxurious apartments with free WiFi and fully equipped gourmet kitchens.

    Fantastic location & and stunning room with an amazing view of Alcatraz.

Great access to the city centre! Check these boutique hotels in San Francisco

  • The Jay, Autograph Collection
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 109 reviews

    Centrally located in San Francisco's Financial District and steps away from Chinatown and the Ferry Building, this luxurious hotel offers unrivaled accommodation and state-of-the-art amenities,...

  • Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 288 reviews

    Featuring stunning views of downtown San Francisco from each spacious guestroom, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero offers gourmet on-site dining, in-room massage services and easy access...

    Appreciate hospitality and proactiveness of staff.

  • Orchard Hotel
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,415 reviews

    Located in Downtown San Francisco, this boutique hotel is just 2 blocks from Union Square. It features an on-site restaurant, a cardio room, and spacious rooms with free WiFi.

    Lovely and quiet hotel, kind and nice staff, had a great time!

  • Orchard Garden Hotel
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,406 reviews

    Located next to Chinatown, this hotel is 3 km from San Francisco Art Institute. It boasts a rooftop garden and patio, and offers free WiFi.

    Great location. Rooms were clean and plenty of space.

  • 8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 667 reviews

    This hotel is centrally located in San Francisco's lively Union Square, which features shopping, dining and entertainment options.

    great location downtown with friendly and helpful staff

  • The St. Regis San Francisco
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 85 reviews

    The St Regis San Francisco is located in the SOMA District of San Francisco. A flat-screen TV is included in each guest room. Union Square is 8 minutes’ walk away.

    Beautiful, comfortable, GREAT STAFF and awesome location!

  • White Swan Inn
    8.9
    Scored 8.9
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,339 reviews

    Forbes "Best Bed & Breakfast in San Francisco for 2024" Located 5 minutes’ walk from San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square, this bed & breakfast-style property offers uniquely decorated guest rooms,...

    Quaintness Breakfast Nibbles and drinks Very inviting

  • Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 2,273 reviews

    Situated in San Francisco, 200 metres from Union Square, Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel features accommodation with a fitness centre, private parking, a restaurant and a bar.

    Excellent location great service and starlight bar is wow

  • Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,838 reviews

    Situated in San Francisco, Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA offers air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a shared lounge.

    Great view of downtown, clean and comfortable rooms.

  • Hyatt Regency San Francisco
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,708 reviews

    Newly renovated and situated within 5 minutes’ walk of Ferry Building shops and ferries to Alcatraz, this luxury San Francisco hotel features guest rooms with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay...

    it was very clean, comfortable and very nice staff.

  • Argonaut Hotel, a Noble House Hotel
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 1,672 reviews

    Featuring in-room spa services and a traditional seafood restaurant, this luxury Fisherman’s Wharf eco-friendly hotel offers beautiful views across the San Francisco Bay. Valet parking is available.

    Great location, good sized room & comfortable bed

  • Hotel Nikko San Francisco
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 3,217 reviews

    Attractively located in the centre of San Francisco, Hotel Nikko San Francisco is within 300 metres of Union Square and 1.1 km of Moscone Center.

    Great hotel, good location, friendly efficient staff

  • Hotel Emblem San Francisco
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 646 reviews

    This Beat Generation-inspired boutique centrally located hotel is located in San Francisco's Theatre District, just 4 minutes' walk from Union Square.

    The staff were uber helpful and gave off a great vibe

  • Hotel Zelos San Francisco
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 384 reviews

    This contemporary eco-friendly hotel is ideally located in downtown San Francisco, 7 minutes' walk from Union Square. It features a gym.

    A lovely Hotel in fabulous location. Comfortable & clean.

  • Hotel Boheme
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 211 reviews

    Located in the heart of historic North Beach San Francisco, this completely non-smoking intimate hotel creatively captures the area’s bohemian flair of the 1950’s and 1960’s.

    The location and the most adorable little hotel and its staff.

  • 1 Hotel San Francisco
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 180 reviews

    Overlooking San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront, this hotel features an outdoor rooftop terrace. Free WiFi is provided in all guest rooms. Oracle Park is 1.6 km away.

    Great service, great location, cleanliness is on top.

  • Queen Anne
    Central location
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 526 reviews

    This historic Victorian boutique hotel is located 1 mile from San Francisco's vibrant Union Square.

    We enjoyed our stay and the help of all the staff.

  • Hotel Spero
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 244 reviews

    This eco-friendly restored landmark hotel is situated in downtown San Francisco, 5 minutes’ walk from shopping at Union Square.

    Very nice hotel. Beautifully decorated. Staff were excellent

  • Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 759 reviews

    Famed bars, an awe-inspiring crystal chandelier restaurant, a fitness area and a glass dome indoor pool are featured at this landmark Financial District Palace.

    The place excellent location , the service was great

  • Kimpton Hotel Enso, an IHG Hotel
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 184 reviews

    Situated in the heart of Japantown, Kimpton Enso Hotel features spacious accommodations and an on-site restaurant and bar.

    Amazing! The bed, the location, all staff are AMAZING!

  • The Donatello Hotel
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 728 reviews

    Offering Italian-inspired design, this centrally located San Francisco hotel is just 3 minutes’ walk from the popular sights of Union Square.

    Very nice location, kind staff and free cafe, etc.

  • Petite Auberge
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,741 reviews

    Situated on San Francisco’s Nob Hill, this French-style B&B offers serves a daily free breakfast. All guest rooms include free WiFi.

    - very clean - very kind / helpful staff - good neighbourhood - central

  • Taj Campton Place
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 138 reviews

    Steps from Union Square, this historic yet modernized hotel features classic European charm and in-room spa services.

    Excellent service including laundry and dry cleaning

  • Hotel G San Francisco
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 557 reviews

    This San Francisco hotel is just 2 minutes’ walk from Union Square and cable car lines. All rooms offer custom amenities.

    excellent location. Helpful and very pleasant staff.

  • Harbor Court Hotel
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 591 reviews

    Nestled along the edge of the San Francisco Bay, between the Financial District and Oracle Park, Harbor Court Hotel is a completely non-smoking, boutique hotel. It is eco-friendly.

    Beautiful property, very high quality and comfort.

  • Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 511 reviews

    Located in San Francisco’s Japantown, this elegant hotel is connected to the Nihonmachi Mall and blends Eastern and Western design. It features on-site dining and an indoor garden with a fishpond.

    loved it’s location in Japantown and Japanese theme

  • Palihotel San Francisco
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,284 reviews

    This boutique San Francisco hotel is less than 2 blocks from Union Square and the Powell Street and Market Street cable car line. Free WiFi is offered.

    Style, Location, Cleanliness, Friendliness of staff

  • Hotel Adagio, Autograph Collection
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 987 reviews

    Centrally located in heart of San Francisco city centre, this luxury boutique hotel is 5 minutes’ walk from Union Square and 2 minutes’ walk from the American Conservatory Theater.

    Lovely hotel with friendly and accommodating staff.

FAQ about boutique hotels in San Francisco








Boutique hotels that guests love in San Francisco

  • Avg. price/night: £205.84
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 862 reviews
    I am honestly afraid of recommending it, because I would like to keep it a secret :D Our room had a fully equipped kitchen, our car was safely parked in a (FREE!) garage and we could explore the area and most sights by foot. The interior design is adorable and the courtyard is so pretty with the paintings and the flowers. We loved everything about it.
    Julia
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £154.93
    8.4
    Scored 8.4
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,061 reviews
    Funky design in an old building. Reception staff were very friendly and extremely helpful.
    Lynn
    Group
  • Avg. price/night: £186.84
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,858 reviews
    Interior design, the Redwoodroom, Fitness. Everything very well chosen. Staff was very helpful, but discreet.
    Maria
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £143.84
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 3,225 reviews
    Gorgeous design, perfect location, nice vibe. The breakfast selection was good, so was the coffee. The view from the top floor room was great, loved the rooms overall, despite the size, but I was prepared for that.
    Michal
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £198.67
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 4,960 reviews
    What a super hotel! Stunning design and super conveniently located - whether you’re walking or driving. The staff were incredible and the facilities were top notch and looked great. They also had luggage storage which was an added benefit.
    Tamlyn
    People with friends
  • Avg. price/night: £143.84
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 3,225 reviews
    Hotel is in a great location. Rooms are small but vety comfortable. Staff is friendly and super helpful. Interior design is cool. Really a had a fantastic stay!
    T. Peregrine
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £259.88
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 759 reviews
    - Impressive interior design - Very comfortable rooms, especially the bed - food was pretty good
    Ben
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £154.07
    8.7
    Scored 8.7
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 495 reviews
    Nice and affordable little boutique hotel in the Lower Haight. Rooms decorated and kept with a lot of care & flair - one can really see that this one is owner-kept! Spacious room with a very comfortable bed. Access-code check-in worked smoothly.
    Christof
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £143.84
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 3,225 reviews
    Excellent location close to the BART and historic San Francisco tram with the Westfield only steps away. CitizenM has modern interiors and an ipad in each room to control lighting/temperature. There's a lounge at the reception area which is filled with designer pieces and makes for a relaxing area to take a rest at. It also has a 24hr kitchen so if you need to leave early/late for a flight you can always grab a quick bite to eat.
    DHEN
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £121.43
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 1,284 reviews
    Lovely boutique hotel in a very central location. Stylish and comfortable rooms. Friendly and helpful staff.
    Amy
    Solo traveller

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