Best Hotels in San Francisco

Only two blocks east of the Presidio, Hotel Drisco offers sightseers a convenient jumping-off point for exploring some of San Francisco's most famous sites, including the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts. Travelers say that the top-notch customer service here made them feel like royalty, adding that the intimate atmosphere made for a relaxing stay. Hotel Drisco's guest rooms feature bright pops of color and luxurious amenities, such as pillow menus, gourmet honor bars and a nightly turndown service (that includes chocolate shortbread cookies). Although there is no restaurant, Hotel Drisco serves a continental breakfast every morning, as well as wine and hors d'oeuvres every evening – both included in the room rate. The property also houses a fitness center and a DVD lending library. 

Recent guests described The Inn Above Tide as "dreamy," "magical" and "romantic," and it's easy to see why. Situated on the waterfront in Sausalito, California, every accommodation in this 31-room hotel offers views of the San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, Alcatraz and Angel Island. But the unforgettable vantage point isn't all The Inn Above Tide offers guests: Accommodations are equipped with binoculars, upscale toiletries, iPod docking stations and, in select rooms and suites, fireplaces and private decks (a worthy splurge, according to past lodgers). No matter which room type you choose, you'll have access to the inn's wide range of amenities, including a daily continental breakfast, an evening wine and cheese reception and loaner bicycles. You can also arrange for in-room spa services (for an additional fee). Though the inn doesn't have a fitness center, pool or restaurant on-site, its convenient waterfront location means Sausalito's eateries and shops are just steps away, a major plus for recent visitors. What's more, the ferry terminal is within walking distance of the property, making trips across the bay a cinch.

This boutique hotel features modern accommodations and enjoys a prime location in San Francisco. Situated just south of Union Square and on the Powell Street cable car line, Axiom Hotel San Francisco puts guests near plenty of the city's shops and restaurants. The hotel's rooms come with LED smart TVs with wireless streaming for Apple and Android products, minifridges, in-room safes and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Axiom Hotel also houses a fitness center and a business center, plus it's a pet-friendly property that welcomes animals for no additional fee. Though the hotel has limited on-site dining, it does offer The Turn Café, which has options for a quick meal or for takeaway. Previous visitors enjoyed their stays at this hotel, noting the fun touches like arcade games and the tech-savvy rooms as particular standout amenities. The only downside, according to recent guests, is that it costs between $55 and $59 per day to valet park.

Sandwiched between the North Beach and South Beach areas of San Francisco, the Club Quarters Hotel San Francisco is ideally located for both business and leisure travelers. It is mere blocks from both Chinatown and the Ferry Building Marketplace, as well as several public transportation stops and numerous businesses, shops and restaurants. Inside, the hotel offers Fish & Farm, a farm-to-table restaurant that serves sustainable seafood (and uses locally sourced ingredients) alongside craft cocktails and wine. Other amenities include a Starbucks in the lobby, loaner iPads, a 24-hour fitness center, in-room yoga kits (upon request) and Guest Request Closets on each floor, which stock extra toiletries in case you forgot something at home. Basic rooms offer workstations, complimentary Wi-Fi and wireless printing, queen-sized beds, flat-screen TVs and Keurig coffee makers, while larger rooms and suites have kitchenettes, separate seating areas and private terraces. Many praised the hotel's unbeatable location, but its "outstanding" staff is what stood out the most to recent lodgers. The only negative mentioned was the high cost of parking (about $34 plus tax for a 24-hour period), but several guests said you could find cheaper rates down the street.