Best Hotels in San Francisco

Located on the southern fringes of Chinatown, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco earns high praise from recent guests, who say that the hotel makes for a convenient choice for both business and leisure travelers. The rooms here are dressed in blue and white and Frette linens, as well as a variety of high-end amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, coffee makers and high-speed internet access. Visitors to this property will also have access to the in-house Spa L'OCCITANE by the Bay and its full list of treatments, as well as the raved-about contemporary Californian cuisine served at Parallel 37. But for many guests, the highlight of staying here was the exceptional level of customer service they received. Visitors say that the employees were friendly and respectful, providing an overall feeling of being treated like royalty (though you may have to shell out like royalty to stay here).

This modern masterpiece of a hotel in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood features 260 guest rooms and suites, all equipped with rainforest showers, minibars and several flat-screen TVs (including one in the bathroom). Accommodations here are exceptionally roomy, but if you want to spread out, book a Metropolitan Suite, which boasts about 1,000 square feet of space. Travelers rave about the digs here, but what they especially enjoy about this St. Regis property is its location (near a number of the city's most popular attractions), its modern decor and its friendly service staff. The contemporary American cuisine served at Grill Restaurant also sits well with guests. Room rates here are high, but visitors believe the experience is worth the lofty price. And If you're a Marriott Rewards loyalty club member, you can use or redeem points by choosing to stay here.

With the fresh California cuisine at MKT Restaurant – Bar and twice-daily housekeeping service, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco in downtown San Francisco deserves all of its five stars. And those aren't the only perks associated with this Four Seasons: Guests have access to the popular Equinox Sports Club, which offers a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool. The rooms are also outfitted in neutral tones with wood furnishings and come equipped with marble bathrooms (with deep-soaking tubs), down bedding and plasma TVs. The rooms' floor-to-ceiling windows afford excellent views of the city, the bay or the Yerba Buena Gardens. Overall, visitors are thoroughly pleased with their experiences here, although some balked at the bill at the end of their stay. 

The Palace Hotel first welcomed guests in 1875 as the world's largest and most luxurious hotel. But the earthquake of 1906 destroyed the property; the building that stands now was constructed in 1909. Still, the Palace wins guests over with its historical charm: The lobby draws attention with marble floors and high ceilings, and the guest rooms house more contemporary furnishings (alongside amenities such as high-speed internet access). But to truly experience the Palace in all its timeless glory, sit down to afternoon tea underneath the glass ceiling and crystal chandeliers of the Garden Court. (For dinner, head to the Pied Piper Restaurant, which serves traditional American fare.) There's also a pool and fitness center on-site, which is perfect for those looking to recharge. Guests love the luxurious interiors and appreciate the cozy guest rooms. The staff also get a thumbs up as well for their warm, welcoming attitudes. What's more, as a member of the Luxury Collection hotel family, the Palace gladly welcomes guests looking to pay with or earn rewards through the Marriott Rewards program.

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. 

Guests of this hotel in Fisherman's Wharf will feel as if they've just stepped aboard a cruise ship, even though the Argonaut Hotel sits firmly on solid ground. Guest rooms – which are decked out with nautical artifacts – offer spectacular views of San Francisco Bay. (Just note that these vistas don't come cheap, according to some travelers.) Meanwhile, common areas like the lobby and the in-house seafood restaurant, Blue Mermaid Restaurant, feature vibrant colors and fun, quirky furnishings. Visitors especially appreciate the excellent customer service and variety of amenities available, including a fitness center, spa and business center. Other guests, however, lamented the high price for parking. However, it's close proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Lombard Street earn high marks among travelers.

Formerly a Mandarin Oriental property, the Loews Regency San Francisco Hotel offers sweeping views of the San Francisco skyline from its perch in one of the city's tallest buildings. Housed in the top 11 floors of the 48-story tower, accommodations offer views of the city or the bay. Recent guests said no matter what the view, the spacious rooms offer the ultimate luxury with amenities like goose down bedding, Italian marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and complimentary Wi-Fi access. When you're not in your room, you can take advantage of the light-filled fitness center or the fully equipped business center, both open 24 hours a day, or relax with a treatment from the on-site spa. When you want to explore the city, you can make use of the house car, which is complimentary during morning commute hours. In the evenings, grab a bite at The Bear and Monarch, the on-site restaurant. Recent visitors said the quality of cuisine and exceptional customer service were worth the high price tags. 

You know the Tony Bennett song, "I Left my Heart in San Francisco"? Well, he first sang it at this Nob Hill Fairmont property in 1962. Guests who opt to stay at the Fairmont San Francisco quickly realize how leaving one's heart here can be an easy thing to do. The hotel's lobby – with its towering columns, velvet furnishings and gilded accents – provides the backdrop to many a family photo op, and the customer service staff earns constant praise from recent visitors who say they were treated like royalty. The guest rooms here aren't quite as opulent, but they do offer excellent views of the San Francisco Bay and amenities such as pillow-top beds, Frette linens and coffee makers. Guests of the Fairmont are also welcome to take advantage of the on-site spa and health club before sitting down to dinner at the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar (for Asian cuisine) or the Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar (for fresh seafood). Visitors can also get around downtown San Francisco easily during their vacations here, as a trolley stops right outside the property. 

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.

Sitting about a block northeast of Union Square, Taj Campton Place San Francisco bills itself as "one of San Francisco's most prominent landmarks," and it has welcomed guests for more than 100 years. However, those who visited recently aren't quite sure what to make of this historic 110-room property. Travelers are quick to praise Taj Campton Place's location at the heart of the city, saying that getting to and from major attractions was a piece of cake. On the other hand, some guests claim that Taj Campton Place is starting to show its age, especially in the guest rooms. Although each accommodation comes equipped with amenities like flat-screen LCD televisions, Bose Wave sound systems and Nespresso machines, visitors say that the beige and white decor feels tired. If you're not happy with your room's appearance, head to the open-air fitness center to take in the city views, or seek out a change of scenery and some fine California cuisine at the Michelin-starred Campton Place Restaurant.

When you check in at the Huntington Hotel, you'll be be amazed at its opulent lobby. And according to recent lodgers, this five-star treatment extends to the hotel's customer service. Visitors say the hotel staff made them feel as if they were the only people there. And this property's elegance extends from check-in to one of the best spas (if not the best spa) in San Francisco, the Nob Hill Spa, named for the Huntington's trendy location. When you're not out on the town, you can kick back in one of the spacious guest rooms, all of which feature flat-screen TVs, iPod-compatible stereo systems and wireless internet access. The Huntington also houses its own eatery, The Big 4 restaurant, where contemporary American cuisine is served. Should you crave different flavors, the hotel employees can help direct you to a variety of nearby restaurants.

Housed in a former bank building that dates back to the 1920s, the Omni San Francisco Hotel has held on to aspects of its history: The lobby impresses guests with crystal chandeliers, wood paneling and a marble staircase. But the Omni's 362 rooms and suites are also lavish, as they are outfitted in warm red, gold and brown hues, and accommodations include amenities such as flat-screen TVs and iHome docking stations. The majority of travelers who choose to stay at this Omni property leave feeling more than satisfied. The hotel's location at the intersection of Chinatown and the Financial District is a huge selling point, while the competitive room rates pleased guests who like a good value (though parking and Wi-Fi access costs extra). Visitors are also quick to praise the prime cuts served up at Bob's Steak & Chop House.

The Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square, which spreads out in the Fisherman's Wharf neighborhood, provides a bit of luxury in the middle of San Francisco's action. Guests rave about the rooms, which feature full gourmet kitchens and plasma-screen TVs, as well as tasteful design features such as exposed-brick walls and dark wood floors. The Fairmont also gets lots of praise for its complimentary breakfast in the morning and wine and cheese reception in the evening. On breezy nights, visitors recommend lounging by the hotel's outdoor firepits, which provide a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. These amenities do come at a cost, but guests say if you can afford it, go for it. Members of the Le Club AccorHotels program can receive benefits like express check-in at this property.

Sitting on the Embarcadero across from the Ferry Building Marketplace, this Joie de Vivre property caters to both business and leisure travelers looking to be at the center of it all without sacrificing watery views. Hotel Vitale's guest rooms come stocked with amenities like minifridges, Bose sound systems and LCD televisions. But what guests especially love is the soothing atmosphere in the accommodations, created by the rich blues and earthy, neutral tones. If this sea-like decor doesn't do the trick, seek a little extra relaxation at the on-site Spa Vitale, which offers a variety of relaxing treatments to help you unwind. After a long day of sightseeing or pampering, satiate your appetite with Italian fare at Americano Restaurant & Bar.