Best Hotels near Academy of Art University

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 Bonvoy loyalty club member, you can use or redeem points by choosing to stay here.

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 Bonvoy program.

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.

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.

Like many W hotels, San Francisco's iteration is über-trendy, yet remarkably comfortable. Previous guests were pleased with the hotel's accommodations, which include pillow-top mattresses, goose-down bedding, flat-screen TVs and access to iPod shuffles and a variety of DVDs through the hotel's Whatever/Whenever program. The W San Francisco also provides pet beds, litter boxes and food bowls for those traveling with four-legged companions. In addition to its guest rooms, the W also has TRACE, a restaurant that serves socially conscious Californian cuisine, and the lavish Bliss Spa, where you can watch a movie while you get your nails done. Sitting near the Yerba Buena Gardens in the SoMa neighborhood, this Marriott-affiliated hotel makes a great choice for business and leisure travelers alike. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.

Sidling up next to Ferry Building Marketplace along the Embarcadero, the Hyatt Regency San Francisco earns high praise for its convenient location. Business travelers will find their needs well-met thanks to the hotel's business center, ample meeting space and high-speed internet access. Sightseers will have the city at their front door, with downtown San Francisco and the city's waterfront attractions just a short walk – or trolley ride – away. This massive Hyatt property houses a whopping 804 guest rooms, all of which feature flat-screen TVs, iHome stereo systems and coffee makers. However, not all guests were satisfied with the room decor, saying that the accommodations were nothing special considering their lofty rates. But many visitors say that they received a warm welcome from the staff and that the views from this property are hard to beat. While staying here, travelers will have access to the Hyatt Regency's 24-hour fitness center, as well as its in-house restaurant. And because of its brand ties, Hyatt loyalty program members can earn and use rewards when bedding down here.