Best Hotels near San Francisco Art Institute

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. 

Hotel Zoe Fisherman's Wharf, which is part of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts family, is located near San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf and offers 221 accommodations. All rooms come equipped with 50-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access, hand-held garment steamers and minifridges; decor is neutral with tan walls, white linens, light blue patterned carpets and black throw pillows. Outside the rooms, guests can take advantage of the meeting facilities or enjoy a meal in the on-site eatery, Pescatore, an Italian restaurant that specializes in seafood and traditional dishes. But if you're not craving Italian, you'll find plenty of restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood. While a few past guests had positive things to say about this property (they praised its location and were pleasantly surprised by the rooms), others were disappointed with poor service from the staff and erroneous charges after checkout.

This Hilton's units are completely contemporary, adding extra style to visitors San Francisco stay. The 543 guest rooms feature Hilton's signature Serenity beds, flat-screen TVs and large work desks with ergonomic chairs. And the hotel's location, on the fringes of Chinatown and the Financial District, make it a convenient choice for business and leisure travelers alike. However, a central seat does have its downside – some guests, particularly those who stayed on floors closer to street level, complained of late-night noise. Should you need a little extra relaxation, the Hilton San Francisco Financial District houses an on-site day spa, as well as a fitness center. What's more, this property participates in the Hilton Honors program, offering rewards that can be redeemed for free nights in Hilton properties around the globe.

Located on the northeastern tip of San Francisco's peninsula, the Hyatt Centric Fisherman's Wharf offers comfortable amenities within reach of the city's biggest tourist draws. All of the hotel's 316 guest rooms come with 47-inch flat-screen TVs and Keurig coffee makers, as well as minifridges and complimentary high-speed internet access. While travelers appreciate the well-equipped rooms, some grumble about the hotel's nightly parking fees ($59). On the other hand, the modern American fare served at Brick & Beam, the hotel's on-site restaurant, has garnered approval from previous visitors. And those traveling with kids appreciated having access to the property's heated outdoor pool. Because this property belongs to the Hyatt hotel family, loyalty club members can earn or redeem points here.

It's easy to see why this Sheraton hotel would be a hit with leisure travelers (families especially): Just a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of Fisherman's Wharf, this property sits within walking distance of many San Francisco must-sees, including the Musée Mechanique, Pier 39 and the ferries to Alcatraz. But location isn't the only thing recent guests rave about – the customer service here earns high praise. As far as rooms go, the Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf offers visitors plenty of space to kick back and take a load off. Rooms are dressed in bright turquoise and yellow hues, and each one comes with a flat-screen TV, the brand's signature Sweet Sleeper bed and high-speed internet access (for a fee). But be warned: previous guests say that street noise can quickly ruin a good night's sleep, so make sure to request a room away from the streets. When you're not out on the town, take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or work up a sweat at the fitness center. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.