Best Pool Hotels in San Francisco

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.

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.

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.

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.

Less than 3 miles southeast of San Francisco International Airport and about 15 miles south of downtown San Francisco, The Westin San Francisco Airport in Millbrae is a convenient jumping-off point for red-eye fliers. Each of its guest rooms comes with a flat-screen TV, 24-hour room service and white tea-scented bath amenities, and deluxe rooms offer views of the San Francisco Bay. Although most visitors report a comfortable stay, some note that the room decor –characterized by beige hues and crisp, white bedding – is starting to look a little tired. Internet access is also available throughout the hotel for an additional fee. Also on-site are a fully loaded fitness center and an expansive indoor swimming pool (complete with a hot tub). Come dinner time, Grill & Vine can satisfy your craving for classic American cuisine. And when you need to catch your flight, you can take the complimentary shuttle. Recent guests with cars, however, groan about the hotel's nightly parking fee. And because this hotel is part of the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use 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.

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. 

Positioned at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cavallo Point provides visitors with a beautiful skyline view of San Francisco and a relaxed, luxurious place to hang their hats. Guests can rejuvenate at the Healing Arts Center & Spa with unconventional spa offerings such as acupuncture and energy healing treatments. And the delectable cuisine served at the fine dining restaurant, Murray Circle Restaurant, impresses most diners. Let's not forget about the accommodations: The resort – which occupies the former army base, Fort Baker – has a variety of suites that are all comfortably furnished and exceedingly spacious. Most rooms here also come equipped with gas-burning fireplaces, and all rooms are stocked with flat-screen TVs, organic linens and minifridges. Wi-Fi and parking access are available following the payment of a $28 daily resort fee.  

At first glance, this boutique hotel near Union Square may seem more geared toward business travelers – the hotel lobby, with its wall-to-wall marble covering and sparse furnishings, exudes a more serious aura. But the guest rooms have a softer side, with a soothing blue and white color palette and expansive windows offering views of downtown San Francisco. Though they do contain large work spaces, accommodations here also cater to those simply looking to kick back and relax, with iPod docking stations, flat-screen TVs and pillow-top beds. Guests describe the digs as comfortable, but some lament the fact that there are fees to use the 24-hour fitness center. Despite this, many guests agree that the hotel's central location in the city is truly unbeatable. And though guests are within walking distance of numerous neighborhood eateries, those looking to try California cuisine with a hint of Asian flavor can grab a bite in the on-site Restaurant ANZU.

Just off Powell Street near the Yerba Buena Gardens, the San Francisco Marriott Marquis sits within easy reach of the city's transportation circuits (including the legendary cable cars), making it a good home base for visitors planning to cover a lot of ground. And when you need to take a load off, you'll find the Marriott's guest rooms cozy, with LCD TVs, pillow-top mattresses and high-speed Internet access. For a quick bite to eat, previous guests highly recommend grabbing a drink and some appetizers at The View Lounge. This rooftop restaurant's giant floor-to-ceiling windows give visitors expansive views of the bay. For something a little more filling, head to Bin 55 Restaurant for plates piled high with Continental cuisine. And should you need to burn some calories, this Marriott Marquis property houses a fitness center and an indoor pool (not to mention spa services). Keep in mind that Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points by staying here.

About 5 miles south of the San Francisco International Airport in Burlingame, California, the Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront is not the airport's closest hotel, but it does feature nice views of the San Francisco Bay and less noise from passing planes. Travelers say that the guest rooms are nothing special, but most report a pleasant stay thanks to amenities like 42-inch flat-screen TVs, ample work space and pillow-top beds. You will have to pay for internet access in your room, but Wi-Fi in the lobby is free of charge. This Hilton hotel also houses a fitness center and a pool (a highlight for those traveling with kids). When it's time for a meal, the excellent views offered at the in-house restaurant, Windows on the Bay, receive high praise from patrons. However, some recent guests rail against the charge for parking – save some dough by leaving the car at home and using the hotel's complimentary shuttle to get to the airport on time. Thanks to its Hilton ties, Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem points here.

About 15 miles south of downtown San Francisco, this member of the Hyatt family is about as close as you'll get to sleeping in the San Francisco International Airport (but you'll be a lot more comfortable). The Burlingame hotel houses 789 guest rooms and suites, each equipped with iHome stereos, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi access and minifridges. Lodgers praise the hotel for its cleanliness and proximity to the airport, but many cite noise as an issue – especially from traffic on nearby Highway 101. Your best bet for getting a good night's sleep is booking a bay-view room on one of the hotel's higher floors. But before you head to your digs, grab a bite to eat at 3SIXTY Bistro for farm-to-table fare. You'll also find an outdoor pool and a 24-hour gym on-site. If you're a member of the brand's loyalty program, you can earn and redeem points here for free stays or meals

You'll find this Hilton hotel near San Francisco's Union Square – and for some visitors, that's the best thing about it. Though guests are complimentary of the comfortable beds and flat-screen TVs, the guest rooms fail to impress – previous guests make ample use of the words "adequate" and "decent" in their descriptions of the accommodations. On the other hand, the Hilton San Francisco Union Square does boast both a pool and a fitness center, as well as business traveler-friendly amenities. There is also the on-site Herb N' Kitchen, which serves casual fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Be prepared for lofty room rates here, though Hilton Honors members looking to bed down in a convenient location can earn and redeem loyalty points here.

Like its sister property – the InterContinental Mark Hopkins – the InterContinental San Francisco is geared mostly toward corporate travelers. But that doesn't mean that it's all about business: After all, it's located in San Francisco's hip South of Market neighborhood. Guest rooms cater to business and leisure travelers alike with high-speed internet access (for a fee), LCD TVs, iPod docking stations and minibars. Recent guests said that the decor is nothing to write home about, but that the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows were breathtaking – request a room on a higher floor to truly take advantage of the scenery. Meanwhile, the contemporary American cuisine served at the hotel's Michelin-star rated restaurant garners praise as well. If you're only looking for a drink, the hotel's on-site Bar 888 keeps the grappa (its specialty) flowing.What's more, if you're a member of the IHG rewards program, you can earn or redeem points for staying here.

Sitting about 15 miles south of downtown San Francisco in Burlingame, California, the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront wins over red-eye fliers with its convenience and reliability. Guests particularly appreciate the hotel's complimentary airport shuttle service, and the front desk staff is reportedly kind and helpful, regardless of what time of day you arrive. Travelers describe the rooms as clean and comfortable and recommend taking advantage of the location by booking a room with a view of the bay. Guests can also find a fitness center and indoor pool on-site, as well as the Hangar Steak restaurant and Starbucks. However, with all its perks, some guests couldn't help but feel irked by the extra charges for Wi-Fi and parking. Keep in mind that Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points by staying here.