Dave’s Travel World

Where to Stay in San Francisco: The Best Neighbourhoods, Prices and Hotels

San Francisco may be compact, but choosing the right neighbourhood for your stay can make a surprisingly big difference to your trip. The city changes character within a few blocks, and a hotel that looks inexpensive on a map can be much less appealing once you discover its surroundings.

Where should you stay?

For most visitors, the best bases are Union Square, Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach and Marina/Cow Hollow.

If you require a hotel with parking facilities, the Mission and the Castro neighbourhoods are also worth considering.

Each area is described below:

Union Square

This remains the easiest all-round base. It is close to shopping, restaurants, theatres, Chinatown and the cable cars, while Powell Street provides excellent BART and Muni connections. If booking a hotel in the Union Square neighbourhood, though, make sure it is not too close to the neighbouring Tenderloin area. Check the hotel’s actual street address rather than just relying on it being described as being “near Union Square”.

Nob Hill

Nob Hill is one of the city’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods, characterised by grand historic buildings, cable cars, impressive views and some of San Francisco’s most prestigious hotels. It is quieter than Union Square but considerably hillier.

Fisherman’s Wharf

The Wharf area is unabashedly touristy, but its location is difficult to beat for a short first visit. Pier 39, Alcatraz departures, the waterfront and cable cars are all close by.

North Beach

This area, immediately east of Fisherman’s Wharf, offers a more appealing evening scene, with Italian restaurants, cafés, bars, and easy access to Chinatown and Coit Tower.

Marina and Cow Hollow

These areas feel less like a conventional tourist district. There are restaurants, cafés and shops along Chestnut and Union Streets, while the Presidio and Golden Gate Bridge are close by.

The Mission

This District is arguably San Francisco’s most rewarding neighbourhood for eating and drinking. Mexican and Latin American restaurants sit alongside modern restaurants, bars, bakeries and independent shops, while Dolores Park provides one of the city’s best views.

The Castro

The Castro combines colourful streets, LGBTQ+ history, restaurants, bars and excellent public transport. 

While the Mission and Castro neighbourhoods are not as convenient for visiting Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown, they both offer a much stronger sense of staying in a real San Francisco neighbourhood.

Where should you avoid staying?

The Tenderloin

This area, which borders onto Union Square, contains some very cheap accommodation. It also, however, suffers from persistent issues involving homelessness, drug use and street disorder. It is therefore best avoided.

Sixth Street and parts of SoMa/Mid-Market

These areas should also best be avoided. While some parts of SoMa, particularly those that are close to the museums and the Moscone Center, contain some excellent hotels, certain blocks around Sixth Street and parts of Mid-Market can feel considerably less comfortable, particularly after dark.

The rule is simple: if you are considering staying close to, or within these areas, investigate the exact block, not merely the neighbourhood name.

How much does accommodation cost in San Francisco?

San Francisco is expensive by American city-break standards. Good deals are possible, however, if you avoid visiting during major events.

As a sensible planning guide, expect to typically pay approximately:

	Low Season	Mid Season	High Season
Budget Range	$70 to $140	$100 to $200	$160 to $280+
Mid Range	$160 to $240	$200 to $350	$300 to $450+

These room rates are exclusive of taxes, parking and resort / destination fees.

When are the expensive periods?

High season: broadly from June to October, with September and October being particularly desirable because the weather is often warmer and clearer. By contrast, although classified as part of the high season, June to August can often be cool and foggy. 

Mid-season: roughly March to May and November. These times can offer some of the best combinations of reasonable prices and decent weather.

Low season: December to February. Winter is wetter, but accommodation demand is generally lower, and this is often the best time to hunt for bargains.

The important exception to the above is at times when major conventions and events are scheduled within the city.

San Francisco’s recovering tourism market and busy convention calendar mean that a seemingly quiet week can suddenly become extremely expensive.

Top budget places to stay include:

Green Tortoise Hostel — Located on Broadway in North Beach, the Green Tortoise Hostel is surrounded by restaurants, bars and Chinatown, with Fisherman’s Wharf within walking distance. Facilities include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, kitchen facilities, social events, lockers and common areas. Typical nightly rates range from  $60 to $120 for a dorm bed.

Find out more about the Green Tortoise Hostel.

ITH Pacific Tradewinds Backpacker Hostel — This tiny hostel occupies a central position near Chinatown and the Financial District. It offers breakfast, Wi-Fi, security, luggage storage, a kitchen and evening activities. Typical nightly rates range from $50 to $100 for a dorm bed.

Find out more about the ITH Pacific Tradewinds Backpacker Hostel.

HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel — Set within Fort Mason overlooking the bay, this hostel has perhaps the most attractive setting of the budget options. There are dormitories and private rooms, shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, games room, patio, laundry and free Wi-Fi. Typical nightly rates range from $70 to $140

Find out more about the HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel

San Remo Hotel — The historic San Remo in North Beach is a wonderfully old-fashioned alternative to anonymous chain hotels. Rooms are compact, and bathrooms are shared, but the location is superb for restaurants, Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf. Typical nightly room rates range from $100 to $180.

Find out more about the San Remo Hotel

Beck’s Motor Lodge — Beck’s, in the heart of Castro, is a renovated, low-frills motor lodge. Rooms are clean and comfortable, while free parking is a major advantage in San Francisco. The surrounding streets are packed with restaurants and bars, and Muni provides easy access to downtown. Typical room rates range from $150 to $220.

Find out more about the Beck’s Motor Lodge

Cow Hollow Inn & Suites — This is a straightforward hotel located in the Marina/Cow Hollow area. It’s surrounded by restaurants and shops and is within reasonable reach of the Presidio. Its biggest advantage is free parking, which can dramatically improve its value compared with other central hotels. Typical room rates range from $140 to $220.

Find out more about the Cow Hollow Inn & Suites

Castle Inn — Located in Russian Hill, this offers a simple motel-style stay. It’s located within walking distance of restaurants, shops and Lombard Street. Free parking is its major selling point, while rooms have refrigerators, microwaves and basic amenities. Typical room rates range from $130 to $220.

Find out more about the Castle Inn

Hotel Del Sol — This colourful, family-friendly hotel in Marina offers an outdoor heated pool, breakfast, Wi-Fi, parking and free bike use. Its gated setting and residential location appeals to families, while the pool is an unusual bonus at this price level. Typical room rates range from $160 to $250.

Find out more about the Hotel Del Sol

Chelsea Inn — This accommodation, in the heart of Marina, between Lombard and Fillmore Streets, is surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops. It offers complimentary parking for one vehicle per room and straightforward rooms rather than extensive hotel facilities. Typical room rates range from $140 to $220.

Find out more about the Chelsea Inn

Top mid-range hotels include:

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square — This historic boutique hotel puts you directly on Union Square, with a cable-car stop outside and BART and Muni within walking distance. Rooms are traditionally styled rather than ultra-modern, while useful touches include refrigerators, Wi-Fi, a bar and complimentary lobby refreshments. Typical room rates range from $150 to $300.

Find out more about the Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Axiom Hotel – The Axiom, located near to Union Square, occupies a converted historic building on Powell Street, making it one of the city’s most convenient bases for public transport. Rooms have a contemporary industrial aesthetic, while facilities include a fitness area, games and communal spaces. Typical room rates range from $180 to $320.

Find out more about the Axiom Hotel

The Marker Union Square — The Marker combines a historic building with colourful boutique interiors. It offers a restaurant / bar and comfortable rooms. It is located close to Union Square, theatres and Chinatown. It should be noted, though, that some of the surrounding streets change noticeably if you head towards the west. Typical room rates range from $170 to $330.

Find out more about The Marker Union Square

Hotel Triton — Hotel Triton is a small, colourful boutique hotel located close to Chinatown’s Dragon Gate, Union Square and the Financial District. Rooms are individually styled, while complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi and artwork add character. Typical room rates range from $160 to $300.

Find out more about the Hotel Triton

Hotel Nikko San Francisco – Located close to Union Square, this hotel provides a more polished experience than many similarly priced Union Square hotels, with Japanese-inspired interiors, a restaurant, fitness facilities and an indoor pool. Typical room rates range from $200 to $350.

Find out more about the Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Hotel Zeppelin — Located near to Union Square, Hotel Zeppelin takes a more playful approach to the boutique hotel formula, with rock-and-roll-inspired interiors, a games room, fitness facilities and an atmospheric bar. Typical room rates range from $180 to $330.

Find out more about the Hotel Zeppelin

LUMA Hotel San Francisco — Located in Mission Bay, the LUMA offers modern luxury without a luxury-hotel price. Rooms are contemporary and technology-focused, and the hotel offers a restaurant / bar, fitness centre and rooftop venue. Its location beside Oracle Park is excellent for baseball and the southern waterfront. Typical room rates range from $220 to $400.

Find out more about the LUMA Hotel San Francisco

Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf – This hotel combines a quieter, boutique feel with an exceptionally convenient Wharf location. Pier 39, the waterfront, and cable cars are within easy walking distance. Facilities include a courtyard, restaurant / bar, bike rental, Wi-Fi and family friendly amenities. Typical room rates range from $180 to $350.

Find out more about the Hotel Zoe Fisherman’s Wharf

Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf – This hotel offers a contemporary Fisherman’s Wharf base with a pool, fitness centre, games room, bar and family rooms. Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square are easily walkable. Typical room rates range from $180 to $350.

Find out more about the Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf – The Riu is a large, slightly dated, full-service hotel located a short walk from the Wharf and Pier 39. Rooms are generally spacious, breakfast is included, and there is a heated outdoor pool. Typical room rates range from $180 to $350.

Find out more about the Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf

So, where should you actually stay?

Best for that first visit

For a first visit, I’d choose Union Square if convenience is paramount, or Fisherman’s Wharf / North Beach if you want to be closest to the classic sights.

Best for neighbourhood and food experiences

For the best neighbourhood experience, choose the Castro, Marina or North Beach. For food and nightlife, the Mission is hard to beat.

Best for budget travellers

If you’re travelling on a tight budget, the strongest choices are San Remo, Beck’s Motor Lodge, Green Tortoise and ITH Pacific Tradewinds. The latter two hostels offer particularly good value if you are comfortable with shared facilities.

Best for mid-range travellers

For a mid-range hotel, the Chancellor is arguably the best all-rounder: historic, central, highly rated and often relatively affordable. LUMA is the standout if you prefer contemporary design, while Hotel Zoe and Hotel Caza are excellent choices for families.

Balance price with location

Don’t judge San Francisco’s accommodation purely by price. A hotel that saves $50 a night but puts you somewhere you don’t enjoy walking around can easily spoil your trip.

Always remember to check the exact address and also read all the detailed reviews before you make any booking.

Avoid major conventions and other events

Finally, to get the best hotel rates, it’s worth looking at the calendar to identify the dates of the City’s major conventions and other events. San Francisco’s hotel rates can change dramatically from one week to the next.

One Last Thought

Bear in mind that the months of September and October usually offer San Francisco’s best weather but are among the most expensive. 

For lower rates, check out the rainier and cooler months of December, January and February, or the shoulder periods between March and June and later in the year in November. These shoulder periods can often offer affordable prices and decent weather.

Finally, bear in mind that the period between June and August, although classified as high season, can often be cool and foggy.

Wherever you decide to stay, and whenever you visit, San Francisco is a gem of a city and well worth visiting.

Further Useful Information

For information on the City’s key attractions, please see my ‘San Francisco, Top Attractions’ page.

San Francisco’s Top Attractions – A Quick Guide

Also, for detailed guides to Fisherman’s Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Haight-Ashbury area, please see below:

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