We have created a list with the best small luxury hotels in San Francisco, USA. Hope you enjoy it. We think it might be the best of its kind around. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!
A list by Eva Novak & Adam Jensen. Updated March 2024.
Highly elegant. Unique. Superb breakfast. Popular among couples. Built in 1903, Hotel Drisco boasts Edwardian architecture. Atop Pacific Heights on Pacific Avenue, this luxurious San Francisco hotel is only 5 minutes' walk from Presidio National Park. The en suite bathrooms feature luxury bath amenities and plush microfiber robes. Each guest room provides free WiFi. Guest rooms at this hotel boast modern amenities such as a 42-inch flat-screen HDTV and a Blu-ray player. Egyptian cotton sheets, goose down comforters and an adaptive sound sleep machine are provided. Fresh espresso can be brewed with the in-room coffee machine. Guests can enjoy 24-hour room service. Hotel Drisco features a free gourmet continental breakfast and free evening wine and cheese reception with fresh fruit and hot hors d'oeuvres. Guests will also appreciate free weekday car service to Union Square, the Financial District and Presidio businesses. After a cup of coffee in the sitting room, visitors can enjoy a workout in the on-site fitness centre or take advantage of free access to the nearby YMCA. With a 24-hour business centre, guests at the Drisco Hotel can always be productive. San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square is 4.5 km away from Hotel Drisco.Show full description
This might be the most elegant, unique and authentic small luxury hotel in San Francisco. Soooo nice!
Rooftop bar. Great views. Overlooking San Francisco’s Embarcadero waterfront, this hotel features an outdoor rooftop terrace. Free WiFi is provided in all guest rooms. Oracle Park is 1.6 km away. A flat-screen cable TV and an honour bar are featured in each spacious guest room at 1 Hotel San Francisco. Plush bathrobes, comfortable slippers and free boutique toiletries are provided in the en suite bathrooms. A spacious work desk and an ergonomic chair are also offered in each guest room. A 24-hour business centre and a 24-hour fitness centre are available to guests. San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge is 9 km away from this hotel. San Francisco International Airport is 30 minutes’ drive from 1 Hotel San Francisco. Chase Center is 3.4 km away.Show full description
Historic. Unique. Great views. Built high atop Ghirardelli Square with San Francisco Bay views, this urban San Francisco resort features luxurious apartments with free WiFi and fully equipped gourmet kitchens. Sweeping terraces with fire pits are featured on-site. All spacious apartments at The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square include a fireplace and a high-end entertainment system. All bedrooms are designed with an enclosed glass shower in the en suite bathroom. Exposed brick walls in all apartments offer natural soundproofing and a preserved element of the original Ghirardelli Square façade. An in-unit washer and dryer are tucked away in a closet for guest use. Select apartments feature bay views. Grocery shopping and chef services can be arranged before guests’ arrive or during their stay through the 24-hour concierge and butler. Room service from Palette, San Francisco Brewing Company, and McCormick & Kuleto's Seafood Restaurant is offered daily. The Fairmont Heritage elevators open directly to Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, local San Francisco boutiques and restaurants on Ghirardelli Square. All elevators and entrances are accessed securely by only guest key card access. San Francisco Maritime National Museum and Fisherman’s Wharf is 2 minutes’ walk away. Located at the foot of Golden Gate Bridge, the dog-friendly Crissy Field is 15 minutes’ bike ride away from The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square. All Residence Reservations include Two complimentary Valet Parking spots.Show full description
Stylish. Lovely interior design. Good breakfast.Opened June 2021. Ideally set in San Francisco, citizenM San Francisco Union Square features air-conditioned rooms, a fitness centre, free WiFi and a shared lounge. The property is around less than 1 km from Moscone Center, a 16-minute walk from San Francisco City Hall and 2.7 km from Oracle Park. The property is non-smoking and is situated 400 metres from Union Square. At the hotel, the rooms are fitted with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All rooms in citizenM San Francisco Union Square are fitted with free toiletries and an iPad. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. At citizenM San Francisco Union Square you will find a restaurant serving American cuisine. Ironing facilities, and a business centre are available, as well as a 24-hour front desk. Coit Tower is 3.1 km from the hotel, while Pier 39 is 3.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is San Francisco International Airport, 20 km from citizenM San Francisco Union Square.Show full description
Opened October 2021. Situated in San Francisco, 400 metres from Oracle Park, LUMA Hotel San Francisco - #1 Hottest New Hotel in the US features accommodation with a private parking, a fitness centre, frette bed linens, bathrobes and slippers. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with complimentary WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides an ATM, a concierge service and luggage storage for guests. All rooms at the hotel have air conditioning, mini refrigerator and a desk. The bathroom is equipped with dual head walk in shower and etro Italian bath and body amenities. Guests at LUMA Hotel San Francisco - #1 Hottest New Hotel in the US can enjoy our coffee shop with pastries. Moscone Center is 1.3 km from the accommodation, while Union Square is 2.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is San Francisco International Airport, 16 km from LUMA Hotel San Francisco - #1 Hottest New Hotel in the US. Closest hotel to the Chase Center with less than a 10 minute walk, and next to the Central Subway Mission Rock Station to Union Square and Chinatown. 2023 TripAdvisor #1 Hottest New Hotel in USA . Show full description
Very stylish. Charming. Superb interior design. This Beat Generation-inspired boutique centrally located hotel is located in San Francisco's Theatre District, just 4 minutes' walk from Union Square. Hotel Emblem San Francisco, offers eclectic guest rooms with Wi-Fi and room service. Hotel Emblem San Francisco, offers a unique hotel atmosphere, complete with literary-themed furnishings, original art and live music. Cozy guestrooms at the hotel are furnished with state-of-the-art amenities, including smart TVs, bathrobes and Nespresso coffee machines. Plan the day's activities with help from the concierge staff or take advantage of wireless internet access. Relax in the evening with cocktails at the Obscenity Bar & Lounge. Discover many of central San Francisco's most popular attractions, including the historic cable car system, within walking distance of Hotel Emblem San Francisco. San Francisco's Chinatown is 12 minutes' walk from Hotel Emblem San Francisco. North Beach and the iconic Coit Tower are 3.2 km away. The hotel features bicycles for touring San Francisco.Show full description
In my judgement this could be the most WELL DESIGNED small luxury hotel in San Francisco.
Cosy rooms. Great value. Popular among couples. Centrally located in downtown San Francisco, this luxury 4-star hotel is one block from Union Square. It offers an Italian restaurant and rooftop lounge, a sauna, and spacious rooms with free WiFi. Club Donatello’s air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with a 50-inch HD LED TV and a Blu-ray DVD player. A compact refrigerator, an in-room safe and a minibar are also provided. Donatello’s Club 1500 is located on the top floor of the building and offers panoramic views of the city. Zingari Ristorante serves authentic Northern Italian cuisine. Guests of Club Donatello have free access to the gym and 24-hour business centre. Tour assistance are also provided by the concierge. A.C.T.’s Geary Theater is just 3 minutes’ walk from Club Donatello. Home of professional baseball’s San Francisco Giants, ORACLE Park is 10 minutes’ drive away. San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace is 1.8 km away.Show full description
Delightful property. Charming. Great breakfast. Situated in San Francisco, 4.2 km from Moscone Center, Parker Guest House features accommodation with a garden. Parking is limited and reservations are required. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service and luggage storage space. The hotel have a computer and printer for guest use. With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hair dryer, rooms at the hotel also boast free WiFi. At Parker Guest House, rooms are equipped with a ROKU flat screen TV with cable channels. The accommodation offers a continental or buffet breakfast. Parker Guest House offers a sun terrace. San Francisco City Hall is 2.4 km from the hotel, while University of San Francisco is 3.7 km from the property. The nearest airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and is about 20.8 km from Parker Guest House.Show full description
This is likely the most beautiful, charming and relaxing small luxury hotel in San Francisco. WOW!
Rooftop pool. Comfortable beds. Offering Italian-inspired design, this centrally located San Francisco hotel is just 3 minutes’ walk from the popular sights of Union Square. It features an on-site restaurant and offers spacious rooms with free WiFi. Every bright air-conditioned room at The Donatello Hotel is equipped with a microwave, a refrigerator and a coffee machine. Rooms include a comfortable living area with a sofa bed. A flat-screen cable TV, a DVD player and a stereo are also provided. A hot tub and on-site spa services are just 2 options guests have to relax at this hotel. A fitness centre and a business centre are located on-site and a tour desk with local information is available. Hotel Donatello's restaurant, Zingari Ristorante, serves traditional Italian dishes for dinner and offers live jazz music. The Curran Theatre is 3 minutes’ walk from this hotel. Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 are each 3.5 km away.Show full description
Relaxing atmosphere. Elegant. Steps from Union Square, this historic yet modernized hotel features classic European charm and in-room spa services. It includes the 2 Michelin Star rated Campton Place Restaurant and a 24-hour rooftop gym. Each elegant guest room at the Taj Campton Place includes a state-of-the-art sound system. Most rooms boast cozy window seats and every bathroom is designed with limestone and features deep soaking tubs. Deluxe bedding and amenities are provided. Campton Place’s Michelin-star restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired California cuisine and features an extensive wine list. Campton Place Bar & Bistro offers bistro-style late-night dining, wine and specialty cocktails. The hotel offers 24-hour room service. Guests are blocks from numerous light rail stops and less than 2-miles from Fisherman’s Wharf. Bay Bridge is 1.5-miles away while the Golden Gate Bridge is 5.4-miles from the Taj Place.Show full description
Comfortable beds. Great interior design. Popular among women and couples. Staypineapple is a historic 1913 hotel located just 5 minutes' walk from vibrant Union Square. It offers a coffee and treats reception at check-in and free WiFi in all rooms. A blend of modern decor and restored 1930s Victorian elegance is featured in all rooms. A flat-screen cable TV is featured in each room. A hairdryer is included in the en suite bathroom. A coffee machine allows guests to brew a fresh cup of coffee each morning. A computer in the lobby is available for guest use. Concierge services and a 24-hour reception provide convenient guest assistance. San Francisco’s Chinatown is 1 km away from Staypineapple. Grace Cathedral is 8 minutes’ walk away.Show full description
Historic property. Beautiful. Home to the historic Magneta Grandfather Clock, this luxury Union Square hotel is directly in front of a San Francisco cable car stop. Guests can chose from a variety of on-site dining options at this hotel. The Dragon’s Gate entrance to Chinatown is 7 minutes’ walk away. Offering cityscape views, the historic "Landmark Building" rooms are styled in period and elegant furnishings, while "Tower Building" rooms are styled in modern decor. The contemporary rooms at The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square provide spacious windows and a flat-screen cable TV. A coffee machine, a minibar and a work desk are included in each room. Guests of this hotel can stop by Cafe Rito for morning coffee or enjoy American favorites for dinner at The Oak Room Restaurant. The Clock Bar opens every evening and serves premium cocktails, while Chateau Montelena offers wine tastings from this award winning Napa Valley winery. The WestinWORKOUT fitness centre is available for guests. Free WiFi is offered in the hotel lobby. Home of the San Francisco Giants professional baseball team, AT&T Park is 2 km away from The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square. A.C.T Geary Theater and the Curran Theater are 3 minutes’ walk way.Show full description
Great location. Cosy rooms. Located next to Chinatown, this hotel is 3 km from San Francisco Art Institute. It boasts a rooftop garden and patio, and offers free WiFi. Guests can enjoy an iPod dock in their rooms at Orchard Garden Hotel. Rooms feature pastel colors, organic bath products and a large work desk. Smart TVs are also available and have the ability to connect to guests' phones and tablets. The Orchard Garden's on-site restaurant Roots offers American cuisine. The restaurant is only open for breakfast. Cardio room facilities and free WiFi are provided at this hotel. Also offered are a tour desk and concierge services. Ferry Plaza and the scenic Justin Herman Plaza are 3 km from the hotel. Fisherman's Wharf is 9 minutes' drive away.Show full description
Elegant. Cosy rooms. Located five minutes’ walk to the shops and restaurants at Union Square and Yerba Buena Gardens, this San Francisco hotel provides a full-service spa, an adult indoor lap pool and a restaurant. Select suites feature a view of San Francisco at the Four Seasons San Francisco. Small plates for sharing, steaks from local ranches, and other market-to-table options are provided. Each elegant room is equipped with a seating area, a large soaking bath tub, a flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. Bathrobes, slippers and large deposit boxes to store valuables are also provided. San Francisco Four Seasons Hotel provides free access to the adjacent Equinox Sports Club fitness centre. Guests can enjoy a group exercise class and relax with a massage in the spa. MKT Restaurant - Bar features an urban-chic atmosphere and offers handcrafted cocktails. The Ferry Building gourmet markets, shops and ferry transport to Sausalito is less than 20 minutes’ walk away from Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. Pier 39 and Aquarium on the Bay at Fisherman’s Wharf is just 1.5 miles away.Show full description
Elegant. Historic. Cosy rooms. Popular among couples. Mansion on Sutter is situated in San Francisco, 1.3 km from San Francisco City Hall and 1.6 km from Union Square. The property is around 2.9 km from Moscone Center, 3 km from Ghirardelli Square and 3.5 km from University of San Francisco. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At Mansion on Sutter rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. A gym, business centre and ironing facilities are available at the accommodation. Staff speak English and Spanish at the reception. Coit Tower is 4 km from Mansion on Sutter, while Alcatraz is 4.1 km from the property. The nearest airport is San Francisco International Airport, 20 km from the hotel.Show full description
This boutique hotel is popular among couples travelling to San Francisco.
Nice interior design. Across the street from Westfield Shopping Center, this Central San Francisco hotel offers rooms with a 46-inch flat-screen smart TV. Food options are offered in the full-service bar and lounge area. Free WiFi, an iPod docking station, a portable wireless Bluetooth speaker, and double-panned windows for quiet and privacy are included in all guest rooms at Hotel Zetta San Francisco. A seating area, work desk, and an Illy espresso coffee machine are included. A tiled walk-in shower, bathrobes and premium toiletries are provided. The Cavalier Restaurant, a UK-Style brasserie, is located on site. A full-service bar and lounge are also available. A state-of-the-art fitness centre is offered for guest use at the Hotel Zetta San Francisco. A concierge, and laundry services are featured for guest convenience. A games room is also featured on site. San Francisco's vibrant Union Square and the Moscone Center are both within 10 minutes’ walk away from this hotel.Show full description
Great views. Nestled along the edge of the San Francisco Bay, between the Financial District and Oracle Park, Harbor Court Hotel is a completely non-smoking, boutique hotel. It is eco-friendly. Harbor Court Hotel features guestrooms with flat-screen TVs and iHome sound systems. A yoga mat is also available, as well as premium bath products. Accessible rooms are available upon request. Guests at the Harbor Court will have access to the adjacent YMCA's state-of-the-art workout equipment and indoor pool. Guests can enjoy a meal from the Ozumo Sushi Bar and Robata Grill, also located next door, for delicious Japanese cuisine.Show full description
Popular among women. Centrally located in heart of San Francisco city centre, this luxury boutique hotel is 5 minutes’ walk from Union Square and 2 minutes’ walk from the American Conservatory Theater. An on-site bar and restaurant are located on site. An iPod docking station and a 32-inch flat-screen TV with film channels are included in every spacious room at Hotel Adagio. They each have a view of Union Square or the city skyline. A fitness centre is part of the hotel. The reception desk is staffed 24-hours a day. The Mortimer, a sophisticated and chic cocktail lounge, serves drinks in the lobby each evening. Elliott offers breakfast each morning and serves dishes with farm-to-table ingredients. For packages that include breakfast, American Breakfast is Included for 2 adults only daily. Curran Theater is 2 minutes’ walk from the Adagio Hotel. Maiden Lane is half a mile away.Show full description
Great value. Great views. Popular among women. Located in San Francisco’s Marina District, Infinity Hotel San Francisco, Tapestry Collection by Hilton offers spacious rooms with free WiFi and a cable TV. It is just a 6-minute drive from the famous Golden Gate Bridge. A refrigerator and large work desk are provided in all rooms at the Infinity Hotel San Francisco, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Each room is warmly decorated and includes a hairdryer and clock radio. Fisherman’s Wharf and the historic Alcatraz Island are both within a 10-minute drive of the motel. The San Francisco International Airport is 16.3 miles away. Infinity Hotel San Francisco, Tapestry Collection by Hilton offers a concierge and tour desk to assist guests with travel plans.Show full description
Popular among women. Situated in the heart of Japantown, Kimpton Enso Hotel features spacious accommodations and an on-site restaurant and bar. Offering boutique shops and cafes, San Francisco’s Fillmore District is 10 minutes’ walk away. Decorated with Japanese art, the contemporary guest rooms at The Kimpton Enso Hotel are furnished with LDC flat-screen TVs with HD channels. Other room amenities include mini-refrigerators, a full size desk, a in-room safe. Guests can enjoy dining at the many local, nearby restaurants in Japantown Guests of Kimpton Enso Hotel can discover Japanese restaurants, unique shops, sushi bars and more right outside the hotel’s front door. Watch a movie at the nearby Sundance Kabuki Cinema or take a bus downtown to Union Square, 1.8 km away.Show full description
We do our best to keep this list very up to date. It was last edited in March 2024. If you know of a small luxury hotel that should be on the list, let us know. Click here to contact us. Thanks!
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