A trip to San Francisco is a must-do on any traveler's list. There's so much to do in the City by the Bay, which is why so many keep coming back again and again. But where should you stay? San Francisco offers numerous lodging options, a hotel for every type of traveler. For your next trip, consider one of the best boutique hotels in the city, which can offer excellent quality at a good value.
While there's not one specific definition for “boutique hotel,” these establishments are generally smaller (under 100 rooms) with a unique and sometimes quirky flair that makes them stand out as individual properties worth visiting. Think of boutique hotels as the craft beer of the lodging world. Here are 11 worth a look.
Palihotel
Location: Union Square
What Makes This Boutique Hotel Unique: Location, location, location. Situated in the center of it all, this 82-room lodging offers easy access to all of San Francisco, being a short walk or public transit ride to nearly all points in the city. Plush rooms feature upscale Diptyque bath amenities and Smeg fridges for a bit of style. The Fisher Loft on the second floor is the spot for quality food and drink options after a long day of seeing all the city has to offer. For a preview of what to expect, check out the Pali Vibes playlist on Spotify.
Hotel Kabuki
Location: Japantown
What Makes This Boutique Hotel Unique: A place where East meets West, and relaxation is a priority.
Start with the Zen garden and koi pond. Add a smattering of Japanese art and calligraphy as well as lively, brightly colored decor. Finish with a Michelin-starred restaurant featuring California-inspired Thai cuisine. What do you get? The Hotel Kabuki, a calm oasis in the throng of the Japantown-Pacific Heights-Fillmore District area. The property features an industrial look highlighted by high ceilings and Douglas fir beams in the lobby, and oversized windows and balconies in the guest rooms. There's a 4,000-square-foot gym too, in case guests need to blow off steam or work off a multicourse meal.
The Lodge at the Presidio
Location: Presidio
What Makes This Boutique Hotel Unique: Wake up, draw back the window shade, and behold the Golden Gate Bridge.
The Lodge, located on the Main Post of the Presidio, is the San Francisco hotel closest to the Golden Gate Bridge. The building—formerly the Montgomery Street Barracks—dates to 1897 and was used to house military personnel until 1980. But don't worry: It's been updated to feature elegant, well-appointed rooms, outdoor fire pits where guests can take in sights of the bay and Golden Gate Strait, and lodge areas for chilling or sipping a glass of local wine.
Hotel Zetta
Location: SoMa
What Makes This Boutique Hotel Unique: It has a whimsical spirit, a giant Plinko board, and game rooms galore.
San Francisco's creative spirit is embodied in the walls of Hotel Zetta. Located in the heart of SoMa, steps from some of the most forward-thinking tech companies in the world, the establishment is just blocks away from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and dozens of exceptional dining options. Guests looking to stay on campus can enjoy The Cavalier, an upscale British brasserie serving dinner and cocktails. Book one of the 116 rooms and start enjoying the good life.
Laurel Inn
Location: Pacific Heights
What Makes This Boutique Hotel Unique: It’s ideal for a long stay.
Rooms at the Laurel Inn can feel less like a hotel and more like a studio apartment: They are large, well-appointed, and 18 of them have kitchenettes. The inn is located a few blocks from the Presidio, offering easy access to splendid views of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as other attractions such as Golden Gate Park and the new Tunnel Tops. Make sure you return to the hotel in a timely fashion, however, as the fresh cookies at 3 p.m. are not to be missed.
Hotel Zeppelin
Location: Union Square
What Makes This Boutique Hotel Unique: It's for those who break the rules (or those who want to).
Considering the venue takes its name from the famous band, it shouldn't be a shock that Hotel Zeppelin is cool, bold, and bohemian with a bit of rock and roll flair. Each of the comfortable rooms includes a record player and selection of vinyl, while a wall of basketball hoops waits for anyone who wants to hoist a few jumpers. Zeppelin Café in the lobby is ideal for a quick espresso or light bite on the way out to the many attractions within walking distance.
Hotel Drisco
Location: Pacific Heights
What Makes This Boutique Hotel Unique: No ifs, ands, or buts about it—this is a classy place to stay.
If you're at Hotel Drisco, you're living in a world of cream and white and class. Everything from the building itself (an elegant Edwardian-era design dating to 1903) to the views of upscale Pacific Heights hint at the finer things in life. There's also a gourmet complimentary breakfast—think yogurt parfaits, bagels and lox, and more—as well as complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres in the evenings. And don't sleep on the complimentary chauffeur service that will take guests on one-way trips to any destination within the city of San Francisco.
Staypineapple Hotel
Location: Union Square
What Makes This Boutique Hotel Unique: A focus on comfort combined with a fun flair at an attractive and flexible price.
A hotel named after a fruit—especially one that’s a symbol for generosity and hospitality—is a good time. The pineapple-influenced color scheme is distinctive, fun, and inviting. Staypineapple, which has half a dozen locations in other cities as well, offers its signature "Naked Experience," which means massive duvets, cozy robes, and plush towels for maximum comfort. Big comfort doesn’t have to mean big budget, however, and this chain is known for providing excellent value. The daily amenity fee provides access to offerings including beach cruisers (bright yellow, of course) as well as in-room coffee and tea service.
Phoenix Hotel
Location: Tenderloin
What Makes This Boutique Hotel Unique: An opportunity to stay where rock legends have slept.
The Phoenix Hotel features just 44 rooms but what stories they could tell. The downtown location has a special place in the heart of many a rock star, catering to past guests such as Neil Young, David Bowie, and Kurt Cobain. It's a place where Debbie Harry and JFK Jr. once checked into the same room. Today, the space is colorful and bright with plenty of neon, and there's an art-filled pool always heated to a balmy 85 degrees. Swim, sing, and enjoy the pulsating vibe in the center of San Francisco.
Mansion on Sutter
Location: Pacific Heights
What Makes This Boutique Hotel Unique: A night at this establishment is the best way to pretend to live in Victorian-era opulence.
The only five-star Victorian mansion in San Francisco is located in the Payne House, a sprawling home designed by architect William F. Curlett with 17,000 square feet of living space. Each of the 10 guest suites offer their own special elements, from the Japanese soaking tub of the Champagne Room to the personal fireplace with an outer hearth of Rosso Alicante marble in the Bay Suite. Make time to absorb the art in the common spaces, curated from the personal collection of Dr. Bernard and Cynthia Rosenson.
Proper Hotel
Location: Mid-Market
What Makes This Boutique Hotel Unique: It’s a hotel you never have to leave.
Located on the border of Union Square, Civic Center, and SoMa, this 131-room gem has amenities to spare. The color-forward, art-filled lobby is a vibrant space that’s perfect for work or play; Charmaine's is one of the best rooftop bars in the city; and Villon features a hyper-seasonal menu while La Bande's European cafe-influenced setting is an excellent alternative. If a tasting menu repast is more your style, check out Gilda's Salon Dinners.
The dozen options above are all wonderful places to stay but sometimes you want something different than a boutique hotel. If that's the case, make sure to check out San Francisco's best luxury hotels or a list of hotels for every type of traveler.
And if you’re exploring other destinations in California, be sure to research the upscale lodging options. Consider one of San Diego's best boutique hotels or perhaps one of these 12 luxury oceanfront hotels fits the bill. When it comes to special places to spend the night, the West Coast truly is the best coast.
