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4-star hotels in San Francisco
A shortlist of 15 four-star hotels in San Francisco, from Union Square and Nob Hill addresses to the waterfront and the airport. It is for travellers weighing a central sightseeing base against a waterside stay or a room near SFO.
Staying in San Francisco
San Francisco rewards visitors who stay central. Union Square is the main shopping and hotel district, with department stores, boutiques and theatres, and easy access to cable cars and public transit. Fisherman's Wharf draws crowds for seafood, souvenir shops and bay views towards Alcatraz, while SoMa mixes museums, tech offices and the Moscone Center. Nob Hill holds grand hotels and architecture with panoramic city views.
Most hotels on this shortlist sit close to the centre: on California, Sutter, Bush, Powell, Geary, Mason and Ellis streets, and around Union Square and Nob Hill. Others are further out: on Jefferson Street by the waterfront, on Channel Street in SoMa, on King Street near the bay, and at 55 S Mcdonnell Rd by the airport. Couples and first-time visitors tend to prefer the downtown addresses; families are served by hotels with family rooms; business travellers and event-goers fit SoMa; short breaks work anywhere central.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Grand Hyatt at SFO
55 S Mcdonnell Rd, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereFor travellers who want a 4-star base right at the airport, this Grand Hyatt on South McDonnell Road pairs a 24-hour front desk with a fitness centre and an on-site restaurant. Pets are allowed and rooms are air conditioned with free wifi. A guest rating of 4.7 from 1268 reviews reflects strong approval, though the hotel sits 19.3 km from the city centre, so it suits airport-focused trips rather than downtown sightseeing.
See Grand Hyatt at SFOKasa The Addison San Francisco
2263 Sacramento St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Travelling with pets
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThese Sacramento Street apartments put a full kitchen, kitchenette and dishwasher in guests' hands, with laundry service and free wifi alongside. Non-smoking units come with a safe, hairdryer and towels, and pets are welcome. A guest rating of 4.9 from 97 reviews makes this the best-rated address on the list, and at 1.5 km from the centre it works well for longer stays by travellers who prefer self-catering to hotel dining.
See Kasa The Addison San FranciscoOmni San Francisco Hotel
500 California St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereOn California Street, the Omni combines a fitness centre and garage parking with a lounge and bars, plus babysitting service for families. Pets are allowed, rooms have bathrobes and minibars, and a 24-hour front desk handles late arrivals. Its 4.6 rating comes from 2381 reviews, and at 1.3 km from the centre it sits close to downtown while offering business travellers a business centre and concierge.
See Omni San Francisco HotelcitizenM San Francisco Union Square
72 Ellis Street, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Breakfast · Business trips
- Breakfast
- Lounge
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereMinutes from Union Square at 0.6 km from the centre, citizenM keeps things compact and sociable: a lounge, a restaurant and breakfast, with free wifi and air conditioning throughout. Express check-in speeds up arrival, and the 24-hour front desk covers late nights. Wheelchair-accessible rooms and a business centre round it out. The 4.6 guest rating from 659 reviews suits short city breaks built around shopping and walking.
See citizenM San Francisco Union SquareLUMA Hotel San Francisco
100 Channel Street, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereLUMA on Channel Street suits guests who want a fitness centre, an on-site restaurant and room service under one roof, with valet parking and a market for essentials. Rooms are air conditioned with bathrobes and slippers, and breakfast can be taken in the room. The 4.6 rating from 472 reviews and a location 2.5 km from the centre make it a calm choice for visitors with business in the southern part of the city.
See LUMA Hotel San FranciscoArgonaut Hotel
495 Jefferson St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereOverlooking the water on Jefferson Street, the Argonaut adds sea views to a fitness centre, restaurant and room service, with a jacuzzi, massage and picnic area on hand. Pets are allowed and family rooms are available, plus garage parking. A 4.5 rating across 3628 reviews, the largest review count here, backs its reputation; at 2.5 km from the centre it puts the waterfront within easy reach of leisure travellers.
See Argonaut HotelMansion on Sutter
1409 Sutter St San Francisco California 94109, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Wheelchair accessible
Why stay hereA small Sutter Street property with fewer than 50 rooms, the Mansion on Sutter offers a terrace, concierge and luggage storage, plus bicycle hire for getting around. Parking and self-parking are available and pets are allowed. Meeting space and a business centre serve guests combining work with their stay. At 0.8 km from the centre, it gives a 4.6-rated, intimate alternative to the city's larger hotels.
See Mansion on SutterOrchard Hotel
665 Bush St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Breakfast · Business trips
- Breakfast
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThe Orchard on Bush Street mixes a restaurant and bar with room service and breakfast in the room, plus a business centre and concierge for working guests. Rooms include bathrobes, minibars and coffee, with a 24-hour front desk and laundry service. Its 4.5 rating rests on 505 reviews, and a position 0.7 km from the centre keeps downtown sights close for couples and business travellers alike.
See Orchard HotelHotel Emblem San Francisco
562 Sutter St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereOn Sutter Street, Hotel Emblem brings a lounge, bars and entertainment activities together, with room service and a concierge. Family rooms are offered, pets are allowed, and parking plus valet parking ease arrival by car. Its 4.5 guest rating from 504 reviews reflects steady approval, and at 0.5 km from the centre it is one of the closest hotels on this list for guests who want to walk to downtown.
See Hotel Emblem San FranciscoUniversity Club of San Francisco
800 Powell Street, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Sauna
- Parking
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereThe University Club on Powell Street stands out for its athletic facilities: a fitness centre, sauna, steam room and squash, with a restaurant and bar for afterwards. A terrace and free wifi add to the stay, and parking is available. Its 4.5 rating comes from 281 reviews. At 0.8 km from the centre, it appeals to guests who want sport and wellness built into a city stay.
See University Club of San FranciscoHyatt Regency San Francisco
5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereAt Embarcadero Center, the Hyatt Regency pairs a fitness centre and business centre with bars, a lounge and a restaurant, and offers room service and babysitting for families. Pets are allowed and garage parking is available. A 4.4 rating from 7031 reviews, the largest volume here, reflects its scale, and at 1.8 km from the centre it suits travellers drawn to the waterfront and public transport links.
See Hyatt Regency San FranciscoInterContinental San Francisco by IHG
888 Howard Street, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereAn indoor pool, jacuzzi and fitness centre give the InterContinental on Howard Street a wellness focus, alongside a lounge, bars and restaurant with room service. Bathrobes, fireplaces and air conditioning feature in the rooms, and family rooms are available. Its 4.4 rating is drawn from 4520 reviews, and a distance of 1.0 km from the centre makes it practical for both business and leisure stays.
See InterContinental San Francisco by IHGHotel Nikko San Francisco
222 Mason St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Parking
Why stay hereOn Mason Street, Hotel Nikko offers an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, plus a fitness centre and entertainment activities, making it the strongest pick here for spa-style downtime. Rooms have bathrobes, minibars and slippers, and there is a restaurant and bar with room service. Parking and a 24-hour front desk help. Its 4.4 rating comes from 4039 reviews, and it sits 0.4 km from the centre.
See Hotel Nikko San FranciscoStaypineapple An Elegant Hotel Union Square
580 Geary St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Travelling with pets · Step-free access
- Pets allowed
- Wheelchair accessible
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereStaypineapple on Geary Street keeps things simple with free wifi, a concierge and a bar, plus laundry service and a 24-hour front desk. Rooms are air conditioned with hairdryers, safes and refrigerators, and pets are welcome. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. A 4.4 rating from 1518 reviews and a location just 0.2 km from the centre make it the most central hotel listed, ideal for travellers on foot.
See Staypineapple An Elegant Hotel Union SquareHotel Via
138 King St., San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Parking
- Breakfast in room
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereHotel Via on King Street offers sea views alongside a fitness centre, restaurant and bar, with room service and breakfast in the room. A fireplace and patio add character, and garage parking is available. Its 4.4 rating is based on 1210 reviews. At 2.2 km from the centre, it works well for guests attending events in the southern waterfront district who still want a full-service 4-star stay.
See Hotel Via
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Hyatt at SFO | ★★★★ | 4.7 | 1,268 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 19.3 km |
| Kasa The Addison San Francisco | ★★★★ | 4.9 | 97 | – | – | – | Yes | 1.5 km |
| Omni San Francisco Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 2,381 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 1.3 km |
| citizenM San Francisco Union Square | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 659 | – | Yes | – | – | 0.6 km |
| LUMA Hotel San Francisco | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 472 | Yes | Yes | – | – | 2.5 km |
| Argonaut Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 3,628 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 2.5 km |
| Mansion on Sutter | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 158 | Yes | – | – | Yes | 0.8 km |
| Orchard Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 505 | – | Yes | – | – | 0.7 km |
| Hotel Emblem San Francisco | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 504 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 0.5 km |
| University Club of San Francisco | ★★★★ | 4.5 | 281 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 0.8 km |
| Hyatt Regency San Francisco | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 7,031 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 1.8 km |
| InterContinental San Francisco by IHG | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 4,520 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.0 km |
| Hotel Nikko San Francisco | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 4,039 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.4 km |
| Staypineapple An Elegant Hotel Union Square | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 1,518 | – | – | – | Yes | 0.2 km |
| Hotel Via | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 1,210 | Yes | Yes | – | – | 2.2 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For central sightseeing
These addresses put you in the middle of things: Kasa The Addison on Sacramento St, the Omni on California St, citizenM on Ellis Street, the Orchard on Bush St, Hotel Emblem on Sutter St, Hotel Nikko on Mason St and Staypineapple on Geary St. The University Club on Powell Street and Mansion on Sutter round out the downtown group.
Kasa The Addison San Francisco · Omni San Francisco Hotel · citizenM San Francisco Union Square · Orchard Hotel · Hotel Emblem San Francisco · Hotel Nikko San Francisco
For families
The Omni San Francisco Hotel, Argonaut Hotel, Hyatt Regency San Francisco and InterContinental San Francisco by IHG all list family rooms. Babysitting service appears at the Omni and the Hyatt Regency, which helps travelling parents; the Argonaut and InterContinental ratings sit at 4.5 and 4.4 out of 5.
Omni San Francisco Hotel · Argonaut Hotel · Hyatt Regency San Francisco · InterContinental San Francisco by IHG
For business travellers
SoMa and the Embarcadero suit work trips. LUMA Hotel San Francisco on Channel Street and Hotel Via on King St. are in or near SoMa, while the InterContinental on Howard Street and the Hyatt Regency at Embarcadero Center are handy for meetings and events. All four list a business center or fitness center.
LUMA Hotel San Francisco · InterContinental San Francisco by IHG · Hyatt Regency San Francisco · Hotel Via
For the waterfront
Argonaut Hotel on Jefferson St is the Fisherman's Wharf address, with 4.5 out of 5 from 3628 reviews and sea listed among its facilities. Hotel Via on King St. also lists sea views, scores 4.4 out of 5 and is 2.2 km from the centre.
Questions, answered
How far are these hotels from the centre of San Francisco?
Distances in the hotel data run from 0.2 km (Staypineapple An Elegant Hotel Union Square) to 19.3 km (Grand Hyatt at SFO). Most central options, including Hotel Nikko, Hotel Emblem and the Orchard Hotel, sit within 1 km.
Which hotels are best for a first visit?
Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf and Nob Hill are popular for central locations and proximity to attractions. On this list, citizenM San Francisco Union Square and Staypineapple are in the Union Square district, and Argonaut Hotel is at Fisherman's Wharf.
Do any of these hotels have a pool?
InterContinental San Francisco by IHG and Hotel Nikko San Francisco both list an indoor pool. Hotel Nikko also lists a swimming pool, sauna and steam room.
Which hotels allow pets?
Pets are allowed at the Omni San Francisco Hotel, Argonaut Hotel, Mansion on Sutter, Hotel Emblem San Francisco, Hyatt Regency San Francisco, InterContinental San Francisco by IHG, Hotel Nikko San Francisco and Staypineapple An Elegant Hotel Union Square.
Is there a hotel near the airport?
Grand Hyatt at SFO is at 55 S Mcdonnell Rd, 19.3 km from the centre. It has 1268 reviews and the highest guest score on this shortlist, 4.7 out of 5, plus a fitness center and free wifi.
Which hotels suit families?
Family rooms are listed at the Omni San Francisco Hotel, Argonaut Hotel, Hyatt Regency San Francisco and InterContinental San Francisco by IHG. Babysitting service is offered at the Omni and the Hyatt Regency.
Do the hotels have kitchens?
Kasa The Addison San Francisco lists a kitchen, kitchenette, dishwasher, microwave and washing machine, and its apartments are rated 4.9 out of 5 from 97 reviews.