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5-star hotels in San Francisco
This shortlist gathers the 5-star hotels we list in San Francisco, from Nob Hill landmarks to waterfront residences. It is for travellers who want the city's top class of stay and need to see, in one place, how these hotels differ in location, facilities and guest scores.
Staying in San Francisco
San Francisco rewards visitors with landmarks such as Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz Island and the winding Lombard Street, and with neighbourhoods from Chinatown to the Mission District that cover dining, shopping and entertainment. Our site lists 84 hotels here, including 13 five-star and 71 four-star properties, with an average guest score of 4.3 out of 5.
These five-star hotels cluster in the centre and on its edges. Addresses on Stockton St, Sutter St, California St, Mason Street atop Nob Hill and Market St place several of them in the Union Square and Nob Hill districts, while 2 New Montgomery St and 125 3Rd St sit in SoMa and 222 Sansome St and 8 Mission St put guests near the Embarcadero waterfront. Further out, Pacific Avenue and N Point Street serve travellers who prefer a quieter base. The mix suits couples, business travellers attending events at the Moscone Center, families and short-break visitors who want to walk to the centre.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Hotel Drisco
2901 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Families · Breakfast
- Breakfast
- Lounge
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereA quieter five-star base on Pacific Avenue, 2.6 km from the centre, where breakfast, a fitness centre and a shuttle service are on hand. Guests rate it 4.9 from 571 reviews, the highest of this shortlist. With family rooms, a lounge and a bar for snacks, it suits travellers who prefer a residential setting over a downtown address and want breakfast included in the day's start.
See Hotel DriscoFour Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
222 Sansome St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereLocated on Sansome St just 1.4 km from the centre, this hotel puts a restaurant, bars and a fitness centre in the building, with free wifi and a garage for those arriving by car. Pets are allowed and babysitting is available, so couples and families alike are covered. Its 4.7 rating from 333 reviews reflects a consistently well-regarded stay, and rooms come with air conditioning and balconies.
See Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at EmbarcaderoThe Ritz Carlton San Francisco
600 Stockton St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereAt 0.9 km from the centre, this Stockton St address combines a garden, a fitness centre and a restaurant with bars and a lounge for evenings in. Families are served by family rooms and babysitting, and pets are welcome. Parking and 24-hour security add practicality. A rating of 4.6 from 2061 reviews makes it one of the most reviewed hotels here, useful for anyone wanting a central five-star with a broad spread of facilities.
See The Ritz Carlton San FranciscoFour Seasons Hotel San Francisco
757 Market St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Sauna
- Parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereOn Market St, 0.8 km from the centre, this hotel offers a fitness centre, massage and a beauty salon alongside restaurants and bars, with free wifi and a garage. Babysitting and family-friendly services suit those travelling with children, while pets are allowed. Guests have rated it 4.6 across 1849 reviews. It is a strong choice for shoppers and business travellers who want to be steps from the downtown core and still find a full-service property.
See Four Seasons Hotel San FranciscoThe St. Regis San Francisco
125 3Rd St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Parking
- Breakfast in room
Why stay hereAn indoor pool and swimming pool, a gymnasium and a garden set this 3rd St hotel apart, 1.1 km from the centre. Breakfast can be taken in the room, and a lounge, restaurant and bar cover the rest of the day. Babysitting is available and pets are welcome. Rated 4.6 from 1322 reviews, it suits guests who want swimming and fitness on site within a short distance of the centre.
See The St. Regis San FranciscoFairmont San Francisco
950 Mason Street Atop Nob Hill, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Parking
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereSet atop Nob Hill on Mason Street, 0.8 km from the centre, this hotel pairs a garden and patio with a picnic area, fitness centre and massage. A market on site, bike rental and family rooms make it easy to settle in with children, and pets are allowed. Some 7009 reviews give it a rating of 4.5, so it draws a high volume of guests and suits those who want garden space and a landmark hill location near the centre.
See Fairmont San FranciscoPalace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco
2 New Montgomery St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereOn New Montgomery St, 1.1 km from the centre, this hotel has an indoor pool, a fitness centre and massage, with breakfast and dinner served and a bar and lounge for drinks. Bike rental, babysitting and family rooms help guests of all ages, and pets are allowed. Its 4.5 rating comes from 5275 reviews. It fits travellers who want a pool and dining in the building while staying close to the downtown grid.
See Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San FranciscoTaj Campton Place
340 Stockton St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Families · Breakfast
- Breakfast
- Fitness Center
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereStockton St, 0.7 km from the centre, is the address for this hotel, which offers a fitness centre, massage and free wifi, plus breakfast and dinner on site and a bar. Family rooms and babysitting cover younger guests, and pets are permitted. From 909 reviews it holds a 4.5 rating. It appeals to guests who want a compact central base with restaurant dining and wellness facilities a few steps from the room.
See Taj Campton PlaceNeighbourgood Sutter Mansion
1409 Sutter St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Lounge
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereAt 1409 Sutter St, 0.9 km from the centre, this mansion-style property offers fireplaces, sofa beds and balconies in a building with a lounge, fitness centre and free wifi. Pets are allowed, parking is available, and concierge and housekeeping services are on hand. A 4.6 rating from 158 reviews marks it as a smaller, carefully kept address, well suited to guests who prefer character and lounge space over a large hotel.
See Neighbourgood Sutter MansionFairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square
900 N Point Street, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereOn N Point Street at Ghirardelli Square, 2.3 km from the centre, this property provides kitchens and kitchenettes with dishwashers, plus fireplaces and sea views. A fitness centre, gymnasium, massage and lounge are available, and free car parking and a garage help drivers; pets are allowed. Rated 4.5 from 649 reviews, it suits longer stays and families who want to cook and be near the waterfront rather than downtown.
See Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli SquareThe Huntington Hotel
1075 California St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereCalifornia St, 0.6 km from the centre, places this hotel close to the middle of things, with an indoor pool, swimming pool and spa for downtime and a fitness centre for workouts. A restaurant, bar and lounge, breakfast and a business centre cover dining and work, and multilingual staff, free wifi and a garage are provided. It holds a 4.5 rating from 582 reviews and suits guests who want spa and pool facilities within walking distance of the centre.
See The Huntington Hotel1 Hotel San Francisco
8 Mission St, San Francisco, United States
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Spa
- Parking
- Fitness Center
Why stay hereOn Mission St, 2.0 km from the centre, this hotel combines a garden and fitness centre with massage and a restaurant and bar, alongside free wifi and a garage. Family rooms and babysitting serve those with children, and pets are welcome. Its 4.2 rating from 275 reviews makes it the lowest-rated on this shortlist, but it remains a five-star option for guests heading to the waterfront side of the city who want greenery and wellness on site.
See 1 Hotel San FranciscoGolden Gate Inns Test
Lombard Street 123, San Francisco, United States
Why stay hereGolden Gate Inns Test is a 5-star address on Lombard Street, around 2.1 km from the centre of San Francisco. The listing provides no guest rating, no reviews and no facilities information, so there is nothing concrete to report about rooms, services or amenities. Choose it only if a five-star classification in this part of the city is what you are after, and confirm the details with the hotel directly before booking.
See Golden Gate Inns Test
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Drisco | ★★★★★ | 4.9 | 571 | – | Yes | – | – | 2.6 km |
| Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero | ★★★★★ | 4.7 | 333 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 1.4 km |
| The Ritz Carlton San Francisco | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 2,061 | Yes | Yes | – | Yes | 0.9 km |
| Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,849 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 0.8 km |
| The St. Regis San Francisco | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 1,322 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.1 km |
| Fairmont San Francisco | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 7,009 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 0.8 km |
| Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 5,275 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 1.1 km |
| Taj Campton Place | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 909 | – | Yes | – | Yes | 0.7 km |
| Neighbourgood Sutter Mansion | ★★★★★ | 4.6 | 158 | Yes | – | – | Yes | 0.9 km |
| Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 649 | Yes | – | – | Yes | 2.3 km |
| The Huntington Hotel | ★★★★★ | 4.5 | 582 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 0.6 km |
| 1 Hotel San Francisco | ★★★★★ | 4.2 | 275 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 2.0 km |
| Golden Gate Inns Test | ★★★★★ | – | – | – | – | – | – | 2.1 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For couples
The Ritz Carlton San Francisco and Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco both pair central addresses with massage facilities, while Neighbourgood Sutter Mansion adds a fireplace and lounge in a smaller property of 158 reviews.
The Ritz Carlton San Francisco · Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco · Neighbourgood Sutter Mansion
For families
Hotel Drisco, The Ritz Carlton San Francisco, Fairmont San Francisco and 1 Hotel San Francisco all list family rooms, and Hotel Drisco and Fairmont San Francisco also offer cots. Hotel Drisco leads the group with a guest score of 4.9 from 571 reviews, and Fairmont San Francisco has the largest review base at 7009.
Hotel Drisco · The Ritz Carlton San Francisco · Fairmont San Francisco · 1 Hotel San Francisco
For business travellers
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, The St. Regis San Francisco and Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco each provide a business center. The St. Regis San Francisco and Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco are in SoMa, the district of the Moscone Center, which site information names as convenient for events.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero · Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco · The St. Regis San Francisco · Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco
For the highest guest scores
Guest ratings of 4.6 and above belong to Hotel Drisco at 4.9, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero at 4.7, and The Ritz Carlton San Francisco, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, The St. Regis San Francisco and Neighbourgood Sutter Mansion, each at 4.6. Hotel Drisco and Neighbourgood Sutter Mansion have the smallest review counts, at 571 and 158.
Hotel Drisco · Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero · The Ritz Carlton San Francisco · Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco · The St. Regis San Francisco · Neighbourgood Sutter Mansion
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
San Francisco is served by San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK), both with connections to the city via BART and other transit. Amtrak and Greyhound provide regional and national bus and rail links. Within the city, Muni operates buses, light rail and historic streetcars, while BART connects to the East Bay and the Peninsula. Cable cars are a popular way to travel between downtown and Fisherman's Wharf, and taxis, ride-sharing and bicycles are also common. Driving can be challenging due to hills and traffic, and parking is limited.
When to go
The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and fog is less persistent. Summer can be cool and foggy, especially near the coast, while winter brings rain. Major events like Fleet Week and the San Francisco International Film Festival occur in the fall and spring. Tourist crowds are heaviest in summer, so spring and fall offer a more comfortable experience.
Questions, answered
Which of these five-star hotels is closest to the centre?
The Huntington Hotel on California St is listed at 0.6 km from the centre, followed by Taj Campton Place at 0.7 km and Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco and Fairmont San Francisco at 0.8 km each. The Ritz Carlton San Francisco is at 0.9 km.
Which hotel has the best guest rating?
Hotel Drisco has the highest guest score in this shortlist, 4.9 out of 5 from 571 reviews. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero follows at 4.7 from 333 reviews, then four hotels at 4.6.
Do these hotels have swimming pools?
The St. Regis San Francisco and Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco list an indoor pool, and The Huntington Hotel also lists an indoor pool and a swimming pool. The other hotels on this shortlist do not list a pool.
Can I bring my dog to these hotels?
Several accept pets: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, The Ritz Carlton San Francisco, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, The St. Regis San Francisco, Fairmont San Francisco, Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco, Taj Campton Place, Neighbourgood Sutter Mansion, Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square and 1 Hotel San Francisco.
Which hotels are good for families?
Hotel Drisco, The Ritz Carlton San Francisco, Fairmont San Francisco, Taj Campton Place and 1 Hotel San Francisco list family rooms, and Hotel Drisco, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square and 1 Hotel San Francisco list cots.
Which hotels are near the waterfront?
Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square is on N Point Street, and 1 Hotel San Francisco is on Mission St, both toward the bay. Site information places Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 and the ferry terminals in this waterfront part of the city.
Do these hotels have fitness facilities?
Yes. Hotel Drisco, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, The Ritz Carlton San Francisco, The St. Regis San Francisco, Fairmont San Francisco, Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco, Taj Campton Place, Neighbourgood Sutter Mansion, Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square, The Huntington Hotel and 1 Hotel San Francisco all list a fitness center.
Which hotels are best for a business trip?
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, The St. Regis San Francisco and Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco list a business center. The St. Regis San Francisco and Palace Hotel a Luxury Collection Hotel San Francisco are in SoMa, the district of the Moscone Center.