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San Francisco Hotels

Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf are the twin centres for most of the city’s best hotel offerings, but look further afield and you’ll find cute boutique properties and some of the best city views if you’re happy climbing the odd hill or two. Be warned: the good places aren’t cheap and the genuinely cheap places aren’t good.

The San Francisco hotels below have been divided into three pricing categories:
Luxury (over US$250)
Moderate (US$150 to US$250)
Cheap (under US$150)

The prices quoted here are the starting prices for a double room, excluding room tax and breakfast, unless otherwise specified. Hotel prices in San Francisco are subject to a room tax of around 15%. This is not always included in the listed or quoted prices, and may be added to the bill upon checkout.

Luxury

Clift Hotel

Nearly a century old, the Clift is a local landmark set amid the theatre district. Once known for its striking red panelled interior, it is now adored for its Philippe Starck makeover. The designer waved his creative wand back in 2001 and turned the Clift into one of the must-see hotels in San Francisco. Proof lies in the Redwood Room bar, where locals fond of a little luxury gather. The 372 guest rooms are small but elegantly decorated in shades of violet and grey. Egyptian cotton sheets, Wi-Fi and in-room massage and spa services add to the luxury.

Address: , 495 Geary Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Telephone: +1 415 775 4700.
Website: http://www.clifthotel.com

Hotel Zetta

The city's newest luxury hotel is in Union Square, a design-heavy property that manages to stay playful in its chic approach. White interiors and sleek lines contrast with elements such as the traditional billiards table. The rooms are styled towards a very tech-savvy clientele, with interactive smart TVs to state-of-the-art iPhone docking stations. Again touching on the traditional, the rooms also come with Oriental rugs - a daring mix that somehow comes off.

Address: , 55 5th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Telephone: +1 415 543 8555.
Website: http://www.viceroyhotelgroup.com/zetta

The Scarlet Huntingdon

Visible from much of the city, this luxury retreat sits opposite Grace Cathedral at the highest point of Nob Hill. All 134 guestrooms are individually decorated and each has great views across the city. Chandeliers and plush upholstery fill the public areas, and if you can tear yourself away from the vistas, the hotel also has its own spa.

Address: , 1075 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Telephone: +1 415 474 5400.
Website: http://www.thescarlethotels.com/huntington-hotel-san-francisco

Moderate

Harbor Court Hotel

Perched on the city's eastern coastline, the Harbor Court offers an unrivalled view of the Bay Bridge. Its 131 rooms contain an entertainment centre, high-speed Wi-Fi and a moderately sized sitting room. Sleeping quarters combine traditional and contemporary furnishings, and some beds are canopied. Windows are double-glazed to block out traffic noise and Ozumo Japanese restaurant next door offers room service.

Address: , 165 Steuart Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
Telephone: +1 415 882 1300.
Website: http://www.harborcourthotel.com

Orchard Hotel

One of San Francisco's smaller boutique hotels, the Orchard has 104 guest rooms, including nine suites. Luxuries include quality linens and toiletries, Balinese wood, black granite bathroom countertops, plush bathrobes, surround-sound DVD and CD players, Internet and mini-bars. Complimentary European breakfast buffet is served downstairs.

Address: , 665 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Telephone: +1 415 362 8878.
Website: http://www.theorchardhotel.com

White Swan Inn

A crackling fireplace in each of the 26 guestrooms and suites adds to the warmth and charm of this English-style B&B. Complete with dark wood panelling, rich floral carpets, plush furniture and enchanting art and collectibles, the White Swan offers many extras that encourage guests to relax and let the world go by. Breakfast in bed and valet parking are both available.

Address: Nob Hill/Union Square, 845 Bush Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Telephone: +1 415 775 1755.
Website: http://www.whiteswaninnsf.com

Cheap

Seaside Inn

Close to the Seaside would be a more apt name, as this motel-style place is several blocks inland. Nevertheless, it is only a 10-minute walk from the attractions of the Marina District. Rooms are simple but very comfortable, with both breakfast and parking free. Moreover, the attractive neighbourhood of Cow Hollow, filled with trendy bars and restaurants, is only a short stroll away. Book in advance for the best deals.

Address: , 1750 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94123
Telephone: +1 415 921 1842.
Website: http://www.sfseasideinn.com

The Willows Inn

Something of a sanctuary in the heart of the Castro, this delightful Edwardian townhouse has a bucolic feel to the interior, which makes for a nice break from the outside bustle. The list of complimentary extras is impressive, from a luxury continental breakfast to evening cocktails to a snack pantry. The rooms aren't the biggest in the city, but will suit anyone on a budget. Overall, it's relaxing and a home from home.

Address: , 710 14th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
Telephone: +1 415 431 4770.
Website: http://www.willowssf.com

Twin Peaks

Don't fret, this hotel has nothing to do with David Lynch, but is named after its neighbourhood between Lower Haight and The Castro. It offers one of the few acceptable budget options within easy reach of the downtown districts. Rooms are basic, and if you really want to save money you'll have to share a bathroom, but you can't argue with the price.

Address: , 2160 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
Telephone: +1 415 863 2909.
A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Seaside Inn

Close to the Seaside would be a more apt name, as this motel-style place is several blocks inland. Nevertheless, it is only a 10-minute walk from the attractions of the Marina District. Rooms are simple but very comfortable, with both breakfast and parking free. Moreover, the attractive neighbourhood of Cow Hollow, filled with trendy bars and restaurants, is only a short stroll away. Book in advance for the best deals.

Clift Hotel

Nearly a century old, the Clift is a local landmark set amid the theatre district. Once known for its striking red panelled interior, it is now adored for its Philippe Starck makeover. The designer waved his creative wand back in 2001 and turned the Clift into one of the must-see hotels in San Francisco. Proof lies in the Redwood Room bar, where locals fond of a little luxury gather. The 372 guest rooms are small but elegantly decorated in shades of violet and grey. Egyptian cotton sheets, Wi-Fi and in-room massage and spa services add to the luxury.

Twin Peaks

Don't fret, this hotel has nothing to do with David Lynch, but is named after its neighbourhood between Lower Haight and The Castro. It offers one of the few acceptable budget options within easy reach of the downtown districts. Rooms are basic, and if you really want to save money you'll have to share a bathroom, but you can't argue with the price.

Orchard Hotel

One of San Francisco's smaller boutique hotels, the Orchard has 104 guest rooms, including nine suites. Luxuries include quality linens and toiletries, Balinese wood, black granite bathroom countertops, plush bathrobes, surround-sound DVD and CD players, Internet and mini-bars. Complimentary European breakfast buffet is served downstairs.

The Scarlet Huntingdon

Visible from much of the city, this luxury retreat sits opposite Grace Cathedral at the highest point of Nob Hill. All 134 guestrooms are individually decorated and each has great views across the city. Chandeliers and plush upholstery fill the public areas, and if you can tear yourself away from the vistas, the hotel also has its own spa.

Harbor Court Hotel

Perched on the city's eastern coastline, the Harbor Court offers an unrivalled view of the Bay Bridge. Its 131 rooms contain an entertainment centre, high-speed Wi-Fi and a moderately sized sitting room. Sleeping quarters combine traditional and contemporary furnishings, and some beds are canopied. Windows are double-glazed to block out traffic noise and Ozumo Japanese restaurant next door offers room service.