
San Francisco hotels come in a huge range of sizes, prices, and styles. In no particular order, we’ve rounded up some of the most unique hotels in San Francisco ranging from quirky boutique hotels to larger luxury options. Whether you’re looking to book a memorable stay in the Bay Area or you need some ideas to recommend for visitors, you’ll surely find something that fits your needs and doesn’t skimp on design or comfort. Make sure you scroll to the bottom for a map to point you in the right direction and keep planning your trip with our list of SF’s best restaurants according to locals.
1. Hotel Kabuki
This popular Japantown hotel is an eclectic and comfy space featuring a harmonious blend of modern Asian and western design. You’ll want to sip on a gourmet cocktail or Japanese beer while lounging in the lobby, which is flooded with natural light thanks to its lofty ceilings and huge windows. Guest rooms come in a range of sizes and bed options, decorated with vibrant Japanese design prints from the ’30s and ’40s and vintage Bay Area maps. Some other unique elements at Hotel Kabuki include a peaceful courtyard garden with a koi pond and a state-of-the-art gym with a private meditation garden. Enjoy delicious seafood at Nari, the hotel’s Thai restaurant headed by Chef Pim Techamuanvivit.
💲Starting at ∼$259/night
📍 1625 Post St, Japantown, San Francisco
2. White Swan Inn
Settle into a welcoming English country manor straight out of the Cotswolds at this charming San Francisco hotel. Every single room from the lobby to the guest rooms has a fun upscale antique aesthetic with funky patterns, unique furniture, and careful attention to detail. Most of the rooms have fireplaces and big bath tubs where you can have a relaxing soak with complimentary luxury bath salts. Your stay also includes complimentary breakfast with fresh-baked scones and pastries, coffee and tea, fresh-baked cookies and nibbles, and an evening glass of local wine. White Swan Inn is just 2 doors down from its sister hotel Petite Auberge.
💲Starting at ∼$210/night ($199 this summer 2023!)
📍845 Bush Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco
3. Hotel Emblem
Hotel Emblem takes inspiration from the Beat Generation with a creative and literary take on your traditional hotel stay. Be sure to take a picture with their eye-catching book wall before settling in for a handcrafted cocktail at the jazzy Obscenity Bar and Lounge. Some of the most unorthodox amenities you’ll find here include a typewriter, record player, tarot cards, an oil diffuser, vintage hotel bicycles, and even a book butler who wheels a stacked cart of books through the hallways. Check in with the front desk for upcoming poetry slams, live jazz, and trivia nights.
💲Starting at ∼$215/night
📍562 Sutter St, Union Square, San Francisco
4. Chateau Tivoli
Chateau Tivoli is a carefully-restored Victorian townhouse dating back to 1892. The massive and eye-catching building is decorated with authentic furnishings, gorgeous hand-carved woodwork, crystal chandeliers, colorful period wallpaper, and antique furniture. Choose from nine different guest rooms, each of which has its own character and flair to take you back to 19th-century San Francisco. Be sure to visit the parlor for the daily afternoon wine and cheese reception and leave time to enjoy a three-course house-made breakfast every morning.
💲Starting at ∼$220/night
📍1057 Steiner St, Alamo Square Historic District, San Francisco
5. Phoenix Hotel
The Phoenix Hotel is a rock ‘n’ roll icon in the Tenderloin that’s hosted famous rockstar guests over the years. The hotel is famously linked with Kurt Cobain, as the note found in his pocket after his death was written on Phoenix Hotel stationery. These days, the Phoenix fosters a carefree 1950s motor court environment with an art-filled oval pool and colorful retro decor. Keep an eye on the event calendar for drag brunches and pool parties or pop into the Chambers bar and restaurant for a cocktail by the fireplace.
💲Starting at ∼$220/night ($199 this summer 2023!)
📍601 Eddy St, Tenderloin, San Francisco
6. Hotel Zephyr
Hotel Zephyr takes inspiration from the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood with a “shipyard chic” aesthetic incorporating recycled cargo containers and nautical goods. You’ll want to leave time to enjoy the hotel’s 8,000 square-foot outdoor courtyard which holds 4 fireplaces, shuffleboard, foosball, and SF’s largest periscope, among many other things. There’s also a massive indoor game room with ping pong, interactive art, and a pool table. Zephyr has more waterfront views than any other hotel in SF, so you’re likely to enjoy a nice view from your colorful nautical-themed room.
💲Starting at ∼$285/night
📍250 Beach St, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
7. Noe’s Nest
Noe’s Nest is a charming and historic B&B with a lovely bountiful garden and eight chic Victorian rooms. Each room and suite has its own distinct decor and persona with beautiful antique furniture and elaborate decorations. Dig into a formidable breakfast buffet every morning, which you can enjoy in the outdoor garden patio area or the ornate dining room. Guests are welcome to use the full kitchen to prepare their own meals and all rooms are both pet-friendly and 420-friendly.
💲Starting at ∼$285/night
📍1257 Guerrero St, Noe Valley/Mission District, San Francisco
8. Mansion on Sutter
This 5-star luxury boutique hotel is housed in an eye-catching 17,000-square-foot Victorian mansion dating back to before the 1906 earthquake. Architect William F. Curlett designed the spacious house to incorporate the most advanced plumbing and utilities of the time while retaining the charm of Eastlake, Stick, and Queen Anne architecture. Choose from ten carefully-designed elegant guest suites, each of which features fine materials including Nero Portoro marble from Italy and Emperador tile from Spain. The hotel also displays an impressive fine art collection from the Rosenson Family in both the guest rooms and common areas, so it feels like having your own personal museum.
💲Starting at ∼$410/night
📍1409 Sutter St, Lower Pacific Heights, San Francisco
9. Argonaut Hotel
Argonaut is a luxury hotel in Fisherman’s Wharf housed inside of the 1907 Haslett Warehouse. The exposed brick, wooden beams, and nautical decor all recall the area’s Barbary Coast past, a distinct character which you’ll enjoy throughout both the guest rooms and common areas. Warm up next to a fireplace in the courtyard, where you can play board games and sip on cocktails during happy hour. The hotel’s Blue Mermaid Restaurant specializes in seafood including delicious homemade chowders, steamed mussels, and an impressive brunch spread.
💲Starting at ∼$295/night
📍495 Jefferson St, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
10. San Remo hotel
On the more affordable end of our list you’ll find the San Remo Hotel, a historic boutique hotel in SF with plenty of character. The hotel was built right after the 1906 earthquake by Bank of America founder A.P. Giannini and it first served as a refuge for Italian immigrants. It continues to maintain an Old World ambience with no phones or TVs (although there is Wi-Fi), historic Victorian furnishings, and shared bath facilities. The hotel also has a vintage car collection comprising 56 automobiles which are housed in “The Stable” warehouse behind the hotel. You can book a private tour to see it for yourself.
💲Starting at ∼$150/night
📍2237 Mason St, North Beach, San Francisco