Hotels In San Francisco – Top 12 cool and unusual hotels

For upon |Ever since the famous counterculture revolution of the 1960s, San Francisco, USA has been a vibrant melting pot of free thinkers, bohemians, and anything a little unconventional. Hotels In San Francisco

It is also a city that has been at the forefront of many progressive movements from the beat generation to the revolutionary gay-rights crusade. With its left-field heritage and reputation for being alternative and funky, it’s not surprising that you can find so many fabulously creative hotels nestled amongst its hilly districts. From all of our team’s visits over the years here is our collective favorite cool and unusual hotels in San Francisco (in no particular order) guaranteed to inject lashings of color, fun, and uniqueness into your city stay…Hotels In San Francisco

Hotel Triton – stylish, playful, and flamboyant

Flamboyant and daringly designed, a stay at the popular and highly rated boutique Hotel Triton is anything but dull. Located in the heart of the city (opposite the Chinatown Gate and only a five-minute walk from all the hustle and bustle of Union Square), from the moment you step into the lobby you’ll enter a surreal world filled with tomato soup-colored walls, purple boudoir style furniture and even cute rubber ducks residing in the bathtub – now that attention to detail!

With its tireless dedication to creativity, this hip San Francisco hotel has even allowed celebrities  – such as comedienne Kathy Griffin and Grateful Dead musician Jerry Garcia – to design a few of their suites. As well as free Wi-Fi, use of yoga mats, in-room spa treatments, and a daily wine hour, Hotel Triton is also known for its hosting of unusual events ranging from nightly tarot card readings to drag queen shows taking place in the lobby – just fabulous darling!

• Prices from $100 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Triton San Francisco

Hotel Zetta – playful, hip, and very cool

This 4-star exceptionally rated luxury boutique hotel has seen all the coolest magazines falling over themselves to name as one of the best-designed hotels in America.

Bright, colorful, arty with enough eccentricity to keep things interesting, the designers definitely haven’t held back here! With a fabulous fusion of the old and new, centrally located Hotel Zetta is housed in a refined neoclassical building but the inside has been completely renovated to feature a clever mix of modern design with plenty of classic and arty details – think reclaimed wood and salvaged antiques sitting alongside swanky modernist sofas and chairs.

With a more than a little hint of fun, there’s even a two-story Plinko game in the lobby and a second-floor lounge that features billiards and shuffle-puck tables.

Located only a 9 minutes’ walk from buzzy Union Square and a 3-minute walk from the Powell Street cable car and BART rail station, this is a great choice for a hip hotel that combines high-tech lodging with artsy touches. Also expect a free weekly yoga class, in-room spa services, smart TVs and games consoles, and a 24-hour fitness center – we’ll guarantee you’ll fall in love with this funky and chic San Francisco abode! 

• Prices from $130 a night
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Zetta San Francisco

Hotel Zeppelin – sassy hipster boutique

Hmm…it’s tough trying to describe this cool San Francisco hotel but I think that’s the intention of its designers! It’s at once kitschy, hip, futuristic and historical… in parts, it reminded me of a sci-fi film made in the 1960s, in others a very clean and swish Frat house, and finally a luxurious spa hotel!

The 4-star and exceptionally rated Hotel Zeppelin is a beautiful mash-up of lots of styles and ideas that celebrate the cultural melting pot that is San Francisco, my room, for example, was a gorgeous melange of 1960’s colors with lots of contemporary twists. It featured vintage turntables, vinyl records, and funky artwork as well as Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Suites and upgraded rooms feature unique touches such as fireplaces, kitchenettes and some have gorgeous outdoor decks.

Overall it was comfy as well as being trendy and a huge bonus was that it was set in the upscale Nob Hill neighborhood right in the center of the city, just minutes from Union Square (and a 2 minutes’ walk from the nearest cable car stop which will take you all over the city). The service was outstanding and nothing was too much of an ask – all in all, just a fabulous, unique, and unusual place to stay in San Francisco!

• Prices from $110pn a night
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Zeppelin

Phoenix Hotel – the rock n’ roll hotel

Otherwise known as the Rock’n’Roll hotel, this 1950’s style retro motor lodge is said to be where the likes of Little Richard,

The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Radiohead stay when they are in town. This funky oasis enjoys a very hip location on the edge of San Francisco’s trendy Tenderloin district (only a 10-minute walk from to BART rail station which will take you to the rest of the city), the classic hotel combines frozen-in-time kitsch with a super caring ethos – they donate a percentage of their profits to local charities for example.

This ultra-hip San Francisco hotel is set around a lush retro motel-style courtyard, the funky rooms and suites offer mod cons like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minifridges and other hotel highlights include free passes to a nearby Japanese-style bathing facility, a seriously hip restaurant, and a poolside lounge serving seasonal fare and creative cocktails.

Fun is always high on the agenda at the Phoenix hotel and expects to see colorful murals peeking out from the bottom of the pool, quirky statues lining the courtyards, and bedrooms adorned with retro seventies bedspreads and fabulous original artwork – a very cool place indeed!

• Prices from $110 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Phoenix hotel

The Clift – luxury, history, and high art

This famous San Francisco institution of a hotel is a delicious fusion of luxury, history, and high art with pieces by Dali and Roberto Matta rubbing shoulders with traditional Eames chairs and a whimsical design by Phillipe Starck throughout.

Located a 6-minute walk from all the upscale shopping at Union Square and 4 minutes walk from a Muni Metro station, the much loved and highly rated Hotel Clift is eye-grabbing, to say the least! I especially enjoyed a signature cocktail in the beautifully restored wood-paneled Redwood Bar which featured velvet sofas and conjured up images of the long-ago jazz era, flapper dresses, and a morose saxophone player briefly visible amidst clouds of cigarette smoke. Now, of course, there is no smoke and the saxophone has been replaced by music curated by local DJs – Thursday to Saturday it draws in world talent too and a steady crowd of revelers follows.

My room at this trendsetting San Francisco accommodation was gorgeous, calm, and comfortable with custom-made furniture and the finest quality linens, and a beautiful view of the city out my window.

Location-wise it was perfect – if I jumped on a streetcar up Geary, I got to the rugged coast and ruins of Sutra Baths, if I went in the other direction I soon hit downtown and the financial district and eventually the Bay. An absolutely wonderful place to stay in San Francisco to experience the beautiful bohemian soul of the city with all the sumptuous modern comforts and that you need in life!

• Prices from $140 a night
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Clift

Hotel Zephyr – hip nautical-themed hotel

Hotel Zephyr is right bang smack in the middle of the popular tourist haunt of Fishermans Wharf (5 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge) but this no ordinary tourist trap! It is, in fact, an upscale and highly regarded boutique hotel that celebrates the industrial maritime heritage of the city and throws in plenty of fun too.

nAs a former hosteller, I loved this place because it’s laid out to encourage interactions, from the cool outdoor courtyard complete with a fire pit, seating, and sculptures, a fun food truck, and giant board games to the quirky yet luxurious lobby complete with portholes and furniture made from old dock signs – wonderful!

The trendy San Francisco accommodation is bright and comfortable too and there are loads of nice little touches that make it unique…for example, alongside the usual smart TV I spotted backgammon and chess in my room as well as a balcony offering fabulous views over the Wharf. Opt for a suite and you’ll also find floor-to-ceiling windows and other amenities include a colorful gym and free parking. This place is cheeky, quirky, and fun but also uncompromising in comfort – for seafarers and landlubbers alike, I would recommend it wholeheartedly!

• Prices from $130 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

Hotel Diva – boudoir style chic

Marketed as a hotel for guests with a big personality, the 4-star Hotel Diva is a highly rated modern boutique hotel with a sleek, tongue-in-cheek provocative design. Definitely one of the hipper hotels in San Francisco, expect a steel-and-glass exterior and equally funky interiors like bright cobalt blue carpets, sculpted stainless steel headboards, luxury bed linens to slumber on, and even a fabulous ‘diva’ walk of fame which features signatures of past celebrity guests!

Located just two blocks away from central Union Square (across the street from the American Conservatory Theatre and only a 3-minute walk to a Cable Car stop), the pet-friendly hotel also features fabulously funky rooms with all mod cons, a cool Mexican bistro, a free evening sake hour, an exercise room, no less than four individually decorated lounging areas, and attentive staff who aim to cater to all your diva demands. We promise you, this place is anything but dull!

• Prices from $110 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Diva San Francisco

Hotel Herbert – nostalgic budget chic

Originally established as a clubhouse by an eccentric timber merchant in 1909, the highly rated and very popular The Herbert Hotel aims to be a warm, welcoming, and characterful home away from home for adventurous travelers on a lower to mid-range budget. If you opt for the economy room you can save money by sharing a bathroom but other rooms have en-suites if you yearn for a little more privacy.

All the rooms at this trendy San Francisco abode offer cool exposed brick walls, some funky boho touches as well as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Its location is pretty fabulous too and is only a 4-minute walk from all the liveliness of Union Square and is also located along the Powell-Hyde cable car line which will take you all over the city. You’ll also love the chilled lobby which is adorned with photos and memorabilia from the property’s early clubhouse days – nostalgic and wonderful! 

Hotel Rex – old school clubhouse chic

Centrally located Hotel Rex is a much-loved boutique hotel that perfectly captures the glamour of the 1920s. The historic building – which is located only a 3-minute walk from all the shops, restaurants, and theatres of Union Square – was painstakingly restored to give the feel of art and literary salon from San Francisco’s past. With dark wood interiors, period furniture, and a large collection of interesting objects, including antique books and local art, The Rex succeeds in creating a stylish old-school atmosphere that you won’t want to leave!

The rooms at this quirky San Francisco accommodation are chic and spacious with custom wall coverings, hand-painted lampshades, and an excellent range of modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Other very cool touches include a free nightly wine hour, a library-themed bar that offers cocktails, a club-style lounge with a convertible billiards table, weekly art events, and live jazz and random poetry readings at their popular on-site Café Andrée, a pretty special great all-rounder! 

• Prices from $110 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Rex San Francisco

Argonaut Hotel – Fisherman’s Wharf chic boutique

Located in the legendary Haslett Warehouse in Fisherman’s Wharf (only ais a 12-minute walk from Pier 39 and 0.5 miles from Alcatraz Island), this exceptionally rated chic 4-star boutique hotel in San Francisco has indeed cast itself in iconic terms. The Argonaut Hotel has topped many a best hotel list for years now and pays homage to the city’s Barbary Coast days with a tasteful nautical theme and ship paraphernalia galore.

The exposed brick image nods to its pioneering past while the slick design celebrates the city’s eclectic vibe and even the porthole-shaped mirrors manage to remain tasteful.

There’s also careful attention to detail at this contemporary San Francisco stay with luxury linens, in-room spa treatments, yoga mats, and – in upgraded rooms –whirlpool tubs and sublime views of Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Throw in a superb spa, a complimentary wine reception, a seafood restaurant with terrace seating, eco-friendly credentials, and pet-friendly attitudes and you have a hotel hero even Greek legend would consider worthy of the name!

• Prices from $120 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Argonaut Hotel

The Good Hotel – stylish eco budget fun

This is a fabulous budget boutique that makes a really good alternative to a hostel or a guest house. Located in the funky South of Market district only a block from the Civic Center BART station (which will easily connect you to the rest of the city), this eco-friendly hotel really knows how to be fun and stylish with lots of funky details and very distinctive furniture. Living up to its name,

 The Good Hotel claims to be one of the greenest hotels in the city – it’s furnished with reclaimed and recycled products and has bathrooms that feature water-conserving toilets. Hotels In San Francisco

The rooms are hip and quirkily decorated with all sorts of fun features but being green is definitely still the name of the game! At this funky San Fran hotel expect blankets made from recycled water bottles, light shades made with recycled glass bottles, and even bed frames crafted from reclaimed wood. Other amenities include a cool photo booth, access to a fitness center and a heated outdoor pool, complimentary bike use and if you have a hybrid car, you can park for free, nice! Hotels In San Francisco

• Prices from $70 per night
• To book, check prices or availability for The Good Hotel

W Hotel – the place to be seen!

Located in the dynamic SoMa district (the South of Market neighborhood which is dotted with upscale dining options and high-energy nightclubs, only a four-minute walk to a Muni light-rail stop and a mile from San Francisco Bay), the fabulous 4-star exceptionally rated San Francisco version of the prestigious W chain is located deep in the heart of the city’s energy.

The bright contemporary rooms at The W Hotel offer flat-screen TVs, minibars, and Wi-Fi and upgraded rooms feature sitting areas and/or skyline or city views and they also offer everything from the unrivaled proximity to the trendiest locations to making bold statements of luxury and an eco-minded ethos – they serve up only sustainable cuisine in their sophisticated restaurant TRACE for example.

At this wonderfully hip San Francisco hotel, also expect to make full use of their gorgeous luxe spa, a hip lounge, a fantastic nightclub-style cocktail bar that overlooks the restaurant, a have-to-be-seen to be believed sleek fitness center which features a glass ceiling, and their exclusive whatever/whenever service which offers the ultimate in indulgence and is tasked with taking care of guests every possible whim! Get ready to lose your heart to the W! 

• Prices from $130 per night
• To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel San Francisco 

Hotel des Arts – funky creative fun

Part hotel, part art gallery, the reasonably priced but highly rated Hotel Des Arts dedicate themselves to featuring the contemporary work of international artists. Located in the city’s creative French quarter which is chock full of galleries, cafes, and restaurants (and only a 7-minute walk from Chinatown and an 8-minute walk from BART Montgomery Street Station), this fab down-to-earth boutique hotel promises comfortable modern interiors embellished with more than just a dash of visual stimulation!

 

• Prices from $100 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Des Arts San Francisco

Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel – historically inspired opulence

Since its inception in 1928, this 4-star highly rated hotel has been a landmark of opulence and glamour, welcoming through its doors many a celebrity and prominent public figure. Today the Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel is a much-loved homage to the life of the city. Located in a suitably historic 1920s building just off Union Square in the beating heart of the city (only 2 miles from Fisherman’s Wharf), the hotel is rich in history and is continuing to trailblaze the best service, the most adventurous cocktails, and probably the city’s longest-serving doorman at the hotel (who is now a national treasure)!

What a wonderful place this chic and contemporary San Francisco accommodation is – it made me just embrace the theatrical extravagance of the Californian city and I seriously loved it. From the divine cocktails and the free wine hour every afternoon to the regal rooms featuring flat-screens, Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and in-room spa services to the 360° Views in the Starlight Bar and the hysterical Sunday Drag Brunch, I can’t think of a better place from which to experience this iconic city…!

• Prices from $130 per night
• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel

Hotel Whitcomb – vintage elegance

Hotel Whitcomb is the perfect blend of old-time elegance and contemporary facilities. The historic and chic San Francisco hotel once served as City Hall and as I walked off the streets into the beautiful turn of the century lobby complete with wood paneling, marble columns,  Tiffany stained glass, and crystal chandeliers and I instantly felt like I was on a set of a period drama!

The original character of this historic building has been carefully maintained throughout the rooms and the communal areas and yet the feel is more distinctive than stuffy. Rooms also feature free Wi-Fi, desks, and flat-screen TVs, suites offer a living room, dining area, and wet bar and other hotel highlights include an Asian fusion restaurant, a coffee shop and a wine bar, and an exercise room.

With its ornate classic elegance, it’s the perfect place to come if you want to feel a bit special but don’t want to break the bank either! It also has a great location only a five-minute bus or tram ride to Union Square, a five-minute walk from a BART rail station (which will take you to the rest of the city), and is also served by a streetcar that runs along Market Street. Using its own words it promises a ‘unique mix of vintage hospitality and urban convenience.’Hotels In San Francisco

• Prices from $90 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Whitcomb

Mystic Hotel – retro/modern chic boutique

Located in a central location only a 3-minute walk from Union Square (and a 2-minute walk from the Powell Street cable car stop) the highly rated and popular Mystic Hotel really embraces the famous San Franciso vibe with its cool blend of vintage and urban chic and thoughtful approach to space.

Other hotel highlights include a film noir-inspired bar which serves creative craft cocktails and a gorgeous lounge with leather sofas that features regular entertainment. A great unique hotel in San Francisco to absorb the city’s legendary bohemian attitude as well as soak up some of the city’s finest cocktails and incredible history! 

• Prices from $100 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Mystic Hotel

Hotel Kabuki – all very zen…

The highly-rated Hotel Kabuki is a stylish blend of Eastern convenience and Western aesthetics and the owners have succeeded in creating something really unique! I was immediately hit by the tranquil atmosphere of the hotel despite it being just a mile away from central San Francisco (the hotel is set in Japantown, three blocks from the shops and restaurants of Fillmore Street and 1.2 miles from Union Square).

The intriguingly decorated, Japanese-influenced rooms feature luxurious linens, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks, and in-room spa treatments. Opt for an upgraded room and you’ll find gorgeous Japanese soaking tubs, balconies, and/or whirlpool tubs. Other fabulous features at this unique and chic San Francisco hotel include free bathing passes to the nearby Kabuki Springs and Spa and a sleek lounge serving Japanese and American fare. Hotels In San Francisco

The gorgeous décor combines Japanese prints and colors with lots of natural light and thoughtfully designed spaces for a truly authentic twist on a boutique hotel experience. I found I had plenty of time to contemplate life in the serene Japanese garden and soaking in the deep Japanese-style bathtub and I left feeling thoroughly rejuvenated despite a rigorous itinerary of city sightseeing! Definitely a cool and unusual gem of a hotel.

• Prices from $140 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Kabuki

HTL 587 – classic modern with fabulous city views

A prestigious Ascend Hotel Collection Member, the highly-rated  HotelHTL 587 is your calling card for trendy! Located in the chic and funky Downtown Tenderloin area, nestled among the galleries, hip restaurants, and cool bars, it is the perfect base for all those looking for a refuge from the vibrancy while still being part of the San Franciso legendary cool (it’s only a 7-minute walk to the UN Plaza BART station and a 15-minute walk to Union Square).Hotels In San Francisco

The bright immaculate rooms mix a classic and contemporary style design with incredible city views and come with all the usual mod-cons – free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and even a virtual concierge – and downstairs you’ll find a laid-laid-back Vietnamese restaurant and a convenience store. The cool and modern San Francisco hotel aims to ensure that guests receive comfort with a few quirky details and great service in a fabulously vibrant area in the heart of the city! 

• Prices from $90 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel HTL 587

Hotel G – mixes modern style with historic charm

Only a block away from Union Square (a 6-minute walk from Market Street and the Powell Street Metro station), and located in a space that has undergone major upheaval from the great earthquake of 1906 to extensive renovations over the past two centuries, the stylish and highly rated Hotel G is a testament to the tenacity of San Francisco.

The history endured by this hip San Francisco stay is encapsulated in every element of its makeup. As you meander through the lobby, relax in the bar or chill out in your impeccably designed room, you will be able to hear the jazz of the past musicians and soak up the vibe of a bygone era, that has been so carefully embodied in the current style and charm of the hotel. The attractive modern minimalist rooms feature Nespresso machines, minibars, smart TVs, and free Wi-Fi and other amenities include a relaxed Euro-American restaurant, a bar, and a gym. A great choice for an interesting boutique hotel located right in the beating heart of San Francisco. Hotels In San Francisco

• Prices from $120 per night
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel G San Francisco 

Sparta 2A – gorgeous contemporary apartment

The highly-rated Sparta 2A apartment offers a departure from the frenzy of San Francisco where luxury and contemporary whimsy become reality. This light and airy modern San Francisco abode is a place where you can make a home during your holiday and explore at your own pace knowing that a relaxing environment nestled away from the hustle and bustle awaits you.

Located 5 miles from Union Square, not only does it offer respite from the craziness of the city but the floor-to-ceiling windows provide guests with unparalleled views of the city and that bay that Otis Redding was so entranced by. As well as three bedrooms, a fully fitted kitchen (with a dishwasher and oven), modern decor and free WiFi the apartments offer a home-away-from-home ambiance! Lovely!Hotels In San Francisco

• Prices from $100 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Spart 2A

Hotel Boheme – pays a wonderful homage to the beatnik era

Full of cozy charm and character, this intimate and exceptionally rated hotel perfectly captures the Bohemian flair of the late 1950s and early 1960’s Beat-era – a post-war literary movement that heavily influenced American culture and politics.

Oh, and as it’s located in Little Italy, you’ll also have immediate access to a huge number of authentic Italian delis and excellent Jazz and Blues Clubs to perfectly complete your authentic beatnik experience…Hotels In San Francisco

• Prices from $140 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Boheme Hotel

Hotel Vertigo – Hitchcock inspired mystic

This highly rated unique San Francisco boutique hotel boasts a very intriguing past, the building (which is located in the posh Nob Hill area only a 9-minute walk from Union Square and a short walk from several light-rail stops) was once a Prohibition-era speakeasy and then the setting for the Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film Vertigo – yes seriously!

With a hip new revamp and a name change, the fabulous Hitchcock-inspired ‘Hotel Vertigo‘ was born. With the mysterious movie theme running throughout the hotel you can also expect to find leather wing-back chairs, horsehead bedside lamps and Vertigo branded bathrobes creating a wonderful film set experience. Contrasting the classic decor is sophisticated in-room technology which includes flat-screen HD TVs, iPod docking station, and free Wi-Fi. Definitely one for the film buffs!

• Prices from $110 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Vertigo HotelHotels In San Francisco

Orchard Garden Hotel – serene luxury eco-boutique

Reflecting the city’s progressive ideals is this ultra-green, modern, and highly rated 4-star boutique hotel. The Orchard Garden Hotel is only one of four hotels in the world to win the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certification – meaning it adheres to the strictest environmental standards.

Both luxurious and popular, the hotel was built with sustainably harvested wood and recycled materials, boasts chemical-free products (including all the products used to clean with), energy-saving rooms, and a restaurant that only uses organic and locally sourced ingredients.

Located in the Financial District only a 6-minute walk to the shops of Union Square and two blocks from the Powell Street cable-car line, other highlights at this chic San Francisco hotel include spacious rooms with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and Egyptian cotton linens, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a delightful rooftop garden. A stylish hotel with a heart and a conscience, very rare indeed!

• Prices from $130 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Orchard Garden HotelHotels In San Francisco

 

Like so much of San Francisco, the highly-rated Hotel Union Square has wrapped it is being up in the history of the city. Its fabulous Art Deco style is infused with the eclecticism which the city is famous for and the chic rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and an attractive classic modern decor. Upgraded rooms also add in iPod docks, rainfall showerheads, and soaking tubs and suites feature funky exposed brick walls.

Other stand-out features include sociable evening wine receptions accompanied by live music and the use of a nearby gym.

• Prices from $100 per night
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Union Square