The 11 Best Boutique Hotels in San Francisco

The Proper Hotel opened its doors in 2017 in the Mid-Market District. The posh, 131-room hotel blends sophistication with innovation, offering rooms from modest bunk beds to lavish premier suites. The decor juxtaposes simple blacks, creams, grays, and wooden accents with intricate wallpaper designs. Guests can lounge 120ft (37m) above Market Street at the Charmaine’s rooftop bar, or treat themselves to contemporary American food at the hotel’s Villon restaurant. Proper Hotel is just steps from a BART station, for those who don’t want to deal with driving (and parking) in the city.

Hotel Zephyr is a wonderful option for those who want to stay by the water, especially for familes with kids. Its colorful maritime theme and art-filled courtyard make it perfect for younger visitors – it even has an indoor games room, including ping pong and billiards, as well as an on-site food truck. For the older guests, the room views can’t be beat: the Bay is just outside the window and stretches as far as the Golden Gate and Bay bridges. Zephyr’s close proximity to Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and the beach at Aquatic Park is also a huge bonus.

Hotel Zeppelin is an audiophile’s dream. The hotel prides itself in breaking the mold and celebrating San Francisco’s counterculture tradition. Each of its 196 rooms is draped in pop culture artwork and equipped with a vintage record player – check out a record from the front desk’s free library. Guests can grab a bite at the Rambler or a nightcap at the Mantel Bar after an evening of exploring the adjacent Nob Hill and Union Square neighborhoods.

Hotel G may have only opened its doors six years ago, but the Union Square building has been standing tall since 1909. The newly renovated hotel mixes a simple, relaxed design with a homey feeling. The rooms are approached with minimalist yet comfortable decor, and the on-site bar, Benjamin Cooper, is a favorite with locals for its delicately handcrafted cocktails and fresh oysters. But the coolest part about Hotel G is its partnership with Creativity Explored. You can take your room’s art pieces home with you, and the proceeds benefit the non-profit’s work with developmentally disabled adults.

Perched atop the Pacific Heights hills, Hotel Drisco is a truly luxurious experience for anyone who wants to enjoy the city’s beauty away from the hustle and bustle. The plush rooms here have some of the best uninterrupted views in San Francisco. However, the best thing about Hotel Drisco may be its amenities – the hotel offers nightly wine receptions featuring local wines, artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, fresh fruit, and hors d’oeuvres. There’s also a gourmet continental breakfast, and loaner bikes for those who’d like to explore the neighboring Presidio Park and Golden Gate Bridge.

Hotel Vitale is right next to the Embarcadero, perfect for travelers who want to stay on the water – without dealing with the frenzy of Fisherman’s Wharf. This luxury hotel pampers guests with a penthouse-level spa, complete with rooftop soaking tubs and sunset views, as well as waterfront dining at the on-site Americano. For those who prefer to explore, the hotel is across the street from Pier 14 and a short walk from the expansive Ferry Building.

The swanky motor court-style hotel evokes a 1950s beach vibe, and is a go-to for traveling musicians playing the nearby Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and Great American Music Hall. Describing itself as “a temporary home to musicians and other artistic vagrants,” the rooms at the Phoenix Hotel have as much retro character as the property’s exterior. The pool is just one of the many perks the hotel has to offer – the on-site Chambers restaurant is also a great place to eat and drink.

The Clift oozes swagger and luxury throughout the property. Designed by famed interior decorator Philippe Starck, the Union Square hotel boasts quite the furniture collection, including chairs from Ray and Charles Eames and furniture by Salvador Dalí. The rooms exude modern elegance, and the dining options are impressive – the Art Deco-inspired Redwood Room is a destination itself, and perfect for a nightcap.

Hotel VIA is the ideal accommodation for anyone traveling to San Francisco for a baseball game – the property is just across the street from AT&T Park. However, this hotel is much more than just convenient South Beach lodging. The sleek, contemporary style of Hotel VIA is a modernist’s dream, and the rooftop bar boasts spectacular city views from 12 stories above the pavement.