The Best Cheap Hotels And Hostels To Book Near Downtown San Francisco

San Francisco is not known for its affordability, but there are great deals to be found – even right in the center of the city. Downtown is close to buzzy locations such as Union Square, Coit Tower and the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market. Try one of these pocket-friendly hotels and hostels nearby – now bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Ansonia Hotel, for Art Deco digs near Union Square

Hotel

Everyone will love the location of this charming downtown hotel in San Francisco, a hop, skip and jump from Union Square. It’s also less than 10 minutes on foot from attractions such as the Regency Ballroom, Nob Hill’s Grace Cathedral and, for speedy hill walkers, the Cable Car Museum. There’s something for everyone, from four-person dorms with privacy pods, which include a handy reading light and privacy screen, to doubles, but everyone can enjoy the shared kitchen and spacious foosball lounge.

2. Music City Hotel – Home of the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame, for rock 'n' roll rooms near Haight Ashbury District

Hostel

A music-themed hotel you say? Living up to its name, this brightly colored joint has a Janis Joplin room and a Summer of Love suite with a kitchenette. Not your bag? Pick the Green Day, Metallica and Grateful Dead rooms with rock memorabilia and queen beds. The SF Music Hall of Fame features 75 iconic artists photographed by former Rolling Stone photographer Robert Altman. The hostel section features cosy bunks. Check out the recording/jamming studio.

3. Cow Hollow Motor Inn, for home comfort near the Marina District

Inn

Cow Hollow Inn room in muted tones, oak furniture and carpeted floors with bay window

This homey Victorian-style hotel in San Francisco offers comforting rooms bathed in muted tones, oak furniture and hardwood floors with colorful rungs on Lombard Street, close to the waterfront. Equidistant from the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll be a skip and a hop from the Palace of Fine Arts and Chinatown and an easy stroll from the top-notch bars and restaurants peddling pasta, seafood and nifty nightcaps.

5. 1906 Mission, for eco-chic near Golden Gate Park

Eco Hotel

1906 Missions breakfast lounge with wood banquettes and wood floors

Built following the Great Earthquake of 1906, from the outside this powder-blue hotel appears to be a charming Mrs. Doubtfire-style building in the hip Mission District. Inside, you’ll find a calm sanctuary away from city noise: with quiet lounge areas and a peaceful patio. Seriously comfy beds aid sleep in light, modern, whitewashed rooms. Green initiatives include energy-efficient lighting, eco-friendly slippers and shared bathrooms with green toiletries. The continental breakfast kick starts a day of hilly pavement pounding.

6. The Grove Inn, for near refined relaxation near the Painted Ladies

Independent Hotel

Exterior of Victorian Grove Inn with wood siding facade on sloping street

Sitting snugly on a quiet residential street, this family-owned Victorian property in San Francisco gives off the vibes of a nice and wealthy aunt’s home. You’ll be made to feel comfortable and welcome from the moment you check into standard queens, kings or a glorious suite. All rooms are spotless with luxury bedding, free snacks and private bathrooms. You’re around the corner from Alamo Square and the iconic Painted Ladies as well as quaint little bars and locally loved neighborhood restaurants.

Chloe Byrne and K Santos contributed additional reporting to this article.

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