The Best Hotels to Book Near San Francisco International Airport

You can’t get closer to SFO than the Grand Hyatt. Weary travelers can reenergize in the fitness center or yoga zone, and the Quail and Crane restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so you can fuel up no matter what time your flight is. Step off the SFO Air train, straight into the lobby and be whisked straight to your room or suite.

Clean, contemporary yet comfortable aptly describes the Millwood Inn and Suites boutique hotel and its 34 rooms and suites. The location, in the town of Millbrae, is near San Francisco airport, the 101 Freeway, Interstate 280, BART metro and is perfectly suited for those who want access to downtown San Francisco and her neighbourhoods but also San Jose’s tech scene and Santa Cruz beaches. A hot European style buffet is served every morning with a state-of-the-art coffee and espresso machine on the premises for all your caffeine needs.

This brand new hotel ticks all the boxes with excellent accommodation, pool, fitness centre and, perhaps most importantly, a fantastic location. Coffee in the lobby means you can put some spring in your step even before an early morning departure, and if your flight is slightly later, you might even have time to grab the complimentary breakfast.

This brightly coloured, fresh hotel is right smack in the birthplace of biotech and within walking distance of the Genentech campus. The suite accommodation is spacious, sleeping four adults and with a full-size kitchen. But it isn’t just techies that will enjoy this property and its location. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity to San Bruno Mountain State Park or the nearby San Francisco Bay walking trail and with the metro on your doorstep, it is only minutes to all the great San Francisco neighbourhoods and attractions.

Base yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the city and, instead, right on the waterfront next to San Francisco Bay. The futuristic design of this excellent property makes it a bit of a destination in itself, but it is also a relaxing and soothing environment for any stay. The bonus is great views across the water and to San Francisco in the near distance, particularly spectacular when dining at the AC Lounge’s leafy landscaped outside patio.

Is privacy your top priority? This accommodation provides just that. Rather than being a traditional inn, it’s more akin to a collection of little luxury cabins. Pick from the Desert Studio, the Woods Suite, the City Suite or the Coastal Studio. Each is modern, glass lined with floor to ceiling windows, full of light, oozing with rustic features, plus each studio/suite is provided with a full kitchen, dining area and separate living zone. Perched on pylons, each property’s balcony has virtually uninterrupted views to the beach and over the water.

The Towneplace Suites in San Mateo are brilliantly located and only a 20-minute drive from the Pacific Coast’s Half Moon Bay and Hwy 1, the Cabrillo Hwy, worth following for stunning coastal scenery. It is only slightly further inland to Pacific Redwood groves including Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve, Big Basin Redwoods State Park and the Portola Redwoods State Park. Otherwise, this property offers modern, stylish suite accommodation with full sized kitchens and also a communal dining room offering free breakfast. There are casual bistros and restaurants just around the corner from the property.

Roll off the runway and straight into happy hour at the Aloft’s WXYZ Bar to enjoy $2 off beer, wine and wings. This trendy hotel chain has expanded throughout the country and become popular with those who enjoy socialising as well as sleeping in style. Other amenities are an excellent indoor pool, large fitness centre and a spacious outdoor patio. But it is the stylish sleeping quarters that will appeal to many guests.

If retro is your thing, then this conveniently located hotel for public transport, only shouting distance from San Francisco Airport and also near the attractions of the city, is the perfect choice. The patio is a throwback to Spanish colonial style, while all the newly renovated rooms feature artwork by surrealist photographer Thomas Barbey. Be sure to book a deluxe room which features turntables for spinning a few vinyls while simultaneously enjoying your spacious balcony. One metro stop away is Burlingame which has excellent dining and shopping options.