The Best Hotels to Book Near the Golden Gate Bridge

The delightful Pacific Heights neighborhood, concentrated around Union Street and the Upper Fillmore, is one of the trendiest districts in the city and famous for shopping and eating. This historic 1903 Edwardian hotel, updated and renovated to a high degree, is just as elegant. Complimentary extras are a delight and include a delicious gourmet breakfast, daily wine reception and chauffeur service. Experience the area’s attractions such as Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf before coming back to relax in this delicious hideaway.

This bright, clean budget hotel has a charming and convenient location just steps from the Presidio’s main gate on Lombard Street. There are thoughtful amenities such as an early check-in, which you’ll appreciate after a long flight or car journey, and free breakfast plus coffee available all day. But it’s the short walk to Crissy Field, which boasts amazing views out to Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, and the ease of getting around town that make this property a little gem worth seeking out.

Just over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco in Marin County, this historic property offers fabulous suites in the old part of the lodge, with the two-story Frank House residence going beyond the ordinary. In the contemporary section, rooms and suites, perched above historic Fort Baker, also have much to offer, including breathtaking views over San Francisco Bay. This section seamlessly blends environmental sensitivity with modern style. In fact, you may never want to go out once you’re tucked up behind your private entrance, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a cozy fireplace.

Also on the Marin side, on the waterfront in Sausalito, this sweet early 20th-century Edwardian hotel was at one time a thriving bordello. During this period, it was frequented by gangsters, longshoremen and fishermen; many would have enjoyed the liquor being transported to the pier that didn’t quite make it to the departing ship. In the ’50s and ’60s, it was transformed into a beatnik and hippy hangout. This lovingly restored property saw extensive renovations in 1996 but, despite seeing many changes over the last century, still retains its historic ambience. Period pieces remain, but the accompanying decor has a strong color palette that lends everything a fresh feel.

This historic hotel on Lombard Street is in the Marina District, known for its ambience and energetic vibe. Nearby is the Marina Green and Yacht Harbor with fantastic vistas out to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands, with the ornate Palace of Fine Arts only a 15-minute stroll away. Hospitality and comfort are the key to this affordable inn’s popularity: friendly staff will direct you to the world-class restaurants and nearby shopping destinations. Want to go further afield? Plan a visit to the world-famous cable cars; created in 1873, they are the only manually operated transportation of its kind left in the world.

The rooftop views from this acclaimed boutique hotel make it worth the stay. You can’t beat this property for its superb location on Lombard Street in the Marina District, near the Palace of the Arts, Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf. Its amenities are a winner, too: Twisted St. Cafe is a great little on-site eatery, while newspapers, free bottles of water and insider knowledge give the hotel its X-factor.

This historic hotel stretches over several floors of the former Ghirardelli factory, and has kept many period features to the delight of those who stay here. For those seeking to stay in San Francisco a bit longer than a couple of nights, then these one-, two- and three-bedroom residences will be the perfect option. Each one has a sophisticated en-suite bathroom, fully stocked kitchen with refrigerator, dishwasher, washer and dryer plus a fireplace in the living room. There are views out over the water from your room to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, and with everything from the Presidio to Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown to the Marina District at your fingertips, this hotel also promises the best possible location.

There are superb hotels, then there are those that are one-of-a-kind. The Kimpton Buchanan is one of these exceptional premises: even the lobby is akin to a work of art, rather than merely a place to zone out. You’ll want to make the most of its ideal location: enjoy the nearby leafy streets and hip boutiques of Pacific Heights, the ramen shops and J-Pop storefronts of Japantown, and cool jazz venues and trendy restaurants of Fillmore.