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The Best Hotels With Pools to Book in San Francisco

After spending the day out and about in San Francisco, unwind in a hotel with a relaxing pool
After spending the day out and about in San Francisco, unwind in a hotel with a relaxing pool | © Michele Falzone / Alamy Stock Photo

When booking a hotel in San Francisco, you’re likely to be more interested in its proximity to the city’s famous attractions than its swimming facilities. However, after a day exploring this famous Northern California city, you may want to relax in a swimming pool, whether it’s heated and indoors, on the roof with incredible views or full size. Here’s our pick of the best hotels with pools in this Bay Area city.

Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Downtown

Hotel

Interior pool of Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco, housed under a curved glass roof, surrounded by sun loungers and potted plants
Courtesy of Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel / Expedia
Step into history at the Palace Hotel, San Francisco’s first luxury hotel, established in 1875. You can start your day with a swim in the heated indoor pool with a magnificent glass ceiling, followed by a visit to the majestically gilded Garden Court, which is known for its Signature Tea experience and City Brunch. The hotel is also home to the Pied Piper, inspired by the Maxfield Parrish painting that hangs above the bar. The elegant rooms feature Frette linens, leather headboards and views of downtown.

Phoenix Hotel, Tenderloin

Boutique Hotel

Exterior pool of Phoenix Hotel, surrounded by seating with trees and the motel building behind
Courtesy of Phoenix Hotel / Expedia

Born from the idea that bands needed a boutique hotel with space to park their tour bus at night, Chip Conley opened the Phoenix Hotel in the Tenderloin in 1987, thus starting its rock’n’roll history. Rooms surround a private courtyard, which features an outdoor heated pool (the site of many a party). The dimly lit Chambers restaurant is open for dinner, cocktails and weekend brunch, which you can enjoy on the poolside patio.

Hotel Nikko, Union Square

Hotel

Interior pool of Hotel Nikko, San Francisco, under a glass-fronted gable roof, surrounded by sun loungers
Courtesy of Hotel Nikko / Expedia

The serene Asian-inspired Hotel Nikko is steps away from Union Square. Its comfortable rooms feature sweeping views of the city, a marble bathroom and dreamy Subarashii Yume (dreams in Japanese) pillow-top beds. The spacious glass-enclosed pool area has an indoor-outdoor deck, lounge chairs and three firepits, creating a perfect spot for roasting s’mores.

The St Regis San Francisco, SoMa

Hotel

Modern interior pool of the St Regis hotel San Francisco, surrounded by large windows and seating
Courtesy of The St Regis San Francisco / Expedia
The St Regis is nothing if not polished. Its elegantly designed rooms have pops of color and texture provided by aubergine pillows, leather walls and artwork, and its bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers, creating a relaxing environment. The light-filled, spectacular indoor infinity pool offers beautiful views of the SoMa neighborhood. You can partake in Afternoon Tea in the pleasant Lobby Lounge or have a delicious meal at the Grill – make sure to sample the hotel’s signature cocktail, the Golden Gate Mary.

Hotel Del Sol, Marina District

Boutique Hotel

Colourful room interior of Hotel Del Sol, with a double bed, large bedside lamps and art on the wall spelling Jiffy
Courtesy of Hotel Del Sol / Hotels.com

Originally a 1950s motor lodge, the Hotel Del Sol of today is a family- and pet-friendly playful boutique hotel. Fairy-light-covered palm trees strung with hammocks surround the heated outdoor pool in the courtyard, creating a fitting spot to float on your back while looking at the stars. The hotel also has a host of other amenities, such as bike rentals, a movie library and a complimentary grab-n-go continental breakfast box.

Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco

Hotel

Room interior of the Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco, with a large double bed, wall-mounted TV and chaise longue by the window
Courtesy of Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco / Hotels.com

With a calming palette of grays and blues, this hotel has a nautical vibe – a nod to the hotel’s Fisherman’s Wharf location. Its spacious rooms feature multifunctional workstations, mini-fridges, Keurig coffee makers and Drybar hairdryers, while some upgrade accommodation options have city views and marble rain showers. The heated outdoor pool lies in a secluded courtyard, flanked by lounge chairs, small potted trees and a relaxing whirlpool.

Handlery Union Square Hotel

Chain Hotel, Hotel

Courtyard of Handlery Union Square Hotel, with an exterior pool in the centre surrounded by sun loungers
Courtesy of Handlery Union Square Hotel / Expedia

The Handlery Union Square Hotel is like two hotels in one. Rooms in the Historic Section highlight the building’s Victorian architecture with high ceilings and bay windows, while those in the Premier Section have city or pool views and upgrades such as extra bathroom amenities and bottles of water. Some rooms even have balconies. The hotel courtyard holds the year-round heated pool, surrounded by lounge chairs, potted greenery and flowers.

Cavallo Point Lodge, Sausalito

Hotel

Exterior of Cavallo Point Lodge, with a lawn, patio with firepit and seating, old tree and steps leading to an outdoor pool
Courtesy of Cavallo Point Lodge / Expedia

The historic Cavallo Point Lodge is about a 20-minute drive from downtown San Francisco and offers contrasting accommodation types. In the beautifully restored historic rooms – some with front porches and gas fireplaces – you can take in city or bay views. Meanwhile, the contemporary rooms give you a chance to relax in front of a fireplace while gazing out at the Golden Gate Bridge. At the on-site Healing Arts Center & Spa, you can enjoy a massage or facial before slipping into the outdoor heated meditation pool.

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