The Best San Francisco Hotels with Golden Gate & City Views.
Search below or scroll down to a list of San Francisco’s luxury and boutique hotels with a view in areas like Union Square, Embarcadero, Downtown, SoMa, Fisherman’s Wharf, and beyond.
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Exceptional San Francisco Hotels, Independently Reviewed
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5-Star Hotel in Embarcadero
♡ Bridge-to-Bridge Views
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We'll make it very simple for you: if you're looking for San Francisco's panoramic views, this is the place to stay. From the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, once the outpost for the Mandarin Oriental and the Loews Regency Hotel, guests can enjoy staggering views of famous city landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Transamerica Pyramid, and Alcatraz (at 48 floors above the ground, this is San Francisco's tallest hotel after all). If the views were already there, and under the Four Seasons command, the hotel regained its hype in 2022 after an extensive - and costly - renovation.
In terms of rooms and suites, this could well be the best hotel in San Francisco for exceptional views of San Francisco Bay and the city's evolving skyline. For the ultimate contemplation experience, pick the spectacular Golden Gate-View Corner Suite, offering San Francisco views that stretch from the remarkable suspension bridge to Alcatraz and can be admired through expansive windows. Should you require additional space and pampering, the Golden Gate Terrace Suite, hosting 1200 square feet (111 square meters) of pure luxury, is the finest accommodation in the house.
The hotel excels with its business clients, having launched the WFH (Work from Hotel) initiative, which enables guests to rest their laptops at various on-site working desks. The centrally-located Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero also allows easy walking access to the nearby Moscone Center, the city's largest convention center.
🔭 Hotel View: Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, Salesforce Tower, Alcatraz
Address: 222 Sansome Street, Financial District, San Francisco, CA 94104
Luxury Hotel in the Bay Area
♡ Golden Gate View Rooms & Healing Spa
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What if we told you that the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge aren't necessarily enjoyed from hotels in San Francisco's city center? What if we told you that the best hotel to contemplate picture-perfect Golden Gate Bridge vistas isn't technically in San Francisco but Sausalito? Enough with the suspense. Meet Cavallo Point, the nearest hotel to the Golden Gate Bridge, with views that match such a desirable location.
Occupying former military facilities at Fort Baker amidst the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the historic rooms are situated on a slightly lower level but still deliver iconic vistas of the famed bridge. The contemporary rooms, especially the westernmost placed, are where the magic truly happens, allowing guests to marvel at the impressive structure in its full splendor from the privacy of their quarters, which include panoramic balconies.
Leaving guests in awe is part of Cavallo Point's mission, expressed throughout their stay. A good example is the Healing Arts Center & Spa, a transformative spa experience where holistic therapies play a crucial role in elevating guests' physical and mental sense of well-being.
As romantic as this picturesque lodge is, visiting families will never feel bored. Activities such as cooking classes, scenic picnics, and visits to the adjacent Bay Area Discovery Museum contribute to a memorable, happy stay for guests of all ages.
🔭 Hotel View: Golden Gate Bridge
Address: 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, CA 94109
5-Star Hotel in SoMa
♡ Metropolitan & Astor Suite Vistas
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Located in one of the most desirable San Francisco areas, SoMA, the high-end hotel St. Regis San Francisco, is an exceptional option for the sophisticated traveler, especially after the complete renovation of its 260 rooms and suites in 2022. Under the direction of the Chapi Chapo Design agency, the accommodations regained the status of among the best in San Francisco; with that said, none surpasses the top-floor, colossal Presidential Suite, which features 3200 square feet (288 square meters) of pure lavishness accompanied by commanding vistas over "Frisco." Still, those who manage to book the corner Metropolitan Suite or the Astor Suite, which includes the brand's Signature Butler Service, will hardly be disappointed.
The cityscape views over San Francisco from this elegant hotel in the city's financial district will undoubtedly feel like a lively painting reflecting perfect shapes and colors. Considering the hotel's position, immersed in San Francisco's skyline and surrounded by tall-like buildings, bay views are limited but nonetheless appealing for those who cherish urban sights.
For those planning a stay at The St. Regis San Francisco, swimwear should also be included in the packing list; the hotel's heated infinity pool, featuring San Francisco city views, is a welcoming haven from the bustling outdoors.
This luxurious hotel's skyscraper, a block from Moscone Center, also houses the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD). Within a few steps, guests can reach the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which has a collection of almost 30,000 items.
🔭 Hotel View: San Francisco Skyline
Address: 125 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
5-Star Hotel in Embarcadero
♡ Waterfront Suites & Panoramic Terrace
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Many travelers dream of a cinematic Golden Gate Bridge view when considering their next hotel stay in San Francisco, which is understandable given the countless Hollywood appearances the International Orange structure has made. Even if it's true that some hotels offer this iconic vista at a considerable distance, it is a different bridge that can be spotted from a closer distance: the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, or simply put Bay Bridge. Even if a longer and busier Bay Bridge hasn't become a tourist landmark like the Golden Gate Bridge, it provides quite a vision, and no other hotel like the 1 Hotel San Francisco is in a better position to offer magnificent vistas of this vital city transportation link. For instance, in the morning, the image of a sun rising behind the Bay Bridge can be admired by guests in full splendor from some hotel accommodations, especially from the seven stylish Panoramic Waterfront suites.
Positioned in Embarcadero, moments away from the Ferry Building and its prominent clock tower, the boutique 1 Hotel San Francisco debuted in San Francisco's hospitality scene in 2022. Its arrival came with an ethos of environmental care and guests' well-being; these verticals manifest through extra care in where supplies come from, whether bedding, bath amenities or food ingredients.
Among our favorite venues in this upscale hotel is the Terrene patio, which provides al-fresco dining opportunities with awe-inspiring views of the nearby landmarks. On chillier nights, the on-site fire pits charge the atmosphere with charm and romance.
🔭 Hotel View: Bay Bridge, Ferry Building
Address: 8 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105
5-Star Hotel in Nob Hill
♡ Palatial Aura & Signature Golden Gate Suite
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Few hotels can claim to have survived an earthquake, such as the palatial Fairmont San Francisco, which still suffered from the fire that followed in 1906. Rebuilt at record speed, the resilient hotel bounced back in 1907 and has remained in operation until today, undergoing multiple renovations and upgrades throughout the years that cemented its position as a Beaux Arts-influenced property. Its stubbornness in retaining its status as one of the best hotels in San Francisco paid off, and to prove it is an extensive list of A-class celebrities that include Alfred Hitchcock, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett, who is said to have sung I Left My Heart in San Francisco for the first time in the hotel's impressive ballroom.
To describe the Nob Hill hotel's views, one should understand that the Fairmont San Francisco’s 606 rooms and suites are spread across the main and tower buildings, delivering substantially different experiences. In the first case, vistas only become interesting from the third floor up. The sixth-floor Main Building Balcony Suite, with an unobstructed line of sight towards the Transamerica Pyramid, is among guests' favorites.
The sweeping panoramic views surpass all expectations at the much taller adjacent tower building. Who would say no to waking up in a 23rd-floor, binoculars-equipped Signature Golden Gate suite with neck-twisting views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, and everything in between?
🔭 Hotel View: Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, Salesforce Tower, Alcatraz
Address: 950 Mason Street, Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA 94108
Also Consider These San Francisco Hotels
4-Star Hotel in Fisherman's Wharf
♡ Golden Gate, Bay & Skyline Views
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Who would guess a low-rise hotel could deliver such captivating views in a city like San Francisco? The boutique bayfront Argonaut Hotel attests to this possibility. Starting with San Francisco's most desired vista, the Golden Gate Bridge, some of the hotel's hip, maritime-themed rooms and suites' windows frame this unique sight, such as the case of the Argonaut One-Bedroom Suite and the Bay View King guestrooms (Alcatraz included). There are accommodations facing Downtown San Francisco for guests with a more urban-oriented taste. The eco-friendly hotel is directly connected to the Transamerica Pyramid through one straight artery, Columbus Avenue, so it is no surprise that guests can spot the iconic skyscraper from southwest-facing windows.
The Argonaut Hotel is among the finest lodging options in the Fisherman's Wharf area. It is a few steps from the Powell & Hyde Cable Car Turntable, the starting point for one of the quintessential San Francisco experiences.
🔭 Hotel View: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco Bay, Aquatic Park Cove, San Francisco Skyline, Transamerica Pyramid
Address: 495 Jefferson Street, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94109
4-Star Hotel in Tenderloin
♡ Skyline Views & Near Union Square
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After an extensive renovation, the downtown hotel The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco reopened its doors in early 2020. The result was an even more welcoming, lighter, and pleasant hotel than the one that had opened in 1934. For instance, the hotel’s 302 rooms and 70 suites have been updated to contemporary time elegance while preserving the hotel’s essential character.
As for the views, guests choosing to stay at one of the “city view” rooms or suites will be treated to memorable skyline vistas, one that includes one of San Francisco’s modernist landmarks, the Salesforce Tower; the One-Bedroom suite is a sure bet.
Are you planning on working remotely while in San Francisco? The hotel’s eatery, Fredericks, and communal tables might be the ideal workspace during your stay, as is The Living Room. The Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco is a stone’s throw from the historic Curran Theatre and the city’s commercial epicenter, Union Square.
🔭 Hotel View: San Francisco Skyline, Salesforce Tower
Address: 495 Geary Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102
5-Star Hotel in Fort Mason
♡ Bay Vistas & Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience
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A city landmark located in Ghirardelli Square, the Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square is one of the most photographed and historic buildings in San Francisco. It is easily recognizable by its unique Ghirardelli sign. The red-brick building is part of a former chocolate factory founded by Domingo Ghirardelli, today a revitalized complex that includes a five-star hotel, top-dollar residences, and the Ghirardelli Chocolate Experience, where visitors can sample all sorts of chocolate and leave with delicious ice creams in hand.
The hotel's bay-front location ensures exceptional views, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the left to Alcatraz Island just in front. Guests staying in the One-Bedroom Residence or the Signature Three-Bedroom Bay View Residence are promised expansive vistas of San Francisco Bay, not to mention a romantic fireplace in all living rooms. Due to the nature of its accommodations, this five-star hotel is particularly suited for longer-term stays.
Across the street, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park allows visitors to explore in more detail the symbiotic connection between the city and its bay. In no more than a 15-minute walk, guests will reach Fisherman's Wharf, a lively waterfront complex filled with restaurants and shops; along the route, the Anchorage Square Mall is a good option for those wishing to explore retail opportunities.
🔭 Hotel View: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, San Francisco Bay, Aquatic Park Cove
Address: 900 North Point Square, Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, CA 94109
5-Star Hotel in SoMa
♡ High-Floor Suites
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Soaring 32 floors above the ground, the InterContinental San Francisco deserves a place in our list of hotels with the best views in Frisco. Located in SoMa, near Moscone Center, this four-star hotel's main highlight is its panoramic views of San Francisco's ever-changing urban landscape and bay. The good news is that most of the 550 rooms and suites at the hotel have floor-to-ceiling windows and display city views (the high-floor Bay View and Terrace suites are among our favorites).
In the past few years, the hotel has been accumulating awards and certifications in an effort to become a more sustainable operation (LEED Gold-certified). Its fine-dining Luce restaurant has also been distinguished internationally.
The InterContinental San Francisco is within walking distance of lively Union Square and the Moscone Center. The hotel's proximity to several restaurants and the Metreon shopping mall (which has an amazing movie theater) is a clear plus.
🔭 Hotel View: San Francisco Skyline, Salesforce Tower
Address: 888 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
4-Star Hotel in Union Square
♡ M Club Lounge City Views
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If being in the center of the action matters to you the most, here is one of San Francisco's best hotels, steps away from the frenetic Union Square. The 39-story hotel is among our list of addresses to enjoy some of the city's prettiest views. To ensure a great view from the privacy of your accommodation, we recommend seizing a room with a city view upon making a reservation (requesting a higher floor is also a good idea). If, for some reason, that proves to be challenging, the panoramic views showcased at the 28th-floor M Club Lounge, as the name unveils, are nothing short of spectacular.
By staying at San Francisco Marriott Union Square, guests will have a city to explore right at their doorstep, including the nearby San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), The Warfield (Theater District), and Moscone Center.
🔭 Hotel View: San Francisco Skyline, Coit Tower
Address: 480 Sutter Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94108