You know the saying: ‘It is possible to have it all, just not all at once.’ 1 Hotel San Francisco blows that maxim right out of the water, blending understated eco luxury with a blue ribbon location directly opposite the city’s iconic Ferry Building. Reclaimed wood, an earthy palette and moody communal areas give way to natural light, generous proportions and views to die for in the hotel’s 186 rooms and 14 suites. There’s even a rooftop garden, complete with an onsite beehive that produces ingredients used at the signature Terrene restaurant. 

Just two blocks southeast of vibrant Union Square, Hotel Nikko’s Japanese-inspired decor makes the 532-room behemoth, which takes up an entire city block, feel cosy and personalised. ANZU Restaurant dishes up delicate plates of Japan-inspired fare – the raw bar makes lavish use of California’s ample seafood supply – while thoughtful in-room touches, like the ability to text housekeeping to request items, reinforce the hotel’s luxe status.

In a town where novelty and innovation are exalted, there’s something almost defiant about the grand, old-world luxury of the Fairmont. From the grand external facade to the gilded marble columns in the palatial lobby, there is nothing understated about this SF institution. Favoured by celebrities and politicians alike (the UN Charter was drafted in the building’s Garden Room), the hotel is located atop historic Nob Hill, delivering sweeping views and direct cable car access – the full package for a memorable stay. 

Relative newcomer Luma Hotel, located in the up-and-coming, tech-friendly neighbourhood of Mission Bay, exudes modern charm. Pan-Latin tapas complement panoramic vistas at Luma’s 17th-floor rooftop lounge, while Frette Italian sheets, a crisp minimalist design and eco-friendly amenities define the 299 guest rooms.

Part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, the brand’s line of independent hotels, which boast the classic Hilton touch, and less than a block from Union Square, The Barnes Hotel is ideal for travellers wanting to immerse themselves in the heart of the action. The Barnes Restaurant + Bar is the jewel of this 189-room boutique hotel, where steak frites followed by the watering hole’s signature Cable Car cocktail (made with local Bay Area whiskey) will cap off a full day of sightseeing.

Directly across from SFMoMA, one of the country’s most impressive modern art museums, The St. Regis, lives up to its global reputation of white-glove service and opulence – but with a decidedly San Franciscan flare. Diners are spoilt for choice with three onsite eateries to bounce between, but a high tea created by the hotel’s resident pastry chef in the opulent Tea Salon is the best option for whiling away an afternoon. If pounding the steep city streets isn’t enough to work off the indulgence, the well-stocked fitness centre is always an option, with personal trainers on standby to offer private sessions. 

With panoramic city vistas taking in landmarks from the Sutro Tower to the Golden Gate Bridge, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero makes good use of its position as the city’s highest hotel – most of the 155 guest rooms offer front row to the show. Elevate your stay in every way by checking out the hotel’s skybridge, a glass-lined walkway that gives an eagle-eye view of the wonders below.

Just a stone’s throw from the Moscone Center, the city’s largest convention and exhibition complex, InterContinental San Francisco could be one of the city’s most decadent stays. Serene guest rooms with modern wood and marble accents (including 14 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame one of the most striking skylines on the planet) define this heavy-hitter on the local accommodation scene. Be sure to make a reservation in advance for the Michelin-starred Luce Restaurant, where a rotating tasting menu might feature a deconstructed octopus lasagne with squid ink pasta or dry-aged local duck with figs and port. 

Boutique stay The Marker, housed in a picture-perfect Beaux-Arts building just steps from Market Street and the Theater District, is the embodiment of San Fran cool. The comfortable rooms are well-appointed with velvet furnishings and rich navy tones, while Tratto Restaurant on the bottom floor of the building dishes up rustic Italian fare from morning to night – including a Mediterranean take on the classic American burger featuring fontina cheese, crispy prosciutto and tomato jam on a potato bun.

Palisociety owner and president Avi Brosh set out to design hotels for grownups – everything you need and nothing you don’t, overlaid with his signature relaxed sense of cool. Palihotel San Franciscio nails the brief, with a minimalist-meets-industrial design incorporating warm wood accents and exposed brick walls – you’ll even find Smeg fridges in the mini-bar. Upstairs, the expansive Fisher Loft serves pastries and coffee in the mornings, which makes for the perfect start to a day spent exploring a dizzying array of city landmarks from your base in the heart of Union Square.

In the rainbow hub of the Castro district, just steps away from Dolores Park and spanning two buttercup-yellow Edwardian mansions, the 21-room Parker Guest House is a sanctuary of cosy, quirky comfort. Settle in with a glass of wine in the communal front parlour – complete with fireplace and lounge – during the boutique hotel’s complimentary wine social in the evening or sprawl out in the shady courtyard of this happy hideaway.

The vibe at LINE hotel, housed inside a flatiron building on the corner of Market and Turk streets, is understated and cool from top to bottom. Close to Union Square, the building’s interior is a symphony of local art, with works adorning the walls of each of the 236 guest rooms. Upgrade to a Corner Studio room (floors 6-10) for its panoramic windows and unwind in the deep soaking tub, or. hit the rooftop bar as the sun sets for pork bao and Korean fried chicken around the firepit. Finish your day with a decadent Filthy Animal cocktail – a confection of hot chocolate, espresso liqueur and marshmallows.

Located in San Francisco’s buzzy North Beach neighbourhood at the foot of Telegraph Hill, Hotel Boheme might be situated in a 120-year-old building, but inside it’s a celebration of the city’s Beat era, with sheet music, poetry and art displayed throughout. Room styles are named after famous beat figures: ‘The Ginsberg’ is a cosy Queen room suitable for one or two; ‘The Kerouac’ is a larger double occupancy; and ‘The Burroughs’ accommodates up to four. In the afternoon, sherry is served in the lobby. 

Steps from Hyde St Pier in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighbourhood, Argonaut Hotel is a nautical-themed triumph of exposed brick, navy panelled walls and cream wooden shutters. While it’s close enough to the water that you can virtually throw a line out the window, that won’t be necessary; Blue Mermaid Restaurant plates up just-caught local seafood all day, including a sailor’s omelette with dungeness crab that will set you up for a day of adventure. 

It’s impossible not to wake up cheerful in the blue-and-yellow-striped rooms of Staypineapple, a five-minute walk from Union Square. After days spent gallery-hopping or shopping, return to the gilded lobby for complementary coffee, cookies and pineapple-infused water before checking in with the hotel’s resident ‘Everything Person’ at the front desk for recommendations on the best local dining gems. 

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