From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the legendary Alcatraz Island, San Francisco is truly a city of wonders and excitement around every corner. San Francisco is a hilly city that sits by the coast of the Pacific Ocean. San Francisco is also a historic U.S city, being founded in 1776 by colonists from Spain. During the 1940s, San Francisco became an important place for the war in the Pacific and during the 60s, it was the hub of the hippie and gay rights movements. Suffice it to say, San Francisco has seen its fair share of important moments in history over the last couple of hundred years and as result, it has many interesting historic hotels. So, if you’re visiting the city and want to stay somewhere a little more interesting than just your average hotel, check out these amazing historic hotels in San Francisco below.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel (from USD 124)
Founded in 1928 and formerly called the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, the Beacon Grand is an iconic hotel in Union Square. Inaugurated by Hollywood celebrities, California’s governor, and San Francisco’s mayor, it was the first of its kind. The interior is inspired by the grandeur of Renaissance architecture.
You can kickstart your day with a cooked-to-order breakfast. Relax with your favorite drinks at the in-house bar. You can watch movies and shows on the HDTV with premium channels available in your room. Moreover, you’ll have access to free WiFi.
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
Address: 450 Powell Street
143 meters (469.9 ft) from Union Square
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
love the piano player ambiance & breakfast was amazingthe bathroom was cozy and nicely designedCleanliness:
staff was friendly room was very clean and updatedHost:
the staff was so niceRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was great for shopping and to start touring san franciscothe location was optimal and i highly recommend this hotelthe price was right and all the employees were amazing the location was greatEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
2. Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco (from USD 225)
Indulge in luxury and world-class service at this 5-star hotel downtown. You’ll be just blocks away from Chinatown and Union Square. This historic property was built in 1875 and was the city’s first premier luxury hotel and the largest in the world. Here, you will find Gilded Age luxury and classic design infused with modern elements.
You can rise and shine with a steaming cup of coffee in the onsite cafe. Work out in the cutting-edge fitness center, followed by a delicious buffet breakfast. Two famous fine dining restaurants serve mouthwatering Californian cuisine. You can unwind while sipping your favorite cocktail in the two in-house bars.
In addition, the hotel has a heated indoor pool for relaxation and enjoyment. As part of the hotel’s grand rooms, you’ll have a 48-inch flat-screen TV with satellite channels for entertainment indoors.
Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
Address: 2 New Montgomery St
498 meters (0.4 ft) from Union Square
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsCleanliness:
the room was clean and comfy and the breakfast was deliciousit is also clean with wonderful amenities
3. Warwick San Francisco (from USD 95)
Reasonable pricing for a central location
Conveniently located near Union Square, with spacious rooms and friendly staff
Close to attractions, restaurants, and public transportation, but may have issues with homeless individuals in the area
Proximity to a variety of dining options, but no breakfast facilities on-site
Located just a short walk away from Union Square Park, this hotel comes with beautiful Victorian-style decor and modern amenities like WiFi and a European bar and lounge. Relax in your room with your flat-screen TV, USB ports, and luxury toiletries or head up to the kitchen and enjoy panoramic views while you dine on New Californian cuisine.
San Francisco International Airport is only a twenty-minute drive away and there are great shopping opportunities to be done around Union Square and the hotel.
Warwick San Francisco
Address: 490 Geary Street
348 meters (0.3 ft) from Union Square
4. InterContinental Mark Hopkins (from USD 209)
Varied pricing, expensive parking, and additional charges for breakfast.
Comfortable beds, historical building, rooftop bar with amazing views, and well-equipped gym.
Excellent location atop Nob Hill, close to attractions and with beautiful city views.
Mixed reviews on food quality, lack of variety in breakfast, and high prices for meals.
InterContinental Mark Hopkins is a 4-star hotel right in the middle of San Francisco. It boasts elegantly modern rooms that come complete with a minibar, cable television, and a coffee maker for those guests who enjoy their morning brew.
For your utmost convenience, this famous historic hotel in San Francisco has babysitting services, valet parking, a business center, and a 24-hour fitness center. You also have access to a top-floor restaurant with beautiful views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge.
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco, an IHG Hotel
Address: 999 California St
498 meters (0.4 ft) from Union Square
5. The Westin St Francis San Francisco on Union Square (from USD 194)
Reasonable rates, but $85 parking fee
Historical building, clean rooms, early check-in, late check-out, metal water bottles, free cable car tickets, concierge service
Central location in Union Square, accessible to cable cars, shopping, and tourist attractions
Great cocktails at Clock bar, convenient coffee shop in the lobby, limited food options, expensive cafe
The Westin Hotel San Francisco is home to the historic Magneta Grandfather Clock and it sits right in front of a cable car stop. The Westin also has a ton of dining options available to guests but with Chinatown only a few minutes’ walk away, you’ll want to try out some local specialities.
This historic San Francisco hotel is truly an elegant experience, from the breathtaking vistas of the city it overlooks to the stunningly modern rooms it offers complete with minibars, televisions, and coffee makers.
The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square
Address: 335 Powell Street
84 meters (274.7 ft) from Union Square
6. Inn San Francisco (from USD 235)
What at first glance might appear to be a typical home in San Francisco style is actually a stunning inn decorated in Victorian style. Each of the guest rooms features an aesthetic reminiscent of the Victorian era, while also providing guests with the luxury of modern conveniences such as WiFi, flat-screen cable TV, and even breakfast each morning.
Guests have the option of unwinding in the hot tub, lounging in the garden, or playing ping pong in the games room during their stay.
Inn San Francisco
Address: 943 South Van Ness Avenue
3.42 km (2.2 mi) from Union Square
7. Queen Anne (from USD 165)
Reasonable rates for a unique Victorian property
Complimentary tea/coffee, cookies, and sherry, spacious rooms, shuttle service, museum-quality decor
Conveniently located in Japantown, close to Fillmore for shows, easy access to public transportation
Delicious breakfast with fresh waffles, afternoon sherry and cookies, accommodating staff
At the Queen Anne hotel, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast of boiled eggs, sausages, fruit, pastries, muffins, and fresh juice in a space detailed with English and American antiques. Each room comes with toiletries and a seating area as well as a luxuriously soft robe, and some rooms even come with a wood-burning fireplace.
For those looking to get around town, a concierge car service is available and for those looking for a little on-site entertainment, there is an arcade room in the hotel.
Queen Anne
Address: 1590 Sutter Street
1.68 km (1.1 mi) from Union Square
8. Cornell Hotel de France (from USD 130)
Get a little taste of France in the heart of San Francisco at this family-owned and operated hotel. Only a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Union Square, the hotel was built in 1910 and features tons of old-world charm and modern comforts. Each room is individually decorated so can stay here more than once and have a different experience every time. This famous San Francisco hotel also offers free WiFi available at all times and works of art adorn the hotel for guests to enjoy.
Chinatown and the theatre district are both close by, making the Cornell Hotel de France a great central location.
Cornell Hotel de France
Address: 715 Bush Street
276 meters (0.2 ft) from Union Square
9. Omni San Francisco (from USD 304)
Take a step back in time to the 1920’s and feel like you’re truly part of the jazz age at the Omni hotel. This is one of the oldest hotels in San Francisco that features luxurious 1920’s decor with state-of-the-art amenities included in every room like a flat-screen TV, plush robes and free toiletries.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all offered at the restaurant that is located on the premises. Both Chinatown and Union Square, located in San Francisco, can be reached on foot in 10 minutes.
Omni San Francisco
Address: 500 California Street
694 meters (0.5 ft) from Union Square
10. Beresford Arms (from USD 114)
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Beresford Hotel offers Victorian charm with modern amenities close to cable car stops. Staying at the Beresford Hotel puts you in close proximity to Union Square, Chinatown, and the financial district, so there is no shortage of things to do or see in the area around the hotel.
Begin your day with a free cup of coffee and pastry, then use the complimentary WiFi to check your email while you enjoy an afternoon tea break on the house.
Beresford Arms
Address: 701 Post Street
534 meters (0.4 ft) from Union Square
11. The Fairmont San Francisco (from USD 320)
The Fairmont sits on top of the centrally located Nob Hill and is truly a San Francisco landmark. The Fairmont Hotel is interestingly the only place where all three cable car lines meet. Flat-screen TVs, luxurious marble baths, plush robes, and iconic views are just the tip of the iceberg of what you’ll get here. The many bars and restaurants will cater to whatever you need for your stay whether that’s an afternoon tea or an evening cocktail.
The Fairmont also provides its own homemade honey made from bees kept on top of the hotel’s rooftop garden. Saunas and gyms are also available to all guests. The location is so central you can see many landmarks right from your room.
Fairmont San Francisco
Address: 950 Mason Street
567 meters (0.4 ft) from Union Square
12. King George (from USD 89)
Enjoy some upscale shopping opportunities around this boutique hotel that offers WiFi 24/7 and some amazing dining options. Each European-style room has a flat-screen TV, premium cable channels, and an iPod dock clock radio. Guests will also receive a little candy jar and tea in their rooms and for a little more adult tastes, head to Winston’s Bar and enjoy an evening cocktail.
The 24-hour concierge can accommodate guests with transportation to the airport, tips for tours around town, and valet parking.
King George
Address: 334 Mason Street
235 meters (0.2 ft) from Union Square
13. San Remo Hotel (from USD 119)
This lovely hotel is a great place for people looking to head to the beach, which is only ten minutes away. The European-style hotel comes with WiFi and complimentary coffee and tea. Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach are only a short distance away and the San Remo hotel is furnished with vintage Victorian heirlooms and historic photographs.
The hotel’s restaurant, known as Fior d'Italia, first opened its doors in 1886 and features an incredible menu of cuisine from northern Italy.
San Remo Hotel
Address: 2237 Mason Street
1.9 km (1.2 mi) from Union Square
Historic San Francisco
San Francisco is an amazing city with so much to see and do and it’s no wonder that a city founded in 1776 has such amazing historic hotels. San Francisco itself is a historic city that has seen and gone through many things. Why not indulge in the local lore while you’re here and stay in a hotel with an interesting past?
You can also choose to stay in hotels with outdoor pools or luxury RV rentals in San Francisco, California, it’s up to you!
History
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