The Castro is one of the most famous LGBTQ neighborhoods in the United States, if not the world. In the mid-20th century, San Francisco was an epicenter of the counterculture movement. The Castro soon became a haven for the LGBTQ community where it was safe and celebrated to be queer. It is home to some of the very first gay bars in the city, and it is also home of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician elected to office in San Francisco. Today, The Castro remains a mecca for gay culture, with rainbows painted on the sidewalks and hanging as banners from street lamps. Alongside the celebration are also somber reminders of those who fought for the rights to live and love freely at Rainbow Honor Walk. You will also find many great hotels in and near the area. Read on for our picks of the best hotels to stay in The Castro, San Francisco, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, 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 11, 2024.
1. Parker Guest House (from USD 219)
Reasonable pricing for a San Francisco B&B with added value of complimentary breakfast and wine social.
Charming vintage house with beautiful garden, comfortable rooms, and friendly, accommodating staff.
Conveniently located near Dolores Park, restaurants, and public transportation in the Castro/Mission area.
Delicious and plentiful breakfast with a variety of options, as well as a delightful wine and cheese social hour.
Stay at one of San Francisco’s classic Victorian homes by choosing Parker Guest House. Every room at this beautiful hotel has elegant and comfortable furnishings that will make you feel right at home. The establishment is in a quiet part of a vibrant neighborhood, and many sights are accessible by foot.
Start your day off with the delicious, complimentary breakfast served in the dining room. There are several public areas on the property where you can gather during your down time, like the flourishing garden, sun-soaked terrace, and cozy lounge that is complete with a fireplace.
Parker Guest House
Address: 520 Church Street
3.39 km (2.2 mi) from Union Square
2. Twin Peaks Hotel (from USD 70)
Affordable rates for small, clean rooms with shared facilities.
Basic amenities, central location, shared bathrooms, and friendly staff.
Conveniently situated near public transportation, restaurants, and attractions such as Castro and Mission districts.
Numerous dining options and grocery stores in the vicinity.
Twin Peaks Hotel is a comfortable and simple accommodation in the heart of The Castro. It offers rooms that can host up to two guests, and it is ideal for a couple or a solo traveler. With the hotel’s free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception desk, it’s easy to plan the next day’s itinerary.
Several of San Francisco’s best parks are just steps away like Mission Dolores Park and Corona Heights Park. Right outside your door is a major bus route that will take you all around the city.
Twin Peaks Hotel
Address: 2160 Market Street
3.08 km (2.0 mi) from Union Square
Nearby hotels
3. Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel Union Square (from USD 269)
Great value for money with free breakfast and happy hour drinks included.
Historic military memorials, spacious rooms, and a central location.
Conveniently situated near Union Square and walkable to major attractions.
Delicious complimentary breakfast with stunning views, and free happy hour drinks.
Not far from The Castro is another one of San Francisco’s most lively neighborhoods, Union Square where you can stay at Marines’ Memorial Club & Hotel. This elegant and historical hotel has a lot of great amenities right on site. Not only does it have a library and a memorial museum for veterans, it also has a full-service health club and even a theater.
You can head to the rooftop restaurant for a delicious meal and cocktails while admiring the San Francisco skyline. After a long day, snuggle up with a comfortable robe in your room and relax.
Marines' Memorial Club & Hotel Union Square
Address: 609 Sutter Street
284 meters (0.2 ft) from Union Square
4. Orchard Hotel (from USD 169)
Another Union Square option not far from The Castro is Orchard Hotel. This boutique hotel is ideal for exploring the city, and it has great amenities to enjoy during your down time. There’s an on-site restaurant, and you can also mix drinks with supplies from the mini bar that’s available in each room. You can keep up with your fitness regimen by using the free passes to Active Sports Club offered by the establishment.
The property is conveniently located steps from the BART station, which will bring you to locations around San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area.
Orchard Hotel
Address: 665 Bush Street
259 meters (0.2 ft) from Union Square
5. Hotel Nikko San Francisco (from USD 229)
Hotel Nikko San Francisco is a chic, modern hotel that is near The Castro. Each room at the establishment has a separate sitting area, and many units have gorgeous views of the city skyline. You can spend an afternoon lounging about by the indoor pool, which has a glass ceiling that lets the sunlight stream in.
The place is pet-friendly, and it even has a rooftop dog run, so you and your Fido can take in the vista. Grab a mouthwatering meal at the on-site restaurant, which offers a medley of American and Japanese dishes.
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Address: 222 Mason St
309 meters (0.2 ft) from Union Square
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6. The Donatello Hotel (from USD 111)
The Donatello Hotel is a classic hotel that will transport you back in time. The exteriors of the establishment follow the Art Deco style, and inside, you’ll find a lobby whose decor is inspired by the mid-century modern aesthetic. Book yourself a treatment at the spa or relax by swimming in a pool and soaking in a hot tub. The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving Italian cuisine with a side of live jazz music.
The property is in Union Square and is just steps from The Castro and other wonderful San Francisco neighborhoods.
The Donatello Hotel
Address: 501 Post Street
225 meters (0.2 ft) from Union Square
7. Argonaut Hotel, a Noble House Hotel (from USD 219)
Another great San Francisco attraction not far from The Castro is Fisherman’s Wharf where you’ll find Argonaut Hotel. Located inside a refurbished warehouse, the rooms have exposed brick walls and a cheerful, nautical decor. You can enjoy views of the San Francisco bay while relishing fresh seafood and sipping California wines at The Blue Mermaid, an on-site restaurant. Pamper yourself by availing of an in-room spa treatment or by practicing yoga with the complimentary yoga equipment provided.
Argonaut Hotel, a Noble House Hotel
Address: 495 Jefferson Street
2.47 km (1.6 mi) from Union Square
8. Chancellor Hotel on Union Square (from USD 116)
Great value for money, especially for the central location.
Free cookies, coffee, and popcorn; charming vintage decor; smart TV; comfortable bed and pillows.
Convenient to shopping, restaurants, Union Square, and public transportation.
Complimentary coffee, tea, cookies, and fresh fruit; nearby dining options.
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square is a boutique hotel with a historic feel. It is conveniently located for shopping at the upscale stores of neighborhood and the quirky shops of The Castro. All of the rooms at the establishment offer free Wi-Fi and a mini fridge. You can select from a menu of 12 specialty pillows to make your stay even more comfortable.
Head down to the lobby for complimentary coffee and snacks any time of day. The hotel bar also offers happy hour, which is the perfect way to transition from the day’s adventures to the nightlife scene.
Chancellor Hotel on Union Square
Address: 433 Powell Street
131 meters (430.0 ft) from Union Square
9. San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square (from USD 309)
Reasonable value for central location, but beware of hidden fees and high parking charges.
Modern, clean rooms with excellent views, but additional charges for WiFi and amenities.
Perfect location for sightseeing, dining, and shopping, but area can be crowded and has some issues with cleanliness.
Great dining options, but expensive and limited breakfast choices; rooftop bar offers spectacular views.
San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square is perfectly located for exploring The Castro and beyond. It provides valet parking service, so you can safely leave your car while exploring on foot or by public transportation. Many of the luxurious rooms feature views of the city skyline. Each unit has tea and coffee supplies for starting your morning right and a mini bar for a nightcap.
You can sit with other travelers in the modern and spacious lobby or in the rooftop patio.
San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square
Address: 780 Mission Street
397 meters (0.3 ft) from Union Square
10. Omni San Francisco (from USD 304)
Omni San Francisco has the perfect balance of historic decor and modern luxuries. Once you enter through the brick facade, you’ll find a two-story lobby with rich wood-paneled walls. The elegant rooms are the perfect spots for relaxing, and they come with top-quality robes, a complimentary spa toiletries, and a cable TV. Dine at the on-site restaurant where you can enjoy your meal while taking in gorgeous city views.
Right outside, you’ll see plenty of public transit options that will take you to The Castro and other destinations in the city.
Omni San Francisco
Address: 500 California Street
694 meters (0.5 ft) from Union Square
A vibrant neighborhood with history
Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ community or not, be sure to add The Castro to your San Francisco itinerary. This vibrant neighborhood is the perfect place to learn about the history of the LGBTQ movement and remember those who fought for gay rights; it’s also a joyful place that celebrates the pride of being who you are and loving whomever you want.
Any one of these hotel options will be the ideal starting point for exploring The Castro and the many other neighborhoods of San Francisco.
History
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