Last updated August 8, 2024
It may be fashionable to complain about San Francisco, but truth be told, the Northern California city sure has some of the trendiest boutique hotels in the state. Below, our favorite six.
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San Francisco, a city famed for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, vibrant cultural tapestry and lively neighborhoods, offers an array of travel experiences that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re meandering through bustling market streets, savoring coffee in a cozy café or taking in the serene, fog-laden mornings by the bay, the city’s diverse attractions make it an irresistible destination.
Amidst this dynamic backdrop, boutique hotels in San Francisco provide an intimate and personalized accommodation experience. Unlike the larger, impersonal chain hotels, these boutique gems offer bespoke services, distinctive styles and a deeper connection to the local culture.
From the chic and contemporary to the charmingly vintage, each of our boutique hotels has its own story. You’ll also immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, often with staff eager to share insider tips.
Choosing a boutique hotel in San Francisco is more than just finding a place to rest your head; it’s about enriching your travel experience with authenticity and charm, making your visit to this energetic city all the more memorable.
Six San Francisco Boutique Hotels
Ready to explore San Francisco in style? Let’s dive into some of the city’s most charming boutique hotels.
1. 1 Hotel San Francisco
![1 Hotel San Francisco boutique hotel spa outdoor bath](https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1024,h_683,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619052/magazine/1-Hotel-San-Francisco-boutique-hotel-spa-outdoor-bath/1-Hotel-San-Francisco-boutique-hotel-spa-outdoor-bath.jpg?_i=AA 1024w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_300,h_200,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619052/magazine/1-Hotel-San-Francisco-boutique-hotel-spa-outdoor-bath/1-Hotel-San-Francisco-boutique-hotel-spa-outdoor-bath.jpg?_i=AA 300w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_768,h_512,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619052/magazine/1-Hotel-San-Francisco-boutique-hotel-spa-outdoor-bath/1-Hotel-San-Francisco-boutique-hotel-spa-outdoor-bath.jpg?_i=AA 768w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_600,h_400,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619052/magazine/1-Hotel-San-Francisco-boutique-hotel-spa-outdoor-bath/1-Hotel-San-Francisco-boutique-hotel-spa-outdoor-bath.jpg?_i=AA 600w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619052/magazine/1-Hotel-San-Francisco-boutique-hotel-spa-outdoor-bath/1-Hotel-San-Francisco-boutique-hotel-spa-outdoor-bath.jpg?_i=AA 1090w)
Step into a sanctuary of sustainability at 1 Hotel San Francisco, perched along the Embarcadero waterfront. Here, luxury meets eco-consciousness with stunning bay views and a commitment to natural materials.
Enjoy farm-to-table dining, unwind in the rooftop garden or explore the city with their fleet of electric cars. Each guest room is a serene retreat, featuring organic cotton linens and reclaimed wood furnishings, ensuring your stay is as kind to the planet as it is to you.
2. Proper Hotel
![Proper Boutique Hotel San Francisco lobby](https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1024,h_614,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619063/magazine/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 1024w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_300,h_180,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619063/magazine/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 300w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_768,h_461,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619063/magazine/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 768w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1536,h_922,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619063/magazine/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 1536w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1200,h_720,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619063/magazine/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 1200w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1440,h_864,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619063/magazine/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 1440w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_600,h_360,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619063/magazine/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 600w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619063/magazine/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby/Proper-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 1800w)
Historic architecture meets eclectic elegance at Proper Hotel in the heart of San Francisco’s Mid-Market District. Each guest room is a masterpiece of thoughtful decor, featuring custom-designed furniture and a curated collection of local art.
Savor culinary delights at the hotel’s signature restaurant or sip cocktails with panoramic city views at the rooftop bar. With its blend of style, comfort and whimsy, this boutique hotel redefines urban sophistication.
3. Hotel Zeppelin
![Boutique Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco lobby](https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619059/magazine/Boutique-Hotel-Zeppelin-San-Francisco-lobby/Boutique-Hotel-Zeppelin-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 780w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_300,h_200,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619059/magazine/Boutique-Hotel-Zeppelin-San-Francisco-lobby/Boutique-Hotel-Zeppelin-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 300w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_768,h_512,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619059/magazine/Boutique-Hotel-Zeppelin-San-Francisco-lobby/Boutique-Hotel-Zeppelin-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 768w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_600,h_400,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619059/magazine/Boutique-Hotel-Zeppelin-San-Francisco-lobby/Boutique-Hotel-Zeppelin-San-Francisco-lobby.jpg?_i=AA 600w)
Rebel against the ordinary at Hotel Zeppelin, where the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement is alive and well. Located near Union Square, this boutique hotel is a vibrant mix of bold colors, edgy artwork and rock ‘n’ roll vibes.
Relax in a guest room that channels the free spirit of San Francisco, complete with vintage records and turntables. The Den, a game room with a unique twist, offers Skee-Ball, shuffleboard and a video wall for an extra dose of fun. Embrace your inner rockstar and enjoy a stay that’s anything but typical.
4. Hotel Kabuki
![Kabuki Boutique Hotel San Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk](https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1024,h_576,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619078/magazine/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk.jpg?_i=AA 1024w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_300,h_169,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619078/magazine/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk.jpg?_i=AA 300w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_768,h_432,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619078/magazine/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk.jpg?_i=AA 768w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1200,h_675,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619078/magazine/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk.jpg?_i=AA 1200w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_600,h_338,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619078/magazine/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk.jpg?_i=AA 600w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619078/magazine/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk/Kabuki-Boutique-Hotel-San-Francisco-Lobby-Front-Desk.jpg?_i=AA 1280w)
Experience a serene escape in the heart of Japantown at Hotel Kabuki. This boutique hotel offers a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
Enjoy the lush Japanese garden, unwind in the intimate tea lounge or take advantage of the modern fitness center. Each guest room is a peaceful retreat, featuring minimalist decor, deep soaking tubs and traditional Japanese elements.
5. White Swan Inn
![White Swan Inn guest room plush bed](https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1024,h_683,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619071/magazine/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed.jpg?_i=AA 1024w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_300,h_200,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619071/magazine/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed.jpg?_i=AA 300w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_768,h_512,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619071/magazine/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed.jpg?_i=AA 768w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1536,h_1024,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619071/magazine/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed.jpg?_i=AA 1536w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1200,h_800,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619071/magazine/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed.jpg?_i=AA 1200w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1440,h_960,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619071/magazine/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed.jpg?_i=AA 1440w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_600,h_400,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619071/magazine/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed.jpg?_i=AA 600w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619071/magazine/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed/White-Swan-Inn-guest-room-plush-bed.jpg?_i=AA 1600w)
Imagine a blend of 1960s Carnaby Street and the Cotswolds but set in the heart of San Francisco’s Nob Hill. That’s the White Swan Inn, a playful nod to all things British, blending the cozy feel of a country manor with the edgy vibe of The Clash.
Guests can start their day with a hearty breakfast and enjoy the convenience of wine and snacks delivered to their guest room in the evening. The inn also features a charming library space, where guests can relax and borrow books.
6. Hotel Emblem San Francisco
![Hotel Emblem complimentary bikes](https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1024,h_683,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619083/magazine/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes.jpg?_i=AA 1024w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_300,h_200,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619083/magazine/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes.jpg?_i=AA 300w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_768,h_512,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619083/magazine/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes.jpg?_i=AA 768w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1536,h_1024,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619083/magazine/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes.jpg?_i=AA 1536w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1200,h_800,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619083/magazine/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes.jpg?_i=AA 1200w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_1440,h_960,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619083/magazine/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes.jpg?_i=AA 1440w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/w_600,h_400,c_scale/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619083/magazine/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes.jpg?_i=AA 600w, https://res.cloudinary.com/vacayou/images/f_webp,q_auto/v1720619083/magazine/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes/Hotel-Emblem-complimentary-bikes.jpg?_i=AA 1620w)
Located where Nob Hill meets Union Square and the Theater District, Hotel Emblem is a haven for bold thinkers, designed to ignite creativity at every turn. Enjoy bottled cocktails delivered to your door, relax in the book-filled Writer’s Alcove in the lobby and unwind in eclectic guestrooms where patterns come alive. Inspired by the world’s greatest writers, artists, poets and rebels, your guest room is the birthplace of bold ideas.
Boutiques by the Bay
San Francisco’s boutique hotels offer a gateway to the city’s soul. Each of the above hotels presents a distinctive blend of luxury, comfort and local charm, ensuring you find the ideal match for an unforgettable San Francisco adventure.
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