20 Best Hotels in San Francisco with a View 2023 [+Areas to Stay]

Are you looking for the best hotels in San Francisco with a view?

We created this list of our favorite hotels in SF with a view so that booking a room that you will remember for a lifetime will be as easy as the breezes off the bay.

These hotels with the best views in San Francisco offer views ranging from the Golden Gate Bridge to the skyline of the entire city that will make it hard to leave your room. 

Make sure to read our guide on the best areas to stay in San Francisco to help you decide the best location for your upcoming trip. Let’s dive in and see the best San Francisco hotels with a view!

Top Picks: SF Hotels with View

Here are our top picks for the best hotel views in San Francisco:

• Overall Best Hotel with View: Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco, an IHG Hotel
• Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
• Best Hotel with View of Bay Bridge: 1 Hotel San Francisco
• Best Hotel with Ocean Views: Hyatt Regency San Francisco
• Best Splurge: Cavallo Point

20 Best Hotels in San Francisco with a View in 2023

1. Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco, an IHG Hotel

• LOCATION: South of Market (SoMa)
• RATING: 8.3/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM 

InterContinental Hotel features everything you could need for a comfortable stay, including an indoor heated lap pool, a well equipt fitness center, an upscale restaurant, a cocktail lounge, and an incredible service team.

All the rooms at this modern hotel feature floor-to-ceiling windows, but the best views are on the top three floors. 

Make sure to book a stay in one of the Premier King rooms on the top three floors that offer panoramic corner views and have a window in the bathroom.  

We loved the view from our room. The room was clean, and the bed was super comfortable. The indoor swimming pool is a great added value to the hotel.

– CECILE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The hotel is located just south of Market Street by the Moscone Center and is only a few blocks from Union Square for dining and shopping.

If your top priority for a hotel stay is a great city view, then this hotel will dazzle you with its massive windows that make your whole room the best seat in the house.

This is our overall favorite San Francisco hotel with the best views.

2. Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square

• LOCATION: Union Square
• RATING: 8.4/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

A stay at the Grand Hyatt not only offers stunning views but the hotel is situated right at the foot of some of the city’s best shopping and dining options. 

Views from the upper floors and the Bay view rooms offer panoramic cityscapes with Alcatraz and the bay in the distance.

The Grand Hyatt is conveniently situated in the heart of Union Square, which is a perfect central hub for exploring San Francisco. 

Comfortable room, clean and elegant hotel, great location for visiting San Francisco, nice view of San Francisco Bay from the room.

– RAZVAN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

It is also one of the top destinations in the city for shopping at its high-end boutiques and stores.

Book a room at this hotel for a combination of modern rooms, stunning views, and an unbeatable location.

3. Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco

• LOCATION: Nob Hill
• RATING: 8.1/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The Mark Hopkins feels like a throwback to a bygone era with its classically styled rooms, impeccable service, and its ritzy location. 

Almost every room at the Mark Hopkins has a stunning view, but the Classic King room with Golden Gate Bridge views offers a chance to take in the city’s most iconic sites, like the Coit Tower, right from your room. 

I loved my room, so golden and lovely. The view is spectacular from every room and every corner of the hotel, including the outdoor front entrance. Bridge on one side, water on the other. You cannot beat that.

– JESSICA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Where this hotel stands above the rest is its location on top of Nob Hill and its Top of the Mark lounge and cocktail bar that offer 360-degree views of San Francisco.

A stay at this historic hotel offers some of the best views in the city and all of the comforts you would expect from a four-star hotel.

4. San Francisco Marriott Marquis

• LOCATION: Union Square
• RATING: 8.3/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

This hotel by Marriott lives up to the brand’s great reputation by offering great rooms and over-the-top amenities like a 10,000-square-foot gym and a brewpub with 55 craft beers. 

The rooms on the upper floors offer dramatic views of the San Francisco skyline, but the best place to take in the sights is at The View lounge on the 39th floor, where they serve amazing cocktails and sharable snacks.

The rooms are modern and clean, and I loved the on-site dining and bars. The View Bar has one of the best city views I have ever seen, which made my experience ambient and special.

– JACLYN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The Marriot Marquis is located just south of Market by the Moscone Center and just a few blocks from shopping and dining in Union Square.

This is the tallest hotel in the city from this list of the best places to stay in San Francisco with a view.

5. The Westin St. Francis on Union Square

• LOCATION: Union Square
• RATING: 8.3/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The Westin St. Francis first opened in 1904, and the old wood-paneled and its historic charm remains.

What has changed is the upgraded amenities like the famous clock bar and its modern rooms that embody comfort and class.

Book any of the deluxe rooms or suites, and you will be treated to iconic golden gate bridge views or windows overlooking Union Square and the San Francisco skyline.

I loved the location! There was a cable car stop right in front of the hotel. Didn’t know so many presidents have stayed there.

– CINDY (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The entrance to Westin St. Francis is right on Union Square and is surrounded by great dining options. 

There is also high-end shopping and places to get a drink, like the Chateau Montelena wine tasting room, which is inside the hotel.

Of all the hotels with a view in San Francisco, this one offers a touch of the city’s historical past and a location right in the heart of Union Square.

6. Stanford Court San Francisco

• LOCATION: Nob Hill
• RATING: 8.6/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The Stanford Court Hotel is situated among the historic Mansions and cable cars in Nob Hill, but they are best known for their rooms with a view. 

Make sure to book one of the Premier rooms that come with panoramic views of the bay and the cityscape with iconic structures like the Coit Tower and the Transamerica Building.

Located on Nob Hill, the hotel is within a four-block walk of the heart of Chinatown to the north and Union Square to the south. 

Location is perfect, cable cars are outside to get to all the perfect places. The view from skyline room is great for watching the sun rise.

– JULIE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The location makes getting to most attractions in the city easy, but its position on top of the hill makes it a tranquil reprieve from the rest of the city’s stresses and traffic.

This classic hotel offers hip modern rooms, a great cocktail and craft beer bar, and views that are the envy of most hotels in the city.

7. The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel

• LOCATION: Union Square
• RATING: 8.5/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

This recently renovated hotel offers modern rooms with contemporary fixtures and the friendly service you expect from a four-star hotel. 

Clift Royal Sonesta is also home to the famous Redwood Cocktail Bar and Lounge for a fun night out.

Pull back the curtains of any of the rooms on the upper floors, and you will be treated to incredible views of San Francisco downtown. 

Really big room. The cleaning staff is exceptional and friendly.

– KAROLISF (READ MORE REVIEWS)

For an added treat, book the King Suite and get a corner room with windows on two walls. 

The Clift Hotel is located just a block and a half from Union Square and is close to countless restaurants, bars, and opportunities for shopping. 

If you are planning on booking hotels in SF with a view, this is the perfect option that just happens to be right in the heart of Union Square.

8. Hilton Parc 55 San Francisco Union Square

• LOCATION: Union Square
• RATING: 4.1/5 stars
• VIEW ON EXPEDIA.COM

The Hilton Parc 55 offers a great location with good amenities that are shared with its sister hotel (Hilton Union Square), which includes multiple restaurants, a heated pool, a hot tub, and a great fitness center.

Book one of the deluxe rooms for one of the best hotel views in San Francisco, including the Transamerica Building and the Financial District.

Great location for tourists! Cable cars and other public transportation were just around the corner! We went to the rooftop bar at the other property to enjoy the views of the city.

– KAREN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

This contemporary hotel is centrally located by the theater district and shopping at the Westfield Mall and at high-end shops surrounding Union Square.

A stay at the Hilton Parc 55 not only offers rooms with great views, but it also has all the amenities that you need for an incredible trip to the city by the bay.

💦 READ MORE: Check out our post on hotels with hot tubs in San Francisco if you’re looking for a romantic getaway in SF.

9. Fairmont San Francisco

• LOCATION: Nob Hill
• RATING: 8.0/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The Fairmont San Francisco is a historic hotel that embodies luxury with its well-curated service and attention to details that make a stay special. 

They offer a fine dining restaurant and a cheeky tiki bar called the Tonga Room that is somewhat out of place but makes up for it with fun drinks and fake rain storms.

Perched on top of Nob Hill, the Fairmont offers rooms overlooking Grace Cathedral and Huntington Park, and they also offer rooms with sweeping views of the bay with Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. 

Everything about the hotel is amazing. The staff, quality of food, rooms, and open spaces.

– KAMALDEEP (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The hotel’s location is ideally within a short walk of Chinatown for some delicious dim sum, North Beach, and shopping in Union Square.

The Fairmont will more than meet your expectations if you want a luxurious room with a view. 

Insider Tip: also check out their sister property Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square, which offers luxurious apartments with bay views in Fishermans Wharf. 

10. LUMA Hotel San Francisco

• LOCATION: Mission Bay
• RATING: 9.2/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The LUMA Hotel is a fairly new option in San Francisco that offers modern design and comforts that appeal to a younger crowd that values amenities over the historic appeal. 

If part of your plan is to hit a baseball game, the S.F. Giants play their home games right across the 3rd Street Bridge from the hotel.

Almost all the rooms offer good views that range from the bay to others that look across the Mission street canal to Oracle Stadium. 

Amazing hotel with an excellent location for walking to the Giants game. Amazing view of the Bay bridge and Oracle Park. The staff was friendly and helpful. The rooms were beautiful and clean.

– JODI (READ MORE REVIEWS)

LUMA Hotel is located in the up-and-coming Mission Bay neighborhood and is surrounded by restaurants and bars that range from breweries to Michelin-starred fine dining.

This is a great option for anyone that wants a clean new room in a hotel that covers all the bases with amenities like a rooftop sky lounge, a modern fitness center, and a third-wave coffee shop. 

💦 READ MORE: Black Sand Beach in San Francisco

11. Argonaut Hotel, A Noble House Hotel

• LOCATION: Fisherman’s Wharf
• RATING: 8.7/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The Argonaut Hotel is perfectly situated to take advantage of some of the city’s biggest tourist highlights, with many of these attractions only blocks away.

Many of the rooms offer views of the bay with the historic ships in the San Francisco Maritime Park.

The location was perfect for what we wanted to see in SanFrancisco (Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli’s, Alcatraz). The staff was extremely friendly, helpful, and professional, and the room was beautiful.

– SARA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

This nautical-themed hotel is conveniently situated in Fishermans Wharf and is in striking distance of Pier 39, Chinatown, and North Beach for touristy fun and dining out.

This is a perfect place to stay if you want a hotel with bay views and easy access to some of the city’s top attractions.

12. Hyatt Regency San Francisco

• LOCATION: Embarcadero/Financial District
• RATING: 8.5/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Of all of the San Francisco hotels with a balcony, the Hyatt Regency offers simple and comfortable rooms that are some of the largest in the city. 

The Hyatt Regency offers all the amenities you need for a stay in San Francisco, including an excellent fitness center and a full-service restaurant and bar. 

Although the city view rooms are uninteresting, the sea view options offer spectacular views from their large balconies overlooking the Bay Bridge. 

These rooms are worth a stay at the Hyatt on their own.

You’ll struggle to find a better hotel than this! Amazing hotel with brilliant rooms! Location is perfect for accessing the piers for easy access around San Francisco

– JORDAN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The hotel is right in the Embarcadero and just across the street from the Ferry Building with its farmers market, gourmet shops, and great restaurants. 

If a stay in San Francisco is only complete if you have a view of the water, then this is a great option where you can relax on your private balcony and watch the boats go by.

13. Le Meridien San Francisco

• LOCATION: Financial District
• RATING: 8.4/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Le Meridien Hotel offers modern design-centric communal areas and stylish but comfortable rooms that draw in a hip crowd.   

This ocean view hotel in san Francisco offers a range of options that showcase the bay and others that overlook North Beach or the Embarcadero. 

The best part is that all of their rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that make the view even more dramatic.

The room was spacious and had a beautiful view of the bay. Close to the activities, we went to during our stay.

– MARIE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The hotel is situated in the heart of the financial district, which is a longer walk to many attractions in the city but is surrounded by many restaurants, bars, and great coffee shops.

This hotel is a great option for those that want a modern and freshly styled accommodation that is centrally located.

14. Harbor Court Hotel

• LOCATION: Embarcadero
• RATING: 8.6/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Harbor Court Hotel is in a historic building built in 1926 and is now a waterfront boutique hotel. 

Although the frame is old, the common areas and rooms are modernly appointed with unique but classic fixtures. 

Plus, they serve coffee and fresh donuts in the morning.

The best location for walking around the Embarcadero on the water with a beautiful bay view. Donuts and coffee in the morning are fun.

– MELANIE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The best rooms in the hotel are the bay view rooms that look out over the water and the Bay Bridge. 

The only downside is that most rooms only have two small windows. 

The Harbor Court Hotel is conveniently located next to the Ferry Building, which is an excellent spot for shopping for gourmet ingredients and eating at the many restaurants and stalls. 

This San Francisco hotel with a view of the bay bridge is a perfect option for those who want easy access to most of the city’s attractions.

15. Hotel Via

• LOCATION: South Beach
• RATING: 8.5/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Hotel Via offers modern, beautifully appointed rooms with cutting tech, including tablet-controlled lighting and a personalized entertainment experience. 

A selection of the rooms offer partial ocean views, but the best views are at the rooftop bar, where you can see sailboats on the water, and the Oracle baseball stadium right across the street.

We always stay at the Hotel Via when we visit San Francisco from the South Bay. It is so conveniently located next to the ballpark and the Embarcadero! Great location, staff, and rooftop bar!

– MARJORIE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The hotel is in the South Beach neighborhood, which offers a large selection of restaurants, hip coffee shops, and breweries. 

The area is a little isolated from many of the city’s top attractions, but they are all within a 25-minute drive.

This is the perfect hotel for those that plan to catch a game or love to enjoy a rooftop party.

16. 1 Hotel San Francisco

• Location: Embarcadero/Financial District
• RATING: 8.9/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The 1 Hotel San Francisco offers stylishly appointed rooms that focus on comfort over modernity. 

They offer a seasonal farm-driven menu at their in-house restaurant, complimentary fitness classes, and a full-service wellness spa.

Many of the hotel’s rooms have bay views, but the Panoramic Waterfront Suite offers an unparalleled look at the Bay Bridge through three large windows. 

The front desk and concierge were very accommodating and professional. The room was upscale and unique. The view was incredible, and the location was on the Embarcadero.

– ANNE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

They also offer a studio suite with a large private terrace that overlooks the Ferry Building and the Embarcadero.

1 Hotel is situated on the water adjacent to the Ferry Building, where you can dine at fabulous restaurants or shop at gourmet markets.

Book a room at the 1 Hotel if you want a unique and special view of the Bay Bridge right in your room.

17. Hotel Griffon

• LOCATION: Embarcadero/Financial District
• RATING: 8.4/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The Hotel Griffon is a waterfront boutique hotel that offers up classically appointed rooms that will give you a throwback to the old San Francisco vibe. 

The upgraded Double rooms have Bay Bridge water views, but one of the best vantage points is from the seats at Perry’s Restaurants on the hotel’s ground floor.

The view! we had a 5th floor suite, and the view was just to die for. I’d stay there again for the view alone!

– CHRISTENA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The hotel’s neighborhood is ideally situated off of Market St. in the Embarcadero next to the Ferry Building and countless restaurants, bars, and drinking establishments.

This is the perfect choice if you want a quaint boutique hotel with good service to go with your bay view room.

San Francisco Hotels with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge 

18. Cavallo Point

• LOCATION: Sausalito
• RATING: 9.0/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The Cavallo Point Hotel offers up a stunning list of amenities beyond the basics, like a cooking school, two fantastic restaurants, a spa, a wellness center, free two-hour car rentals, yoga classes, and electric bicycles. 

Book one of the bridge view rooms for an up-close look at Golden Gate Bridge right from your bed or private balcony. 

Only some of the rooms offer views, so make sure to book accordingly.

Best location in the San Francisco area and the beautiful scenery of the Golden Gate Bridge.

– SULTAN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

What really makes this hotel special is its location in the Presidio, which is away from the craziness of the city but still close to most of S.F.’s main attractions. 

The Cavallo Point is a perfect retreat where you can escape the crowds and listen to the fog horns in the bay instead of car horns.

Cavallo Point’s rooms may be on the pricey side, but the views and the quiet location make this the perfect retreat in San Francisco.

19. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero

• LOCATION: Financial District
• RATING: 9.1/10 stars
• VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The Four Seasons Hotel at the Embarcadero is their second property in San Francisco, and it offers all the amenities and high-end service you would expect from a five-star hotel. 

The hotel rooms are on the top 11 floors of a 48-story highrise, offering unparalleled views of the city. 

This San Francisco hotel with a view of the bay bridge, also has an up-close view of the Transamerica building. 

The location was great, the view from the room was amazing, and the hotel had a town car that took us to our dinner destinations.

– JOSEPH (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Other rooms have bay views with the Golden Gate Bridge, the Coit Tower, and Alcatraz in the background. 

This Four Seasons Hotel is located in the Financial District and is only a short walk to the Embarcadero, where you will find the Ferry Building with its gourmet shops and restaurants. 

If you are dreaming of staying at a world-class luxury hotel and want an unrivaled view of San Francisco, then book a few nights at the Four Seasons.

Local Tip: Make sure to book the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at the Embarcadero since there are two Four Seasons hotels in the city, and the one on Embarcadero is the one with great views.

20. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel

• LOCATION: Nob Hill
• RATING:4.2/5 stars
• VIEW ON EXPEDIA.COM

The Holiday Inn Golden Gateway is a perfect San Francisco hotel with a view of the golden gate bridge for those that want quick access to the entire city. 

The hotel has 29 floors and is surrounded by shorter buildings that ensure that almost all of the rooms have stunning views of the city. 

From some rooms, you can see the bay and Golden Gate Bridge such as the Premium Room, King, Corner View. Even the pool and lounge area offer views of Nob Hill and downtown.

The self-parking option is affordable, safe, and very rare to find in SF. The room was very clean and the bed was comfortable. The city views at night and in the early morning were amazing.

– SYLVIA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

This hotel is located right on Van Ness Avenue, which is a major street that makes getting across the city easy. 

This does come with the downside of having little nearby, like restaurants or shopping.

The Holiday Inn is a great place to stay for a stopover night in San Francisco, where you want the view but without the hassle of driving too far into the city.

Local Tip: The prices for this hotel with amazing views are comparably cheaper than what you can get at other hotels in the area. Check prices here.

💦 READ MORE: Check out our post on the best private tours in San Francisco to see the best of the city with a local tour guide.

Best Areas to Stay in San Francisco for Hotels with a View

When visiting San Francisco, the area you stay in will significantly affect your stay based on convenience, safety, cost, and access to top attractions. 

If you want to stay close to the best food in San Francisco, then you want to choose the area you stay in accordingly.

You don’t want to end up across town in a bad area that takes thirty minutes to get anywhere you plan to visit. 

In this section, we will provide the necessary details for our top neighborhoods for hotels which should help you find the best place to stay in San Francisco with a view.

Nob Hill

This ritzy area of the city sits on top of a hill that acts like a sanctuary away from the traffic and stress below. 

There are several great hotels on Nob Hill that offer spectacular panoramic views of the city and bay.

Nob Hill is conveniently situated within walking distance of North Beach, Chinatown, and Union Square. 

The downside is that you will have to walk back uphill to the hotel on the way back, or you will have to take the cable car.

This hotel is a great area to stay for first-timers to San Francisco and those that want a break from the busy parts of the city.

Union Square

This high-energy shopping district is right in the heart of all the action and is filled with bars and restaurants at all price points. 

Union Square is one of the most popular hotel areas in San Francisco as it is centrally located and offers plenty to do right around the hotels.

One of the perks of staying in Union Square is its easy access to public transportation on Market Street. 

This convenience makes getting around the city on BART or the Muni train systems easy and cheap.

Union Square is a relatively safe area to stay, but the hotels on the west encroach on the Tenderloin, which is not a great place to hang out at night. 

The Embarcadero

Situated right on the waterfront and backed up against the financial district, this neighborhood offers a quieter retreat at night when the offices and the farmer’s markets at the Ferry Building close for the day.

Hotels in this area are on the nicer and more expensive side, with many offering breathtaking views of the water and the Bay Bridge.

There is plenty to eat and drink in the area, but it gets quiet in the evening. 

For a high-energy evening, you will want to catch a ride to other places like North Beach or Union Square.

Fisherman’s Wharf

This area is a must-stay area for anyone that wants to fully embrace the San Francisco tourist experience. 

Most hotels are just steps from Fishermans Wharf and Pier 39, where you can see the sea lions and eat a giant bowl of cioppino in a sourdough bowl before shopping for souvenirs. 

Hotels in this area range significantly in quality, but a suitable room can be found for a reasonable price, especially before or after the summer months.

Fisherman’s Wharf is considered one of the safer neighborhoods in San Francisco.

Wrap-Up: Hotels with Best Views in San Francisco

• Overall Best Hotel with View: Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco, an IHG Hotel
• Best Views of the Golden Gate Bridge: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
• Best Hotel with View of Bay Bridge: 1 Hotel San Francisco
• Best Hotel with Ocean Views: Hyatt Regency San Francisco
• Best Splurge: Cavallo Point

Now that you have this list of the best San Francisco Hotels with a view, you just have to book your dream stay in the city by the bay.

Book now, and you can start planning for all the fun you will have, enjoying the view from the Coit Tower, eating pasta in North Beach, and walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. 

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