Last Updated on February 16, 2024 by Katrina
San Francisco’s nickname—the City by the Bay—tells you a lot about how much a view is valued here. Certainly, the Golden Gate Bridge has become a symbol of the city. But it’s not the only view worth having, thanks to the skyline, the TransAmerica Building, and more. Here are five hotels with a view in San Francisco that offer amazing, only-in-SF perspectives, as well as plenty of other fabulous amenities.
Fairmont San Francisco (950 Mason St.; 415-772-5000) Nob Hill
This iconic Fairmont hotel offers both grandeur and history (the 1945 UN Charter was signed here), as well as sweeping views of the city and the bay. “Dominating the top of Nob Hill like a European palace, the Fairmont pampers guests with plenty of luxury,” says Fodors. The 592-room hotel is now comprised of two buildings, and includes the famed Tonga Room lounge. All of the plush rooms come with pillowtop beds and Keurigs, but rooms in the newer tower tend to be bigger and are more likely to have views. “We stayed in a bridge view suite in the tower,” says one Google user. “Spectacular views and lovely quiet room. Could have stared out the window for days.” >> Book this hotel for less
Westin St. Francis (335 Powell St.; 415-397-7000) Union Square
The original 1904 hotel building of this Westin looks out over Union Square, but the 1,200-room hotel’s second, 1972 tower, offers bigger views of the city, sometimes including the Golden Gate Bridge. “If you’re looking for a hotel exuding classic San Francisco elegance, the Westin St. Francis delivers, with its massive lobby, crown molding, marble columns, and iconic Magneta grandfather clock,” says Frommers. Not all rooms have views, but if you’re requesting one, ask for the 26th floor and above. A guaranteed view, meanwhile, comes from riding the tower’s glass elevator. One Google reviewer didn’t have a view room but still enjoyed the hotel’s own scenery: “Inside it was amazing, beautiful interior. They even have Pelotons in their gym, which is rare.” >> Book this hotel for less
The Lodge at the Presidio (105 Montgomery St.; 415-561-1234) The Presidio
Talk about a front-row seat. This upscale hotel—once an army barracks building—sits within the Presidio national park site and overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge. “Hotel is beautiful and showcases a lot of interesting history,” says one Google reviewer. “Location cannot be beat. Both days started with a stroll through the Presidio, one over Golden Gate Bridge. We stayed in Room 310 with downtown views.” A Tripadvisor user liked the creature comforts. “The towels were cushy and the bathrobes divine. Wine and cheese at 5 p.m. was appreciated and morning breakfast was awesome. And I could see the Golden Gate bridge from my bed.”
Hotel Via (138 King St.; 415-200-4977) South Beach
This 159-room branch of the boutique hotel offers the chance for Bay views, as well as a unique peek into the neighboring Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Some rooms have bay and park views, but a great place to get guaranteed views is from the rooftop bar: “Great view of the park on the rooftop bar as well as views of the bay and the city skyline,” says one Google reviewer. Users also like the hotel’s in-house tablets for accessing services, along with the short walk to the closest light rail station. “The room was a very modern, ‘clean’ look,” says a Tripadvisor user. “I was concerned there would be noise due to being next to stadium, but it was quiet inside.” >> Book this hotel for less
Four Seasons San Francisco at Embarcadero (222 Sansome St.; 415-276-9888) Financial District
This 155-room Four Seasons occupies the top 11 floors of a 48-floor building. That means great city views from many rooms, andsome corner suites even have views from their bathroom soaking tubs. Be sure to check out the hotel’s skybridge, connecting the hotel’s two towers, with its own views of Salesforce Tower, Transamerica Pyramid, and the Bay Bridge. “We stayed on the 45th floor, and the view from our room windows were equally breathtaking,” says one Tripadvisor user who also liked using the Four Seasons app for check-in and for selecting mattress and pillow types. A Google reviewer who got a corner room “enjoyed sweeping views of downtown San Francisco and the Bay Area. The rooftop bar also has amazing views. And we took advantage of the complimentary car service for the short trip to our dinner reservation.” >> Book this hotel for less
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