A city with a unique blend of ancient and modern influences, San Francisco is a top destination for millions of visitors each year. It caters to tourists and business travelers alike with its charming landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown and its state-of-the-art business facilities and convention venues such as the Moscone Convention Center, contributing to the city to be qualified as a first level tourist destination and the main financial center of America.
Before you can truly enjoy your stay in this vibrant city, be sure to make enough plans regarding your accommodations and where to stay to avoid the pitfalls that can befall unprepared travelers. You can read on for some general tips on hotels in San Francisco and the different types of accommodation that can be found in various parts of the city center.
Hotels of different architectural styles and price ranges.
In San Francisco, a place known for its diversity, you can find hotels in different architectural styles and price ranges to suit all tastes and budgets. You can choose from rustic boutique hotels to sleek modern hotels, and from budget friendly bed and breakfasts that don’t hurt your wallet to luxury hotels that embody the pinnacle of luxury – your options are endless.
Luxury hotels are generally located in the most central areas near the city’s business and cultural hub in areas like Union Square and feature a variety of spacious rooms and suites to choose from, plus high-end amenities like spa services. . in the guest rooms. On the other hand, cheap bed-and-breakfast accommodations are usually found in less accessible areas, like Golden Gate Park, but exude a charm reminiscent of Victorian times. Please note that hotel guests in San Francisco are subject to a 14% room tax that is added to the total bill at check-out.
Some useful tips for choosing the location of your hotel
Here’s some advice for all guests when choosing the location of your hotel: it is recommended to choose a more central location, such as Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf, closer to the city center. This is because, although you can save a bit of money by staying in the suburbs, the heavy traffic on the roads and the lack of parking spaces, especially on the streets, make it a difficult task to get to the city and park there. This is compounded by the high parking fees charged by hotels, so it would be better not to rent a car, but to take taxis and public transport to get around.
Also, all the tourist attractions are located close to each other, so it will be more convenient if you stay in the city center, as there are many affordable and popular forms of public transportation to easily reach them if you decide not to walk. These include the rail network made up of the light rail and the subway, an extensive bus network made up of trolleys and conventional buses and, of course, the San Francisco Cable Cars, which offer a unique way of getting around and are an attraction in themselves. themselves. Below is a breakdown of the different areas you may want to consider staying in in San Francisco.
union square
Union Square is at the center of all the action in downtown San Francisco, where you can easily find numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural venues with easy access to Chinatown, the Moscone Convention Center, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, among others. other attractions. While both Union Square East and West have an excellent selection of hotels, you’ll find more luxury hotels in Union Square East, while you’re more likely to find lower-cost 2-4 star hotels in Union Square West. This area is very well served by the San Francisco public transportation network.
Nob Hill
If you are looking for a pleasant stay in a luxury hotel, Nob Hill may be the place for you. Some of the most luxurious hotels in the city are located at the top of this hill, which is one of the highest, and offers excellent panoramic views of San Francisco.
Fisherman’s Wharf and the waterfront
This is a lively tourist spot that is home to numerous seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and street performers. If you like to stay in an area with a fun atmosphere while enjoying easy access to nearby attractions like Chinatown, this might be the place to stay. Although there are less budget options here, you can choose from a range of mid-range to five-star accommodations.
Cathedral Hill
For budget travelers who are looking for cheaper accommodation but still prefer to be situated close to the city center, they can consider staying in Cathedral Hill. Although there are no tourist attractions in this area, you can take the cable car to areas like Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf and Union Square.