Staying in a city hotel with a great view is an unparalleled experience that adds a touch of magic to any urban adventure. Imagine waking up in the morning to the sight of the sun rising over a bustling downtown cityscape, the golden rays illuminating skyscrapers and historic landmarks, bringing the town or city to life. These breathtaking views are not just picturesque but also offer a sense of excitement and inspiration, making your stay even more memorable.
Hotels with the best views often come with the added benefit of location, location, location, allowing easy access to key attractions and landmarks. Whether you’re there for leisure or business, the convenience of being close to the heart of the city enhances the overall experience. Plus, these views often come with luxurious amenities that further elevate your stay, ensuring comfort and indulgence at every turn.
Staying in a city hotel with a great view is more than just about the scenery. It’s about the feeling of being connected to the urban pulse, the sense of awe and inspiration it brings, and the lasting memories it creates. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve checked out, a reminder of the beauty and wonder the city has to offer.
In somewhere like San Francisco, California, with its world-famous city landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge, and gems such as Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz, finding the best hotels with the best views is all the more important. From Downtown San Francisco to its Financial District, there is plenty of accommodation that can satisfy your need for the top views. Let’s have a look in more detail…
Hotels with the best views in San Francisco
With iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, the historic Nob Hill area, the Financial District’s skyscrapers, and more, San Francisco boasts several hotels renowned for their stunning views and location. More than just picturesque, they enhance a visitors stay.
Here’s our top picks for finding a San Francisco hotel with the best views:
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at the Embarcadero
– Panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
– Iconic landmarks like the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building
– Sweeping vistas of the Financial District and city skyline
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
– Overlooks the vibrant Union Square and its bustling energy
– Views of the dynamic Market Street and surrounding high-rises
– Beautiful nighttime cityscape with twinkling lights
Argonaut Hotel, a Noble House Hotel
– Luxury views of the Fisherman’s Wharf and the waterfront
– Picturesque scenes of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Island
– Charming views of historic buildings and lively streets
InterContinental San Francisco
– Panoramic luxury city views from the heart of SoMa (South of Market)
– Views south of downtown skyscrapers and bustling streets
– Expansive vistas including the Bay Bridge and AT&T Park
The St. Regis San Francisco Hotel
– Luxury views of Yerba Buena Gardens and the Museum of Modern Art
– Overlooks the dynamic SoMa district and surrounding architecture
– Beautiful cityscape, combining modern and historic buildings
Fairmont San Francisco
– Panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
– Iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island
– The beautiful city skyline, including Nob Hill and downtown
InterContinental Mark Hopkins
– Luxury suites and cityscape views from the Top of the Mark sky lounge.
– Sweeping vistas of the bay and major city landmarks.
– Romantic sunset views over the San Francisco Bay
Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
– Elegant views of the historic Nob Hill area
– Overlooks charming city streets and notable architecture
– Stunning urban landscape and lush courtyard views
Hotel Vitale
– Serene views of the San Francisco Bay
– Picturesque scenes of the Bay Bridge and the Ferry Building
– Waterfront park views with a tranquil ambiance
Loews Regency San Francisco
– Best views of the Financial District’s skyscrapers
– Iconic landmarks like the Transamerica Pyramid and Coit Tower
– Expansive vistas of the bay and city skyline from high above
The Westin St. Francis
– Overlooks bustling Union Square and its vibrant energy
– Best views of the dynamic Market Street and surrounding high-rises
– Beautiful nighttime cityscape with twinkling lights
Grand Hyatt San Francisco Hotel
– Panoramic city views from the heart of Union Square
– Spectacular sunset views over the urban landscape
– High-rise perspectives of San Francisco’s eclectic architecture
How to Choose the Best San Francisco Hotel With a View
Choosing the best hotel and best rates in San Francisco depends on your budget, travel preferences, dates, and the type of experience you want. Here’s a guide to help guests navigate through various room categories, family-friendly options and the best times to visit.
Room Categories: From Budget to Luxury
For budget-conscious travelers, property like the HI Downtown San Francisco Hotel and Hostel Beresford offer clean, comfortable rooms at affordable rates.
Mid-range hotels provide their rooms with a balance between comfort and cost. Hotel Zephyr, situated in Fisherman’s Wharf, features unique nautically themed rooms with playful decor and bay views. Handlery Union Square Hotel is another solid mid-range choice, offering comfortable rooms and a central location for exploring downtown.
For a luxury experience, consider The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, housed in a historic building with elegant rooms, a world-class spa, exceptional service and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Another excellent option is the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, which offers luxurious accommodations with sweeping views of the bay and city skyline.
Family-Friendly Options
Families might find the Fairmont San Francisco particularly appealing. This iconic hotel provides spacious rooms and suites, ideal for families, and is located atop Nob Hill, offering easy access to cable cars and popular attractions. Another great family-friendly choice is the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport. This hotel, located near the airport, features two-room suites, free breakfast, and a complimentary evening reception.
The Perfect Golden Gate Bridge Views?
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, and there are several prime locations that offer perfect views of this magnificent structure. Marin Headlands, just north of the bridge, provides some of the most stunning and comprehensive views, including the San Francisco skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Battery Spencer, also in the hills above Marin Headlands, offers one of the closest and most dramatic viewpoints, particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
Restaurants and bars with top views in San Francisco
San Francisco boasts several restaurants and bars that offer not only delicious food and drinks but also stunning views. Here are some of the top spots where you can enjoy both the scenery and the flavors:
Top of the Mark
Located on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel, Top of the Mark is a legendary sky lounge and restaurant that offers 360-degree views of San Francisco. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and small plates while taking in 360 degree views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline. The lounge is particularly popular for its sunset views and romantic ambiance.
The View Lounge
Situated on the 39th floor of the San Francisco Marriott Marquis, The View Lounge lives up to its name with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of downtown San Francisco and the Bay Area. The front room, modern and chic setting is perfect for enjoying handcrafted cocktails, local wines, and light bites while marveling at the stunning cityscape.
Epic Steak
Epic Steak, located along the Embarcadero, offers a fantastic dining experience with unmatched views of the Bay Bridge. The restaurant features an inviting outdoor patio and a sleek interior, both providing vistas of the waterfront. Known for its high-quality steaks and seafood, Epic Steak also boasts an extensive wine list and craft cocktails.
Waterbar
Adjacent to Epic Steak, Waterbar is another prime spot for dining with a view. Specializing in sustainable seafood, Waterbar restaurant offers an exquisite menu paired with stunning views of the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco Bay. The restaurant and bar’s floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor seating make it an ideal location for a memorable meal by the water.
Coqueta
Coqueta, located on Pier 5, brings a taste of Spain to San Francisco with its tapas-style menu and lively atmosphere. With an outdoor seating area, the restaurant provides beautiful views of the Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Treasure Island. Enjoying a variety of Spanish dishes and handcrafted cocktails while taking in the scenic waterfront views makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
El Techo
Perched atop the rooftop of Lolinda, a popular Argentine steakhouse restaurant, El Techo offers a lively atmosphere and spectacular views of the city skyline. This rooftop bar and restaurant serves Latin American street food and refreshing cocktails. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy sunny afternoons and vibrant evenings in the Mission District.
The Cliff House
Though it closed in 2020, The Cliff House remains an iconic landmark with its historical significance and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Located at the edge of Lands End, the Cliff House offered diners iconic views of the rugged coastline, the ocean, and the occasional glimpse of seals and whales.
Is the Transamerica Pyramid open for tours or observation?
The Transamerica Pyramid is one of San Francisco’s most iconic skyscrapers and a distinctive element of the city’s skyline. Completed in 1972, it stands at 853 feet (260 meters) and was the tallest building in San Francisco until 2018 when it was surpassed by the Salesforce Tower. Designed by architect William Pereira, the building is characterized by its unique pyramid shape and white quartz exterior, which gives it a striking appearance.
There is no public observation deck in the Transamerica Pyramid itself.
What else should I see whilst in San Francisco?
Check out these 11 Must-See Spots in San Francisco:
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): Discover a vast collection of modern and contemporary art in one of the largest museums of its kind in the world.
Union Square: Shop, dine, and explore in San Francisco’s premier retail and cultural hub.
Financial District: Walk among the city’s tallest skyscrapers and explore the heart of San Francisco’s business world.
Bay Area: Enjoy outdoor activities, restaurants, bay views and diverse communities surrounding the San Francisco Bay.
Ghirardelli Square: Indulge in world-famous chocolate and ice cream while exploring this historic landmark.
Oracle Park: Catch a San Francisco Giants game in one of the most picturesque baseball stadiums in America. We love Oracle Park.
Grace Cathedral: Admire stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows at this iconic Episcopal cathedral.
Blue Mermaid: Savor delicious seafood and classic clam chowder in a relaxed, nautical-themed restaurant.
Cavallo Point: Retreat to this luxurious lodge offering bay views and Golden Gate Bridge vistas.
Chinatown: Explore the vibrant streets, unique shops, and authentic cuisine in the largest Chinatown outside of Asia.
Fisherman’s Wharf: Originally the hub of San Francisco’s fishing industry, Fisherman’s Wharf has retained its maritime charm while evolving into a premier tourist destination. One of the most iconic landmarks in Fisherman’s Wharf is Pier 39, a vibrant shopping and entertainment complex where you can also see over to the Golden Gate Bridge. A visit to Fisherman’s Wharf promises a memorable experience
Conclusion: The Best Hotels in San Francisco
San Francisco, with its diverse neighborhoods and stunning vistas, offers a plethora of room options that cater to every type of traveler. Whether seeking luxury or budget-friendly options, San Francisco has it all. Moreover, the city’s rich history and vibrant culture are reflected in its hotels, from modern skyscrapers to charming historic buildings.
With its wide range of accommodations, San Francisco ensures that every visitor can find the perfect place to stay, enhancing their overall experience in this dynamic and beautiful city.