Fairmont San Francisco

San Francisco has a number of iconic views. From the modern skyline of the Financial District to bay views looking out over Alcatraz or the Golden Gate Bridge. To enjoy the whole picture from above, choose a hotel in upmarket Nob Hill. Or perhaps you would rather be right on the waterfront in bustling Fisherman's Wharf? Whatever your preference, our experts have scoured the city to bring you a collection of the best hotels with views in San Francisco. From all-out luxury stays to fun family-friendly properties, there is something for everyone here.

For bay views

Argonaut

  • Perched between the Financial District and Oracle Park, Harbor Court Hotel offers sweeping bay views framed by chic, contemporary interiors that play with the building’s industrial bones. Guests can explore the city effortlessly, with bikes available and top attractions just a short stroll away.
  • Perfectly located near Fisherman's Wharf, Argonaut delivers a maritime charm with exposed brick, luxe bathrooms, and nautical decor. Select rooms showcase stunning bay views, while the location makes it a prime launchpad for exploring San Francisco’s iconic waterfront and historic piers.

For families

Hotel Zephyr

  • Right on Fisherman’s Wharf, Hotel Zephyr features rooms with private balconies overlooking the bay. Families will love the lively inner courtyard, packed with games and interactive installations. Its casual, vibrant vibe makes it an ideal base for exploring San Francisco while keeping kids entertained.

For luxury

Fairmont San Francisco

  • Perched on the waterfront of San Francisco Bay, The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square is an all-suite hotel offering one- to three-bedroom residences with chic, modern interiors. In-suite dining elevates every meal, while private terrace dinners let guests soak in sweeping water views—perfect for an intimate or celebratory stay.
  • A storied landmark with timeless elegance, Fairmont San Francisco dazzles with grand ballrooms, ornate ceilings, and iconic Venetian Room history. Suites feature expansive windows and telescopes for panoramic city views, making it an ideal base to admire San Francisco’s skyline in classic luxury.

For a boutique

Hotel VIA

  • Nestled in South Beach, Hotel VIA is a contemporary boutique boasting loft-style rooms with soaring warehouse windows framing striking Bay views. Minimalist interiors highlight clean lines and thoughtful details. The rooftop terrace is a standout spot for cocktails, offering a panoramic perspective of San Francisco’s skyline that’s hard to beat.

Still not sure?

The 6 Best San Francisco Hotels with a View

Harbor Court Hotel

San Francisco (Financial District)

A smart hotel located overlooking the bay in a convenient spot between the Financial District and Oracle Park. Once a YMCA - a massive renovation has turned this into a luxury stay. Rooms are small but perfectly formed with a hint of an industrial feel in the design. Ideal for city exploring.

  • City Style - A stylish base overlooking San Francisco Bay and perfectly placed between the Financial District and Oracle Park
  • Sights nearby - Make a stop by the Golden Gate Bridge and admire the impressive structure
  • Views - Many of the rooms have wonderful views over San Francisco Bay
  • Restaurant - A Japanese restaurant located next to the hotel
from CA$354 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Hotel Zephyr

San Francisco (Fisherman's Wharf)

The Zephyr Hotel could not have a better location - set right by Fisherman's Wharf. This is a large hotel with a spacious central courtyard filled with all sorts of activities. The interiors are fun and vibrant with a distinctly nautical feel, Perfect for exploring the city with friends or family.

  • Families - With fun design, a laid back feel, a games room and large courtyard area - this is ideal for those travelling with children
  • Local exploring - Well postioned right beside Fisherman's Wharf - step out of the hotel and explore San Francisco's boutiques and restaurants
  • Sights nearby - A trip to the city wouldn't be complete without a stop by the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Local markets - Explore the waterfront marketplace at Fisherman's Wharf
from CA$333 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Hotel VIA

San Francisco (South Beach)

A stylish boutique hotel in San Francisco's trendy South Beach, once the city's industrial district. Minimalist rooms are light and airy and have a soft feel in stark contrast to the warehouse building. A roof terrace bar is a real draw and the bay views are mesmerising. A hip central base.

  • Local exploring - Set beside AT&T Park and San Francisco Bay - locations don't get much more central than this
  • Boutique - A stylish boutique spot with an urban loft feel and sleek minimalist design
  • Sights nearby - Make a stop by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
  • Restaurant -
from CA$576 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Fairmont San Francisco

San Francisco (Nob Hill)

This hotel is a real landmark. It has seen the likes of Tony Bennet sing in the Venetian Room - and it still has that same old-world grandeur. Enjoying spectacular views of the bay (especially good from the suites' terraces) and boasting a design that combines tradition and modern elegance.

  • City Style - Somewhat of a city landmark, this hotel does traditional elegance impeccably
  • Sights nearby - Make a trip out to Alcatraz - both a fascinating place to visit and a great way to admire the city from the sea
  • Restaurant
  • 5* Luxury
from CA$515 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Argonaut

San Francisco (Fisherman's Wharf)

Stylish accommodation in a prime location near Fisherman's Wharf. The chic rooms have a distinctly nautical feel and the bathrooms are stocked with luxury Lather® products. The lively restaurant and bar have a laid back feel. Offered at excellent rates, this is a great city base.

  • Local exploring - Located near Fisherman's Wharf there are museums and markets to explore locally (plus the bay) and great transport links
  • Local markets - Wander through the sea front market at Fisherman's Wharf
  • Sights nearby - Make a trip to marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Restaurant
from CA$304 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square

San Francisco (Fort Mason)

A luxury all-suite hotel offering a landmark setting on San Francisco's bay. Accommodation ranges from one to three bed suites all designed with stylish minimalism and most with superb bay views. There is no restaurant as such but in-suite fine-dining is a real luxury. A very fine stay.

  • Luxury - A landmark setting with some seriously indulgent extras including in-suite fine dining and a spoiling spa
  • Families - With suites that range from 1 - 3 bedrooms this is an ideal choice for a luxury family break
  • Sights nearby - Take a leisurely stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge and admire the city views
  • Romantic
from CA$1095 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Katie Harris

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.