San Francisco sits on the sparkling San Francisco Bay, with rolling hills, cable cars clattering up steep streets, and vibrant neighborhoods full of cafes, shops, and art galleries. From exploring the bustling Ferry Building to strolling along the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf or hiking through Golden Gate Park, there’s always something to do here. Its historic hotels mirror that same character— think grand Victorian manors, former officers’ quarters, and waterside conversions. Our experts have handpicked the city’s most memorable historic stays, each chosen for charm, location, and a touch of old-world elegance.
For a business stay
- Steps from the Financial District, Taj Campton Place marries historic charm with modern comfort. Sunlit, spacious rooms feature refined decor, while its Michelin-star restaurant in a grand dining room nods to the hotel’s ornate past. Attentive service, in-room spa, meeting spaces, and a 24-hour rooftop gym make it perfect for business travelers.
- Housed in a 1916 faux-Renaissance palace near Union Square, Clift Royal Sonesta impresses with contemporary, sun-filled rooms and top-tier conference facilities. The standout is the soaring redwood-panelled bar, where classic decor and plush armchairs create a sophisticated, club-like atmosphere—ideal for unwinding after business meetings or networking in style.
For an historic B&B
-
Chateau Tivoli- Step into a 19th-century mansion steps from the Painted Ladies. Each room showcases hefty antiques, rich drapes, and vibrant walls in royal blue, peach, and red. Four-poster beds and curated artworks make waking up here feel like entering your own private museum of elegance.
- Set in a refined 19th-century home, The Parsonage is steeped in family heirlooms. Relax in the red-walled library with deep armchairs and Victorian furniture, or retreat to rooms with original marble fireplaces, antique objets d’art, and plush four-poster beds—a true immersion in living history.
For families
- Set within the historic Presidio National Park, Inn at the Presidio is a former officers’ quarters boasting airy, spacious rooms with garden views of oak and palm trees. Families can explore nearby hiking trails or the Golden Gate Bridge, while kids enjoy cookies and puzzles and adults unwind with wine and cheese in a timeless, authentic setting.
- Housed in a 1893 chocolate factory, Fairmont Heritage Place at Ghirardelli Square features private terraces overlooking the Bay. Minimalist, stylish interiors create a relaxing retreat for families, with one- to three-bedroom suites. Wine and cheese tastings for parents and in-suite fine dining make it perfect for a leisurely, historic San Francisco stay.
For industrial-chic
- Housed in a converted YMCA, Harbor Court Hotel is an industrial-chic gem overlooking San Francisco Bay. Minimalist, whitewashed rooms exude a hip, cozy vibe. Steps away, a sleek Japanese restaurant tempts with inventive dishes, while a nearby cafe keeps mornings buzzing. Perfect for a stylish, historic stay.
For old-world glamor
-
Fairmont San Francisco is a San Francisco landmark with old-world glamor, once hosting Tony Bennett in the Venetian Room. Spacious, light-filled rooms and terrace suites showcase panoramic city views. Families love the roomy accommodations, while the spa and Laurel Court Restaurant serve up indulgent relaxation and standout Californian Coastal cuisine.
For a luxury B&B
- A fairytale exterior leads to an opulent Victorian interior at Mansion on Sutter. Each room brims with antiques, dark velvet sofas, and vibrant walls showcasing the owner’s art collection. With an intimate, boutique feel and timeless elegance, this mansion offers a uniquely immersive historic stay in the heart of San Francisco.
For over-the-top grandeur
-
Palace Hotel, San Francisco’s first luxury landmark since 1875, dazzles with a soaring arched lobby, sparkling chandeliers, and marble columns that echo Versailles. Plush contemporary rooms, a gleaming pool, spa, and city views make it a regal escape steeped in historic grandeur.
Still not sure?
