Best Value Hotels in San Francisco

Looking for more bang for your buck? These San Francisco hotels are completely unique, but share one thing in common. Each one of them nicely answers the question, “why pay more?” by providing outstanding value in locations across the entire city from the edge of the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay. 

Featured Photo: The Orchard Hotel

Modern living room with a view of a large bridge over water. The room features large windows, a flat-screen TV on the wall, a brown ottoman, a white chair, two round tables with flower arrangements, and a telescope. This setup reminds one of the cozy ambiance found in the best value hotels San Francisco offers.
Photo: Courtesy of Harbor Court

Harbor Court

A $10 million makeover in 2018 continues to show well in this historic building on the Embarcadero. A spacious lobby lounge has sofas around a fireplace and private glass-walled meeting cubicles. An appealing blue, cream, and charcoal color palette carries on into contemporary guest rooms, on the small side, some with bay views. Fans of sushi and saké know Ozumo, adjacent to Harbor Court. There’s a pet-friendly policy and charitable partnership with a local senior dog rescue organization.

TIP:  A day membership to the nearby Embarcadero YMCA with a 25-meter lap pool is available for a fee.

A cozy bedroom with a view of a large suspension bridge visible through the window, typical of the best value hotels in San Francisco. The room features a bed with patterned pillows and a nightstand adorned with a lamp and decorative bouquet. Beige striped wallpaper graces the walls, complementing the brick windowsill.
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Griffon

Hotel Griffon

Some of the 57 guest rooms have waterfront views at the Hotel Griffon on the Embarcadero. Contemporary rooms are stylish in muted tones of chocolate and taupe. High walkability scores for the Ferry Building, Financial District, and offices of many tech giants. A dozen excellent restaurants are neighbors and the well-loved Perry’s is adjacent to the lobby, also with outdoor seating.

TIP:  There’s a modest daily amenity fee for Wi-Fi, coffee and tea, late check-out and luggage storage.

A modern living room with a black leather sofa and two green velvet armchairs. A light wood coffee table with books sits in the center. The back wall features a large abstract art piece with black, white, and peach tones. White curtains frame the scene—reminiscent of the Best Hip Hotels in the Bay Area.
Photo: Courtesy of Kimpton Alton Hotel: Fisherman's Wharf Hotel

Kimpton Alton Hotel: Fisherman's Wharf

Locals and visitors alike flock to this chic hotel’s sun-drenched lobby with 1970s-inspired lounge furniture for a cocktail with friends. Rooms, many with views of the bay, are designed for rest and rejuvenation after a day spent exploring the city’s many nearby attractions, with a relaxing color scheme, luxurious robes, Frette linens and soft lighting. Perks abound at the pet-friendly hotel, including in-room yoga mats and record players, complimentary bikes and kids’ scooters, a nightly “wine hour,” retro board games and even a local scavenger hunt highlighting the hotel’s favorite secret spots in San Francisco.

TIP: Don’t miss eating at award-winning Filipino-influenced Abacá during your stay.

A contemporary hotel room with a large bed, white linens, and a cushioned headboard. The room features a comfortable armchair, a desk with a chair, modern decor, and a large window with a view of the San Francisco skyline. Perfect for those seeking the best value hotels San Francisco has to offer.
Photo: Courtesy of LUMA Hotel

LUMA Hotel San Francisco

This Mission Bay newcomer, which opened in 2022 and is the neighborhood’s first hotel, has quickly become a go-to for sports fans heading into San Francisco to catch a Giants or Warriors game. Its proximity to the city’s sports venues aside, however, LUMA Hotel’s many other perks add to the appeal, including 299 spotless rooms and suites; electric car-charging stations; sweeping bay and downtown views; and valet parking. The chic design features several large-scale art installations as well from notable local artists including Jim Campbell. 

TIP: The hotel’s brand-new rooftop hotspot, Cavaña, celebrates the flavors of Central and South America with an expansive menu of cocktails plus sharable small plates and gorgeous views.

A cozy corner in a room features two red armchairs with white polka dots positioned around a small, round wooden table with a vase of white flowers. Warm natural light filters through beige curtains, and a floor lamp stands beside the table, reminiscent of the charm found in San Francisco hotels.
Photo: Courtesy of The Orchard Hotel

The Orchard Hotel

Three blocks from Chinatown’s gates, two blocks from Union Square, and on the doorstep of two cable car lines, The Orchard Hotel occupies prime downtown real estate with a price tag that doesn’t match. Eighty-six spacious guest rooms, plush robes, complimentary Wi-FI, in-room coffee makers, and the first hotel in California to be LEED certified, make this a popular choice for eco-conscious travelers on a budget that don’t want to compromise on location.

TIP:  Be sure to check out the sunny Rooftop Terrace and Daffodil Restaurant which serves breakfast and evening drinks.

Cozy bedroom with mustard-yellow walls, featuring a white bed adorned with an ornate, patterned runner and decorative pillows. Reminiscent of a petit auberge, the room includes a wooden nightstand with a lamp, a patterned armchair, an open red door leading to a small balcony, and a bookshelf.
Photo: Courtesy of Petite Auberge

Petite Auberge

The 26-room sister B&B to English-inspired White Swann Inn has a Francophile flavor. Sited between the two properties, Del Popolo restaurant provides Italian influence. Cozy and quaint with old world touches continues as evidenced by wine and cheese in the evening that are set out for guests by the parlor fireplace. Guest rooms have writing desks, floral wallpaper, wooden shutters, and iron chandeliers reflecting cozy and ambiance throughout. A tiny European-style elevator services all five floors, Wi-Fi is free.

TIP:  For an extra special stay, opt for the suite, which has a private terrace.

A cozy bedroom with floral wallpaper, a large bed with a white duvet, a yellow throw, and floral accent pillows. The room features a red armchair, a side table with a lamp, windows with floral curtains, and a black-and-white photo above the bed—reminiscent of the charm found in San Francisco hotels.
Photo: Courtesy of White Swan Inn

White Swan Inn

Management makes a big effort and it shows. They’re pleased to be known as uniquely quirky at White Swan Inn, tucked away in Lower Nob Hill, handy to everything. Twenty-six rooms, most with fireplaces, reflect whimsical touches with a distinctly English B&B edge. Backgammon and board games are set out in the cozy parlor where guests find a morning basket of breakfast goodies, coffee and tea, and an evening glass of wine with nibbles. Be tempted by the sweet courtyard. Complimentary Wi-Fi, bathrobes, hair dryer, flat screen TV.

TIP: Sister B&B is Petite Auberge next door.

Did we miss your favorite hotel?
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