7 Cool, Romantic, and Cocktail-Forward Hotels in San Francisco
Where to Stay in San Francisco is a question everyone asks, and I understand why. The neighborhoods are diverse, prices are high, and the choices are endless: big and bougie, small and sticky, and everything in between.
With so many options, why not pick a hotel that isn’t afraid to be authentically irreverent and cool (just like you), or one that has cocktail bars as cozy and comfortable as the luxury linens in each bedroom?
There are a lot to love, but I chose these lucky seven San Francisco hotels, sure to delight.
1. Hotel Emblem
Okay, full confession: I loved this hotel before it was the Emblem (so long, cozy, and cute Hotel Rex) and was a little bitter when it closed and underwent a facelift and rebrand by Viceroy Hotels & Resorts. It reopened in early 2019 with a new identity as a vibey boutique hotel, and I have to say----WOW!
The cool factor is off the charts, with bold colors, book nooks, and creative panache infused into every space, including rooms with typewriters on the desk and record players and accompanying vinyl.
Needless to say, I’ve moved on, and my bitters are saved for the writer-themed craft cocktails found in the Obscenity Bar & Lounge. The location close to Union Square shopping and the Powell Street Cable Car line makes it easy to get out and explore San Francisco, too.
The Laurel Inn’s lobby and Laureate Bar is mid-century cool. Photo by @JDVbyHyatt
2. The Laurel Inn
Don’t let the 1960 motor lodge exterior fool you. This retro spot in Pacific Heights has been glammed up and is now Instagram-worthy. It’s also comfortable, with spacious rooms and suites, some with kitchenettes and views of downtown San Francisco.
The Laurel Inn doesn't have a full-service restaurant, but there’s coffee and a continental-style breakfast in the lobby each morning. It’s also walking distance to chic Sacramento Street, which means you’re a few steps from a real movie theater (remember those), boutiques, and restaurants serving amazing food, such as Spruce and Garibaldi’s.
The Laurel Inn’s Laureate Bar is also open for foggy afternoon wine and shareable snacks by the fire, and nightcaps.
The Lobby of Hotel Kabuki has style to go along with its fabulous menu of cocktails and mocktails. Photo by @JDVbyHyatt
3. Hotel Kabuki
I am a big fan of San Francisco’s Japantown, and the hotel Kabuki is in the heart of it, and a destination in itself, not only for its bar, which makes excellent bespoke cocktails and mocktails, but also for its Michelin-starred Nari, one of San Francisco’s best contemporary Thai restaurants.
The eclectic lobby is one of my favorite spaces, where texture, color, and minimal yet comfortable style mingle like a United Nations of designer details.
If working out is a priority, Hotel Kabuki’s 4000-square-foot gym has boxing equipment, Peloton bikes, a rowing machine, and group fitness classes. Then you’re ready to check the ramen shops, origami paper store, peace pagoda, and mochi donuts in one of America’s last remaining Japantowns.
The Lodge at the Presidio is historic yet modern. Photo by Paul Dyer
4. The Lodge at the Presido
Located in a serene setting inside the historic Presidio, this boutique hotel with 42 rooms is the closest you’re going to get to the Golden Gate Bridge. Rooms and common areas are modern and comfortable, and many have views of the iconic span or the Presidio’s forested landscapes. If you’re in search of a romantic getaway, look no further.
While there’s no on-site restaurant, guests enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast each morning and a wine & cheese reception in the evenings. Luckily, there are several nearby dining options within the Presidio, from casual food truck lunches near the Tunnel Tops to more refined Italian dinners at Piccino Presidio and upscale Mediterranean at Dalida.
The Jay Hotel’s 3rd Floor Terrace has an amazing roofbar with fire pits and skyscraper views
5. The Jay, Autograph Collection
Don’t let the stark exterior fool you. Step inside to modern luxury with local art touches in the Financial District, just a short walk from Chinatown, North Beach, and the Ferry Building (read my guide to things to do in San Francisco here)
The Jay Hotel might be my current favorite hotel in the city, for drinks on the Third Floor Terrace (yes there are outdoor heaters too), followed a close second by the cozy street-level bar at Prelude.
The rooms are exquisite, too. Modern but not stark, with warm wood, curvy lines, neutral and tones and elegant touches like plush bathrobes and a mini-bar with locally inspired snacks and drinks. Some of the rooms even come with small balconies.
The gym is massive, high-tech, and well-equipped. No excuses not to get your workout in here.
An overnight at Hotel Drisco is like staying at a friend’s swanky Pac Heights home. Photo courtesy of Hotel Drisco
6. Hotel Drisco
This Hotel holds a special place in my heart because my best friend got married here. Well, she got ready to get married here. That was a long time ago and I’m so glad to see this chic boutique hotel still thriving as one of the most romantic hotels in San Francisco, as well as a chic and luxurious Pacific Heights hideaway.
If you’re looking to be in the hotbed of activity, this isn’t the place for you, but nothing is far in San Francisco and the 44 guest rooms, including 16 suites, enrobe visitors in luxury.
There’s no full-service restaurant on site, but guests are treated to a gourmet continental breakfast daily and an evening reception with small bites and a cocktail cart.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the hotel has a fleet of six electric bikes (with helmets, locks, backpacks, and water bottles), available for you to borrow, an option for nearby dining, shopping and exporation of the Presidio.
LUMA has a number of room configurations, including two-bedrooms suites, making it ideal for friends’ trips
7. LUMA Hotel
Sleek, tech-forward, and located in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood, LUMA is my recommendation if you want convenient access to sports venues like Chase Center and Oracle Park, trains to the South Bay, easy access to downtown, and skyscraper views without the darkness of being surrounded by other tall buildings.
Most of the 299 guest rooms and suites are flooded with natural light, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and numerous configurations make it easy to share with friends, including double king rooms and ginormous suites. If I’m being honest, the rooms are a little stark for my taste, but there are so many other elements I love about this hotel that I couldn’t not recommend it.
Who doesn’t love a roof bar?And LUMA’s, called Cavaña, on the 17th floor, is worth a peek, even if you don’t stay here. They serve South-of-the-Border-inspired cocktails (the Paloma might just be my new San Francisco cocktail), small sharing plates (the quesabirria taco is life changing), and there’s often a DJ spinning tunes while you admire the 180-degree views of the San Francisco Bay and downtown skyline. On your way out, step into the photo booth for a fun souvenir.
Don’t forget to tag #AgingPlayfully
