Where To Stay In Chinatown
midrange
Orchard Garden Hotel This high-end hotel features spacious rooms decorated with a natural color palette and come with seating areas and soft carpets. At this 4-star hotel, youll find a lot of amenities, such as a rooftop bar with city views, an American breakfast restaurant, and even a gym. Orchard Garden Hotel is right next to the gate to Chinatown. The staff here are very friendly and helpful.
Deemed The Foodie Area Of San Francisco: North Beach
North Beach is San Franciscos Italian heritage neighbourhood, with galleries, small inns, jazz clubs, small unique cafes, live music, and much more.
This neighbourhood of San Francisco is well known for its food, with a huge variety of dining options available, there is something for everyones taste. `
North Beach is located close to other neighbourhoods, with close connections and great public transport options for local attractions. North Beach is filled with character from eccentric and electric street dancing and painted murals.
Pros & Cons Of Staying In North Beach
PROS
Chinatown Colorfur District With Lively Nightlife
Visitors to this district have the opportunity to same dim sum at some of the best Chinese restaurants on the West Coast today. This colorful district offers a huge selection of restaurants, tea houses and bars for eating, drinking and merriment.
The nightlife is lively, offering a wide array of clubs, music venues, Chinese dances and movie theaters as one of the fascinating areas in San Francisco.
If you are in town during the annual Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year parade, be prepared for the 200-foot long dragon, earth-shaking firecrackers, beating drums, crashing cymbals and gongs to chase away all evil spirits.
Guests snap photos and shoot videos at the celebrated Chinatown Gate where a pair of welcoming stone lions are bordered by a pagoda-styled archway.
At the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, you will be invited inside by the sweet aroma of vanilla to observe the skillful workers creating warm, golden, crisp cookies with the aid of rapidly spinning machines.
Be sure to visit the Red Blossom Tea Company as well, a bright, attractive shop where you can sniff fragrant teas from myriad canisters before making your choice to sample.
The majority of hotels, inns and hostels in this district are reasonably priced for a stay in San Francisco, and there are low-budget hostels for backpackers as well. Chinatown is easily accessible by bus and BART and is definitely one of the most popular neighborhoods in San Francisco to visit.
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Fishermans Wharf Where To Stay In San Francisco For Seafood
This district is one of the most exciting areas of San Francisco. Here you will find the fascinating Aquarium of the Bay along the citys famed Embarcadero, an amazing site where the great beauty of San Francisco Bay lit brightly by glistening lights provide a breathtaking view from an elevated deck.
Inside this site, you can watch spiraling schools of anchovies and jellyfish swirling past. This unforgettable scene is the perfect visitors venue before relaxing over cocktails in celebration of the city.
At the riveting San Francisco Dungeon on Jefferson Street, live actors lead you on a precarious trip through the authentic and sometimes grimy Bay Area history. You will meet the grisly Rat Catcher with his chilling tales of the Plague and take a chilling tour of Alcatraz prison on a staged attempted escape.
You can experience the heart-thumping drop ride, a jump from Alcatraz into the Bay below. You will be amused, scared and thoroughly exhilarated by this unique escapade in one of the most unusual and thrilling areas in San Francisco.
Then visit Madame Tussauds famous wax museum to mix with all your favorite icons and celebrities before sampling delicious breads in the tasting room at the renowned Boudin Bakery & Cafe as part of your Museum and Bakery tour.
While in this district, be sure to enjoy a fabulous meal at such outstanding seafood restaurants as Scomas, Fog Harbor Fish House and Franciscan Crab Restaurant.
Fishermans Wharf San Francisco
Fishermans Wharf is the best area to stay in San Francisco with family, particularly kids. I loved this touristy part of the city as a child, and even though I rarely visit now, I still have good memories of it.
Fishermans Wharf is packed with everything from a wax museum to souvenir shops. Its right on the waterfront, so it has good views of Angel Island and the North Bay. Theres plenty of clam chowder in a bread bowl if thats what youre after, too.
My top pick for a hotel in this part of San Francisco is the Argonaut Hotel. Set in the historic Haslett Warehouse, its in a great location on the Aquatic Park and has views across the bay. You can book a room here.
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Haight & Ashbury Best Place To Stay For History And Culture
If youre looking for counterculture history, alternative vibes, vintage shops, and a place where hippies and punks live side by side, Haight-Ashbury is where you should stay. One of the most beloved neighborhoods in San Francisco, it was the center of the Summer of Love in 1967. Its where the hippie movement in California took form.
You might find more hipsters than hippies here today, but Haight-Ashbury is still one of the most interesting places to visit in San Francisco. We loved strolling along the streets visiting vintage and nostalgic shops, record stores like Amoeba Music, tattoo parlors, and the colorful streets.
Haight-Ashbury also has a wide range of quirky restaurants and cafes come together to form a funky combination of old and new. Make sure to visit Golden Gate Park where all the hippies hang out. Dont be surprised if you see drum circles and smell a joint or two as you walk through its leafy grounds. This is where The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and Jefferson Airplane used to play impromptu concerts.
You definitely do not want to miss the views from Buena Vista Park and make sure to grab a photo at The Famous Legs Its also where youll find a more local side to the city than what you might see in Fishermans Wharf or Union Square.
Which Area Should You Choose
First of all, here is a map of San Francisco neighborhoods so you can better visualize the areas Ill be talking about in this post:
Even though the city is not that big, it is divided into 5 different districts: Downtown, Richmond, Upper Market, Sunset and Bayview. Each one of these is then divided into smaller neighborhoods, each with its own charm and unique advantages.
Okay, but how can you choose? All of them are so different from each other! Well, in order to help you out, I have created a list of personalized recommendations that you can check out below:
- Where to stay in San Francisco for luxury: Downtown San Francisco
- Best area to stay in San Francisco for budget travelers: Marina District
- Where to stay in San Francisco for families: Fishermans Wharf
- Where to stay in San Francisco for nightlife: The Mission
Now that you understand a bit more about how the city is organized and which are the best areas for certain needs and preferences, let me tell you everything you need to know about each of these areas:
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The Best Area To Stay If You Want To Shop: Union Square
Are you in the mood for some serious shopping? Then this is the perfect neighborhood to shop the major retail brands. Here you’ll have your pick of the litter as most of the city’s hotels reside here. Another great reason to stay in Union Square: it’s a transportation hub, so it’s easy to get everywhere else.
Hotel Vertigo A Hitchcock Inspired Themed Boutique Hotel
This highly rated unique San Francisco boutique hotel boasts a very intriguing past, the building was once a Prohibition-era speakeasy and then the setting for the Alfred Hitchcocks classic film Vertigo yes seriously!
With a hip new revamp and a name change, the fabulous Hitchcock inspired Hotel Vertigo was born. With the mysterious movie theme running throughout the hotel you can also expect to find leather wing-back chairs, horsehead bedside lamps and Vertigo branded bathrobes creating a wonderful film set experience. Contrasting the classic decor is sophisticated in-room technology which includes a flat-screen HD TV, iPod docking station, and free Wi-Fi. Definitely one for the film buffs!
- To book, check prices or availability for Vertigo Hotel
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Union Square Downtown Where To Stay In San Francisco For First Time
Downtown is the best area to stay in San Francisco for first-time tourists, businesses, families, couples, singles who looking for well-connect public, easy access to other parts of the city, sightseeing, and shopping.
The Financial District, Union Square, and parts of Chinatown, Tenderloin, and SoMa combine to form what is unofficially known as Downtown San Francisco. This is where youll find the largest concentration of corporate headquarters anywhere in San Francisco.
All six San Francisco Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the Financial District, as are many major brands, like Levi Strauss and Chevron. In addition, numerous diplomatic missions are located here, including those of countries such as France, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
With so many workers coming in and out of the district on a daily basis, it unsurprisingly has some of the best public transportation options in the city. Combined with numerous restaurants and stores catering to the workers, it makes the Financial District an incredibly convenient place to stay.
Union Square is centered around the San Francisco Union Square itself, a beautiful plaza with the Dewey Monument at its heart that is a California Historical Landmark. In recent years, the city has even commissioned additional art installations around the Union Square plaza to add to its appeal.
Stay In Union Square If you are a first-time tourist you want to stay in Downtown San Francisco you travel without a car
Why Stay In South Of Market And The Tenderloin
There aren’t many places to actively avoid in San Francisco, and you should be as vigilant as anywhere else when travelling to keep yourself and your belongings safe. One particular area to avoid staying in is the Tenderloin, a known area for drug trafficking and less salubrious sights. In the South of Market, one popular spot is the Vertigo Hotel, where the renowned auteur Alfred Hitchcock famously shot his hit film Vertigo. Looking for a hotel in South of market or SoMa maximises your chances of eating your way through the best of dining experiences on offer in the city. If you don’t want to stay in a hostel but are still wanting something cheap, there are some nice accommodations here. It’s also great to access The Mission, where the burgeoning Latino culture offers up a smorgasbord of delectable eateries.
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Where To Stay In San Francisco: A Complete Guide To The 7 Best Places To Stay
Here are our recommendations for the seven neighborhoods that offer the best places to stay in San Francisco, including an overview of the neighborhood, the pros and cons of staying in the area, notable highlights, including attractions and places to eat and drink, and suggested places to stay in San Francisco.
Dont have the time to read the entire guide in detail below? Heres a quick run-down of the top three areas to stay in San Francisco, depending on the type of traveler you are. You should definitely at least read the entire section for your chosen neighborhood though.
- Our top recommendation is the charming and centrally located Nob Hill. Choose from the French-inspired Petite Auberge, its English sister property the White Swan Inn, or the modern and high tech Stanford Court.
- If its your first time in San Francisco, we think Union Square will be your best bet. Though lacking in the charm of other areas, its centrally located, with great transport options, and home to numerous hotel options. Top choices include the modern and affordable CitizenM, the stylish and charming Palihotel, or the artsy and eclectic Hotel Emblem.
- If you want to stay among locals, youll enjoy residential NoPa/Haight. Stay in a converted Victorian next to Golden Gate Park at the Stanyan Park Hotel, at the quiet and affordable Metro Hotel, or in a beautiful landmark Victorian with amazing breakfasts at The Parsonage.
Petite Auberge A Cozy And Romantic Inn Perfect For Couples In Love
The Petite Auberg is a French-inspired boutique hotel located between Union Square and Nob Hill. Its central location makes it ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway among the sites and sounds of San Francisco. Its intimacy is enhanced by an authentic French aesthetic reflected in shared spaces and guests rooms.
Most rooms have fireplaces, adding to the cozy intimacy. Among the authentic period French décor, modern conveniences are at hand, including Wi-Fi and a 32 TV when you want to snuggle up and relax together. The Petite Auberge offers a complimentary breakfast buffet, baked cookies throughout the day, and room service direct from Del Popolo. Its relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff ensure they score excellent reviews on TripAdvisor.
- Prices from $110 per night.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Petite Auberg San Francisco
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Tenderloin And Civic Center
These two neighborhoods are areas where not to stay in San Francisco. In our experience, its very easy to enter them without realizing it, especially Tenderloin, since its very close to Union Square and just separated by a street.
Both this and the Civic Center area are places full of homeless people, drugs and violence certainly not a good place to sleep in San Francisco.
St Regis A Sleek And Sexy High Rise Hotel Located In The Soma District
For the perfect mixture of romance and culture, St Regis San Francisco is unbeatable. Located in the SoMa district, adjacent to the Museum Of Modern Art, this dreamy and chic hotel continues to impress with the Museum of the African Diaspora being situated inside the hotel itself.
Aside from impressive cultural credentials, this sumptuous hotel provides Californian cuisine in the Grill, and you and your other half can also try the jacuzzi in the Spa and fitness center. The St Regis rooms are the epitome of comfort and elegance. With air conditioning for comfort, TV, and Wi-Fi for entertainment, and hairdryer and robes to prepare for a scintillating night out, youll want for nothing here.
- Prices from $280 per night.
- To book, check prices or availability for The St Regis San Francisco
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A Quick San Francisco Geography Overview
Located at the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, and surrounded by water on three sides, its easy to see why its called the City by the Bay. Spanning 49 miles in roughly a square shape, there are 48 named hills, many of which are quite steep, though there are plenty of flat stretches in between as well.
Its a very walkable city, as long as you dont mind some rather steep hills.
There are officially 36 different neighborhoods in San Francisco, and many more districts .
The eastern side of the city is home to most of the major attractions and popular neighborhoods to visit, while the western side is more residential, and where youll find two major parks , the Golden Gate Bridge, and Ocean Beach.
Orchard Garden Hotel A Serene Upscale Eco
Reflecting the citys progressive ideals is this ultra-green, modern, and highly rated 4-star boutique hotel. The Orchard Garden Hotel is only one of four hotels in the world to win the LEED certification meaning it adheres to the strictest of environmental standards. Both luxurious and popular, the hotel was built with sustainably harvested wood and recycled materials, boasts chemical-free products , energy-saving rooms, and a restaurant that only uses organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Located in the Financial District only a 6-minute walk to the shops of Union Square and two blocks from the Powell Street cable-car line, other highlights at this chic San Francisco hotel include spacious rooms with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and Egyptian cotton linens, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a delightful rooftop garden. A stylish hotel with a heart and a conscience, very rare indeed!
- To book, check prices or availability for Orchard Garden Hotel
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Where To Stay Near Haight
- Best Vacation Rental in Haight-Ashbury: This brand new studio is great location right in the heart of the historic Haight-Ashbury district. Close to Golden Gate Park. Close to restaurants and shops.
- Best Luxury Hotel at Haight & Ashbury The Metro Hotel is charming hotel with a convenient location for public transit, a 14-min walk to Haight-Ashbury, its family-run but has no elevator.
- Check out Availability and Prices: Tripadvisor or Booking.com
- Best Mid-Range Hotel in Haight & AshburyStanyan Park Hotel offers free breakfast, Victorian-style rooms, kitchen facilities, wine & cheese hour & tea service, near Golden Gate Park.
- Check Availability and Pricing: Tripadvisor or Booking.com
- Best Haight & Ashbury Budget Hotel The Red Victorian Historic, themed rooms, with antique electric fireplaces, and only two blocks from Golden Gate Park.
- Check out Availability & Prices: Tripadvisor
Getting There Take the Muni bus 6, 7, 37, 43 or 33 . For more information check out the San Francisco Muni website for updated costs and schedule. The San Francisco City Pass gives you unlimited travel on Muni buses, trolleys, and cable cars for three days.