7 Best San Francisco Hotels 2024 — Modern Luxury
When you’re in the mood for a stylish urban retreat, these leading San Francisco luxury hotels need to be on your shortlist — the Four Seasons, Hilton Union Square, Hotel Nikko, The W San Francisco, Hotel Zelos, and the new Loews Regency Hotel, which took over from the Mandarin Oriental.
Each of our chosen luxury San Francisco Hotels adds its own brand of lavish touches. Whether it’s the spectacular views from the 48th floor, deep soaking tubs in the bathrooms, spa services delivered right to your room, or a hip restaurant/bar, our selection delivers modern elegance. Like so many luxury hotels, they are continually being upgraded and renovated to keep their modern spirit alive. The Zelos Hotel took over the former Kimpton Hotel Palomar and made things even better. We didn’t think it was possible, but the Loews Regency actually improved the hotel after replacing the Mandarin Oriental in the same space.
Hotel Nikko
This Japan-based Nikko brings a touch of Asian serenity to San Francisco hotels in the heart.
It starts with the gurgling fountains that greet you upon your arrival into the neoclassical lobby. You find Japanese rock gardens in the immaculate suites and Anzu, the hotel restaurants, serves up California-Japanese fusion cuisine based on traditional Asian dishes. Hotel Nikko in San Francisco a very contemporary modern Asian inspired hotel with great amenities.
Hotel Nikko – Our Review & Rating…
Hotel Zelos
Taking over the former Kimpton Hotel Palomar, Zelos has kept all of the best features — including the cool modern design — while managing to boost customer service and adding a very hip cocktail bar/restaurant on the fifth floor. Hotel Zelos is located near market street opposite of a Ross discount store in San Francisco, California. This area is close to the Mission district of the city of San Francisco.
We love the Art Deco-inspired interior, the rich textures, comfy sofas and beds, and the jewel-tone fabrics.
Hotel Zelos – Our Review & Rating…
Loews Regency Hotel
Another update from an older, luxury San Francisco hotel, the Loews Regency took over the Mandarin Oriental with a passion, and the resulting hotel is better than ever.
Famous for spectacular views from every room of the city, bay and the bridges (the Loews Regency occupies the top eleven floors of one of the tallest buildings in San Francisco), the hotel should be just as well known for attention to detail and service. Treat your senses to a different point of view at Loews Regency San Francisco. With breathtaking views over San Francisco Bay and the city, the hotel combines natural beauty, timeless design and modern amenities to make your stay unforgettable.
Loews Regency Hotel – Our Review & Rating…
Ritz Carlton San Francisco
Although it’s a good-sized chain, Ritz Carlton somehow manages to keep their hotels feeling luxurious, even charming, and largely avoids the corporate feeling you find at, say, the Hiltons.
We particularly like the chain’s hotel in downtown San Francisco, where they transformed the abandoned, 1909 Neoclassical Metropolitan Life building into a classic modern luxury hotel. All in all, a luxurious luxury hotel with varying service and great amenities. It is neither the best nor the worst I have experienced, but I am more than willing to give the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco another chance in the near future.
Ritz Carlton San Francisco – Our Review & Rating…
The Four Seasons
As you’d expect from The Four Seasons’ name, this first-rate accommodation is consistently at the top of the lists of best-loved San Francisco hotels.
Guests rave about the immaculate decor and the very quiet rooms. We like the contemporary artwork scattered through the hotel, the fine linens, and deep soaking tubs that overlook the city skyline.
The Four Seasons – Our Review & Rating…
The Hilton at Union Square
Dominating an entire city block of the city, the Hilton is the largest of San Franciso’s hotels and also one of the largest hotels in California.
But even though it might not be our first choice, it’s still one of the top, stylish and modern luxury hotels in a city filled with them. It’s also at a superb location on the border of Chinatown, Little Italy and Union Square, and walking distance to the Embarcadero. Hilton San Francisco Union Square features a high-energy lobby with guests from around the world, all of whom contribute to the buzz that provokes an internationally intriguing atmosphere that is perfect for networking. Additionally, the hotel boasts a premium location and is center stage to everything San Francisco has to offer – just steps from world-renowned Union Square shops, the historic theater district and the iconic cable cars. Add to that the spectacular views…
The Hilton Hotel at Union Square – Our Review & Rating…
W Hotel San Francisco
The W Hotels set out to be monuments to cool and this is still considered by most to be SF’s swankiest hotel.
We continue to like the hip style of the public spaces and guest rooms and the W’s sleek bathrooms, and the W continues to attract a hip clientele who appreciates modern, non-fussy design. Guest rooms and suites boast sweeping downtown views and offer sumptuous modern comforts like Davine’s bath amenities, pillowtop mattresses, and creatively stocked mini-bars.
W Hotel San Francisco – Our Review & Rating…