Best Budget Hotels in San Francisco

Ensconced in the city’s Financial District, Galleria Park is well-suited to travelers who want to be in the heart of the action. Some of San Francisco’s best shopping and eateries are within walking distance, and for guests who want to venture further, a BART station is a block away, as are the city’s famous trolleys. Helpful staff will be more than happy to assist families or solo travelers plan out the details of their stay.

At this historic, 100-year-old hotel, an interior remodel in 2018 lends an elegant feel without the price tag of more upscale boutique properties. A cozy foyer with a large crackling fireplace and lounge-style seating sets the tone for a comfortable stay in stylish accommodations. Rooms are decorated in a bright, neutral palette and bathrooms feature mosaic tile and a rainfall shower.

• Valet parking
• Pet-friendly
• Fitness center
• In-room Illy espresso machines
• Jonathan Adler bath products

Families who want to be immersed in all that Fisherman’s Wharf has to offer, but also not have to wander far from the hotel to keep the kids entertained, should consider the colorful Hotel Zephyr. The hotel pays homage to the neighborhood with its “shipyard-chic” design aesthetic, integrating recycled cargo containers and repurposed nautical objects into its bright look. Right around the hotel are an array of fresh seafood restaurants and quaint shops.

But there’s fun to be had right at the hotel. An 8000-square-foot outdoor play area is outfitted with tons of games, including shuffleboard and foosball, as well as four outdoor fire pits where parents can relax with a glass of wine while keeping an eye on the kids. Guests can bond over a game of ping pong, a round of pool, or interactive art at the indoor game room.

• Coffee shop on-site
• Fitness center
• Game room and billiards
• Business center

Once known as The Fielding Hotel, this building dates back to 1906 and has undergone various incarnations over the years. In 2014, it reopened as the 153-key Hotel G, a minimalist, stylish budget option in the city. Union Square’s shopping and dining options are right out the front door.

Rooms are modern and monochromatic with mid-century modern decor touches, and a fitness center caters to travelers looking to squeeze in a quick, pre-meeting workout at the start of the day. Solo travelers who want to connect with others can cozy up at the hotel bar over a craft cocktail. Guests looking to make their stay a bit more luxurious can book a G Terrace Suite featuring airy, light-filled spaces with bespoke furniture and decor, a fireplace, and a city-view terrace.

• Valet parking
• 24-hour front desk
• Fitness center
• Laundry/dry cleaning service

This iconic property was built during the 1950s and opened as The Phoenix in 1987. Since then, it’s played host to traveling creatives and visiting musicians. Located on the fringes of the Tenderloin district, the area retains some of its original grit and edge, home to underground art galleries, live music bars, and concert venues such as the Great American Music Hall.

The mid-century motor lodge is enlivened with a retro, Palm Springs-style outdoor pool dotted with palm trees and lush tropical plants, string lights, and pops of ‘70s-inspired orange. Rooms are simple, painted with Crayola colors and unique touches like neon accent lighting and kimono-style robes. A bar and restaurant, as well as a lobby stocked with late-night snacks, makes this property all about good vibes on a budget. The bright pink room keys remind guests that rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay.

• Free parking
• In-room coffee
• On-site restaurant and lounge

This 1982 private home was turned into a hotel almost a century later, and still retains much of its Victorian style. Polished mahogany, crystal chandeliers, antique lace, and stained glass lend a cozy, slightly gothic atmosphere to this bed and breakfast inn. Nine rooms and suites feature canopy beds, Bradbury wallpaper, and Persian carpets.

A continental breakfast is included in the stay, and guests can also have afternoon tea in the drawing room. But returning guests come back for the inn’s rich history. Mark Twain graced the hallways, and the inn was once owned by Ernestine Kreling, owner of the Tivoli Opera House, the first place where opera was sung on the West Coast. The property has hosted countless singers, performers, and socialites throughout the years, and some of the furnishings come from the estates of the Vanderbilts, Charles de Gaulle, and J. Paul Getty.

• Complimentary afternoon tea and welcome drink
• Free WiFi

A cheery, fresh facade and modern lobby greet guests at this Fisherman’s Wharf Hotel. Ideal for couples discovering the iconic neighborhood for the first time, it’s a short walk to the waterfront, Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39’s sea lion colony, and the Maritime National Historic Park. A famous cable car turnaround is just steps from the front door, but couples can also grab a couple of the aqua-hued cruiser bikes that sit outside the entrance and explore the area on two wheels.

Airy rooms are decorated in an elegant cream palette with plush white bedding, and guests can request a room with a fireplace and enjoy a glass of wine in-room. For dinner, although the area is peppered with excellent restaurants, couples can dine on traditional Italian cuisine on-site at Pescatore Trattoria, and Bar Zoe hosts a happy hour as well as frequent live music. A secluded, open-air courtyard with lounge-style seating has fire pits lit from 4-10 p.m. as well as food and drink service from Hotel Zoe.

• Valet parking
• Complimentary cruiser bike use for guests
• Pet-friendly
• Business center

An open-air courtyard with hammocks, a sparkling outdoor pool, and towering palms make this retro motor lodge a little oasis in the heart of the Marina District. The hotel welcomes kids and pets, comes with breakfast, and on-site parking is inexpensive, all making this the perfect home-away-from-home for budget-conscious families or couples who want to streamline their San Francisco vacation.

Bright turquoise and aqua rooms offer no-frills comfort with personality. But guests will likely want to be out exploring for most of their stay. Within walking distance from the hotel is the Presidio—a 1500-acre park with forest trails, a golf course, and scenic ocean outlooks—the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, and eclectic Chestnut Street which is home to quirky shops, restaurants, and coffee houses. 

• Off-site fitness center nearby for guest use
• Laundry/dry cleaning on-site