Union Square is a can’t-miss stop in San Francisco, California, so naturally, there is an overwhelming selection of hotels, from budget to luxury, packed into this tiny neighborhood.
Besides Lombard Street, Union Square is one of San Francisco’s biggest draws with its iconic cable cars, shops, boutiques, and art galleries.
While I’d argue that one SF sunset is worth one thousand hours spent shopping, you gotta see Union Square while in town.
So grab a piece of San Francisco Sourdough, an SF brew, and kick back. These are the best hotels in San Francisco in Union Square-
Tip: Take this art and architecture walking tour of Union Square and Chinatown to make the most of your time.
Hotel Emblem
Of all the hotels in San Francisco near Union Square, Emblem is my top choice for creatives.
Cozy and boutique, Hotel Emblem is located in the heart of San Francisco’s Theater District, five minutes from the square.
Emblem’s design is inspired by the bohemian artist history of SF, with decor that nods to famous Beat Generation writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.
Literature-related stuff at The Emblem:
- Guests can use the typewriter in the lobby to bring life to their ideas
- Writer’s Alcove in the lobby
- Books and relics related to the Beat Generation on display
Side note: Jack Kerouac’s On the Road is a must-read for travel lovers.
The Beacon Grand
If you want to sleep in the middle of history, look no further than the Beacon Grand!
The hotel was designed in 1928 and named for an air beacon (used to guide pilots) on its roof, the largest in the world at the time. The beacon went out quickly, but the name had already stuck.
Lavish and bursting with photo opportunities, the lobby’s oversized mirrors, wrought-iron staircase, and romantically ornate ceiling are to die for!
Handlery Union Square
The Handlery is a hidden gem among the many hotels in Union Square and an all-around great place to stay in San Francisco.
This is one of the few hotels near San Francisco’s Union Square with parking, ideal for those exploring by car. Don’t skip the heated pool.
Hauntings at the Handlery
Hotel room 207 is rumored to be pleasantly haunted by a (friendly) female ghost who seems to like opening and closing doors.
Room 514 is also said to have some sort of ghostly presence, with objects mysteriously appearing or disappearing.
Note: You can also take this ghost and hauntings tour of San Francisco and use an EMF detector.
Hotel Triton
Wedged between Union Square, the Financial District, and Chinatown, Hotel Triton is a great location to be close to both.
The Triton lives up to the artistic styles of its surroundings, with cute and colorful murals in the lobby. Evening wine receptions occasionally have poets, tarot readers, and other niche experiences.
I love the Triton because it has everything you need on-site and is minutes from Union Square, yet a bit quieter than other hotels.
Tip: staying closer to Chinatown is great for your stomach.
Chancellor Hotel
Once the tallest hotel in the city, the Chancellor is a San Francisco landmark, easily accessible by historic cable car.
Another of the Chancellor’s claims to fame is the Clipper Ship Room, designed as a tribute to Bay Area aviation history.
My fav part about the Chancellor Hotel is the complimentary pillow menu, which lets you choose from 12 different types of pillows, an insignificant but cool experience that’s truly unique.
Also, the cable car stops right on the hotel’s doorstep!
The Donatello
The Donatello is a charming stay with some of the most spacious rooms in San Francisco. A lovely, romantically Italian atmosphere hangs over the Donatello, enchanting all who enter.
You have to make time for Zingari, an absolute delight of an Italian restaurant inside the hotel. Zingari has an elegant bar and live music room with the best local jazz and piano musicians.
Hotel Zeppelin
Last but not least, the Hotel Zeppelin embraces counter-culture and pays homage to the many musicians, artists, poets, and writers who have made San Francisco their home or at least stopped by on the regular.
Pun: Stay at one of the hardest-rocking hotels in San Francisco!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Union Square San Francisco known for?
For nearly 170 years, Union Square has been known as a gathering place for entertainment, political events, and connections of all sorts. Today, Union Square is one of the most popular attractions in San Fran.
What is the most famous square in San Francisco?
In Downtown, between Geary, Powell, Post, and Stockton Streets, Union Square is the most well-known shopping plaza or square in San Francisco.
Is Union Square a good place to stay in San Francisco?
Union Square is one of the best places to stay in San Francisco! Some of the city’s best hotels are in the square, and you can reach many of its attractions on foot or by cable car.
Also, as my post has shown, there are a ton of great hotels in and around San Francisco’s Union Square!
Is Union Square considered Downtown San Francisco?
Yes, Union Square is a part of Downtown San Francisco. More specifically, it is considered part of both the Theater District and the Financial District, subsections of Downtown San Francisco.
Where Should I stay in San Francisco for the first time?
If it’s your first time in San Francisco, the best neighborhoods to stay in are the area around Union Square, Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, or the Marina District.
With SF’s A+ public transit options, you can get to most places in the city from these central spots.
Where is the best area to stay in San Francisco for tourists?
For those visiting San Francisco as tourists, the most popular areas to stay are Union Square, Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, or the Marina District since they are within walking distance of some of the most popular sights.
But honestly, anywhere Downtown will be centrally located and packed with AMAZING food, eats, and fun things to do.
Downtown is one of the most exciting places to stay in San Francisco, perfect for first-time visitors.
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