San Francisco is one of those places that can completely get your heart pumping with excitement—or literally empty out your wallet. If you’re considering a luxury vacation or a relaxing, budget-friendly one, choosing the right location can make all the difference. I’ve been there myself, stuck between the luxury temptations and the budget-friendly choices
Here’s what I’ve learned from my own experiences and a little bit of research.
🏨 Luxurious Hotels: When You Want To Feel Like Royalty
If you’re feeling like pampering yourself, San Francisco is home to some of the most luxurious accommodations in the entire nation.
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
The Ritz-Carlton is a really fancy place within a groovy old building on Nob Hill. They have elegant Italian marble bathrooms and terry robes for relaxing, not to mention a full spa and chic Club Lounge, great for unwinding after a day on the town.
The St. Regis San Francisco
The St. Regis is based within the trendy SoMa neighborhood, and you’re within walking distance from SFMOMA and Yerba Buena Gardens, so there’s no problem taking in some culture. And the hotel itself features that posh spa, indoor infinity pool, and fabulous rainforest shower baths.
Fairmont San Francisco
Sitting up on Nob Hill, the Fairmont is a complete San Francisco original. With its elegant Beaux-Arts architecture and hip history, it’s well worth a visit. And you have to visit the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, this fabulous tiki bar within the hotel.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
This hotel blends modern luxury with artistic flair. The lobby features a polished Guy Dill sculpture and a Guggenheim-esque staircase. Rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Financial District and Yerba Buena Gardens.
💸Budget Hotels: Where Comfort and Cost-Effectiveness Go Hand-in-Hand
Not everybody’s up for paying an arm and a leg for a hotel room. Consider the following affordable options that still ensure you’re comfortable.
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Located near Union Square, Hotel Nikko offers modern amenities at a reasonable price. The hotel features a heated indoor pool and is within walking distance of major attractions.
The Mosser Hotel
In the center of downtown, The Mosser combines its fantastic blend of old-fashioned charm with lots of modern conveniences. The accommodations are very comfortable, and it is only a short walk from the Powell Street BART station.
HI San Francisco Downtown Hostel
Whether you are traveling alone, with a friend, or a group, HI San Francisco has some really cool budget dorms. It’s also very near Union Square, so it’s an ideal place to explore the city.
🗺️ Choosing the Right Neighbourhood
Choosing a neighborhood to stay in when you’re visiting San Francisco can be a little daunting, but it’s really crucial. I mean, this isn’t a huge city or anything, but each neighborhood has its own atmosphere, price, and weird nuances. I’ve stayed in every area—from the adorable Victorians in the Haight to the upscale hotels in SoMa—and the neighborhood totally impacts how you see the place.
Union Square: The Tourist Epicenter
So, you’re visiting San Francisco for the first time and you want to be smack in the middle of things? Union Square is where it’s at! It’s sort of like Times Square, but with a lot more sourdough bread and a lot less Elmos. You’ve got a ton of major hotels, stores, theaters, and restaurants surrounding you. And you’re really close to BART and Muni, so it’s easy to get around.
I stayed here near Union Square on my first visit—it was very convenient but rather noisy at night. If you sleep lightly, do ask for a higher floor or a room that doesn’t face the street.
Nob Hill: Classic atmosphere and incredible views!
Nob Hill is essentially San Francisco’s ritzy old-money neighborhood—it’s really elegant and classy, elevated above the city. If you don’t mind climbing a hill (or taking the cable car), you’ll receive some of the greatest views around. And it’s home to fabulous sites like trendy Grace Cathedral as well as some of the city’s poshest hotels.
One can completely splurge and crash out at the Fairmont—it has that old-movie feel,. And it is much quieter than downtown, so you can actually sleep well there.
SoMa (South of Market): Modern, Trendy, and Central
You love digging cool architecture, trendy atmosphere, and artsy venues? Then SoMa is a must for you. Over time, the neighborhood has developed considerably—now it is thronged with chic skyscrapers, SFMOMA, and trendy cocktail bars. And it is a big favorite among business tourists as well.
I lucked out with this great hotel for my business trip, and it was so convenient being located right next to the Moscone Center and some of the best eateries such as Benu and The Bird.
Mission District: Vibes, Bright Colors, and Burritos
The Mission is incredibly vibrant, bursting with creativity, and entirely proud to be local. There are murals covering the walls, far more taquerias than Starbucks (thankfully), and independent shops and galleries lining Valencia Street. It’s great for you if you like food, art, and culture. It also receives far more sunshine than many other neighborhoods due to its microclimate.
I stayed at this Airbnb near 24th Street for an entire week, and it actually did feel like I lived there. I’m still addicted to that carnitas from La Taqueria!
Haight-Ashbury: Where Hippie Culture Meets Victorian Homes
If you like vintage stores, painted row houses, and a little counterculture, you should definitely visit the Haight. It’s not too touristy and you can walk to Golden Gate Park from there. You won’t find any big hotels in the area, but there are plenty of B&Bs and adorable boutique inns.
You’d have the sense of time traveling here—albeit, the best kind imaginable though. And the best part? There is cool nature right nearby if you need a break from all the city craziness.
The Marina & Pacific Heights: Chill Luxury
If you’re after scenic strolls, posh boutiques, and postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, consider staying in the Marina or Pacific Heights. They’re a bit removed from public transit but perfect if you’re driving or don’t mind rideshares.
I stayed at this adorable little inn near the Marina Green once, and every morning I’d just walk along the water. It was so relaxing and gorgeous—great for couples or for solo travelers looking to unwind.
🚇 Getting Around SanFran
San Francisco is one of the places where owning a car basically makes things more complicated. With so many wacky hills, not much parking, and some simply wonderful public transportation, you’ve got many methods of getting around without losing your mind.
Public Transportation: Muni, BART, and Clipper Cards
You know how everyone likes to grumble about Muni? But seriously—it gets the job done. They have buses, streetcars, and this underground light rail that covers a large part of the city. Most of these are for the longer trips, such as to the airport or over to Oakland and Berkeley.
If you’re going to be riding public transportation more than a few times, just get a Clipper Card. It’s this great rechargeable card that’s good on all the systems and spares you the hassle of cash or paper tickets. I used mine constantly when I was spending time in the Mission and riding around the city—it made everything so much easier.
Cable Cars: A Must-Do, Even If Just Once
I completely understand that they’re a bit touristy, but you absolutely have to ride one of the San Francisco cable cars—it’s a complete must-do. They’re so convenient if you’re hanging out in Nob Hill, Russian Hill, or Fisherman’s Wharf. I still have such a memory of just standing there with the wind through my hair—it was well worth the $8 for that alone!
Walking: Wear Good Shoes
The city is immensely walkable—but for real, those hills are not kidding around. I walked from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Painted Ladies once, and I had sore calves for days. But assuming you don’t mind getting a little of a workout, San Francisco fully repays you with fantastic views and charming streets around every corner.
Scooters and bikes: cruise the waterfront
Hey, if you enjoy biking, well, you’re in good luck—bike rentals and bike sharing facilities are available everywhere. Golden Gate Park and the Embarcadero are great places for relaxing bike rides. I took that famous bike trip on the Golden Gate Bridge out to Sausalito, and it was one of the highlights of the trip (just be sure to check the wind speed before you go!).
Rideshares and Taxis
Uber and Lyft originated here, so they’re basically everywhere now. The prices vary based on the time that you need a ride, though it is generally the best option if you’re going somewhere that isn’t directly on the bus routes or you’re out very late.
🧳 Extra Tip: Know Your Priorities
If you’re stuck deciding between luxury and budget, it’s really helpful to consider what matters most on this trip. Is it comfort? Convenience? Positive vibes? Being near it all?
If I only have time for a quick weekend trip, I prefer to target a low-key spot downtown that’s near enough to walk to brunch, visit some museums, and relax by the water without any fuss. However, when I worked remotely for two weeks in San Francisco, I certainly prioritized a laid-back neighborhood with a kitchen and an office area, and I opted for something affordable.
There is no one correct answer, but deciding on your must-haves will make choosing so much easier.
🛎️ Hidden Gems: Alternatives Worth Considering
If you’re looking for something outside the mainstream, try boutique hotels, hostels, and quirky Airbnb accommodations. A couple of my favorite places I’ve stayed in San Francisco weren’t ridiculously fancy 5-star places or ridiculously inexpensive—they were the boutique, independent little places with lots of charm.
I found this amazing cozy B&B in Cole Valley, right by the Panhandle, and they served fresh scones every morning and had this fantastic old-timey clawfoot tub. Score! And you know, staying in those areas that aren’t as touristy allows you to really absorb the atmosphere of day-to-day San Francisco.
Hi, if you’re booking last minute or during peak times, try apps such as HotelTonight or Hopper for some great deals. You can even get a luxury hotel room for a mid-range price if they have some vacant rooms!
Final Thoughts
So luxury or budget, then? Really, it depends on the sort of San Francisco experience you’re looking for. From the posh Nob Hill hotels to the quirky guesthouses of the Mission District, there is something suited for all within the city, regardless of your style or budget. Hey, relax a bit on the price of things.
Consider who you are as a traveler, how you want to spend your time, and how you want to make memories back home. San Francisco can absolutely be your playground if you do it smart—whether you’re sipping champagne at the St. Regis or eating street tacos in the Mission.
You’re going to have an amazing time, I promise.
