Best San Francisco Waterfront Hotels

San Francisco Waterfront Hotels, Lodge at the PresidioBeautiful view from Lodge at the Presidio

Edited January 2024

Choosing the best San Francisco waterfront hotels will make your stay in the "City by the Bay" a very memorable waterfront vacation. True waterfront hotels in San Francisco are few but they are available and deliver beautiful views and truly create a sense of relaxation and romance. 

Waterfront Hotels closest to San Francisco Cruise Terminal: Some waterfront hotels in San Francisco are as close to 1 mile from Pier 27. Choosing a waterfront hotel a couple of days prior to boarding a cruise ship is relaxing and will allow you to visit this "best waterfront destination". We have marked some hotels with distance to Pier 27.

Best beaches near San Fran: Baker Beach, China Beach, Crissy Beach are some good beaches.

Safety in San Fran: We always recommend to research your waterfront vacation destination and ask your concierge at a reputable hotel for areas to avoid.

Fun things to do in San Fran: Ride the Cable Car is a must do! There is plenty to do in San Francisco according to what you love. So we recommend you choose your interest here. Plan well ahead of your arrival for best results.

San Fran Transportation: Renting a car in San Francisco is not only expensive but finding parking spaces is also expensive and difficult. We recommend enjoying a leisurely walk combined with BART public transit and an App such as NextBus. Make sure to enjoy the cable car. You may also use a cab, Uber or Lyft for convenience. Plan your trips well ahead and make your San Fran vacation stress free.

Best time of year for vacation in San Francisco: If you are having a family vacation with children you will enjoy the summer months. However, if you can possibly postpone to September and October you will be greatly rewarded. Minimal rain, less fog for ocean views, and less crowds for tourist attractions and beaches. Here are the San Francisco annual weather averages.

Best San Francisco Waterfront Hotels

Lodge at the Presidio (Reviews and Pricing Link)

Best San Francisco waterfront hotel: Lodge at the PresidioLodge at the Presidio is in a beautiful waterfront location.

Newly opened in 2018, this San Francisco waterfront hotel is located close to the Golden Gate Bridge and steps to Crissy Beach and within the San Francisco National Park.  Next door is Walt Disney Museum. It is a great location for spending time with the kids. Guests will enjoy complimentary visits at the YMCA just a 5 minute leisure walk away. Continental breakfast is included. Wine and Cheese every evening 5-7 is also a nice treat. The guest rooms are furnished with modern but warm decor and very comfortable beds. 

You may also be very interested in the sister B&B property the "Inn at the Presidio" although it is not as close to the waterfront. Video

Address: 105 Montgomery St Presidio of San Fran, Phone: 00 1 415-561-1234

Fairmont Heritage Place-Ghirardelli Square (Reviews and Pricing Link) 

This reconstruction of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory into a 5 Star residential style San Francisco waterfront hotel (close to) is absolutely stunning. All suites starting at 850 sq. ft. up to 1800 sq. ft. include in-residence washer/dryer and fireplace! If you wish, cooking is a breeze with a completely equipped kitchen. Guest services will even arrange pre-arrival grocery shopping for a fee. Complimentary car service is available within 2 miles. A modest fitness centre is open 24/7 and in room spa services may be arranged.  Many of the residences have stunning water views. Its location directly at the San Francisco National Historical Maritime Museum and Fort Mason, Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the most peaceful settings in San Francisco. A 5 Star award recipient ensures a very luxurious stay on the San Francisco waterfront!

1.4 miles to Cruise Ship Terminal.

Address: 900 North Point Street, San Fran. Phone: 00 1 415-573-3930

Argonaut Hotel (Reviews and Pricing Link)

Located in the heart of the most popular part of San Francisco, The Fisherman's Wharf and the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, this San Francisco waterfront hotel is a real treasure. Many guest rooms have excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay as well as Alcatraz. Guests will relax in the nautical themed hotel with rustic post and beam, brick decor. The spacious guest rooms are spacious with comfortable beds and nautical themed linen etc..  Guest may also enjoy the complimentary cruiser bikes to enjoy the San Francisco Bay area. There is a modest fitness centre available 24/7 as well as yoga mats available to use in your room along a yoga channel on television. In room spa treatments are readily available for some pampering. This 4 Star, AAA 4 Diamond and T/A Traveler's Choice award recipient is a real gem.

1.4 Miles to Cruise Ship Terminal

Address: 495 Jefferson St, San Francisco, Phone: 00 1 844-709-6795

Family Cruises from $599pp

Harbor Court Hotel (Reviews and Pricing Link)

Harbor Court Hotel in San Francisco.Great harbour views at Harbor Court Hotel!

This San Francisco Bay waterfront hotel offers many unobstructed water views. Located near the business district, it is an excellent location for the business traveler wanting more than just a hotel room with no view. The comfortable rooms (remodelled in 2018) range from the smaller 165 Sq. Ft. to the very stylish 425 Sq. Ft. Penthouse Suite. Guests have a special discount at the very well appointed, full service, YMCA Fitness Club which features an olympic sized pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. There is a very popular Japanese restaurant in this hotel. A very good 4 Star, T/A Traveler's Choice award recipient as well as AAA 3 Diamond hotel.

Located just 1.3 miles to San Francisco cruise ship terminal.

Address: 165 Steuart Street, San Francisco, Phone: 00 1 415-882-1300

Hotel Via (Reviews and Pricing Link)

Hotel Via located near the San Fran waterfrontHotel Via Conveniently located

Located directly across from the iconic and most beloved Oracle Park. If you love baseball and marinas you will love the location of this luxury boutique hotel with its semi waterfront location in San Francisco's South Bay district. All forms of public transit are readily available to take you anywhere around this best waterfront destination. Guests enjoy exclusive access to Via's exciting "Rooftop at Via" with its 360 degree views of San Francisco and The Bay. The rooms are comfortable, contemporary in design with minimalist decor. Cutting edge technology is provided to ensure the most advanced forms of communication, service and comfort. This 4 Star recipient is focused on progressive adults seeking a fun, exciting and  convenient location. 

Address: 138 King St, San Francisco, Phone: 00 1 415-200-4977

Hyatt Place San Francisco, Downtown (Reviews and Pricing Link)

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown HotelClose to San Francisco Waterfront, Hyatt Place

Newly opened in January of 2019, Hyatt Place is just a 2 minute walk to The Oracle Park for baseball fans! Within the Mission Bay District, it is just 2 blocks to the waterfront and beautiful South Beach Harbor Marina. The 230 rooms are warm with a sleek modern look, work desk, flat screen TV and bar fridge. There is a small rooftop patio for some outdoor space within the hotel grounds. All modes of transportation are readily available to whisk you away to your business or leisure destination. 3 Star, AAA 3 Diamond rated and 2023 T/A Traveler's Choice Award recipient.

Address: 701 3rd St, San Francisco, Phone: +1 415-767-2000

Luma Hotel (Reviews and Pricing Link)

This is one of the newest San Francisco waterfront hotels in the revitalized and reimagined neighborhood of Mission Bay. Reputed as one of the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco. Luma enjoys promoting notable San Francisco artists and providing local experiences to showcase the best of Mission Bay and SOMA. LUMA Hotel's central location caters to those in search of relishing a new part of the city, with the launch of their Urban Adventure Package. They promote health and wellness with their GlowFit fitness center. Of course the rooms are very comfortable with a variety of choices. This newer San Francisco waterfront hotel has already acquired T/A's "Best of the Best" 2023 award. 

Located 2.7 miles to cruise ship terminal.

Address: 100 Channel St, San Francisco, Phone: +1 415-266-9999

Courtyard San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf   (Reviews and Pricing Link)

Courtyard San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf is close to the San Francisco waterfront.Close to Fisherman's Wharf, Marriott Courtyard

This 3 Star , AAA 3 Diamond, San Francisco waterfront hotel is located in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf and an easy waterfront walk to Ghirardelli Square and North Beach. It also offers was access to public transit, fun cable cars and more. The outside of the building looks modest but the rooms are comfortable starting at 228 to 466 sq. ft. with 55" TV, desk with ergonomic chair, etc.. There is a modest fitness centre available. There are no big frills here but you will love the location and value for the money!

Located 1.2 miles to cruise ship terminal.

Address: 580 Beach St, San Francisco, Phone: 00 1 855-821-4553

Hyatt Regency San Francisco (Reviews and Pricing Link)

The Hyatt Regency San Francisco is the largest of all waterfront hotels. Sitting on Embarcadero, near Union Square for tourist attractions as well as the financial district, it is an excellent choice for business and/or leisure. The waterfront rooms offer sweeping views of the bay, Treasure Island, Oakland Bay Bridge and the historic Ferry Building. Starting at 385 sq. ft., the rooms are spacious with blackout curtains, contemporary furnishings and comfortable beds. A well appointed 24 hour StayFit Gym™ equipped with Yoga equipment to help you with your fitness routine. It is also one of the closest waterfront hotels to Pier 27 Cruise Ship terminal with an easy and pleasant 1 mile walk along the Embarcadero. A well deserved 4 Star, AAA 4 Diamond and T/A Traveler's Choice award recipient.

Address: 5 Embarcadero Center, San Fran., Phone: +1 415-788-1234

1 Hotel San Francisco  (Reviews and Pricing Link)

San Francisco Waterfront Hotels 1 HotelLuxurious 1 Hotel San Francisco

Formerly the Hotel Vitale, Joie de Vivre, this luxury waterfront hotel is located in San Francisco's Embarcadero area with views of the Historic Ferry Building, Treasure Island, and Oakland Bay Bridge has undergone a multi million renovation and reopened in the summer of 2022. This environmentally conscious hotel is filled with wood decor creating a warm atmosphere. It offer 186 rooms and 14 suites in probably one of the best locations in San Francisco. If you want to see fireworks from your room looking at The Bay and Bay Bridge you had better book well ahead of time! It is one of the few San Fran waterfront hotels to offer a spa. Bamford Wellness Spa is very small but gets excellent reviews.  The Field House fitness centre will also suit most people's fitness needs while on vacation or business. This is a stunning 5 Star, AAA 4 Diamond as well as 2023 T/A Traveler's Choice San Francisco waterfront hotel is located just 1.1 mile from the cruise ship terminal.

Address: 8 Mission Street, San Francisco,  Phone: 00 1 855-917-3821

Hotel Zephyr San Francisco (Reviews and Pricing Link)

This 3 Star, AAA 3 Diamond, 2023 T/A Traveler's Choice waterfront hotel located in the Fisherman's Wharf district is very funky and "ship-yard chic". It offers communal/social gathering spaces where guests will enjoy the social activities and laid back atmosphere. Outside, you'll enjoy gathering with new friends around the four fire pits shuffleboard and so much more. They also have a game room with a pool table, ping pong and more. This is a great hotel for the 20-40 age bracket that enjoy a social atmosphere with good friends or enjoy making new friends. Rooms are comfortable and modern in design with a little bit of maritime decor. Watch the video and you'll get a real sense of this truly unique hotel!  Located an easy .9 miles to the cruise ship terminal.

Address: 250 Beach St Fisherman’s Wharf, Phone: +1 415-617-6565

Best Sausalito Waterfront Hotels   

A little bit about Sausalito: Sausalito is a very quiet, charming little town just a 20 minute drive or 30 minutes with public transit from San Francisco on the other side of Golden Gate Bridge.  If you are looking for somewhere to truly relax after a day of activities in San Fran this is highly suggested. The much smaller Sausalito waterfront hotels feel much more romantic than city centre. The marina and boardwalk are beautiful for early evening strolls. It is also 1.5 hour drive to the renowned wine region of Napa Valley. Excellent for a day trip!

The Inn Above Tide (Reviews and Pricing Link)

Sausalito Waterfront Hotels: The Inn Above Tide Penthouse SuitePenthouse suite at The Inn Above Tide

This beautiful 32 room and suite waterfront hotel in Sausalito offers panoramic views of The Bay from every room. The Inn Above Tide is just a few minutes walk to the quaint souvenir shops and galleries. Many guests enjoy the ferry ride to San Francisco just a few steps from The Inn to San Francisco. The rooms are furnished for comfort and many have gas fireplaces. In room massage treatments are readily available. Large and luxurious soaker tubs are also available in a variety of well appointed rooms. This is an excellent choice for a aromatic weekend with the option of visiting San Francisco within 30 minutes. A very well rated T/A "Best of the Best" 2023 award recipient! Great video of The Inn Above Give to view here.

Address: 30 El Portal, Sausalito, Phone: 00 1 415-319-7875

Cavallo Point (Reviews and Pricing Link)

 At Cavallo Point you will find plenty of green space for the kids and your pet to enjoy.  This gorgeous Sausalito waterfront hotel  offers a great location at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge with outstanding bay views that can be enjoyed morning, noon and night. The Healing Arts Center and Spa offers massage, skin care, body treatments as well as some fitness programs within a very spacious and tranquil spa environment. The rooms and suites are luxurious with warm decor for relaxation. However, you may enjoy contemporary accommodations as well. The choice is completely yours. This 4 Star  is not just a hotel, it's a memorable experience. 

Address: 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito, Phone: +1 415-787-4717

Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa (Reviews and Pricing Link)

Casa Madrona is a semi waterfront 64 room retreat directly across from the Sausalito Yacht Harbor and Sausalito Visitor Centre & Historical Society. This historical (listed on the National Registry of Historic Places) spa hotel faces the lovely Richardson Bay, was renovated in 2014 making it better than ever before. Guests may choose from "Mansion Deluxe Rooms" starting at 300 sq. ft. to the absolutely stunning Alexandrite Suite with 5,000 sq. ft. of absolute luxury. Guests may also choose from "Cottages". Since there is a wide variety of options in rooms, it is suggested to call the hotel directly and or view them on their personal website. The Spa At Casa offers a wide variety of treatments including facial, massage and body treatments to refresh you from head to toe. This Sausalito waterfront hotel is 4 Star rated as well as 2023 T/A Traveler's choice award recipient. It is  part of the "Small Luxury Hotels Of The World".

Address: 801 Bridgeway, Sausalito, Phone: +1 415-332-0502

Save up to $500 when you book your flight +hotel!

Hotel Sausalito (Reviews and Pricing Link)

Very close to waterfront hotel with character, The Hotel SausalitoVery close to waterfront hotel with character, The Hotel Sausalito

This is a cute Sausalito hotel with great reviews. It is very close to the waterfront and shopping area of Sausalito. Parking is available across the street for a fee. Just steps to the San Francisco Ferry and Sausalito Yacht Harbor. Although it is only a 2.5 star hotel, it is worth considering for its location and value. Good reviews and sensibly priced.

Address: 16 El Portal, Sausalito, Phone: 1 (415) 332-0700

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