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Best Western Hotels & Resorts Group Hotels Near Clocktower Building
Rising proudly in the heart of the financial district, the Clocktower Building isn’t just a structure—it’s San Francisco’s silent guardian of time. Its gleaming copper clock face glows under the sun, and when the hour chimes, its deep toll ripples through the streets like a city’s breath. Climb to the observation deck for a 360-degree view: fishing boats dotting the bay, lights twinkling across North Beach, and the distant silhouette of the hills. It’s not just a view—it’s your moment of connection with the soul of the city.
The Cartwright Hotel, Union Square, BW Premier Collection
Mithila San Francisco, SureStay Collection by Best Western
Best Western Red Coach Inn
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Clocktower Building
Hyatt Regency San Francisco is a top choice located just a 5-minute walk from the Clocktower Building. The hotel offers modern amenities and exceptional service, with a skyline-view rooftop bar perfect for sunset views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Its central location near Market Street and Union Square ensures easy access to public transit, with BART and Muni lines within walking distance—making it simple to reach Fisherman's Wharf or the Ferry Building in under 15 minutes. The property also features free high-speed Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service, guaranteeing a comfortable and convenient stay.
From the Clocktower Building, you can walk to downtown’s core via Union Square, just a 10-minute stroll. Take the Muni Metro light rail (Line 101) for a 3-minute ride to City Hall or the Financial District. Bus lines like 22 and 38 provide quick access to Fisherman’s Wharf and Lands End Trail. For convenience, Uber or Lyft are readily available—typically arriving within 5 minutes. Additionally, nearby bike-sharing stations allow you to cycle to Golden Gate Park in about 20 minutes, offering an eco-friendly way to explore green spaces and cultural landmarks.
Near the Clocktower Building, visitors can explore independent art galleries and local designer boutiques, especially during weekend markets featuring handmade coffee and limited-edition fashion. Just steps away, the San Francisco History Museum showcases rare artifacts from the Gold Rush era to modern urban development. Don’t miss the free weekly jazz performances and spontaneous dance shows held every Friday evening at Union Square Plaza, reflecting the city’s vibrant cultural diversity. The clock tower itself, once a 19th-century time signal station, is now a popular photography hotspot, particularly at dusk when dramatic lighting enhances its historic silhouette.
Absolutely. At night, the Clocktower Building glows with warm ambient lighting and its bronze clock face shines against the dark sky, creating a striking contrast with surrounding glass skyscrapers. Visit between 7 and 9 PM when Union Square sees lighter crowds, ideal for quiet appreciation of architectural details. For panoramic shots, head to the rooftop terrace or outdoor seating at nearby cafés to capture the city lights and reflections on the bay. The tower often serves as a starting point for guided night tours, where knowledgeable guides share insights into its history and design, enriching the overall experience.
Yes, shopping is highly convenient. The Clocktower Building faces Union Square, home to flagship stores like Macy’s and Neiman Marcus, alongside numerous independent boutiques and designer shops. Within a 5-minute walk lies Sylvia Shopping Center, offering trendy apparel, cosmetics, and unique souvenirs. Local streets feature street performers and pop-up markets, with themed events such as fashion exhibitions and food festivals every weekend. Whether you’re looking for gifts or everyday essentials, the area caters to all tastes, and most stores accept Apple Pay and credit cards, ensuring secure and seamless transactions.
Yes! Union Square Park, adjacent to the Clocktower Building, is a perfect spot for families, featuring a children’s playground, shaded benches, and a fountain with interactive water jets. The central fountain attracts visitors for photos and often hosts family workshops, including art classes and storytelling sessions. Nearby, family-friendly restaurants like Birkenstock Café and The Cheesecake Factory offer kid menus and nursing rooms. For a peaceful break, simply relax on public benches or under shaded pavilions, enjoying a calm moment amidst the city’s energy.
Stay at Marriott Marquis San Francisco, a premier choice just a 5-minute walk from the Clocktower Building. Its prime location offers free shuttle services to and from SFO Airport, plus panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay from spacious rooms. For a more boutique experience, The W San Francisco features modern design, rooftop lounge access, and exceptional city skyline views—ideal for both business travelers and tourists seeking convenience and style.
From the Clocktower Building, take the Muni Metro light rail—just 3 stops to Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf. For a scenic route, stroll along Nash Street toward City Hall (about 15 minutes), passing charming Victorian homes and vibrant street art. The nearby BART station is only 500 meters away, connecting you quickly to Berkeley and Oakland. Use a Clipper Card for affordable, seamless transit across the city’s public transport network.
Near the Clocktower Building, explore a guided historical walking tour of the Financial District, uncovering tales of 19th-century banking architecture and skyscraper evolution. Sip coffee in the dome reading room of the San Francisco Public Library for a cultural moment. At dusk, head to the rooftop observation deck at Union Square for stunning photos of the city lights and Golden Gate Bridge. On weekends, visit the Market Plaza outdoor market, featuring local artisans and gourmet food stalls—perfect for capturing the pulse of urban life.
Yes, several family-friendly hotels surround the Clocktower Building. The Marriott Marquis San Francisco offers family suites, game rooms, and 24-hour room service. It’s steps from Children’s Museum of San Francisco and Union Square Park, ideal for kid-friendly outings. Many hotels provide free cribs and children’s meal options. Nearby, Ferry Building Marketplace hosts Kids’ Kitchen, an interactive cooking class where children learn culinary skills through fun, hands-on activities—making it a memorable experience for families.
Extremely convenient. The Clocktower Building is just 15 km from San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Take the BART train—a 30-minute ride with frequent departures and low fares. Many hotels, including Marriott Marquis, offer complimentary airport shuttles every hour directly to the terminals. Taxis or rideshare services like Uber take about 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic. Overall, this area boasts a highly efficient intercity transit system, making business trips and travel arrivals smooth and stress-free.
Absolutely! The Clocktower Building itself is a must-photograph site, with its classic clock tower and glass curtain façade creating striking contrasts—perfect for golden hour silhouettes. Walk along Nash Street toward City Hall to capture dynamic compositions of the skyline intersecting with the tower. Hidden gem: Union Square Fountain Plaza, with its ornate marble sculptures and mist effects, offers dreamy settings for portraits and landscape shots. Also, the grand central hall of the San Francisco Public Library, featuring soaring domes and stained glass, provides a breathtaking indoor photography backdrop.
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Clocktower Building
The Cartwright Hotel, Union Square, BW Premier Collection
Staying at The Cartwright Hotel in Union Square was an absolutely delightful experience. The location couldn’t be better—just steps away from shopping, dining, and all the vibrant energy of downtown San Francisco. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, making check-in a breeze. While the room is on the smaller side, it’s well-designed with smart use of space, and everything you need is thoughtfully included. The bed was super comfortable, and the room was quiet and clean—perfect for a good night’s sleep. With excellent service, a prime location, and great value, this hotel truly stands out. I’d definitely book here again on my next visit to San Francisco.
Mithila San Francisco, SureStay Collection by Best Western
Located just steps away from Trader Joe’s and St. Francis Hospital, this hotel is incredibly convenient—my surgery was only a 5-minute walk away, which made everything so much easier. The room was cozy, clean, and well-maintained, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. I appreciated the quiet atmosphere and the thoughtful touches throughout the space. It’s a great choice if you’re in town for medical appointments or just want a reliable, no-fuss stay in San Francisco. Highly recommend for its location, comfort, and value.
Best Western Red Coach Inn
Staying at the Best Western Red Coach Inn was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—right near the south entrance of the park, making it super convenient to explore downtown San Francisco and nearby attractions. The rooms were spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable, with a peaceful atmosphere that made for a restful night's sleep. I especially appreciated how close everything was—the local shops, cafes, and restaurants were just steps away. It’s a great base for both sightseeing and relaxing. With excellent value and top-notch service, this place truly stands out. I’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
Lombard Inn
The Lombard Inn is a solid choice if you're looking for a no-frills stay in San Francisco. The rooms are clean and the beds are surprisingly comfortable—perfect for a good night's rest. While the decor and furnishings feel a bit dated, they’re still functional and adequately maintained. One thing worth mentioning is that the hallways had a slight musty odor, likely due to the carpets needing a deep clean. That said, it’s an easy fix and doesn’t detract much from the overall experience. I’d recommend this hotel for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience over modern design. It’s a reliable option with great value, especially if you're on a budget.
Dakota Hotel
We stayed in Glasgow for a few days and stopped by this hotel for breakfast—had no expectations going in, but was pleasantly surprised. The menu options were somewhat limited, but the warm welcome and excellent service from Thomas made all the difference. He went above and beyond to make our morning special. It’s a hidden gem with a welcoming vibe, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone passing through.
Kailash Hotel
On Friday, April 21st at 10:15 AM, a guest from another building at the hotel climbed over the fence between units 179 and 173, entered our private driveway area, then climbed over our fence and left toward Wiese Street, heading toward 16th Street. We immediately called 911. The situation was alarming and unsettling. While police responded promptly, the incident raised serious concerns about property security and safety protocols. It's important to note that making assumptions based on someone's background is not only inappropriate but also harmful. As guests, we expect the hotel to maintain a secure environment for all. We hope management will take immediate action to improve fencing, surveillance, and overall safety measures to prevent future incidents.
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