



Everything you need to know about Dragon's Gate
The Fairmont San Francisco stands out for its historic charm and proximity to Dragon's Gate, offering guests a blend of Edwardian elegance and Chinese-inspired décor. Its rooftop garden features traditional lanterns and calligraphy art, while the on-site Chinatown Heritage Lounge hosts monthly tea ceremonies and lion dance performances. Guests enjoy complimentary access to the San Francisco Chinese Historical Society Museum, enhancing the immersive experience of cultural fusion.
Take the Muni Metro Line T-Third Street from Grant Avenue Station, just 5 minutes from Dragon's Gate, to reach Embarcadero in 12 minutes. Alternatively, use the Ferry Building Transit Center to board a Golden Gate Ferry, which provides scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and connects directly to Sausalito and Yerba Buena Island. The SF Muni Day Pass offers unlimited rides across all modes, ensuring seamless travel through the city’s vibrant urban core.
Visit the Chinese American Museum’s Hidden Garden Tour, a guided walk through a restored 19th-century courtyard where visitors learn about immigrant life, herbal medicine practices, and ancestral rituals. Join a Moon Festival Lantern Workshop at Wan Chai Temple, crafting personalized lanterns under moonlight. Evenings feature live Cantonese opera performances in the Chinatown Courtyard, offering an authentic glimpse into oral traditions and community storytelling rarely seen by tourists.
Hotel Zephyr near Chinatown offers family suites with bunk beds, a kids’ activity room, and daily storytime sessions featuring Chinese folktales. The hotel provides free kids’ meal vouchers at nearby restaurants like Lucky Cat Noodle House and includes a complimentary City Kids Pass granting access to California Palace of the Legion of Honor, Exploratorium, and Museum of the African Diaspora. Outdoor play zones and stroller rentals ensure comfort for young travelers.
Begin at Dragon's Gate with a sunrise meditation session led by local Taoist practitioners. Visit the Chinese Historical Society Museum for an interactive exhibit on 1860s laborers. Lunch at Good Mongolian, a family-run restaurant serving hand-pulled noodles. Afternoon: join a paper-cutting workshop at Garden of Delight. End the day with a ferry ride from Pier 39, capturing golden-hour views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. Use the San Francisco CityPASS to save time and money across venues.
Capture Dragon's Gate at golden hour from the Twin Peaks Observation Deck, using a telephoto lens to frame the red archway against the skyline. For architectural detail, shoot from the Chinatown Archway Staircase during morning mist, highlighting intricate carvings. At dusk, position yourself at Pier 39’s Fisherman’s Wharf Plaza, where the dragon sculpture’s shadow blends with streetlights and harbor reflections. Many cafes, like Bamboo Café, offer outdoor seating ideal for candid shots of locals and cultural signage.
See what other travelers say about Dragon's Gate

I booked this place thinking the rate was around $78 per night, but ended up being over $220—way higher than expected. I couldn’t cancel after booking through the platform, so I had no choice but to stay. The room was outdated, with chipped paint and visible stains on the walls. No ice was provided, and the shower water was only lukewarm—never got hot. The location is solid in downtown San Francisco, and having a parking lot was a plus. But for that price, there are definitely better options available. I wouldn’t come back, especially when you can find much more comfortable and reasonably priced stays nearby.

Absolutely loved my stay at Cathedral Hill Hotel! The location is perfect—just a short walk from downtown San Francisco, with easy access to public transit and plenty of great dining options nearby. The hotel itself is clean, well-maintained, and has a welcoming atmosphere. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout my visit. My room was spacious, comfortable, and quiet—great for a good night's sleep. I especially appreciated the delicious breakfast spread with fresh local treats like homemade pancakes and freshly squeezed juice. It’s rare to find such a high-quality experience at this price point. I’ll definitely be returning next time I’m in town.

I stayed at Motel 6 San Francisco – Civic Center and was pleasantly surprised by the convenient location—just a short walk from the civic center and easily accessible via public transit. The room was clean, basic, and perfectly adequate for a quick overnight stay. I appreciated the straightforward, no-frills approach, which fits well with the budget-friendly vibe. However, I did notice a small discrepancy: I booked with breakfast included, but it wasn’t available upon arrival. The front desk staff were very understanding and apologized sincerely, even offering to help with recommendations nearby. While the lack of breakfast was disappointing, their professionalism helped ease the frustration. Overall, if you're looking for a simple, affordable place to stay close to downtown San Francisco, this motel delivers solid value—especially if you’re not counting on a free morning meal.

I was generally satisfied with my stay, though I did encounter a minor issue upon arrival. My first room had a strong smell of smoke, which was disappointing since the hotel claims all rooms are non-smoking. When I brought this up to the front desk staff, they initially denied it was possible—until I insisted on either a room change or a refund. They quickly accommodated me and moved me to a different room, which smelled perfectly fine. While the initial experience wasn’t ideal, I appreciate that the team responded promptly and made things right. A little more attention to checking room conditions before check-in could prevent such issues in the future. Overall, the motel offers good value for money, and its location near Lombard Street makes it convenient for exploring downtown San Francisco—especially if you're using public transit.

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.

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.

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.
Explore more amazing destinations