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<4.0-Rated Hotels Near Ferry Building
Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf
JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
University Club of San Francisco
BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Hotel Union Square San Francisco
Kasa la Monarca San Francisco
Hotel Bijou
Hotel Triton
Palihotel San Francisco
Hotel Fiona
Tilden Hotel
Yotel San Francisco
SoMa House
The Pickwick Hotel
Found Hotel, San Francisco
Hotel Amari
The Mosser
Mithila San Francisco, SureStay Collection by Best Western
Hotel Garrett
Hotel Da Vinci
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Ferry Building
Marriott Union Square San Francisco is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from the Ferry Building. The hotel offers modern rooms and a rooftop dining experience with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Located within the vibrant Ferry Building Marketplace, guests enjoy access to upscale shops, gourmet food stalls, and seasonal farmers’ markets. Convenient transportation links, including free parking and direct access to Muni and Caltrain, make it an ideal base for exploring downtown San Francisco.
Walking from the Ferry Building takes about 10 minutes to reach Union Square, the heart of downtown San Francisco. Along the way, you’ll pass Hyde Street and Market Street, lined with boutiques, cafés, and art galleries. For faster transit, take a Muni bus or Muni Metro light rail—several lines connect directly to the Financial District and Fisherman’s Wharf. Additionally, the SF Bay Ferry operates from the Ferry Building, offering scenic water routes to Oakland and Berkeley, providing a unique alternative to land-based travel.
The Ferry Building Marketplace is a culinary destination featuring over 40 local vendors. Must-tries include Boudin Bakery's iconic sourdough bread, Tartine Bakery's artisanal pastries, and fresh oysters at the Oyster Bar. Every Saturday, the Farmers Market brings in organic produce, handmade cheeses, and farm-fresh eggs from California’s Central Valley. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy your meal on the waterfront benches, soaking in the bay breeze. Many vendors also offer grab-and-go boxes, perfect for a casual stroll along the Embarcadero while immersing yourself in San Francisco’s local food culture.
Built in 1936, the Ferry Building blends Neoclassical and Art Deco styles, featuring grand arched entrances, marble columns, and a striking red-brick façade with gray stone accents. Its copper-green metal roof has aged gracefully over time. Inside, original features like wooden ceilings, stained-glass skylights, and a soaring central dome flood the space with natural light. Today, it stands not only as a transportation hub but also as one of San Francisco’s most iconic historic buildings, frequently used as a filming location and symbol of the city’s architectural heritage.
Yes, several family-friendly spots surround the Ferry Building. The Exploratorium at Pier 15 offers interactive science exhibits perfect for kids to explore physics, biology, and engineering through hands-on experiments. Just a 15-minute walk away, Fisherman’s Wharf features sea lion viewing areas, LEGO stores, and harbor cruise boats. For relaxation, families can enjoy a picnic along the Embarcadero Promenade, where views of the Golden Gate Bridge and passing sailboats create a serene atmosphere—ideal for bonding and unwinding after a day of exploration.
Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is ideal for guests seeking a prime waterfront location, just steps from the Ferry Building. Its rooms and rooftop lounge offer panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge, especially stunning at sunset. The hotel provides complimentary ferry access to Angel Island and Tiburon, making it a perfect base for exploring the bay. Enjoy a signature cocktail at "The Roof" bar while soaking in the city's iconic skyline and shimmering harbor lights.
Extremely convenient—the Ferry Building serves as the central hub for multiple ferry lines connecting San Francisco to destinations like Angel Island, Berkeley, Oakland, and Sacramento. With frequent daily departures, including express boats during peak seasons, travelers enjoy seamless transit options. Use a Clipper Card for discounted fares, and real-time departure boards inside the building ensure easy planning. Whether for a day trip or daily commute, the ferry system offers an efficient, scenic way to explore the San Francisco Bay region.
The Ferry Building Marketplace is a culinary hotspot featuring renowned local vendors. Must-tries include Milk Bar's artisanal pastries and classic American desserts, Nopa's innovative California cuisine using fresh seasonal ingredients, and Farallon's seafood counter offering freshly caught Bay Area fish. Don’t miss the weekend Farmer’s Market, where you can savor organic fruits, handcrafted bread, and specialty coffee from regional producers. Enjoy your meal with a view of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge—a true celebration of local flavor and urban charm.
The Ferry Building’s skylight atrium is a photogenic gem—its arched glass ceiling and marble floor create stunning light reflections, especially at sunrise. Stroll along the Embarcadero waterfront promenade to the Golden Gate Bridge viewpoint, perfect for silhouette shots against the iconic bridge. The south plaza fountain area often hosts street performers, offering lively backdrops with sailboats gliding by. For skyline views, visit the rooftop terrace at dusk, when the Golden Gate Bridge lights up and the bay sparkles—this is the golden hour for capturing San Francisco’s most iconic visuals.
Traveler Reviews
See what other travelers say about Ferry Building
Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf
The location is absolutely perfect—just a short walk to Fisherman’s Wharf and super convenient for exploring downtown San Francisco. Even though the resort fee is included, the daily complimentary coffee in the morning was a nice touch and really made the day start right. The room was spotlessly clean, and while the showerhead is mounted from the ceiling (which takes some getting used to), everything else about the stay was excellent. Great value for the price, and I’d definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the area.
JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square
Stayed at the JW Marriott San Francisco Union Square and found the service to be decent overall. However, the soundproofing was disappointing—noise from the hallway and neighboring rooms carried through easily, which disrupted sleep quality. What really frustrated me was that I accidentally booked an extra night and wanted to check out a day early. Unfortunately, the cancellation policy didn’t allow it—even one day in advance—and I ended up losing nearly $2,000. It felt like a big waste, especially since no warning was given about the strict policy. A more flexible cancellation option would have made a big difference for unexpected changes. Would’ve appreciated better communication or options for guests facing minor schedule adjustments.
University Club of San Francisco
I was a bit nervous going in, having read mixed reviews online, but I couldn’t have been more impressed. This historic building has been thoughtfully restored with elegant, timeless decor that feels both classy and welcoming. The bed was incredibly comfortable—perfect for a good night’s sleep—and our room was surprisingly quiet despite being in the heart of downtown. The shower pressure was outstanding, and the bathroom felt spacious and well-designed. The staff were exceptional, especially the team at the on-site restaurant who went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Right outside the door is a cable car stop, and there are multiple bus routes just steps away—getting around the city is effortless. Overall, this was a standout stay, and I’d absolutely book again without hesitation.
BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Staying at the BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham was a fantastic experience. Located right in the heart of downtown, it’s incredibly convenient for both sightseeing and business trips—everything is just a short walk away. The room was spotless, modern, and designed with a clean, minimalist aesthetic that feels both professional and comfortable. Housekeeping was thorough, and I appreciated the courier pickup service, which made handling packages during my trip super easy. The hotel has strong security measures in place, which added peace of mind throughout my stay. One thing to note: the area around the hotel can get busy at night, especially with people experiencing homelessness. While the hotel itself is safe, I’d recommend avoiding long walks outside after dark, particularly if you're traveling solo. Overall, this is a top-tier mid-range option in a prime location—excellent value, great convenience, and very well-run. Definitely a solid choice for travelers looking for comfort and accessibility in San Francisco.
Hotel Union Square San Francisco
Staying at Hotel Union Square San Francisco was a great experience overall. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of Union Square, making it super easy to explore shops, restaurants, and the iconic cable cars on foot. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and spotlessly clean, with all the essentials like a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a coffee maker—perfect for both business travelers and tourists. While there’s no on-site restaurant, the rooftop bar more than makes up for it—amazing views, especially at night when the city lights sparkle below. There’s also a small convenience store nearby where you can grab water, sandwiches, soft drinks, pizza, and snacks—very convenient for late-night cravings or quick bites. The staff were consistently friendly and helpful, always ready to assist. The only minor downside is that there are a few people experiencing homelessness on the sidewalk directly outside the hotel, which is something worth noting but doesn’t detract much from the overall stay. All in all, this is a solid choice for anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and a central location in San Francisco.
Kasa la Monarca San Francisco
The property itself is a great stay overall—located right in downtown San Francisco, just steps from MUNI transit lines and surrounded by safe, walkable neighborhoods. I stayed nearly three weeks and really enjoyed the space, kitchen amenities, and cozy lounge area. It feels more like a home away from home than a typical hotel. That said, there's no on-site staff, so any issues aren’t addressed immediately. For example, late one evening around 7 PM, water started dripping from above into my closet. I reported it via text, and while they did call back to assist, the situation ended up requiring me to clean up the mess myself. They offered a room change, but with only two nights left, relocating wasn’t practical. So I had to manage it on my own. If you're looking for quick service, daily housekeeping, or immediate support, this might not be the best fit. But if you value independence, quiet comfort, and a central location without the usual hotel noise, this place delivers. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer self-sufficiency and don’t mind handling small hiccups personally.
Hotel Bijou
Staying at Hotel Bijou in San Francisco was an absolute delight. The location is perfect—right in the heart of the city, with easy access to public transit and all the major attractions nearby. The room was spacious, clean, and well-maintained, making it a comfortable retreat after a day of exploring. While I found it a bit challenging to communicate in English, the check-in process was smooth, and everything else went seamlessly. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall atmosphere felt welcoming and peaceful. It's rare to find such a great value in this price range, so I’d highly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting San Francisco.
Hotel Triton
Hotel Triton in San Francisco offers a fantastic stay overall—great location, clean rooms, and friendly staff. While the breakfast is quite simple, it's sufficient and satisfying for a quick start to the day. What really stands out is the excellent value for money, fast Wi-Fi, and the convenient access to public transit. The entire experience felt seamless and comfortable, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. I’d definitely recommend this hotel and plan to return on my next visit to the city.
Palihotel San Francisco
Staying at Palihotel San Francisco was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The room was incredibly comfortable, with a well-balanced mattress that made for a restful night’s sleep. Located just a short walk from the subway station, it’s super convenient for getting around downtown and exploring all the city has to offer. I loved strolling around the neighborhood in the evening—great vibe, plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. The staff were welcoming and helpful, even upgraded my room without any extra charge. Clean bathroom, excellent hot water, and thoughtfully chosen toiletries added to the overall comfort. This place truly delivers great value for money. I’ll definitely be back next time I visit San Francisco!
Hotel Fiona
Hotel Fiona is an absolute must-stay whenever I visit San Francisco. This artist- and writer-themed hotel offers a unique experience with each room thoughtfully designed around a different creative theme—walking into one feels like stepping into a living art exhibit. The lobby even has heating in the summer, which brings a smile to my face (after all, Mark Twain famously said 'The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco'). Despite that quirky detail, the hotel delivers comfort, charm, and excellent value. It's perfectly located, easy to get around, and consistently exceeds expectations. For anyone seeking a distinctive, inspiring stay with a touch of literary and artistic flair, this place is truly unbeatable.
Yotel San Francisco
Staying at Yotel San Francisco was an absolute delight from start to finish. The hotel strikes the perfect balance between modern design and warm hospitality. The moment I walked in, I was greeted with a sleek, inviting atmosphere that set the tone for the whole experience. My room was spotless, well-lit, and thoughtfully designed—compact but surprisingly comfortable, with a great bed and excellent soundproofing. Located just steps away from the metro, getting around downtown San Francisco was a breeze. The breakfast spread was impressive: fresh fruit, local coffee, delicious pastries, and plenty of options for every taste. What really stood out, though, was the staff—friendly, efficient, and always ready to help. Whether it was checking in early or asking for recommendations, they went above and beyond. It’s rare to find such a welcoming vibe in a city as fast-paced as San Francisco. This place isn’t just a hotel—it’s a home away from home. I’ll definitely be back.
SoMa House
Staying at SoMa House was an absolute delight from start to finish. The hotel is immaculately clean, quiet, and offers a peaceful retreat right in the heart of San Francisco. The staff went above and beyond—friendly, attentive, and always ready to help with any request. I appreciated how welcoming they were, making me feel right at home. Location-wise, it’s perfect: just steps away from public transit and close to all the city’s must-see spots. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this place delivers comfort, convenience, and excellent value. Would 100% stay again.
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