
San Francisco/Van Ness Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Stroll down Van Ness Avenue, where San Francisco’s soul comes alive. More than just a street, it’s a vibrant mix of fashion, food, and art. From boutique shops and hidden coffee gems to local designers and bold street murals, every step feels like a discovery. As the sun sets, golden lights glow along the sidewalks—perfect for snapping that Instagram-worthy moment. This is the real heartbeat of the city.

Located in the heart of San Francisco, this hotel is your perfect choice! Just a 15-minute walk to Moscone Convention Center and Union Square, with unbeatable convenience. Enjoy the fitness center, rooftop terrace, and garden for ultimate relaxation. Free WiFi and concierge services ensure a seamless stay. Spacious rooms feature smart TVs and luxury toiletries for a cozy experience. Need to host an event? The hotel offers meeting spaces and a business center to meet all your needs.




Everything you need to know about Van Ness
The Fairmont San Francisco stands out for its iconic location just steps from Van Ness Avenue, offering panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from many rooms. This historic luxury hotel features elegant interiors, world-class service, and a prime position within walking distance to Union Square and cultural attractions. Its concierge team can arrange private tours, dining reservations, and transportation. Guests also enjoy access to a full-service spa, fine-dining restaurants, and exclusive rooftop terraces perfect for sunset views.
Van Ness Avenue lies at the heart of San Francisco, providing excellent transit access via Muni buses and Muni Metro light rail lines. The Embarcadero Trolley stops nearby, connecting directly to Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, and Lands End. For a scenic walk, it's only a 15-minute stroll to Fisherman’s Wharf, passing through Nob Hill and Union Square, both rich in architecture and street life. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, making late-night or luggage-heavy travel convenient and efficient.
Near Van Ness Avenue, visitors can explore the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and Fort Mason Center, which hosts rotating exhibitions, artist talks, and community events. The area is also known for its vibrant independent boutiques and artisan cafes offering handmade ceramics, vintage clothing, and curated books. During spring, the San Francisco Arts Festival takes place here, showcasing local and international talent. Evenings often feature live jazz performances at legendary spots like Caffè Trieste, capturing the city’s creative soul.
Hotel Zephyr is an ideal choice for families seeking comfort and convenience near Van Ness Avenue. It offers connecting rooms, complimentary cribs, and a dedicated kids’ activity kit including games and craft supplies. Located just a 5-minute walk from Union Square Park, children can safely play on the green lawns. The hotel also runs weekend family excursions, such as guided zoo visits and interactive workshops. With 24/7 front desk support and secure facilities, it ensures a stress-free stay for parents traveling with young ones.
Van Ness Avenue itself is a photogenic gem—especially during golden hour when sunlight glints off historic façades and brass doorknobs. Prime shooting locations include the fountain and monument in Union Square, and the Gothic spires of St. Bernard’s Church. The glass storefronts and vintage signage along the avenue create striking contrast and texture. For a sweeping urban vista, head to the top floor of City Hall (free public access), where you can capture the Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Area skyline, and distant hills in one frame.
Beyond mainstream spots, Van Ness Avenue boasts several hidden culinary gems. Tartine Bakery serves daily-baked French pastries and the famed walnut chocolate cake, a must-try for dessert lovers. Nopa Restaurant offers innovative California-inspired cuisine using seasonal ingredients and artistic plating. For coffee enthusiasts, Birkenstock Coffee delivers small-batch, single-origin brews paired with house-made almond milk. These acclaimed but unadvertised eateries thrive on word-of-mouth, making them perfect for travelers seeking authentic, high-quality local flavors.
See what other travelers say about Van Ness

Staying at Orchard Garden Hotel in San Francisco was an absolute delight. The room was spacious, clean, and well-maintained—perfect for both short getaways and longer stays. Its location is unbeatable: just a short walk from Chinatown, with plenty of local restaurants, shops, and daily essentials nearby. I was pleasantly surprised by how safe the neighborhood felt, even in the evenings. Most major attractions are within walking distance, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy exploring on foot and soaking in the city’s vibe at their own pace. Public transit options like buses and the iconic streetcar are just steps away, so getting around town is super convenient. This hotel offers great value and a comfortable, central base for discovering San Francisco. Definitely recommend it for those who appreciate a quiet yet vibrant neighborhood with easy access to everything.

Staying at Luma Hotel San Francisco was an absolutely fantastic experience. The room was spacious and beautifully designed, offering a modern and comfortable vibe. I loved the clean lines and thoughtful touches throughout the space—definitely felt like a home away from home. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and I slept like a baby. Location-wise, it’s super convenient for getting around town, with easy access to public transit and plenty of great dining options nearby. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall cleanliness and ambiance were top-notch. This hotel truly delivers exceptional value for the price—highly recommend for anyone visiting San Francisco.

Staying at Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast was an absolute delight. The historic building boasts a charming vintage aesthetic that truly sets the tone for a unique experience. Every morning, the made-to-order breakfast was fresh, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared—truly a highlight of our trip. I also appreciated how always available tea, coffee, and tasty snacks were throughout the day and night, which made late-night cravings easy to handle. While there aren’t many attractions within walking distance, it’s still very convenient to stroll over to a nearby Target and a cozy neighborhood bar. Overall, the location is quiet yet accessible, and the warm hospitality made us feel right at home. A perfect blend of comfort, character, and convenience.

This place is absolutely magical—truly a hidden gem in San Francisco. The neighborhood is so peaceful and quiet, yet it’s still super convenient for getting around town. Street parking was safe and easy to find, though we had to move the car a few times due to local traffic rules—no big deal at all. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, especially Stace, who gave us thoughtful recommendations for must-visit spots. Every morning started perfectly with a delicious, thoughtfully prepared breakfast that set the tone for our adventures. It felt less like a hotel and more like coming home—warm, personal, and full of charm. I can’t wait to come back. This stay was unforgettable.

Staying at Inn San Francisco was an absolute delight! The room was immaculately clean, with every corner spotless and well-maintained—no dust, no mess, just pure comfort. The bed was incredibly cozy, making for a restful night's sleep and a refreshing morning. The staff were beyond friendly and attentive, always smiling and ready to help with anything. Their warmth made the whole experience feel personal and welcoming. The Wi-Fi connection was lightning fast—perfect for streaming or working remotely—and the air conditioning kept the room perfectly cool without being too cold. Parking was convenient, and the location is ideal for exploring downtown San Francisco. With great dining options nearby and excellent value for money, this place truly stands out. I’ll definitely be back!

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.
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