Written by Michele Wilson for MonaCorona.com.
Welcome to the city by the bay! A mere 46.9 square miles, this place is jam-packed with food, art, and culture. There is so much to do here that any traveler can easily build their perfect itinerary. And what better way to compliment that itinerary than booking one of the best hotels in San Francisco with a view?
Given its small size and extensive public transit system, you can stay anywhere in the city and still be in proximity of plenty of things to do. So the real question is, what kind of view do you want?
Northern Waterfront Best Hotels in San Francisco with a View: Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz
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The Argonaut
First, on our list of hotels with a view is the Argonaut located in Fisherman’s Wharf. On the northern waterfront of the city, Fisherman’s Wharf is a prime tourist destination. Filled with restaurants, shopping, museums, and a chocolate factory, you’ll find a lot of energy in this
neighborhood. Staying here will also provide the closest proximity to the infamous Golden Gate Bridge and its surrounding parks.
The Agronaut is located in a historic building, built in 1907, and is full of upscale charm. It’s a great option for a San Francisco hotel with ocean view. You can book a room or suite with a view of the bay. If you want the ultimate experience, check out the Agronaut One Bedroom Suite, which has a panoramic view including the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island.
Aside from tons of character and thoughtful design, you’ll also find amenities like in-room spa services, complimentary bicycles, and the Blue Mermaid, an award-winning restaurant.
Click here to check rates & availability for the Argonaut Hotel.
San Francisco Hotels with Bay View – East Bay, Bay Bridge and Treasure Island
Hotel Via
On the eastern side of the city, you’ll find the small and hip neighborhood of South Beach. Originally an industrial area, South Beach has transformed into one of San Francisco’s trendiest locales, complete with upscale cafes, unique shops, and popular bars. This is home to our first hotel in this area. Just south of the bay bridge, Hotel Via features stunning views of the East Bay.
You can book a room with a bay view, as well as enjoy the rooftop bar, which is a neighborhood favorite for drinks and music.
Click here to check rates & availability for Hotel Via.
Harbor Court Hotel
Located in Embarcadero, the Harbor Court Hotel also overlooks the East Bay. This is a great place to stay if you are interested in strolling along the water and catching the city’s many waterfront activities, including the Ferry Terminal (a foodie hot spot!), an interactive museum called the Exploratorium, and a shopping center frequented by sea lions at Pier 39. It’s one of the best ocean view hotels San Francisco because of its proximity to the water.
For an especially indulgent option, Check out their Skyline Penthouse Suite for 425 square feet of luxury with a clear view of the Bay Bridge.
Additionally, the Harbor Court Hotel boasts an upscale Japanese restaurant located next door.
Click here to check rates & availability for the Harbor Court Hotel.
Hyatt Regency
Located amongst the tallest buildings in the city, the Hyatt Regency features both cityscape and bay views. San Francisco financial district (FiDi) is where you’ll find the Hyatt Regency, and you’ll be right in the middle of where the top businesses are housed. 6 Fortune 500 companies are located within blocks of this hotel. This district features several shopping centers, can’t-miss restaurants, and easy access to Embardero, the waterfront walkway spanning the city’s eastern side.
The Hyatt Regency offers many options for rooms with a view which include a healthy mix of bay and city views. The bay view rooms feature a direct view of the Bay Bridge. On a clear day, you’ll also be able to see the East Bay cities of Berkeley, Oakland, and San Leandro. The Bay View Studio Suite, in particular, has a spectacular water view.
Some of the main amenities include a restaurant and bar, fitness center, business center, and the Regency Club, which is a
cocktail bar, located on the top floor.
Click here to check rates & availability for the Hyatt Regency.
Nob Hill, the Heart of the city: The Best Cityscape San Francisco Views
The architecture of San Fransisco is dense, varied, and visually stimulating due to steep hills and the constant shifting of the city’s infamous fog. To truly immerse yourself in what makes this city unique, consider booking a room with a view in Nob Hill.
Located in the heart of the city, Nob Hill is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in an already affluent part of the country. However, don’t let the fancy restaurants and expensive real estate fool you into thinking this place has no charm. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Originally settled by railroad barons in the 1850s, this neighborhood was almost entirely destroyed by the fire in 1906.
These days it has been rebuilt to include relics of the past, as well as, amenities for the city’s wealthiest residents with a smattering of dive bars and specialty cafes. If you are looking for the creme de la creme of cityscape views, look no further than these two award-winning
hotels.
Fairmont San Francisco
One of the nicest and absolute best San Francisco hotels with a view, the Fairmont is an ultimate luxury experience. This 5-star high-end location offers views of both the city skyline and the San Francisco bay. Check out the Tower Suite, which not only has city and bay views but also comes with a telescope. Interested in hosting a party? The Fairmont also offers a Legacy Suite Collection, with 5 suites over 1000 square feet.
Amenities at the Fairmont include a fitness center, spa, a honey bee “hotel” in the rooftop garden, wine tasting, a fine dining restaurant, and an energetic bar with live music.
Click here to check rates & availability for the Fairmont.
InterContinental Mark Hopkins
Another well-renowned hotel in San Francisco, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins, offers some of the best cityscape views in town. You’ll find one room with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge and several cityscape views with enclosed sunrooms. Looking for the best of the best, check out the 1 King 1 Bedroom Cityscape Suite, offering panoramic views amongst 1350 square feet of living space.
This prime hotel also features a cocktail bar on the 19th floor with even more stunning views of the city’s skyline. Other amenities include a fitness center and farm-to-table restaurant.
Click here to check rates & availability for InterContinental Mark Hopkins.
Hopefully by now you’ve narrowed down your best hotel in san Francisco with a view. San Francisco is a special place to visit for so many reasons. The variety of neighborhoods to explore, an abundance of restaurants, bountiful outdoor space, and a distinctly west coast vibe are just a few reasons to add this destination to your travel wishlist. Just make sure to make the most of your trip by pairing it with a great hotel. When you are done exploring for the day, why not continue to appreciate this lovely city, by enjoying your own private view?
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