Best hotels in San Francisco for families under $300!
San Francisco is expensive, but you can book the best hotels in San Francisco for under $300 a night! Many of these recommendations are even under $250. And of course, don’t forget to use this free hack for easy 3-10% cashback on all hotel bookings.
San Francisco is just the perfect city for families visit, as it’s a manageable size with breathtaking views and a lot of activities for all ages . It is hilly, surrounded by water, has interesting architecture, top restaurants, lots of attractions (natural or man-made) for families, and has mild weather.
Whenever I hear people say that they didn’t have a great time in San Francisco, I already know that they stayed in the wrong neighborhood (what legitimate city does NOT have a bad part of town?), and visited touristy areas. I wrote this to help families enjoy their time in San Francisco!
I’ll go through the best places to stay in the main neighborhoods IN ORDER.
Are there any San Francisco neighborhoods to avoid?
SF is just like other cities – you would avoid Harlem in New York, Washington Park in Chicago, and Downtown Los Angeles.
In San Francisco, the area you should avoid is the Tenderloin, and the area surrounding it in the neighboring neighborhoods, e.g. Nob Hill to the North, Union Square to the East, etc. you get the idea.
According to this article, San Francisco has cleaned up A LOT, and continues to improve in that respect.
There are, however, world-class restaurants throughout those areas, so do what locals do and take an Uber/Waymo/Lyft.
What is the best way of getting around in San Francisco?
In general I recommend renting a car or taking Uber, Lyft or Waymo straight from your hotel to get to where you want. Riding a Waymo is a San Francisco experience in itself!
There is literally no point aimlessly exploring – just maximize the time at your desired locations and minimize travel time. The money you might save by taking public transport is not worth the time or hassle. Truly.
1. Fisherman’s Wharf & North Beach (North East)
This bustling area is a family favorite for a reason! With Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, Ferry Building (and ferry rides to Napa, alcatraz, Angel island etc.) and endless street performers, there’s never a dull moment. Being close to the action means less travel time and more fun for the little ones.
The Argonaut Hotel, a Noble House Hotel
Guide Price Range: $220 – $290 per night
- Nautical Charm & Location: This hotel embraces its maritime surroundings with a fun, ship-inspired décor that kids will love. It’s literally across the street from Fisherman’s Wharf, making it incredibly easy to access all the attractions.
- Family-Friendly Perks: The Argonaut offers connecting rooms, free cribs/infant beds, and children stay free, which are huge wins for families. They also have a popular on-site seafood restaurant, The Blue Mermaid Chowder, with kids’ meals.
- Pet-Friendly: If your furry family members are joining the adventure, the Argonaut is pet-friendly, making it a great option for those traveling with pets.
Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco
Guide Price Range: $200 – $280 per night
- Heated Outdoor Pool: A definite highlight for families, the heated outdoor pool provides a fantastic way for kids to burn off energy and for everyone to relax after a day of sightseeing.
- Modern Comfort: The rooms are modern and comfortable, providing a relaxing retreat. Many rooms offer bay views, adding to the San Francisco experience.
- Walkable Location: Just steps away from Pier 39 and the cable car lines, its location is perfect for exploring the Fisherman’s Wharf area on foot.
Hotel Zephyr San Francisco
Guide Price Range: $190 – $270 per night
- Playful Atmosphere: Hotel Zephyr is known for its vibrant and playful atmosphere. It boasts a huge outdoor courtyard with games like giant Jenga, fire pits for s’mores, and even a putting green.
- Unique Design: The hotel’s “nautical chic” design extends to the rooms, which are stylish and comfortable, with some offering bay views.
- Game Room & Lounge: Beyond the outdoor space, there’s also an indoor game room and lounge, ensuring there’s always something to keep the kids entertained, rain or shine.
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman’s Wharf
Guide Price Range: $180 – $260 per night
- Free Breakfast: A hot, complimentary breakfast buffet is a major plus for families.
- Outdoor Pool: Similar to the Hyatt Centric, the outdoor heated pool is a nice bonus.
- Convenient Location: Located right in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf.
2. Marina (North)
Marina has a lot of cute shops and great restaurants (Chestnut Street) and it is walking distance to Marina Green and Crissy Field, all of which provide spaces for the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and space and trails to walk.
You can walk from Fort Mason, where there are often farmers markets and great pastries and coffee, all the way to Crissy Field and beyond, stretching to viewpoints close to GGB, walking past landmarks such as the Palace of Fine Arts (below).
Marina Motel
Guide Price Range: $170 – $300 per night
- Old San Francisco charm: Stay in a home away from home, like a typical SF home
- Free on-site parking
- Walkable to lots of restaurants and landmarks
Star Motel
Guide Price Range: $130 – $270 per night
- Best value: Desirable location at a great price with a high rating
- Modern interiors: Updated interiors are clean and comfortable
- Great location and free on-site parking
Cow Hollow Inn & Suites
Guide Price Range: $180 – $480 per night (large range)
- Superb location: Towards the east side of Marina, which makes it very centrally located in the City, closer to Fisherman’s wharf
- Clean rooms with classic interior decor
- Free on-site parking
3. Japantown (Center)
Japantown is a hidden gem in terms of places with the best hotels in San Francisco for families. Geographically, Japantown is located close to the center of the city, and it is much less touristy and crowded compared Union Square.
Japantown has distinctive Japanese buildings, is home to great Japanese restaurants, and kids will love walking around in Kabuki mall. It’s also close to Lower Pacific Heights, home to Fillmore and Divisadero streets which are full of cool restaurants and cute shops.
Check out these authentic Asian restaurants in SF that are off the beaten path!
Hotel Kabuki, part of JdV by Hyatt
Guide Price Range: $200 – $300 per night
- Cultural Immersion & Serene Spaces: Hotel Kabuki offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western design, featuring a beautiful garden with a koi pond. They have a spa!
- Convenient Room Features: Rooms are equipped with mini-fridges and coffee machines, while smart TVs offer entertainment options.
- Practical Amenities: The hotel provides laundry services, and offers rooms with two double beds.
Kimpton Hotel Enso, an IHG Hotel
Guide Price Range: $180 – $280 per night
- Japanese-Inspired Design: Japanese-influenced aesthetic and thoughtful touches like Frette Italian sheets and a yoga mat in every room.
- Family-Friendly Perks: A “children stay free” policy and offers complimentary cribs/infant beds upon request, along with connecting rooms.
- Complimentary Amenities: Complimentary evening wine hour and morning coffee/tea, and free use of Micro Kickboard scooters for kids.
4. Union Square & Downtown (Center-East)
Union Square can you considered the heart of the city’s “downtown” area. It is a vibrant hub with shopping, theaters, and easy access to the famous cable car. As locals, we sometimes come to Union Square for specific events, such as to see the big Christmas tree.
You may encounter some homelessness because it is the city center and it is not hilly! They go where the people are, and here, there are people (supposedly, but mainly tourists). So if you want to stay away from that, don’t stay in Union Square!!!
Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel
Some friends of mine recently chose to stay here, and other friends celebrated a big birthday here. They are a high- earning and discerning bunch, so this must be one of the best hotels in San Francisco!
Guide Price Range: $200 – $290 per night
- Historic Charm, Modern Comfort: This iconic Union Square hotel offers a blend of historic grandeur and contemporary amenities, making it a stylish and comfortable base.
- Family-Friendly Policies: The Beacon Grand offers complimentary cribs/infant beds and a “kids stay free” policy when using existing bedding.
- Prime Location: Its central location in Union Square means easy access to shopping, dining, theaters, excellent public transportation connections.
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Guide Price Range: $250 – $300 per night
- Indoor Pool: The hotel features a beautiful, glass-enclosed indoor pool, perfect for family fun regardless of the weather.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: The hotel offers cribs, and children stay free, and some rooms have two double beds, providing flexible sleeping arrangements for families.
- Excellent Location and Pet-Friendly: Located near Union Square, it provides easy access to the city’s main attractions. Plus, the hotel is pet-friendly and even has a pet terrace, so the whole family can come along.
The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel
Guide Price Range: $200 – $300 per night
- Family-Friendly Amenities: The hotel offers free cribs, and connecting/adjoining rooms are available, providing flexibility for families of various sizes.
- Convenient In-Room Features: Rooms are equipped with mini-fridges, which are very useful for storing snacks and drinks for children.
- Prime Location: Situated near Union Square, the hotel’s central location provides easy access to many of San Francisco’s top attractions, making it convenient for families to explore the city.
5. Financial District & Embarcadero (East)
While it’s not my favorite part of San Francisco because it’s mainly office buildings and nightclubs, there are nice restaurants and parks, such as Yerba Buena Gardens and Salesforce Park.
The main benefit of this location is being close to the embarcadero and the Ferry Building. I would still recommend not walking straight from the hotel to any locations. Ordering an Uber, Lyft or Waymo takes no time.
LUMA Hotel San Francisco
Guide Price Range: $190 – $300 per night
- Modern & Tech-Forward: Sleek, well-designed rooms with intuitive technology, including smart TVs and robot-assisted services for a fun and seamless experience.
- Family-Friendly Policies: LUMA Hotel welcomes families with a “children stay free” policy and offers complimentary cribs.
- Prime Mission Bay Location: Situated in the vibrant Mission Bay neighborhood, it’s just steps away from Oracle Park and Chase Center, with easy access to waterfront parks and a variety of dining and entertainment options.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA
Guide Price Range: $180 – $280 per night
- Modern Comfort & Space: This Hyatt-affiliated hotel offers recently renovated rooms and suites, many with city views, providing a comfortable and spacious environment for families. Options with two queen beds are available.
- Family-Friendly Perks: The hotel welcomes children with a “children stay free” policy and offers complimentary cribs/infant beds.
- Central Location: Situated in the vibrant SoMa district, it’s within easy walking distance to attractions like the Moscone Center, Yerba Buena Gardens.
Final Comments on the Best Hotels in San Francisco
A Note on Pricing: Hotel prices in San Francisco can fluctuate significantly based on seasonality, demand, and events. The guide prices are estimates and are most likely achievable during off-peak seasons or by booking well in advance.
I’ve done a lot of price comparison, and I’ve found that hotels.com usually gives me the best deal. If you have better hacks please let me know in the comments! And of course, don’t forget to use this hack for 3-10% cashback on any hotel bookings.
If you are visiting SF, you are probably interested in visiting the world famous wine country of Napa! Find places to stay in Napa, and family-friendly Napa wineries.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may get some coffee money if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I hope you’ve gotten value out of this post that I’ve enjoyed writing 🙂
