Budget travel: Top 5 affordable hotels in San Francisco
San Franciso has a very unpredictable weather ranging from warm days in January or a dose of fog and cold in July. One thing is for sure though, San Francisco is an expensive travel destination. Finding a good deal though in this beautiful city is not impossible.
You can actually find hotel rooms in some of the best San Francisco hotels for about $200 per night. So if you are on a budget but want a nice hotel in San Francisco, here are our picks:
Orchard Garden Hotel
This very young hotel is among the green hotels in the state. You can find it right between the China Town, business district, and the Union Square. This San Francisco hotel follows a clean simple Zen theme with the best amenities you can ask for.
You will also be using a European key card which basically means that the power of the room will shut off when you leave the room. It really has a conscience as they have recycling bins to encourage clients to lead a greener life.
There will be a DVD player and surround sound in the room and they even have a library where you can borrow from their nice collection of films. You also get free WiFi, Egyptian linens, and spa robes.
Each morning, you can find a hearty breakfast downstairs offering a good spread of breakfast choices like eggs, yogurt, bacon, cereals, fruits and more. You can have dinner at the Roots restaurant which serves Californian cuisine with some Mediterranean dishes on their menu.
The rates are best from December thru March when you can get a room for as low as $139 per night.
Fairmont Hotel
Fairmonth Hotel has a rich history of glamor and grandeur. It has been standing for a century and is among the top destination in San Francisco whether you are getting a room there or not. Enter the lobby and the Corinthian columns, rococo furniture, vaulted ceilings, and spiral staircase will do all the explanation. It is not simply an old hotel but a place built for those who want a taste of finer things.
The hotel rooms feature heavenly blankets, big pillows, marble bathrooms, and a great view of the city.
A high tea of sandwiches, crumpets, and clotted cream is served daily between 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the Laurel Court , a restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel. If you love a drink or two at night, the best place to go to is the Tonga Room where you can also enjoy island music or their dose of thunder and rain ambiance taking over the bar every thirty minutes.
The most budget friendly hotel rates are from November thru December at $199 a night.
Hyatt – Fisherman’s Wharf
If you want an accommodation near all the happenings at the Fisherman’s Wharf, Hyatt can give you all the comfort and convenience that you are looking for during your San Francisco travel. The renovations of all its rooms and facilities were completed just last year which puts the hotel at part with San Francisco’s best hotels.
Every room has a 32-inch television, spacious work station, a really big bed, Portico amenities, and upgraded bathroom. The hotel also provides free transportation going to the city’s financial district, free use of their gym, and business center. You can also use the hotel’s whirlpool and heated pool.
At the lobby of the Hyatt, you can find a sports bar, a wine lounge called Enoteca Musto, and Knuckles.
Enjoy a night for only $129 when you stay with them between November thru April.
Hotel Frank
This boutique hotel underwent a massive renovation two years ago, giving it an edge to the other hotels in the area.
It is pretty trendy. The hotel rooms have décor furniture from the 1930s, nice carpeting, vintage leather couches, headboards in patterned leather, cozy bathrooms, and light fixture inspired by an art deco theme.
The basics of what you will need during your San Francisco holiday are there. For around $129 a night, you will have access to free WiFi and a concierge to assist you. Hotel Frank does not have its own restaurant but you can avail of room service. There are also nearby restaurants at Union Square ranging from American, Asian, and fusion.
One downside though is that its located along Geary Street so peace and quiet is not number one the list of what you can have.
Parker Guest House
If you want a more personalized experience, book a room at the Parker House which is part of the Edwardian mansions dating back to 1909. The hotel only has twenty one rooms with very friendly hotel staff. The atmosphere is very relaxed and intimate. You can pop a bottle of sherry by the fireplace while enjoying the night or making new friends. There is also a steam room which you can use for free if you want to relax those sore muscles.
The hotel also has two lounges, a piano, and a library. It also has a sunroom where breakfast is served and wine services are conducted.
The hotel is at the heart of the Castro which is among the liveliest places to be in San Francisco. You will not have a hard time finding late night hang out places.
By the way, Parker House tags their property as a gay hotel but straights are also welcome. You can book a room for $169-$189 a night.