Coming out to San Francisco? Lucky you! Of course, your first order of business is picking your ideal accommodation, a feat that can seem pretty daunting given the myriad options in our little 7×7 town. So, here we offer some of the more unique places to stay in San Francisco to make your trip here that much more unforgettable.
- Phoenix Hotel: 601 Eddy Street
Management/TripAdvisor
Management/TripAdvisor We’ll admit the location of this hotel is not totally optimal, but it’s certainly a sweet oasis in the heart of the Tenderloin. Many San Francisco residents know this as the famous rock ’n’ roll motor lodge, which has been known to host big rock stars, from Pearl Jam to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Inside, you’ve got sleek, clean digs with a retro-chic vibe and a great restaurant and bar. Cross your fingers for a warm, sunny day so you can take advantage of the pool! 601 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
- The Red Victorian Commune & Hotel: 1665 Haight Street (temporarily closed)
Flickr/LEOnardo Sa
Management/TripAdvisor Since 1904, this spot in the Upper Haight has been a refuge for many travelers and artists. It was a major gathering place for the hippies, where political protests and talks of peace, love, and rock ’n’ roll helped galvanize many young, inspired souls. The hotel was renovated in 2014 and offers both hostel and private rooms. They bill the spot as a “collaborative community space,” and continue to uphold the ideals of the hippies by offering a safe spot for all. You can even stay in the “Summer of Love” Room. 1665 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
- Inn at the Presidio: 42 Moraga Avenue
Management/TripAdvisor
Management/TripAdvisor This historic spot is the first and only hotel in the beautiful Presidio, a national park on the edge of the Golden Gate. Built in 1903, it was once used as a home for unmarried officers when the area was a U.S. Army post. It’s now a gorgeous, country-chic boutique hotel that features just 22 accommodations. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings (with several trails nearby), the outdoor deck with a fire pit, and the evening wine-and-cheese reception. 42 Moraga Ave, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
- The Albion Castle (temporarily closed)
VRBO
VRBO The location here is also not so ideal (the Bayview-Hunters Point district is far from any attractions and is one of San Francisco’s most dangerous areas—though there is a growing artist community in the area, in its very near the freeway), but, hey, you can stay in a 19th-century castle! In San Francisco! This 2,000-square-foot home is being rented out on VRBO for roughly less than a grand per night. Learn more about it here. 881 Innes Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA
- The Queen Anne Hotel: 1590 Sutter Street
Yelp/Kevin Y.
Yelp/Jim B. Up for seeing and meeting a little slice of San Francisco history? This 1890 Victorian mansion located in the posh Pacific Heights ‘hood has all sorts of antique touches—including a purported ghost. The house was once home to a school for girls run by Miss Mary Lake, who may be found lurking in her room, #410. But ignore all that, and relax in the piano salon, cozy up by the fireplace, and feel like you’re living the high life in San Francisco, as it once was. 1590 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
- Hotel Triton: 342 Grant Avenue
Hotel Triton
Hotel Triton This Union Square hotel’s motto? “A San Francisco hotel that’s as unique as you.” That bold statement can be backed up by its playful, modern design (some influenced by Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road), and rooms that include the Haagen-Dazs “Sweet Suite” for ice cream fanatics, Kathy Griffin’s “D-List Suite” designed by the comedian, and Jerry Garcia’s “J. Garcia Suite” for the true Deadheads. 4. Triton - $192 for Mon. 4/21, 342 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
- A Garden Cottage in Bernal Heights
Airbnb Bernal Heights, San Francisco, CA, USA
Airbnb Since its location in Bernal Heights is a bit away from the typical tourist hot spots, this cozy cottage is reserved for travelers looking for that truly local experience. As proclaimed on Airbnb, it’s owned by “two well known artists” who suggest you even can write a book in their lovely, quiet garden. That’s right, live your literary fantasies right here in San Francisco.
- Hotel Rex: 562 Sutter Street (Now, the Hotel Emblem)
Yelp/Hotel Rex
Yelp/Hotel Rex Flash back to the 1930s at this hip boutique hotel near Union Square, perfect for art and literary buffs. Their rooms have a retro-bohemian vibe, featuring original artwork and hand-painted lamps. You can also enjoy a large library, a free nightly wine hour, live music and poetry readings at the in-house Library Bar. Though the name has changed to The Hotel Emblem, it still looks much the same. 562 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Now that you’ve got your accommodation figured out, let’s help you figure out what to do: Here are 10 underrated places for out-of-towners and 15 things everyone in San Francisco must do before they die!
Management/TripAdvisor
We’ll admit the location of this hotel is not totally optimal, but it’s certainly a sweet oasis in the heart of the Tenderloin. Many San Francisco residents know this as the famous rock ’n’ roll motor lodge, which has been known to host big rock stars, from Pearl Jam to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Inside, you’ve got sleek, clean digs with a retro-chic vibe and a great restaurant and bar. Cross your fingers for a warm, sunny day so you can take advantage of the pool!
601 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
Flickr/LEOnardo Sa
Since 1904, this spot in the Upper Haight has been a refuge for many travelers and artists. It was a major gathering place for the hippies, where political protests and talks of peace, love, and rock ’n’ roll helped galvanize many young, inspired souls. The hotel was renovated in 2014 and offers both hostel and private rooms. They bill the spot as a “collaborative community space,” and continue to uphold the ideals of the hippies by offering a safe spot for all. You can even stay in the “Summer of Love” Room.
1665 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
This historic spot is the first and only hotel in the beautiful Presidio, a national park on the edge of the Golden Gate. Built in 1903, it was once used as a home for unmarried officers when the area was a U.S. Army post. It’s now a gorgeous, country-chic boutique hotel that features just 22 accommodations. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings (with several trails nearby), the outdoor deck with a fire pit, and the evening wine-and-cheese reception.
42 Moraga Ave, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
VRBO
The location here is also not so ideal (the Bayview-Hunters Point district is far from any attractions and is one of San Francisco’s most dangerous areas—though there is a growing artist community in the area, in its very near the freeway), but, hey, you can stay in a 19th-century castle! In San Francisco! This 2,000-square-foot home is being rented out on VRBO for roughly less than a grand per night. Learn more about it here.
881 Innes Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124, USA
Yelp/Kevin Y.
Yelp/Jim B.
Up for seeing and meeting a little slice of San Francisco history? This 1890 Victorian mansion located in the posh Pacific Heights ‘hood has all sorts of antique touches—including a purported ghost. The house was once home to a school for girls run by Miss Mary Lake, who may be found lurking in her room, #410. But ignore all that, and relax in the piano salon, cozy up by the fireplace, and feel like you’re living the high life in San Francisco, as it once was.
1590 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
Hotel Triton
This Union Square hotel’s motto? “A San Francisco hotel that’s as unique as you.” That bold statement can be backed up by its playful, modern design (some influenced by Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road), and rooms that include the Haagen-Dazs “Sweet Suite” for ice cream fanatics, Kathy Griffin’s “D-List Suite” designed by the comedian, and Jerry Garcia’s “J. Garcia Suite” for the true Deadheads.
- Triton - $192 for Mon. 4/21, 342 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Airbnb
Bernal Heights, San Francisco, CA, USA
Since its location in Bernal Heights is a bit away from the typical tourist hot spots, this cozy cottage is reserved for travelers looking for that truly local experience. As proclaimed on Airbnb, it’s owned by “two well known artists” who suggest you even can write a book in their lovely, quiet garden. That’s right, live your literary fantasies right here in San Francisco.
Yelp/Hotel Rex
Flash back to the 1930s at this hip boutique hotel near Union Square, perfect for art and literary buffs. Their rooms have a retro-bohemian vibe, featuring original artwork and hand-painted lamps. You can also enjoy a large library, a free nightly wine hour, live music and poetry readings at the in-house Library Bar. Though the name has changed to The Hotel Emblem, it still looks much the same.
562 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
San Francisco: A City That Never Ceases To Amaze October 04, 2022 Will Suphan San Francisco is often known for trolley cars and hilly streets, but there’s more here than you may ever have heard of. Let’s take a look at the multitude of reasons why this is a place you need to visit at least once. What are some places that are totally unique to San Francisco? The lovely city of San Francisco has several places it can call its own. The most iconic of which is likely the Golden Gate Bridge which features in innumerable movies and is so much larger in person than it looks on screen. Another place that not only appears in films but has movies made about it is Alcatraz, the island prison that was said to be inescapable, yet a couple of prisoners did manage to escape. The city is also home to one of the most zig-zagging streets there is; Lombard Street. What are unique experiences to be had in San Francisco? This city by the sea is historical and varied and there is much to experience. The nation’s oldest Chinatown resides here and is an excellent place for seafood and Chinese food in general. It sprung up in 1848 and is the nation’s gateway to Chinese culture and culinary creativity. There’s also a Little Italy where you can do an Italian food tour in the North Beach area. The food will have you exclaiming “Mamma Mia!” Loved to Death is a unique shop of the strange and curious. Perhaps not for the kids, but you will find medical antiquities, old Victorian items, and odd taxidermy. What are the best festivals to attend in San Francisco? San Francisco seems to have a festival almost every week. Perhaps the largest one is San Francisco Pride which has been celebrating the LGBT+ community for decades and the city has the honor of electing the first openly gay man, Harvey Milk, to public office. San Franciscans love to express their eccentricity and you can see it on display during the How Weird Street Faire where people show up in all their expressive glory. This city is proud to have the largest Asian event in the nation. The Chinese New Year Festival and Parade is truly a sight to behold, culminating in a 200-foot Golden Dragon.
The OIYS Visitor Center
San Francisco: A City That Never Ceases To Amaze
October 04, 2022
Will Suphan
San Francisco is often known for trolley cars and hilly streets, but there’s more here than you may ever have heard of. Let’s take a look at the multitude of reasons why this is a place you need to visit at least once. What are some places that are totally unique to San Francisco? The lovely city of San Francisco has several places it can call its own. The most iconic of which is likely the Golden Gate Bridge which features in innumerable movies and is so much larger in person than it looks on screen. Another place that not only appears in films but has movies made about it is Alcatraz, the island prison that was said to be inescapable, yet a couple of prisoners did manage to escape. The city is also home to one of the most zig-zagging streets there is; Lombard Street. What are unique experiences to be had in San Francisco? This city by the sea is historical and varied and there is much to experience. The nation’s oldest Chinatown resides here and is an excellent place for seafood and Chinese food in general. It sprung up in 1848 and is the nation’s gateway to Chinese culture and culinary creativity. There’s also a Little Italy where you can do an Italian food tour in the North Beach area. The food will have you exclaiming “Mamma Mia!” Loved to Death is a unique shop of the strange and curious. Perhaps not for the kids, but you will find medical antiquities, old Victorian items, and odd taxidermy. What are the best festivals to attend in San Francisco? San Francisco seems to have a festival almost every week. Perhaps the largest one is San Francisco Pride which has been celebrating the LGBT+ community for decades and the city has the honor of electing the first openly gay man, Harvey Milk, to public office. San Franciscans love to express their eccentricity and you can see it on display during the How Weird Street Faire where people show up in all their expressive glory. This city is proud to have the largest Asian event in the nation. The Chinese New Year Festival and Parade is truly a sight to behold, culminating in a 200-foot Golden Dragon.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
What are some places that are totally unique to San Francisco?
The lovely city of San Francisco has several places it can call its own. The most iconic of which is likely the Golden Gate Bridge which features in innumerable movies and is so much larger in person than it looks on screen. Another place that not only appears in films but has movies made about it is Alcatraz, the island prison that was said to be inescapable, yet a couple of prisoners did manage to escape. The city is also home to one of the most zig-zagging streets there is; Lombard Street.
What are unique experiences to be had in San Francisco?
This city by the sea is historical and varied and there is much to experience. The nation’s oldest Chinatown resides here and is an excellent place for seafood and Chinese food in general. It sprung up in 1848 and is the nation’s gateway to Chinese culture and culinary creativity. There’s also a Little Italy where you can do an Italian food tour in the North Beach area. The food will have you exclaiming “Mamma Mia!” Loved to Death is a unique shop of the strange and curious. Perhaps not for the kids, but you will find medical antiquities, old Victorian items, and odd taxidermy.
What are the best festivals to attend in San Francisco?
San Francisco seems to have a festival almost every week. Perhaps the largest one is San Francisco Pride which has been celebrating the LGBT+ community for decades and the city has the honor of electing the first openly gay man, Harvey Milk, to public office. San Franciscans love to express their eccentricity and you can see it on display during the How Weird Street Faire where people show up in all their expressive glory. This city is proud to have the largest Asian event in the nation. The Chinese New Year Festival and Parade is truly a sight to behold, culminating in a 200-foot Golden Dragon.
