In a nutshell
- Finding hotels where you don’t have to choose between affordable and comfortable takes serious research — and we’ve done it all for San Francisco so you don’t have to.
- Our top pick among the budget-friendly hotels in San Francisco’s center is the Washington Square Inn — charming, well-located, and genuinely good value.
- Some of the best deals are near Union Square and Civic Center. We especially recommend The Grove Inn for its cozy guesthouse feel.
- You can save a lot by traveling outside of peak season — the priciest months run from June through August.
Our Top Picks for Affordable Hotels in San Francisco
How Much Does a Hotel Room in San Francisco Cost on Average?
300 euros per night for a hotel in San Francisco during peak season is the average. And we’re not talking about luxury hotels — just regular places to stay.
Does that mean your San Francisco city trip is off the table? Absolutely not!
There are genuinely affordable hotels in San Francisco. It just means you either need to do your research carefully, or make a few small compromises on things that matter less to you (like staying a little outside the center).
We have good news: we’ve already done the research for you. And we only recommend hotels we’d actually stay at ourselves.
What Do We Mean by Good and Affordable Hotels in San Francisco?
The hotels we recommend here are not the cheapest in San Francisco. They’re comparatively affordable.
Why? We want to feel comfortable in our hotel. No run-down places, no cheap dives. Instead, hotels you’re genuinely happy to come back to after a full day of sightseeing.
So what exactly does that mean?
- Cleanliness and friendly staff
- A great location, but not necessarily right in the center
- Rooms are often on the smaller side
- Modern design where possible, bright and welcoming rooms
- Extras like a pool or fitness room are a bonus, but not a must
- The view isn’t necessarily spectacular
- There is often no breakfast (which is pretty standard at smaller inns anyway)
General Tips for Affordable Stays in San Francisco
Beyond good research and a few compromises, there are some handy tricks for keeping your San Francisco accommodation costs down.
- Book early: Some hotels are cheaper the earlier you book.
- Travel in the off-season: The priciest months are June through August, when the weather is warm and sunny. December through February is cooler, but hotels are often significantly cheaper.
- Watch out for conventions: San Francisco hosts a lot of conventions. When they’re in town, hotels are either booked out months in advance or extremely expensive. Check ahead for the biggest events.
- Find the cheapest days of the week: Hotel prices can vary a lot depending on the day. Weekends are often the most affordable. Just check a few different days around your travel dates to find the sweet spot.
Good, Affordable Hotels in Downtown San Francisco
Washington Square Inn
The Washington Square Inn sits in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful neighborhoods: North Beach.
You’re right on Washington Square Park, surrounded by cafés, Italian restaurants, and a relaxed neighborhood vibe. The famous Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf are just a short walk away.
The hotel itself is charming and classically decorated — more cozy than modern, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Rooms are quiet, well-kept, and ideal for a relaxed city trip.
The location is especially great if you want to experience San Francisco away from the main shopping strips.
Orchard Garden Hotel
The Orchard Garden Hotel is a really solid pick if you want to stay centrally and still keep costs down.
The hotel sits in the heart of San Francisco, just steps from Chinatown and Market Street. Many of the city’s top attractions are easily reachable on foot or by cable car.
Rooms are modern, bright, and pleasantly minimalist in design. The hotel also puts a real emphasis on sustainability and a calm atmosphere — a nice touch.
There’s a restaurant and a rooftop terrace where you can wind down at the end of the day with views over the city’s rooftops.
Hotel Triton
The Hotel Triton is colorful, creative, and anything but boring.
You’re right at the entrance to Chinatown and just a few minutes from Union Square — it doesn’t get much more central than this, which is perfect for exploring on foot.
Rooms are individually designed, full of color, art, and a playful boutique vibe. No two rooms are alike, which we love.
Despite the lively location, the hotel has a wonderfully cozy feel and makes for a great retreat after a long day out in the city.
Want a budget-friendly hotel with real character right in the middle of the action? This is your place.
Good, Affordable Hotels near Union Square San Francisco
The Bartlett Hotel & Guesthouse
The The Bartlett is a great option if you want to stay affordably and right in the thick of things.
You’re just steps from Union Square — perfect for shopping, cable cars, and easy access to public transit.
Rooms are simple, functional, and stripped down to the essentials. Ideal if you’re out exploring all day anyway and mainly need a clean, well-located place to sleep.
There’s a café on the ground floor that’s great for your first coffee of the morning or a quick break between sights. A genuinely solid budget hotel in a prime location.
Book The Bartlett Hotel & Guesthouse
King George Hotel
The King George Hotel combines classic charm with an unbeatable location.
The historic building is just a few minutes from Union Square, making it a great base for exploring the city.
Rooms are traditionally decorated, cozy, and surprisingly quiet given how central the location is.
Public transportation, cable cars, and plenty of restaurants are all within easy reach — very convenient.
For a centrally located hotel with history, the price here is genuinely fair.
Good, Affordable Hotels in the Civic Center San Francisco
The Grove Inn
The Grove Inn is small, personal, and genuinely cozy.
It’s located in a quiet residential neighborhood near the Civic Center — a relaxed alternative to the bigger downtown hotels.
Rooms are thoughtfully decorated, bright, and individually designed. You’ll feel more like you’re staying in a guesthouse than a typical hotel, which is a big part of the charm.
Thanks to great transit connections, you can reach downtown quickly without sleeping in the middle of all the hustle. Perfect if you want a quiet, affordable place to stay with real character.
Edwardian Hotel
The Edwardian Hotel is a simple but solid place to stay in the Civic Center area.
The building dates from the early 20th century and has a mildly nostalgic charm. Rooms are functional, clean, and ideal for a short stay.
Restaurants, cafés, and public transportation are all right on the doorstep, making it easy to get to other parts of the city.
A smart choice if you want to stay centrally but on a tight budget in San Francisco.
Affordable Hotels in San Francisco's Suburbs
As we’ve shown, there are some genuinely great deals within the city itself. But if you want even cheaper hotels in the San Francisco area, you’ll need to look at the suburbs.
Out there, you can find rooms in the off-season for as little as 100 euros per night — sometimes even less.
Executive Inn & Suites Oakland
The Executive Inn & Suites is located in Oakland and is a great pick if you don’t mind staying a little outside San Francisco.
Rooms are generously sized, modernly furnished, and offer significantly more space than most hotels in the city center — often at a fraction of the price.
Thanks to solid transportation links, you can easily reach San Francisco from here, whether you’re traveling by car or using public transit.
A relaxed and affordable alternative with plenty of comfort.
Book Executive Inn & Suites Oakland
Bayhill Inn
The Bayhill Inn is located south of San Francisco and is especially convenient if you’re traveling by car.
The place is simple, functional, and designed for short stays. Rooms are clean and have everything you need for a night.
Its proximity to the highways means you can get to downtown or the airport quickly. So if you’re doing, say, a road trip through the American West, this is a seriously convenient place to stop.
Recommended Hostels in San Francisco
HI Fisherman’s Wharf: A hostel chain with locations worldwide. We’ve personally stayed at many of them and have always been happy — cozy, well-equipped, and the location is perfect for sightseeing.
Nap York San Francisco: Cool sleeping capsules instead of regular dorm rooms — much more privacy than in a typical hostel. A unique concept and genuinely very modern.
Amsterdam Hostel: A really great location for sightseeing near Union Square. Trendy décor — definitely not your typical bare-bones hostel room.
Samesun San Francisco: Modern rooms and a really friendly atmosphere. The hostel is close to Fisherman’s Wharf and near plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafés.
