PHOTO: Hotel Zelos

The Best San Francisco Hotels for Art Lovers

Michele Bigley | January 04, 2018

In a creative city like San Francisco, art is never far away. The newest SF hotel trend morphs hotels into galleries dotted with world-class art from international masters and local up-and-comers. Here are hotels with the most interesting art collections.

#8

Kimpton Buchanan Hotel

Why it made the list

This Japantown property features an onsite art gallery populated with mod creations that might appeal to the young globetrotters who frequent this hotel. Check out the lobby's ceiling light fixture of whiskey bottles that appear to roll with the light.

Zen meets turn-of-the-century noir in this Japantown hideawa Read More

#7

Hotel Zelos

Why it made the list

From the elevator's murals to the handsome architecture, this Viceroy property touches on the elemental. Expect art with earthy touches like a wall of succulents, a metallic bar, or the hanging leaf-shaped chandeliers in the lobby.

A stylish lair occupying the top five floors of SoMa's green Read More

#6

Proper Hotel

Why it made the list

San Francisco's most impressive "it" hotel proffers a slick art collection, souvenirs of the owner's world travels. While the lobby lounge might feel cluttered with gilded paintings and etchings, the check-in desk area showcases a well-curated dollop of paintings and sculptures.

The wild west meets Parisian chic in the hippest hotel to gr Read More

#5

Clift San Francisco

Why it made the list

The Clift Hotel showcases her innovative spirit with rotating digital exhibits flashing on plasma screens in the sexy Redwood Room restaurant and lounge. The etched glass bar, the hand-carved redwood paneling, and the throne large enough to seat a giant all add to the Twin Peaks-style vibe.

A seriously sexy hotel in San Francisco's Union Square Read More

#4

Hotel G

Why it made the list

Throughout the lobby, Hotel G showcases work from Creativity Explored, a local nonprofit that connects local artists with adults with developmental disabilities to create art. The result is astounding--many locals' private collections include at least one piece of work by this nonprofit.

A tribute to the Golden State's diversity marks this Union S Read More

#3

Hotel Zeppelin

Why it made the list

From the funky lobby to the game room, this entire property is a piece of work worth exploring. Large scale paintings, thought-provoking sculptures, and innovative furnishings make this artsy environment one of the city's most unique.

Reignite the Summer of Love at this playful Union Square hot Read More

#2

Mystic Hotel

Why it made the list

The hotel's artistic director, Michele Foyer, selects a local artist to take over the public spaces and lobby of this Charlie Palmer property. A living exhibit of everything from paintings to sculpture is on display for three months, giving guests a reason to return often.

This historic property that survived the 1906 earthquake ser Read More

#1

Hotel des Arts

Why it made the list

This art gallery dubs as a budget hotel. Murals painted by Chor Boogie, Maya Hayuk,Shepard Fairey, and Sam Flores back beds. The street art aesthetic highlights globetrotter themes, anime and graffiti culture.

At the crossroads of Union Square, Chinatown, and the Financ Read More

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