PHOTO: Hotel Zetta

The Quirkiest Hotels in San Francisco

Michele Bigley | January 04, 2018

San Francisco never played by the rules. So why should her hotels offer the norm? Here's our favorite unique properties that throw in a dash of that particular SF quirkiness that makes folks fall in love.

#9

Phoenix Hotel

Why it made the list

Touring musicians favor this party-themed Tenderloin property. A heated pool, a lounge that spills outside, and playful rooms make this property feel more like Palm Springs than SF.

A magnet for the hip at heart and ultracool Read More

#8

Carriage Inn

Why it made the list

Each room of this budget property pays homage to a classic SF character. Whether you're staying in at Robin Williams, Frank Chu (a notable SF sign-bearer at most every event), or Lawrence Ferlinghetti, you can learn a bit about the city's characters.

Celebrate San Francisco's literary, subversive, and comedic Read More

#7

The Mosser Hotel

Why it made the list

Because there's a recording studio onsite, the vibe at this property can at times feel pretty rock star. Sadly, the rock stars don't stay here. Instead they hang in the art gallery lobby, eat at the restaurant, and then head off to a more luxe environment. Budget traveler though will appreciate this steal of a joint and the crafty cool it is hawking.

Musicians and technocrats favor this 1913 SOMA property Read More

#6

Hotel Zetta

Why it made the list

Plinko does not just exist on the Price is Right. Now this SoMa property offers guests a chance at this emblematic game show challenge to win hotel merch. Add in a lobby filled with cooperative games and an irreverent spirit and you can feel the funkiness oozing from this SF hipster fave.

A playful lobby lounge, the lively Cavalier restaurant, and Read More

#5

Mystic Hotel

Why it made the list

The hotel's art curator selects a notable local artist to take over the public spaces every third month. The result is a rotating exhibit of a variety of artistic creations. Se sure to check out the large photos in the back of the restaurant for a kick.

This historic property that survived the 1906 earthquake ser Read More

#4

Hotel Triton

Why it made the list

From the hip lobby to the San Francisco tributes in rooms, this property has long paid homage to the city of its creation. Splurge on the Haagen Daaz suite, which offers unlimited ice cream with your stay.

A spirit of fun has taken up full-time residence in this Kim Read More

#3

Hotel des Arts

Why it made the list

Who says budget travelers don't get to stay in the cool hotels? SF's coolest hotel is geared towards those without an expense account. Graffiti lines the walls. Murals populate sleeping quarters. Who ever thought bedding down in a gallery could be so affordable?

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

#2

Hotel Majestic

Why it made the list

On many ghost-hunter's must see lists, this historic inn likes to advertise about its resident ghost. However, the real quirk of the property is the butterfly lounge, filled with the corpses of hundreds of rare insects.

Built in 1902 as a private residence, this five-story white Read More

#1

Hotel Vertigo

Why it made the list

A tribute to Alfred Hitchcock's landmark film, shot in part at this property. Little fun takes on the movie are scattered throughout the hotel. Haven't seen it? The lobby replays Vertigo throughout the day.

Designer Thomas Schoos' tribute to the Hitchcock classic, pa Read More

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