The Best Hotels in Central Waterfront, San Francisco - 2026 Updated Prices

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Where to stay in Central Waterfront

Find the best Central Waterfront areas for the activities you enjoy most.

A street with shops, including a crystal shop and a crepes cafe.

Fisherman's Wharf

A historic neighbourhood by the waterfront, and a great place to eat out and enjoy the busy surroundings.

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A cityscape with tall buildings, a central plaza with palm trees, and a flag on one of the buildings.

Union Square

One of the biggest and most popular shopping plazas across the United States.

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A trolley on a street with buildings and a clock tower.

Downtown San Francisco

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and San Francisco Bay are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

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A cityscape with modern skyscrapers, a central park with pathways, and a few people walking.

South of Market

From baseball games to top-notch art exhibits, find endless entertainment in one of San Francisco’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

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A street lined with historic buildings, parked cars, and a clear blue sky.

Nob Hill

Examine architecturally significant buildings, visit the Cable Car Museum and enjoy magnificent views of greater San Francisco in this affluent district.

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Top Central Waterfront Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Our stay at the Golden Gate Hotel made our San Francisco trip even more memorable. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and comfortable. The hotel’s historic charm gave us a true San Francisco experience, and it was the perfect home base after our days of exploring the city. The location was one of our favorite things about the hotel. We loved being in Nob Hill, a beautiful and quieter area away from some of the busier, more touristy parts of San Francisco, while still being close enough to easily enjoy everything the city has to offer. We were able to walk around the neighborhood, ride the famous cable cars, visit Alcatraz, explore Fisherman’s Wharf, and see so many of the iconic sights we came to experience. After full days of adventure, it was nice to return to a peaceful and cozy hotel with so much character. The historic details and welcoming atmosphere made it feel like we were staying somewhere special, not just another hotel. The staff was kind and helpful, adding to the personal feel of our stay. San Francisco was a trip we will always remember, and the Golden Gate Hotel was the perfect place to experience the city. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a charming, unique, and well-located hotel with a true San Francisco feel."

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

10/10 Excellent

"Tout était parfait ! Le personnel serviable, les déjeuners excellents., accessibilité au parking directement du lobby était génial. L’emplacement à proximité du Pier 39 était parfait ! Je donne une note de 10/10. Lors de notre prochain séjour à San Francisco,, je reprends une chambre au Riu Plaza Du Fisherman’s Wharf !!!"

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

10/10 Excellent

"Loved the old school-hotel vibe. The free cookies out front elevated the check-in experience right off the bat. I wish I would have taken advantage of the pillow ordering service, the default pillows and bed were amazing regardless. The bath salts and rubber ducky in the bathroom was an excellent touch. Make sure to take your ducky with you to remember your trip and stay (it's meant to be taken as a souvenir, we checked!). Would book again"

Frequently asked questions

What is Central Waterfront like?

Travellers to San Francisco's Central Waterfront neighbourhood will be sure to enjoy a stay here. Looking for sights you might find in a travel guide about Central Waterfront? Consider a visit to San Francisco Bay while you're in the neighbourhood.

If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Central Waterfront, will I receive a refund?

Yes! You'll find that most hotel reservations are fully refundable as long as you cancel before the accommodation's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your arrival date. If your reservation is non-refundable, you might be able to cancel it and get a refund within a 24-hour period of your booking. Enter your dates, click on "Search", then use the filter option "fully refundable" to get the best deals available in Central Waterfront.

What are the top things to see and do in Central Waterfront?

You might want to spend some time browsing the exhibits at Museum of Craft & Design or Letterform Archive during your visit to Central Waterfront. A visit to San Francisco Bay is also worth the trip while you're discovering the neighbourhood. Oracle Park and Chase Center are some popular places to visit in the area around Central Waterfront. While you're out sightseeing in San Francisco, make sure that you visit other sights such as The Midway or Pier 80.

How can I get around Central Waterfront and the greater San Francisco area?

For a quick way to explore the city, catch a ride on metro transit at 23rd Street Station, 20th Street Station or UCSF Medical Center Station. To venture out of town, take a train from 22nd Street Station.

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Our top choices for Central Waterfront hotels

1. Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

2. LUMA Hotel San Francisco

3. Grand Hyatt San Francisco

4. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

5. Hyatt Regency San Francisco

6. Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

7. Hotel Nikko San Francisco

8. Hilton San Francisco Union Square

9. Galleria Park Hotel

10. Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel

11. Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport Oyster Point

12. Aloft by Marriott San Francisco Airport

13. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Francisco Airport N

14. Hampton Inn & Suites Oakland Airport-Alameda

15. Handlery Union Square Hotel

16. Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco

17. Home2 Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport North

18. Parc 55 San Francisco - A Hilton Hotel

19. DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco South Airport Blvd

20. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Where to stay in Central Waterfront

Fisherman's Wharf

Union Square

Downtown San Francisco

South of Market

Nob Hill

Top Central Waterfront Hotel Reviews

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Frequently asked questions

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