The 7 Best Hotels Near San Francisco's Union Square

Union Square is the heart of San Francisco: The leafy, 2.6-acre space is surrounded by iconic buildings, hotels and great shops—and serviced by MUNI, BART and historic trolley cars—making it one of the best places to stay in the city. Here are the best hotels near Union Square.

View an interactive Google Maps list of some of the best hotels near San Francisco's Union Square.

1. The Clift Royal Sonesta

The iconic Clift has changed ownership (and slightly altered its name) several times over the last few decades, but the elegance always remains the same. The Philippe Stark-designed property offers free bike rentals and a 24-hour business center and gym. Rooms have high-thread-count linens, plus-sized TVs, and luxury toiletries. Be sure to have an pre-dinner cocktail or nightcap the famous Art Deco-accented Redwood Room.

495 Geary St.

2. Hotel Emblem

Readers should rejoice at the former Hotel Rex, now reimagined as an homage to San Francisco's legendary Beat Generation with literary quotes and images of Kerouac, Ginsberg and others throughout. (Some rooms even sport manual typewriters.) Take advantage of the "book butler" service, curated in conjunction with San Francisco's iconic City Lights Bookstore. Or head down to Obscenity, the hotel lounge, for live jazz, readings, poetry slams and weekly meditation sessions.

The amenities, though, are thoroughly modern: All 96 rooms have 55-inch plasma-screen TVs, Nespresso coffeemakers and Bluetooth speakers.

562 Sutter St.

3. Hotel Zeppelin

Part of the luxurious Viceroy group, Zeppelin attracts a hip clientele, from movers and shakers to wealthy baby boomers looking to re-capture the Sixties. Its 196 funky rooms are done in black and white, with retro rock prints on the walls and psychedelic accents in the bathrooms. There's also free bike rentals on property, in case you want to challenge yourself on some of San Francisco's famously steep hills.

545 Post St.

4. Kimpton Sir Francis Drake Hotel

You know you're at the Sir Francis Drake when you see the doormen dressed like English beefeaters. Rooms here have the usual luxury trappings, plus yoga mats. Traveling with your pooch? No problem—the hotel lets pets to stay free, with no size restrictions. The Drake's complimentary wine happy hour is a fun perk. Another freebie? The fabulous views from the top-floor Starlight Room.

450 Powell St.

5. The Marker

Housed in an Art Deco structure built after the great earthquake of 1906, this property from the lauded Joie de Vivre hotel group is one of the nicest around Union Square. The lobby's high ceilings lobby evokes an Old-World charm, while the rooms offer unique touches like silk pillows, colorful walls and whimsical mirrors. It's like staying at your artistic aunt's place. The Marker offers free bicycles for guests and an complimentary wine hour weekdays starting at 5pm.

501 Geary St.

6. Taj Campton Place

Don't be put off by the understated lobby: This 110-room hotel is the epitome of hospitality and pampering in San Francisco. The 250-square-foot rooms are stocked with plus-sized plasma TVs, BoseWave radios, high-thread-count sheets, Molton Brown toiletries and premium booze in the minibar. Downstairs, the Taj Campton Place's eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant serves up California cuisine with Indian accents.

340 Stockton St.

7. The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Overlooking the square, this iconic grand dame dates back to 1904 and is one of the most storied hotels on the West Coast. (Ride the glass elevators for jaw-dropping views.) Rooms in the old wing are smaller but more elegant, while accomodations in the much newer tower are larger, with better views. It's a trade-off, but you should be happy either way.

335 Powell St.