Must-see hotels in The Bay Area

  • Qinghai Lake in the near distance on the Qinghai-Tibet train

    Marina Inn

    The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers

    Good value in the Marina, this vintage 1920s hotel has small, clean rooms with outdated decor, but it's a cozier alternative to a cheap motel. Single-pane…

  • SW Hotel

    North Beach & Chinatown

    After a major overhaul, Chinatown's former Sam Wong motel now offers good-value rooms heavy on the beige and air freshener. Its main selling point is…

  • Henry W Coe State Park Campground

    San Jose

    About 35 miles southeast of San Jose, this huge state park has almost 20 drive-in primitive campsites at the top of an open ridge overlooking the hills…

  • Beresford Arms Hotel

    Downtown, Civic Center & SoMa

    Because its 1910 building originally housed apartments, the Beresford has bigger-than-average rooms. Beyond the fancy lobby, well-kept rooms have a…

  • Andrews Hotel

    Downtown, Civic Center & SoMa

    Just two blocks west of Union Sq, this 1905 hotel has friendly, personable staff, small but comfortable rooms (the quietest are in back) and a decent…

  • Adelaide Hostel

    Downtown, Civic Center & SoMa

    Down a hidden alley, the 22-room Adelaide has a cozy feel, with plush furnishings and marble-tiled bathrooms – and the odd ding and dust bunny. Bonuses…

  • Seal Rock Inn

    San Francisco

    Far from downtown, this vintage 1950s ocean-side motel has big rooms, where Hunter S Thompson holed up in to write in the '70s. Today it's a mellow,…

  • Willows Inn

    San Francisco

    Whether you're traveling solo, paired, or with your posse, Willows welcomes you with no-fuss homey comforts. The 12 guestrooms have shared bathrooms, but…

  • Hawk Camp Campground

    Marin County

    Free tent sites must be reserved through the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. It's a strenuous 4-mile hike one way from the visitor center or an easier 3…

  • Rose Garden Inn

    Berkeley

    Its decor flirting with flowery, this cute place is a few blocks south from the Telegraph Ave action. The two old houses surrounded by pretty gardens are…

  • Wharf Inn

    The Marina, Fisherman’s Wharf & the Piers

    This standard-issue, two-story motor lodge at the Wharf has clean, nothing-special rooms, ideal for kids who make messes. Some rooms are loud; bring…

  • Panama Hotel

    Marin County

    Basic rooms at this B&B, in a building dating from 1910, each have their own unique style and artsy decor such as crazy quilts and vibrant accent walls…

  • Coronet Motel

    The Peninsula

    Being on the free university-campus shuttle route is the biggest selling point at this tidy, family-owned motel with contemporary rooms, kitchenette…

  • Marin Lodge

    Marin County

    This nicely renovated, clean, well-run motel won't wow you with creativity, but it's a fantastic deal, comfortable and conveniently located near central…

  • Downtown Berkeley Inn

    Berkeley

    Near downtown, this budget motel has a couple dozen good-sized rooms with platform beds, plus free parking. It's a good balance of budget and proximity to…

  • Tomales Bay Resort

    Marin County

    Bayside marina motel with 36 rooms and a pool (unheated). When rates drop – Sunday through Thursday and in the winter from $150 – it’s one of the best…

  • Berkeley YMCA Hotel

    Berkeley

    At the 100-year-old downtown Y building, rates for well-worn, spartan private rooms (all with shared bath) include use of the sauna, pool and fitness…