San Francisco is a city that has a lot to offer people of all ages. This also makes SF a popular choice when parents travel with their children for a short vacation.
To make it easy for you to choose the best places to stay in town, here’s a list of the best family hotels in San Francisco.
Home to sunny sandy beaches; snowy ski mountains; and world-class amusement parks, California is one of the country’s top destinations for a family getaway. Check out our best kid-friendly beach retreats, ski resorts (of the s’more-supply, ice-skating-rink-equipped variety), and stand-by theme parks. We even threw an Old West working farm and an old Beverly Hills pink palace into the mix for good measure!
The bustling city of San Francisco, located in Northern California, offers magnificent views of the coast in all directions, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and San Francisco Bay to the east. It is also home to many popular tourist destinations, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Lombard Street, the world’s most crooked street. Plus, there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions like the Disney Museum, Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, San Francisco Zoo, and Aquarium of the Bay, making it a great destination for your next family vacation.
So if you’re ready to head to the West Coast and explore this fantastic city, check out these seven best hotels for families. Whether you want to stay in the lap of luxury or simply enjoy comfortable and affordable accommodation, there is something to suit every family’s needs.
Omni San Francisco Hotel
The Omni San Francisco Hotel sits right on the city’s famous cable car line in the middle of downtown San Francisco. It is also within walking distance of Chinatown and Union Square, a popular shopping and dining destination that includes theaters, nightlife, and live concerts. And more. Housed in a 1920s bank building, the hotel is an impressive mix of historic luxury and modern conveniences. Rooms range from Deluxe Rooms with high ceilings, residential-style furnishings, bathrooms with oversized vanities, and local artwork to spacious suites featuring separate bedrooms and living rooms, luxurious bathrooms with dual showerheads, and jets. Bodywork and incredible views of the city. Plus, the Omni Kids Crew has your little ones covered, as they’ll receive their very own backpack upon registration that includes activities.
Fairmont San Francisco
Also located in the heart of downtown, Fairmont San Francisco is known around the world for its grand architecture, unparalleled customer service, and breathtaking views of the city. The hotel offers more than 600 rooms, as well as 62 elegant suites, including 10 with balconies overlooking the city and the bay. In addition to pillow-top beds, plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms, king and queen rooms also feature sleeper sofas to accommodate large families with children. Family Suites and Two-Bedroom Suites are also available. The hotel also offers several unique features, especially for families, including babysitting services and healthy kids’ menus at the hotel’s restaurants and bars, as well as a selection of amenities for guest use, including diaper pads, playpens, baby tubs, cribs, children’s bathrobes, and children’s bath products. Also, if you visit at Christmas, you can see their world-famous giant gingerbread house!
Hotel Nikko San Francisco
Located just steps from Union Square, Hotel Nikko offers elegance and modern comfort with touches of Asian hospitality. In addition to Japanese-inspired rooms with pillow-top beds, flat-screen TVs, and iPod docking stations, the hotel also features a 10,000-square-foot fitness center, glass-enclosed pool, whirlpool spa, fitness center, shops, and Anzu restaurant, as well as a Starbucks and a rental car agency on site. If you and the family are traveling with your furry friend, you’ll also enjoy some unique amenities like your own dog bed, bowls, and treats, plus a pet terrace with a dog run for plenty of exercises!
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Also located in the heart of downtown and close to Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Marriott Marquis offers many amenities for guests, including a fitness center, spa, restaurant, rooftop bar, and various services on site. Shops include a gift shop, beauty salon, barber shop, and pharmacy. Rooms feature plush bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, streaming media plug-ins, and mini-fridges, so you can keep the kids entertained and your snacks and beverages cold.
Holiday Inn San Francisco Golden Gateway
The Holiday Inn San Francisco Golden Gateway is an affordable, family-friendly hotel conveniently located downtown near Nob Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge, and not far from popular attractions like Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park, and AT&T Park. There are also over 100 restaurants within walking distance of the hotel, so you can park your car and not worry about dealing with traffic. If you need extra sleeping space in your room, rollaway beds are available, or book a suite complete with a sleeper sofa. Children ages eighteen and under can also stay with their parents for free. Also, up to four children aged eleven and under can eat at the hotel’s restaurant for free, regardless of the time of day.
Palace Hotel (Luxury) – SoMa
The Palace Hotel is one of those historic properties that oozes luxury right from the start.
If you are traveling with your family, you can choose the standard, superior or deluxe rooms, which can accommodate up to four people with two double beds. Suites sleep up to three people, but connecting rooms are also available on request.
The property offers complimentary cribs, and you can reserve babysitting services in advance.
Kids and parents alike will enjoy breakfast in the stained glass-finished Garden Court and spend time soaking in the indoor heated pool and hot tub, perfect for San Francisco’s windy weather.
See the best price.
The Four Seasons (Luxury) – Union Square
If you’re wondering where to stay in San Francisco with kids, the Four Seasons property never disappoints.
Homestays offered by the property include standard rooms with two queen beds or suites that feature a sofa bed in the living room. You can also opt for the premier rooms where you can add an extra bed.
There is an indoor pool, but only children over the age of 15 are allowed in the area.
For the little ones, the hotel offers cookies and milk at check-in, and babysitting can also be arranged on request.
See the best price.
The Sheraton (moderate) – Fisherman’s Wharf
There are plenty of kid-friendly hotels in San Francisco, but this list couldn’t be complete without mentioning the Sheraton in Fisherman’s Wharf, one of the most popular areas for tourists in San Francisco.
The property offers rooms with two double beds, ideal for families since they can accommodate up to four people.
As one of the family-friendly hotels in San Francisco, CA, the hotel also offers complimentary cribs and rollaway beds upon request.
Both the hotel restaurant and room service offer a children’s menu for all meals.
There is also an outdoor heated pool on the property.
See the best price.
Handlery Union Square (moderate) – Union Square
The Handlery Union Square is another popular place to stay for families in San Francisco.
As for accommodation, the rooms come equipped with two double beds, a mini-fridge, and air conditioning, while cribs are available upon request.
The property has a heated outdoor pool for the family to relax, while babysitting services can be arranged if mom and dad want to head out for some quality time together.
See the best price.
Hotel del Sol (moderate) – La Marina
The Hotel del Sol has quickly become one of the favorite lodging options for family vacations in San Francisco due to the relatively affordable prices and impressive style of the rooms.
Family-friendly suites come with bunk beds and kitchenettes, while the hotel is always happy to send up a few toys and board games for the kids.
Breakfast is free, and there is an outdoor pool – again, heated! They will also give you free beach balls and sunglasses for the kids.
See the best price.
Orchard Garden Hotel – Chinatown
If you’re looking to explore Chinatown during your stay in SF, the Orchard Garden Hotel offers rooms and suites for up to four people and is ideal for families.
All rooms are air-conditioned and come with mini-fridges and cribs on request.
There is a fantastic restaurant on the roof, which offers delicious children’s food for all meals.
See the best price.
The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe
Luxe rooms, a large spa, and fine dining may draw older guests to this full-service ski resort. But kids will love it for its arcade, year-round outdoor pools, and hot tubs. In addition, the Ritz-Carlton, direct access to Lake Tahoe/ski-in to the slopes, appeals to guests of all ages.
Advantage
Ski Area Access and Ski Shuttle from Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort
Large, modern rooms with soaking tubs and gas fireplaces
Ideally located for all winter and summer activities geared toward what clients might want
Beautiful mountain views throughout the property
Full-service spa and salon
A heated pool and jacuzzi are open all year
Three restaurants and lounges, including an acclaimed fine-dining restaurant
Well-equipped conference facilities
Cons
Valet service is required for a fee
Wi-Fi Pay
Resort fee
Summary
The Ritz-Carlton on Lake Tahoe is a full-service five-star resort in the mountains above Northstar-at-Tahoe Ski Resort. Accompanied by luxurious rooms, an enormous spa, and fine dining, the Ritz-Carlton offers ski-in/ski-out access and several other recreational activities — including multiple outdoor pools and Jacuzzis open year-round. Rates abound, unlike the Resort at Squaw Creek, which offers lovely rooms and no fees at a lower price.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
This is a luxury top pick for families with a beautiful pool and lush gardens, an old-fashioned soda fountain, and great rooms. Children receive milk and cookies upon arrival, and all of the hotel’s restaurants offer children’s menus. Babysitting can be arranged through the concierge.
Advantage
Beautiful property located on 12 prime garden acres in Beverly Hills
Easy access to Rodeo Drive and The Beverly Center
The rooms are distinctively decorated; suites and bungalows with luxurious finishes and some balconies.
Exclusive indoor and outdoor dining at Polo Lounge, a well-known celebrity favorite
Fountain Coffee Room offers diner-style dining at a vintage counter
Poolside cabana for salads and light meals, plus cocktails
Chic outdoor pool and cabanas for rent
A full spa for facials, massages, and nail services is also available.
Modern gym with updated equipment.
Complimentary car service to Rodeo Drive and other nearby points of interest
The chic boutique sells Beverly Hills Hotel-related items and gifts
Pet-friendly property (fee)
Weekly outdoor yoga class (for a fee)
Cons
Expensive valet parking fees (typical for Los Angeles)
Little of tourist interest in the immediate neighborhood.
Summary
Los Angeles is full of luxury hotels, but few are as iconic to old-school Hollywood as the subtly pink Beverly Hills Hotel. Spread across 12 beautifully landscaped acres in prime areas of Beverly Hills, the hotel is used as a sort of clubhouse by celebrities and wealthy locals. But anyone with a credit card can rent one of the 210 rooms, suites, and bungalows, each decorated to incorporate classic Hollywood glamour. Restaurants are equally well known: the luxurious Polo Lounge, the vintage-inspired Fountain Coffee Room, the poolside Cabana Cafe, and the elegant Bar Nineteen12 are open throughout. Only guests are allowed in the stylish outdoor pool, and luxurious cabanas are available for rent. A full spa renovated fitness center and chic boutique are features. Check rates at the sister property, Hotel Bel-Air, for something other than a tourist attraction.
Terranea Resort
One of only a few true mega-resorts in Southern California, the 100-acre, 582-room Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes offers many unrivaled features among local properties. These include nine holes of golf, six restaurants, three pools (including one with a waterslide and fountain), large rooms, and gorgeous gardens. In addition, the only Los Angeles area hotel with a full-fledged resort-style kids’ club (plus activities like bocce ball, croquet, daily guided nature walks, and cupcakes), Terranea caters amply to guests of All ages.
Advantage
Spectacular views; an excellent place for hiking
Huge spa with outdoor pool and heated jacuzzi
9-hole golf course
Spacious and luxurious standard rooms
One of the only hotels in Los Angeles with a Kids Club
Cons
It does not have a sandy beach
Far from most Los Angeles attractions
extra daily rate
late check-in
There are no bars or discos in the area
Summary
One of Southern California’s few true mega-resorts, the 100-acre, 582-room Terranea at Rancho Palos Verdes offers an array of features unmatched among Los Angeles-area properties, including an outstanding spa, 9-hole golf course, six restaurants, three swimming pools, and splendidly manicured parks.
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
The Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is a massive, 466-room property surrounded by palm trees with a 27-hole golf course. In addition, there’s a two-acre Splashtopia water park with two 100-foot water slides, a cliff-side hot tub, and a man-made sandy beach. All of this is surrounded by a 450-foot lazy river and is served by the Splash Grill. Other family-friendly facilities include a game room with a pool table, table tennis, air hockey, old-fashion video games, pinball machines, and 25 tennis courts, including eight lighted for night play.
Advantage
Quiet, luxurious, family- and pet-friendly community
Unique Splashtopia water park with a lazy river and slides
Quality 27-hole golf course with mountain views
Large outdoor pool with hot tub and separate pool in the spa
Fresh, modern rooms with large flat-screen TVs and balconies
25 tennis courts (some lit for night play)
Tasty California New American food at bluEmber
Free WIFI
Cons
The pool area can get crowded during peak times
The rooms need to be well insulated from noise.
Summary
The 466-room Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is a luxury resort built on a country club golf course with family-friendly amenities. Splashtopia water park has slides, a sandy beach bordered by a 450-foot lazy river, and an adults-only pool and hot tubs. A golf course and tennis courts offer additional entertainment.
