San Francisco — Traveler Guide
A great pool transforms a hotel stay. Whether it's an infinity-edge marvel overlooking the skyline, a subterranean spa pool lit by candlelight, or a sun-drenched terrace pool with cabana service, these San Francisco hotels deliver exceptional aquatic experiences.
Quick Answer
A great pool transforms a hotel stay. Whether it's an infinity-edge marvel overlooking the skyline, a subterranean spa pool lit by candlelight, or a sun-drenched terrace pool with cabana service, these San Francisco hotels deliver exceptional aquatic experiences.
6 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$$$, $$$, $ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
San Francisco offers exceptional options for travellers seeking pool hotels, and we've curated the very best. Each property has been selected for its outstanding facilities, prime location, and the quality of experience it delivers. Leading our list, The Fairmont San Francisco excels with its exceptional attention to detail and commitment to the pool experience. Proper Hotel San Francisco offers a compelling alternative with its unique approach and distinctive character. Whether you're a first-time visitor to San Francisco or returning for another stay, these hotels represent the gold standard for pool accommodation in the city. Each has been independently evaluated for quality, location, and value.
Insider Tips
Book directly with the hotel for the best rate guarantee and potential upgrades.
Read recent guest reviews for the most up-to-date assessment of facilities.
Consider visiting during shoulder season for better rates and fewer crowds.
Ask the concierge for local recommendations — they know San Francisco better than any guidebook.
Our Picks
6 hotels · Updated February 2026
Nob Hill
One of the great American palace hotels, presiding over Nob Hill since 1907 and immortalised in Tony Bennett's 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco.' The lobby's red velvet and marble grandeur is matched by jaw-dropping bay views from upper floors, and the Tonga Room hurricane tiki bar is an unmissable SF institution.
Mid-Market
A Kelly Wearstler-designed masterpiece in a restored 1909 Beaux-Arts building, with patterned tile, brass fixtures, and a rooftop bar that has become one of the city's best. The location in the revitalising Mid-Market corridor puts it close to Twitter HQ and Civic Center cultural institutions.
Nob Hill
A Greek Revival landmark on Nob Hill that exudes old-money confidence with its marble colonnade and fleet-footed service. The Club Level lounge offers six food presentations daily, and the fitness centre and heated pool are among the city's most well-appointed hotel amenities.
Fisherman's Wharf
Arguably the most scenic budget accommodation in any US city — a converted Civil War barracks inside the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with direct bay views and free walking tours. Private rooms are available alongside dorms, and the nightly social atmosphere is genuinely warm.
Union Square
Philippe Starck transformed this 1915 hotel into one of America's most theatrical lobbies — the Giant Chair and illuminated bar anchor a space that's simultaneously witty and sophisticated. The Redwood Room, panelled in a single 2,000-year-old redwood, is among the city's most storied cocktail bars.
Pacific Heights
San Francisco's best kept secret — a 48-room Edwardian boutique on one of Pacific Heights' most beautiful residential streets, offering butler-delivered morning papers, an included wine and cheese hour, and the kind of hushed, residential calm that feels genuinely restorative after a day of sightseeing.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions
Some hotels offer day passes for pool access, especially in resort-style properties. Contact the hotel directly for availability and pricing.
Indoor pools are heated year-round. Many outdoor pools are heated seasonally, with some luxury properties maintaining them year-round under retractable roofs or with heating systems.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
View All San Francisco Hotels