Cheap Hotels in San Francisco

Clean & Affordable Hotels to Keep You on Budget

Are you searching for one of the cheap hotels in San Francisco? Are you worried it might not be clean or is too far away? I am always a little nervous when I see the words 'cheap hotel'. I worry that they may not be clean or might be too far away from the action.

The good news is that it is possible to find cheap and centrally located lodging in San Francisco. I reviewed hundreds of hotels to provide you with my list of the top affordable options in San Francisco.

Many of these cheap hotels in San Francisco are light on amenities. None of them offer free parking, so keep this in mind when booking. Even though they are cheap and simple, they are all close to Union Square, public transportation and great restaurants. If your budget is tight, but location is key -- these are the hotels for you!


Cheap Hotels Near Union Square

Hotel Metropolis San Francisco

hotel metropolis san franciscoThe first option for one of the cheap hotels in San Francisco is the modern, 10-story Hotel Metropolis San Francisco. has 105 rooms and is just four blocks from Union Square.

The hotel has a few amenities including a small fitness center and complimentary coffee each morning. Guests can also access to a computer in their library.

A 'zen den' for guests wanting to practice yoga or meditate during their stay. Each night there is also a wine happy hour from 4 to 6pm.

This hotel accepts small dogs. There is a pet fee and a limit of one small dog per room.

two stars | Starting around $79 a night | Find a room: Hotel Metropolis icon


The Mosser

the mosser san francisco

The Mosser is another historical building that was converted to a cute, budget friendly hotel near Union Square. This 1913 hotel was also recently renovated in 2002.

This cheap hotel in San Francisco doesn't offer anything too fancy, but it's a great value for the price. Most of the rooms are pretty small, but the location is excellent.

The rooms are clean and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Some rooms have shared bath facilities and others have on-suite bathrooms. Make sure to check your reservation and select the option that is right for you.

The hotel also offers wireless internet, business services and is a fully non-smoking building.

two star hotels | Starting around $89 a night | Find a room: The Mosser icon


Beresford Hotel San Francisco

beresford hotel san francisco

One of the first of the cheap hotels in San Francisco I recommend is the Beresford Hotel San Francisco. This is a smaller, boutique hotel that is about three blocks off Union Square.

Still in the heart of the action, this historic hotel is also close to the theater district in San Francisco. It features 95 beautiful rooms all with desks, satellite TV and more.

There is no restaurant in the hotel, but they do offer a nightly wine and cheese happy hour for guests. You can also find a lot of restaurants just a few blocks away.

two stars | Starting around $89 a night | Find a room: Beresford Hotel icon


Grant Plaza Hotel

grant plaza hotel

The Grant Plaza Hotel is another choice for one of the cheap hotels in San Francisco. It is a two-star hotel with few amen ties, but is a great value.

It's location is a key selling point. Situated right next to the Chinatown gates, this hotel is centrally located in the heart of the action. It is just a couple of blocks from Union Square and close to public transportation.

Rooms are small, but clean. It is just enough space for one to two people.

The hotel offers free Wifi throughout the hotel. It is also located near a number of great restaurants and shops.

two star hotel | Starting around $65 a night | Find a room: Grant Plaza Hotel icon

Other Centrally Located Budget Hotels

Nob Hill Hotel

nob hill hotel

Another one of the cheap hotels in San Francisco is the Nob Hill Hotel. This hotel is located in Nob Hill, just a few blocks from Union Square.

This is a cute hotel with 54 rooms. The rooms are very small, but perfect for one or two people that do not spend much time in their room.

The hotel has a complimentary breakfast and wine happy hour every day. There is also an Italian restaurant on the first floor of the hotel.

This cheap hotel in San Francisco has few amenities, but is a safe, clean option for someone on a budget.

three stars | Starting around $99 a night | Find a room: Nob Hill Hotel icon


Hotel Carlton

hotel carltonThis is one of the cheap hotels in San Francisco that is both cost effective and green! That's what makes this hotel so special. This is one of the few hotels that is certified green by the city of San Francisco.

Located in the Lower Nob Hill area, this hotel is a guest favorite. The hotel is about seven blocks from Union Square.

Set in a historical building, this hotel offers 160 rooms. The inside is modern with an international touch. Almost every room in the building has a great city view.

three stars | Starting around $95 a night | Find a room: Hotel Carlton icon


What is your favorite cheap hotel in San Francisco?

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These are just a few of my favorite cheap hotels in San Francisco. Here are some other hotel pages that might interest you:

  • Motels in San Francisco: Are you driving to San Francisco, but also on a budget? Then check out this list of motels in the city. Many are located in the Marina district and several have free parking. There are few amenities, but these are top rated by their guests, clean and affordable!

  • Union Square Hotels: Want to find other options in Union Square? If you didn't find a hotel that fits your needs above and are staying in Union Square, then check out these hotels. The price ranges vary, but they are some of the best in this popular hotel neighborhood.

  • Downtown San Francisco Hotels: There are also a number of other hotels near Union Square in downtown San Francisco. Most of these are larger hotels and the prices vary. These are great for both business travelers and those heading to San Francisco on vacation.

  • Fisherman's Wharf Hotels: If you want to stay closer to Pier 39 and Fishermans Wharf, then check out these recommendations. There are a number of hotels in this neighborhood and these are some of the best.

  • Visit Alcatraz: Already booked your ticket to Alcatraz? Find some great tips to help you prepare for your trip. What should you wear? How long is the ferry ride? How long does the tour last? Find answers to these questions and more.

  • San Francisco Things to Do - Attractions By Neighborhood: There are so many things to do in San Francisco. This guide helps you discover the attractions located in each neighborhood. From Chinatown to the Marina, this page is pack full of great information on what each neighborhood has to offer.


Note: Hotel rates vary based on number of nights, time of year and day of week. Before booking, please confirm current pricing to ensure accuracy. Starting prices do not include taxes or other hotel fees.