What is the difference between a 3-star hotel and a motel in San Francisco?

Motels usually offer more affordable rates than hotels, which makes them ideal if you're exploring around San Francisco on a budget. A sought-after pick for overnight trips, these roadside accommodations come with simply furnished rooms, basic services and ample parking. Book a 3-star hotel and you can expect to pay more for additional comfort, space and amenities. Travelers can make use of things like a gym, free WiFi and meeting rooms at this kind of property.

Are there any 3-star hotels with free breakfast in San Francisco?

Make the most of the free breakfast at Inn At Union Square . This 3-star escape in San Francisco also offers a pillowtop mattress and designer toiletries. Alternatively, pour yourself a cup of coffee and fuel up at Golden Gate Hotel , which also offers complimentary breakfast.

Do any 3-star hotels in San Francisco have a pool?

Take a swim in between exploring the sights at The Phoenix Hotel or Handlery Union Square Hotel . They're popular 3-star properties that come with a pool in San Francisco. The summer months of June, July and August are a superb time to stay at a hotel with a pool here. If you're coming in the warmest month of September, you'll experience average temperatures of 59ºF at night to 77ºF during the day.

What 3-star hotels in San Francisco have an on-site restaurant?

Reserve a room in one of our San Francisco getaways with an on-site restaurant and there'll be no need to venture far from your room when your tummy rumbles. Chancellor Hotel on Union Square and Kensington Park Hotel are two 3-star stays with this convenient perk on the menu. The first also has amenities like front desk services and free WiFi, while the second includes a fireplace in the lobby and blackout curtains.

Do any 3-star hotels in San Francisco have WiFi?

Whether you'd like to stay in touch with friends, stream TV shows or access travel information, getting online couldn't be simpler at one of our 3-star hotels. You'll be able to use the WiFi at a selection of properties such as Inn At Union Square and Handlery Union Square Hotel .

What 3-star hotels in San Francisco have parking?

If you're planning to explore San Francisco by car, Handlery Union Square Hotel offers a place to leave your ride. The Donatello is another 3-star getaway with parking. Eager for some sightseeing opportunities away from the city? Fasten your seatbelt and hit the highway. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and Californias Great America are popular day trip destinations from central San Francisco.

Do any 3-star hotels in San Francisco have rooms with a kitchenette?

Prepare easy meals and snacks in your kitchenette at The Donatello . Also offering a sauna and hypo-allergenic bedding, this 3-star option is a top choice if you're staying in San Francisco for a while and craving more home comforts. Club Wyndham Canterbury also comes with cooking facilities. Other conveniences here include free WiFi and front desk services.

San Francisco featuring a bay or harbor and a bridge

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Relax by the rooftop pool surrounded by comfortable seating and city views.

"Excellent location, amenities, cafe."

$127 nightly

Jul 20 - Jul 21

Total includes taxes and fees

Experience the sleek, modern design of our hotel, featuring a glass facade and beautifully landscaped surroundings.

"Perfectly adequate airport hotel for a great price."

$99 nightly

Jul 20 - Jul 21

Total includes taxes and fees

Relax in a comfortable seating area with a polished floor and elegant chandelier.

"Great stay! "

$104 nightly

Jul 25 - Jul 26

Total includes taxes and fees

Relax by the resort's central pool surrounded by lush palm trees and a picturesque clock tower in the background.

"Very friendly staff, great room, and exceptional breakfast"

$109 nightly

Jul 18 - Jul 19

Total includes taxes and fees

Guests can enjoy a serene outdoor space surrounded by lush greenery and a brick pathway leading to a comfortable balcony.

"A good hotel "

$141 nightly

Jul 18 - Jul 19

Total includes taxes and fees

Located on a busy street corner, the hotel features a classic architectural design with ornate balconies and a prominent entrance.

"Great stay! "

$161 nightly

Jul 14 - Jul 15

Total includes taxes and fees

Relax in this serene living space with a grey sofa, floor lamp, and bookshelf.

"It’s a wonderful stay!"

$104 nightly

Jul 13 - Jul 14

Total includes taxes and fees

Enjoy al fresco dining on the patio, surrounded by lush greenery and a stone wall.

"It is a nice place to stay"

$143 nightly

Jul 13 - Jul 14

Total includes taxes and fees

Enjoy a self-service dining experience with a variety of food options at our buffet.

"Nice stay - clean, freindly staff."

$155 nightly

Jul 27 - Jul 28

Total includes taxes and fees

Welcome to our hotel's reception area, featuring a minimalist design with a central reception desk and comfortable seating areas.

"Room was really clean and staff was friendly "

$70 nightly

Jul 27 - Jul 28

Total includes taxes and fees

Experience the city from a new height with panoramic views of the downtown area from this high-rise building's spacious balcony.

"Staff was very friendly and helpful, and the breakfast in the morning was very much worth getting up for 😋"

$135 nightly

Jul 20 - Jul 21

Total includes taxes and fees

Relax in style with plush sofas and armchairs in our elegant lobby.

"Great place to stay. "

$110 nightly

Jul 14 - Jul 15

Total includes taxes and fees

Welcome to our hotel lobby, featuring a high ceiling, large windows, and comfortable seating areas with sofas and chairs.

"Enjoyed our stay "

$108 nightly

Aug 10 - Aug 11

Total includes taxes and fees

Two single beds with white linens, each with a wooden headboard, are flanked by pillows.

"Property was clean and staff every respectful. "

$116 nightly

Jul 20 - Jul 21

Total includes taxes and fees

Situated on a street corner, this hotel offers views of the surrounding urban environment.

"Clean and staff was very accommodating to our needs. "

$199 nightly

Aug 4 - Aug 5

Total includes taxes and fees

Enjoy dining in style with round tables set amidst comfortable seating and tasteful decor.

"Great stay "

$148 nightly

Aug 3 - Aug 4

Total includes taxes and fees

Classic entrance with a prominent wooden door and gold lettering, set amidst a charming street corner.

"Location fabulous, people great, old, stately hotel "

$213 nightly

Jul 13 - Jul 14

Total includes taxes and fees

Relax in a stylish room with a large bed, small table, and potted plant.

"Fantastic stay & wonderful staff. Super quaint & decor was perfectly curated. "

$113 nightly

Jul 14 - Jul 15

Total includes taxes and fees

Welcome to our hotel, featuring a sleek entrance with a covered outdoor area and beautifully landscaped garden.

"Great place convenient to SFO."

$131 nightly

Jul 26 - Jul 27

Total includes taxes and fees

Relax by the rooftop pool surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and a shaded seating area.

"the location is very strategic"

$102 nightly

Jul 20 - Jul 21

Total includes taxes and fees

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Explore similar 4-star hotels

Many 4-star hotels have the same amenities as 3-star hotels. See all 4-star hotels in San Francisco.

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA

$209 nightly

$246 total

Jul 13 - Jul 14

Total includes taxes and fees

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,731 reviews)

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Pool Spa Hot tub Breakfast included Waterpark

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

San Francisco and related destinations

The city with a beautiful bay, famous red bridge and infamous fog welcomes you to enjoy art, history, shopping and outdoor activities.

Known for:

Iconic landmarks

Nautical charm

Foodie city

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Price trends for properties with 3 Stars in San Francisco

Less expensive	More expensive	This month	Next month
July	June	$151	$155

Month	Price
January	$209
February	$215
March	$213
April	$198
May	$218
June	$245
July	$151
August	$155
September	$181
October	$193
November	$174
December	$167

Price trend information excludes taxes and fees and is based on base rates for a nightly stay for 2 adults found in the last 7 days on our site and averaged for commonly viewed properties with 3 stars in San Francisco. Select dates and complete search for nightly totals inclusive of taxes and fees.

Find out more about San Francisco

Three Star Hotel Guide for San Francisco

Stay and play within your price range during a romp in San Francisco.

Pick from a variety of 2685 3-star hotels
Read vetted reviews for insider advice on the best accommodations
Snag the hottest deals on places with all the amenities you want and need

Spend a day wandering the hilly streets and visiting Grace Cathedral without giving your budget a second thought.

When you book one of the many 3-star hotels in San Francisco, you can enjoy your getaway and forget about your finances. Go ahead, take a tour of Alcatraz Island if you’re feeling rebellious, or feast at Chinatown’s delicious restaurants. Whether you’re traveling to the City by the Bay for business or pleasure, affordable accommodations are sure to have everything you need at the prices you desire. Let yourself feel right at home in a 3-star San Francisco hotel room that presents the perfect combination of accommodating amenities and basic essentials.

At Expedia, we offer the lowest rates around, so you can use the cash you saved to tour the city by cable car or shop at Union Square. San Francisco has a variety of 3-star hotels, and we have the best deals on all the accommodations. Check out our selection to find the one for you. Whether you want family hotels or romantic accommodations, we’ve got you covered.

Recent reviews of San Francisco hotels

5/5 Excellent

"Love the hotel"

A verified traveler stayed at Hotel Garrett

Posted 1 day ago

5/5 Excellent

"A Charming Gem in San Francisco – 10/10! I absolutely loved the antique charm of this hotel, it felt like stepping into a piece of history. The happy hour was a whole vibe with great music, stunning aesthetics, and a fun bartender and server who made the experience even better. The staff throughout my stay were kind, professional, and incredibly helpful from check-in to check-out. A surprise highlight was the gym! I wasn’t expecting one, but it had everything I needed and got the job done. The rooms were spacious, and the bed was super comfortable, perfect after a long day of exploring. What truly set this place apart was the character and history. Knowing the hotel was featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo added such a cool layer to the atmosphere. The artwork and overall vibe were a solid 10/10. Highly recommend this spot if you’re heading to San Francisco. I’ll definitely be back on my next trip! "

A verified traveler stayed at Hotel Julian

Posted 1 day ago

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best 3-star hotels in San Francisco?

Expedia guests speak highly of Handlery Union Square Hotel. It features premium bedding and hypo-allergenic bedding, and is around 0.1 mi west of the center of San Francisco. Inn At Union Square is another well-liked 3-star hotel. Located approximately 0.1 mi northwest of the downtown area, it offers premium bedding and hypo-allergenic bedding.

How much does it cost to stay in a 3-star hotel in San Francisco?

Uncover the perfect combination of affordability, quality and comfort at a 3-star hotel in San Francisco with our filters. Enter your travel dates and then fine-tune your search based on the amount you want to spend per night.

Search for the lowest price per night right now from $149

What is the difference between a 4-star and 3-star hotel in San Francisco?

The key difference between a 3- and 4-star hotel in San Francisco will be the quality of service and availability of creature comforts. Three-star hotels are generally lower priced and include the amenities and services you need to be comfortable, such as a gym, breakfast and WiFi. You can expect a little bit more at a 4-star hotel --- think upscale interiors, deluxe bathroom products and perks like day spas.

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Find 3 Star Hotels in San Francisco, CA from $81

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Compare San Francisco 3 Star Hotels with updated room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel

Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel

SFO El Rancho Inn SureStay Collection by Best Western

SFO El Rancho Inn SureStay Collection by Best Western

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Francisco Airport West

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Francisco Airport West

Handlery Union Square Hotel

Handlery Union Square Hotel

The Dylan at SFO

The Dylan at SFO

Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel

Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites San Mateo-San Francisco SFO by IHG

Hampton Inn San Francisco Downtown/Convention Center

Hampton Inn San Francisco Downtown/Convention Center

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Sonesta Select San Francisco Airport Oyster Point Waterfront

Sonesta Select San Francisco Airport Oyster Point Waterfront

Hotel Julian

Hotel Julian

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport Waterfront

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport Waterfront

Stanyan Park Hotel

Stanyan Park Hotel

Palihotel San Francisco

Palihotel San Francisco

Aloft San Francisco Airport

Aloft San Francisco Airport

Soma House

Soma House

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

San Francisco and related destinations

Price trends for properties with 3 Stars in San Francisco

Price trends for properties with 3 Stars in San Francisco

Find out more about San Francisco

Find out more about San Francisco

Three Star Hotel Guide for San Francisco

Recent reviews of San Francisco hotels

Recent reviews of San Francisco hotels

Hotel Garrett

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Frequently asked questions