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

A motel is a good option if you're planning to tour around San Francisco. These escapes are typically found close to airports and highways, offer on-site parking and come with basic services and amenities. Check in to a 3-star hotel and you'll be more centrally located. With a larger range of rooms and more amenities like a fitness centre, lobby and free WiFi, you can expect to pay more for hotel lodgings.

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

Keep your budget in check at one of our 3-star hotels with free breakfast in San Francisco. Wake up and grab a juice or coffee at Inn At Union Square , which comes with premium bedding and designer toiletries. Golden Gate Hotel is another stay that provides your morning drinks and meal without an extra cost.

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

Plan a little poolside recreation at The Phoenix Hotel . Or switch from sightseeing to laid-back days by the water at Handlery Union Square Hotel . Both these 3-star accommodation with pools are situated in San Francisco, where the summer months are June, July and August. Average temperatures range from 15ºC at night to 25ºC during the day in September, the warmest month of the year.

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

Book a room in one of Expedia's San Francisco escapes with an on-site restaurant and there'll be no need to venture far beyond your room when you need a bite to eat. Chancellor Hotel on Union Square and Kensington Park Hotel are two 3-star properties with this handy perk on the menu. The first also has amenities like blackout curtains and a pillow menu, while the second includes a fireplace in the lobby and free WiFi.

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

Certainly. Inn At Union Square and Handlery Union Square Hotel are among our 3-star hotels in San Francisco with WiFi. Select one of these getaways to easily access weather reports, travel news and local insights. Remember, this useful amenity may be complimentary or incur an extra cost.

What 3-star hotels in San Francisco have parking?

A couple of our favourites are Handlery Union Square Hotel and The Donatello . Both these 3-star options in San Francisco offer parking, making it easy for you to get behind the wheel and go. Up for some sightseeing opportunities outside the city? Buckle up and hit the road. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and California's Great America are two favourite day trip options from the centre of 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 featuring premium bedding and a spa, this 3-star pick is a great choice if you're staying in San Francisco for a while and looking for some home comforts. Club Wyndham Canterbury also has in-room cooking facilities. Other conveniences here include free WiFi and dry cleaning and laundry services.

Sunset view of the Golden Gate Bridge and fog from Battery Spencer, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, in San Francisco, California.

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Our top choices for San Francisco 3-star hotels

Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel

South San Francisco

Florence

2.841.096 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

27 Dec - 28 Dec

Hypo-allergenic bedding, in-room safe, desk, laptop workspace

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Downtown San Francisco

Jonathan

3.684.482 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

Bayfront

sabarinathan

2.781.606 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

19 Dec - 20 Dec

The Pickwick Hotel

Downtown San Francisco

Sharon

3.520.732 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel

Ingold - Milldale

Donna

3.584.252 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026

The Dylan at SFO

Millbrae

John

3.395.992 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

21 Dec - 22 Dec

SFO El Rancho Inn SureStay Collection by Best Western

Millbrae

Jacobo

2.948.628 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

20 Dec - 21 Dec

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Union Square

Kalinda

2.354.331 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Aloft San Francisco Airport

Millbrae

Theresa

3.302.696 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

29 Dec - 30 Dec

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Francisco Airport West

Millbrae

John

3.572.688 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

27 Dec - 28 Dec

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

Downtown San Francisco

Jon

4.984.886 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

2 Jan - 3 Jan 2026

Sonesta Select San Francisco Airport Oyster Point Waterfront

Oyster Point

Marco

3.113.303 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

21 Dec - 22 Dec

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Fisherman's Wharf

Oscar

4.473.692 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

8 Jan - 9 Jan 2026

Handlery Union Square Hotel

Union Square

Felix

34.809.055 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

11 Jan - 12 Jan 2026

Hotel Stratford San Francisco - Handwritten Collection

Union Square

rosaura

2.591.503 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

28 Dec - 29 Dec

Hotel Aura SFO

San Bruno

Tam Giao

2.984.233 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

Stanyan Park Hotel

Golden Gate

Aaron Michael

5.537.098 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Executive Hotel Vintage Court

Union Square

Peggy A.

3.616.555 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport Waterfront

Bayfront

Lisa

4.041.238 ₫ total

includes taxes & fees

7 Jan - 8 Jan 2026

Parlour Suite | Egyptian cotton sheets, premium bedding, individually decorated

Fitzgerald Hotel

Union Square

Trong Anh

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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

4.445.883 ₫

6.441.652 ₫ total

14 Dec - 15 Dec

includes taxes & fees

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,987 reviews)

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San Francisco and related destinations

Iconic cable cars climb steep hills while the Golden Gate Bridge stretches majestically through the fog. Explore Fisherman's Wharf for fresh seafood, then take a ferry to Alcatraz where guides share fascinating stories of the former prison's notorious inmates.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Travellers seeking an affordable and comfortable San Francisco stay often choose Handlery Union Square Hotel. This 3-star hotel, around 0.16 km west of the centre, comes with hypo-allergenic bedding and pool sun loungers. Want another suggestion? Situated 0.16 km northwest of downtown and featuring a pillowtop mattress and designer toiletries, Inn At Union Square is another favourite among guests.

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

Find the perfect combination of comfort, quality and affordability at a 3-star hotel in San Francisco with Expedia's handy filters. Enter your travel dates and then personalise your search based on the rate you want to pay per night.

Search for the lowest price per night right now from 2.894.330 ₫

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

Relaxation is easy in 3-star hotels in San Francisco. On top of comfortable surroundings, these more affordable properties include a wealth of amenities like complimentary WiFi, tea and coffee maker and gym equipment. A 4-star hotel offers a classier ambience with enhanced features such as an on-site spa, indoor or outdoor swimming pool and bigger rooms. No matter your preferred hotel style or budget, we have what you're looking for.

Compare and book 3 Star hotels in San Francisco, California

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Treat yourself

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Check availability on San Francisco 3 Star Hotels

Our top choices for San Francisco 3-star hotels

Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

The Pickwick Hotel

Bay Landing San Francisco Airport Hotel

The Dylan at SFO

SFO El Rancho Inn SureStay Collection by Best Western

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

Aloft San Francisco Airport

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Francisco Airport West

Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown

Sonesta Select San Francisco Airport Oyster Point Waterfront

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fisherman's Wharf by IHG

Handlery Union Square Hotel

Hotel Stratford San Francisco - Handwritten Collection

Hotel Aura SFO

Stanyan Park Hotel

Executive Hotel Vintage Court

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport Waterfront

Fitzgerald Hotel

Explore similar 4-star hotels

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

San Francisco and related destinations

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