When picturing the Californian city of San Francisco, one image surely springs to mind. The legendary red Golden Gate Bridge, emblematic of the city’s innovation and culture. This mighty landmark will certainly make your itinerary, but there is far more to see and do in this City by the Bay. Surprisingly hilly, there’s plenty to take in on foot, if you can muster up the stamina. And you can cruise the waters of the Bay by boat to visit Alcatraz Island, setting for blockbuster 1979 thriller Escape from Alcatraz, starring Clint Eastwood and based on a true story. Other notable areas of the city include Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury and the Mission District, each offering different experiences and opportunities for visitors. Home to world-class museums like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, an excellent food scene and top-notch wine, San Fran makes for the perfect California escape.

Recommended 3-star hotel in San Francisco

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

433 Powell Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Boasting an unrivalled location in the heart of San Francisco’s commercial centre, the Chancellor Hotel is located along the Powell Cable Car Line, making it the perfect place for a first-time visitor with aspirations for exploration to stay in the city. When it opened in 1914, this hotel was the tallest building in the city, and remains an impressive construction to this day. On the inside, historic architecture and features remain in place, and the hotel feels steeped in history and tradition. Family-owned, there is an emphasis on service and customer satisfaction. The 137 rooms are equipped with modern amenities including seamless TV streaming, 43” TV, oversized bathtubs and a well-stocked mini fridge. Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property and the onsite Clipper Ship Bar is the perfect place to enjoy an evening cocktail or glass of wine.

Recommended 4-star hotel in San Francisco

Club Donatello

501 Post Street, Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States

Located in San Francisco’s downtown, just one block from Union Square, Club Donatello is consistently rated as one of the city’s best hotels. Some of the city’s finest eateries are within walking distance, and there is a quality Italian restaurant onsite at this excellent 4-star hotel, the Zingari Ristorante. Club Donatello also offers a rooftop lounge and top floor fitness centre and sauna. Rooms are on the upper floors, offering wonderful views of the city, and are equipped with original artwork, classic furnishings and modern technology including 50” TV. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also offered throughout.

Recommended 5-star hotel in San Francisco

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero

222 Sansome St, San Francisco, CA 94104, United States

Towering over the San Francisco downtown, the landmark Four Seasons Embarcadero is one of the top choices for luxury travel in the city. The hotel occupies the top 11 floors of the 48 story 345 California Center, the fifth tallest building in the city – dazzling views are all but guaranteed. A range of rooms and suites cater to all budgets and occasions, including suites with large terraces and suites boasting Golden Gate Bridge views. All rooms offer large windows from which to take in the unrivalled vistas of San Francisco. In terms of amenities, the Four Seasons Embarcadero offers guests complimentary Wi-Fi throughout, a 24-hour fitness centre and the mouth-watering Orafo Italian restaurant, serving up fresh pasta, local seafood and handcrafted cocktails.