Hotels perfect for a staycation

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San Francisco Proper Hotel's beautiful interior. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Proper Hotel.

Ready for a vacation but not the hassle that travel often entails? Avoid headaches like delayed flights and lost luggage. Instead, immerse yourself in the unique culture, style and excitement of your own backyard. The Bay Area boasts a wide variety of hotels for every style and budget. You’ll have your pick between historic or modern, artsy or classic, and budget-friendly or high-end. Our roundup of BARTable hotels is just what you need to plan the perfect staycation. Grab your Clipper card and enjoy the best the Bay Area has to offer!

Use BART’s Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Harbor Court Hotel. Photo courtesy of Booking.com.Harbor Court Hotel. Photo courtesy of Booking.com.

Harbor Court Hotel | Embarcadero

The Harbor Court Hotel is an elegant boutique hotel on the stunning Embarcadero waterfront. Erected in 1926, the former historic Army-Navy YMCA building is now a gorgeous hotel in a prime location for exploring San Francisco’s landmarks. The on-site restaurant, Ozumo, specializes in Japanese delicacies and has an impressive saké list. Take BART to Embarcadero for the ultimate staycation near BART, just 0.3 miles away at 165 Steuart St.

1 Hotel San Franciso. Photo courtesy of SFist. Comfort awaits at 1 Hotel San Franciso. Photo courtesy of SFist. 

1 Hotel San Francisco | Embarcadero

An urban oasis in San Francisco, 1 Hotel San Francisco offers so many things to do this summer. Indulge in holistic treatments at Bamford Wellness Spa. Get fit at The Field House, and gather for drinks and farm-to-table dishes at Terrene. Nearby, stroll along the Embarcadero and explore the city's many restaurants, bars, museums and shops. Pet-friendly, sustainably focused and recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Michelin Key, this hotel is a real treat for staycationers. Take BART to Embarcadero to stay at this eco-friendly waterfront escape 0.3 miles away at 8 Mission St.

Palace Hotel. Photo courtesy of Historic Hotels of America. Beautiful exterior of the Palace Hotel. Photo courtesy of Historic Hotels of America. 

Palace Hotel | Montgomery St

The historic Palace Hotel on the corner of New Montgomery and Market Street (initially built in 1875) was the first luxury hotel in San Francisco. For over 100 years, this San Francisco landmark has served as a local treasure and is the perfect staycation destination in San Francisco for those looking to bask in luxury. Whether you sip a cup of tea in the Garden Court or savor a cocktail in the Pied Piper Bar, guests will love the hotel’s decorated history, beautiful architecture and central location. Take BART to Montgomery St for historic indulgence only 381 feet away at 2 New Montgomery St.

Tonga Room at the Fairmont San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Fairmont San Francisco. Tonga Room at the Fairmont San Francisco. Photo courtesy of Fairmont San Francisco. 

Fairmont San Francisco | Powell St

Since opening in 1907 as the very first Fairmont hotel, the Fairmont San Francisco has impressed visitors and locals alike with its grandeur. A Beaux Arts landmark atop Nob Hill, the hotel offers fantastic views, sophisticated décor, and indulgent amenities. On-site dining includes its legendary tiki bar, the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. With Mai Tais, nightly live music and surprise rainstorms, you’ll be transported to a tropical paradise without ever leaving the city. Take BART to Powell St for the ultimate staycation and a few tropical drinks 0.6 miles away at 950 Mason St.

The Marker Union Square San Francisco. Photo courtesy of The Marker Union Square San Francisco.The Marker Union Square San Francisco. Photo courtesy of The Marker Union Square San Francisco.

The Marker Union Square San Francisco | Powell St

Built in 1910 (and previously known as the Bellevue Hotel), this newly modernized accomodation oozes Beaux-Arts style and nods to the classic film “The Maltese Falcon.” The cozy fireplace and grand marble staircase in the hotel’s lobby are simply beautiful. The on-site family-style Italian restaurant, Tratto, creates homemade pasta and pizzas. It's easy to play tourist for the day in San Francisco when you stay so centrally located. Take BART to Powell St for a staycation in the heart of San Francisco’s Theater District, just 0.4 miles away at 501 Geary St.

Hotel Castro. Photo courtesy of Hotel Castro. Find contemporary decor at Hotel Castro. Photo courtesy of Hotel Castro. 

The Hotel Castro | 16th St Mission

The iconic Castro neighborhood is home to The Hotel Castro. All 12 rooms are inspired by past and present heroes of the LGBTQ+ community and offer a private outdoor terrace. The interior’s 70s-style contemporary design is impressive. The best parts, though, are the rooftop terrace and the Lobby Bar, which serves as a front desk. Take BART to 16th St Mission for a lively staycation in an fun San Francisco neighborhood 1.1 miles away at 4230 18th St.

Charmaine's, the rooftop bar and lounge at the Proper Hotel. Charmaine's, the rooftop bar and lounge at the Proper Hotel. 

San Francisco Proper Hotel | Civic Center/UN Plaza

You can’t help but be impressed upon walking into the lobby of the 1904 flatiron building at 6th and Market. The lobby of the Proper Hotel showcases a maximalist style, which is clever, colorful and simply fun, thanks to famous interior designer Kelly Wearstler. Plus, Charmaine’s, the hotel’s rooftop bar and lounge, offers delicious light bites and cocktails as incredible as the stunning rooftop views. Take BART to Civic Center/UN Plaza for a stylish city retreat 472 feet away at 1100 Market Street, 45 McAllister St.

Berkeley City Club. Photo courtesy of Berkeley City Club. Views from the Berkeley City Club. Photo courtesy of Berkeley City Club. 

Berkeley City Club | Downtown Berkeley

Once home to a 1930s women’s city club, this historic hotel in Berkeley has vaulted ceilings, high archways, classically designed bedrooms and gorgeous views. Plus, The Berkeley City Club offers a mosaic-tiled heated indoor swimming pool and family games rooms. The ideal downtown location puts staycationers in the heart of Berkeley, just minutes from UC Berkeley, restaurants, bars and shops. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley for a bustling getaway 0.4 miles away, 2315 Durant Ave.

Kissel Uptown Oakland. Photo courtesy of Kissel Uptown Oakland. Kissel Uptown Oakland has a stylist rooftop lounge and restaurant. Photo courtesy of Kissel Uptown Oakland. 

Kissel Uptown Oakland | 19th St/Oakland

This elegant hotel with bold décor in the vibrant Uptown area of Downtown Oakland is conveniently located near BART and adjacent to the Hive Entertainment & Dining District. Whether you’re catching a show at the Paramount or Fox Theater, strolling around Lake Merritt, or visiting Jack London Square, the Kissel is the ideal staycation hotel to experience a night in The Town. Kissel also features two distinct eateries – Otto’s Uptown Kitchen and High 5ive Rooftop Bar. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland for a entertaining escape 0.4 miles away at 2455 Broadway.

Moxy Oakland Downtown. Photo courtesy of Moxy Oakland Downtown. Enjoy bites at the Moxy's bar and lounge. Photo courtesy of Moxy Oakland Downtown. 

Moxy Oakland Downtown | 19th St/Oakland

Moxy Oakland, also conveniently located in the Uptown area, pays homage to the neighborhood’s art deco theaters. Enjoy a complimentary beverage upon check-in and stop by the vibrant Bar Moxy for a bite to eat — or dine at one of Oakland’s many other amazing eateries.  Relax on the outdoor rooftop, and get cozy in comfortable and thoughtfully crafted rooms. Take BART to 19th St/Oakland for a staycation in The Town 0.2 miles away at 2225 Telegraph Ave.

What’s your favorite BARTable Bay Area Hotel?

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