The Top Boutique Union Square Hotels – San Francisco's Best

We love staying at boutique hotels, especially in San Francisco. There's that feeling of smaller-scale, personal attention, and always comfy design details — often with a dash of quirkiness to make it even more attractive.

We've already reviewed other boutique hotels that are scattered throughout the city in various San Francisco neighborhoods. Now let's look at a few, fave Union Square hotels that are located at or near San Francisco's epicenter.

Hotel Rex – A Joie de Vivre Hotel

The decor of the Rex is inspired by the literary salons of the 1920s and the lobby is a showcase of period furnishing and antiquarian books.

We really like the Library Bar where they serve breakfast, an evening wine reception, and perform live Jazz every Friday night. Not to mention the regular evenings of literary readings. In the hotel itself expect vintage touches in the larger-than-average rooms done in dark woods, hand-painted lampshades, and featuring local artwork.

Clift Hotel – Sleek, Sexy Boutique Hotel

This historic hotel was magically transformed into a sleek contemporary luxury showstopper featuring designs and furnishings by uber-famous artists like Salvador Dalie, Philippe Starck, and the Eames brothers. Just walk into the lobby and you know you;'re someplace special.

Located just a short walk from Union Square, at the Clift you're right in the center of things. Our fave room? The 1,200-square-foot Private Apartment…no surprise there!

Orchard Hotel – Between Union Square & Chinatown

The Orchard has a lot going for it. Unlike other boutique hotels in the city, this one was built in 2006 with 21-century comfort and eco-friendly factors in mind.

In fact, it was the first hotel in California to get the official "green stamp" from the USA Green Building Council. But comfort is most important and the Orchard combines classic decor like expansive archways and vaulted ceilings with natural wood, bronze and stone accents.

Donatello Hotel – Euro Touches & Large Rooms

In our review of this stylish Italian-influenced Union Square hotel we peg it at Highly-Rated.

It's nice to find original Italian art in the lobby and the guest rooms with the Italian theme continuing through to the outstanding Zingari Ristorante where they serve up classic Northern Italian cuisine. There's also a rooftop garden that contributes to our high rating.

Hotel Union Square – Sam Spade & the Thin Man

Rich in San Francisco lore & history, Hotel Union Square is where Dashiell Hammett rendezvoused with Lillian Gish in the early years of the 20th century, and where he reputedly wrote some of his famous detective novels. During Prohibition there wa a speakeasy on the lower floor — reputedly!

A 21st century renovation restored the hotel to its Art Deco glory and installed all the modern touches travelers now expect. We rate the Hotel Union Square as Good.

The Andrews Hotel

How many hotels have you stayed in that started life as a Turkish bath for men? The Andrews Hotel, set in an historic building two blocks from Union Square, survived earthquakes and baths to become a charming hotel with a great location.

With only 48 rooms you can expect personal service. There are other perks like free WIFI, evening wine hour, and buffet breakfasts. Learn more in our review, where we rate The Andrews Hotel as Good.