SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL TO RECEIVE YOUR FREE 2022 SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING GUIDE.
by Jill Loeffler •
San Francisco motels offer you the chance to visit the city for less. My list of five top picks all offer free parking as well as many other amenities. Highlights include the Coventry Motor Inn in the Marina, the Travelodge near the Presidio, and the Columbus Motor Inn in North Beach.
The challenge with these accommodations is that they are booked quickly, so I recommend grabbing a room as soon as you have your dates set. To help you select the right one, I've also included some nearby attractions and restaurants.
In addition, I've included two bonus options that have inexpensive parking (and sometimes you will get it for free). Read on for details about each one and to find the perfect fit for your stay.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Address: 1901 Lombard Street
Neighborhood: Marina District
Parking: Free
One of the best San Francisco motels is the Coventry Motor Inn. The great thing about this motel is that it is clean and has complimentary covered parking. SF parking is expensive, so getting a free spot is a huge plus!
It's close to public transportation, so you can easily get to other areas of the city including Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square, and the Haight-Ashbury District.
In addition to the free parking, you will also have:
Find the best deals for the Coventry Inn on Booking.com.
Address: 2755 Lombard Street
Neighborhood: Marina District
Parking: Free
Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio is another one of the San Francisco motels that I’d recommend for those on a budget.
This motel in San Francisco is located close enough to walk to both the Presidio and the Palace of Fine Arts. It’s also close to the Golden Gate Bridge.
You can easily grab public transportation to get to other key neighborhoods throughout the city.
Some of the amenities here include:
Compare prices for the Travelodge at the Presidio on Booking.com.
Presidio: Lombard Street Gate is just 2 blocks away
Disney Museum: Inside the Presidio, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, more about visiting this museum
Palace of Fine Arts: About a 10-minute walk north
Crissy Field: About a 15-minute walk north, more details about visiting
Lyon Street Stairs: 5 blocks away (The only problem is that you will be at the bottom of them!), more about visiting
Golden Gate Bridge: Bus stop to get to the bridge is just 2 blocks away
Presidio Social Club: Perfect for Saturday or Sunday brunch, also features a great selection for lunch and dinner. Just inside the Presidio. New American cuisine. 563 Ruger Street, more on the Presidio webpage here
Starbucks: Okay, it's not an amazing place to eat, but the perfect place to grab your cup of morning joe. It's just a couple of blocks away, right inside the Presidio. Building C, 1 Letterman Drive
Baker Street Bistro: Just around the corner from the hotel, you'll find authentic French cuisine. Make reservations if possible, since it gets full quickly. 2953 Baker Street
Address: 1075 Columbus Street
Neighborhood: North Beach
Parking: Free
The Columbus Inn is a hidden gem in the city. It's one of the San Francisco motels that is clean and reasonably priced. It's also right between the popular North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf neighborhoods.
At this hotel, you will find free parking and free high-speed internet access. Other amenities available at this 45-room motel include:
This is a great find in the city, but book early since rooms go quickly! Compare prices and book your room for the Columbus Inn on Booking.com.
North Beach: All North Beach attractions just a few blocks away
Fisherman's Wharf: The heart of Fisherman's Wharf is about 5 blocks northeast
The Cannery: 4 blocks northwest on Columbus Avenue, more on visiting The Cannery
Ghirardelli Square: 6 blocks northwest, more about Ghirardelli
Coit Tower: The 39 bus, which takes you up the steep hill to Coit Tower, is just 3 blocks away on the corner of Powell and Francisco Streets. The ride from here is only about 10 minutes
Diego Rivera Mural: One of Diego Rivera's famous murals is just 2 blocks away, inside the SF Art Institute at 800 Chestnut Street
Lombard Street: The crooked section of Lombard Street is 4 blocks west of the hotel at Lombard and Leavenworth
Another fun way to enjoy the North Beach District is by using my "Perfect Day in North Beach" itinerary. This self-guided tour explains how to see all the top attractions in this district in just one day.
Redwood Inn: 1530 Lombard Street
Marina Motel: 2576 Lombard Street
Hotel Del Sol: 3100 Webster Street
Ocean Park Motel: 2690 46th Avenue
Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about these and other San Francisco hotels on TripAdvisor.