Nestled among the vibrant hills and picturesque streets of San Francisco, Victorian houses are a ubiquitous symbol of the city that have delighted visitors for decades. While these buildings can cost millions of dollars, there’s a better way to get up close and personal with them… By reserving a room in a Victorian hotel!
For those looking for a truly enchanting experience, look no further than our curated list of the best Victorian-style hotels in San Francisco. The accommodations on our list are all authentic Victorian-era buildings where you’ll be able immerse yourself in the grandeur of the past while enjoying modern comforts.
Best of all, these hotels are perfect for any trip, whether you’re looking for a luxury Victorian stay, a romantic getaway, a fun weekend with the family, or a relaxing escape.
These accommodations are the epitome of historic hotels in San Francisco, and many still have the original woodwork details, floor plan, and a concierge (or owner) who will be more than happy to talk about the building’s history — if only these walls could talk!
If you’re already imagining waking up in a meticulously restored Queen Anne-style mansion, or picturing yourself sipping a cup of tea on a sun-drenched veranda of a classic Italianate, keep reading. 
ALL ABOUT VICTORIAN HOUSES IN SAN FRANCISCO
Before we dive into some very unique accommodations in San Francisco, let’s go over the history of these lovely buildings, the different styles of Victorians, and why you should consider booking one for your trip!
Why Book Victorian-Style Accommodations in San Francisco?
-An Authentic San Francisco Experience! — Staying in a Victorian hotel allows you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history and charm of San Francisco. These meticulously restored establishments offer a genuine glimpse into the city’s Victorian era, and staying in one is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
-Charming and aesthetic — From elegant stained glass windows to beautiful tiles, grand turrets, and colorful facades, Victorian houses are a perfect example of breathtaking architecture of the bygone years. These hotels create a visually stunning and memorable backdrop for your stay, which is perfect for architecture enthusiasts and those who love to stay in beautiful and unique accommodations. (Like yours truly 😉)
-Plenty of Space — Victorian architecture often emphasizes spaciousness, with larger room dimensions and generous floor plans. Victorian houses were designed to accommodate families and provide ample living space, including high ceilings.
-Extra amenities & Personalized Service: Boutique hotels such as these ones pride themselves on offering exceptional service and a high level of hospitality. You can typically find extra amenities like a lounge or terrace, complimentary drinks or snacks, or even free breakfast!
-Prime Location: Many of San Francisco’s Victorian heritage hotels are strategically located in desirable neighborhoods and offer convenient access to iconic landmarks and other central amenities (restaurants, transportation, etc). Many of the hotels on this list are located in central neighborhoods like Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, or Alamo Square, where you can better immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
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A Brief History of San Francisco’s Victorian Homes & Styles
While San Francisco is full of different architectural styles, one in particular is famous: the Victorian houses!
Interestingly, the ‘Victorian style’ refers to buildings that were designed during Queen Victoria’s reign in the 19th century. San Franciscan Victorian houses were built from the 1840s to the early 1900s in many different variants.
One of the most popular Victorian styles was the Italianate, which gained popularity in the 1860s. Italianate houses feature tall, narrow windows, and often a prominent tower or cupola, reflecting the influence of Italian Renaissance architecture.
The Queen Anne style, prominent from the 1880s to the early 1900s, is widely represented in San Francisco. Known for its asymmetrical design (including varied rooflines), vibrant colors, turrets, and wrap around porches, Queen Anne houses are vibrant and exude a sense of whimsy and charm. If a house looks over the top, you can probably bet it’s a Queen Anne Victorian — including the famous Painted Ladies in Alamo Square!
Finally, a good amount of the Victorian architecture in San Francisco also includes the Stick Style, characterized by exposed wooden framework (stickwork), decorative trusses, and ornamental brackets.
VICTORIAN HOTELS IN SAN FRANCISCO
Chateau Tivoli
Built: 1892 | Neighborhood: Alamo Square Historic District
If you’re looking for one of the best boutique Victorian hotels in San Francisco, Chateau Tivoli is it! True to its name, this stunning copper and mint-colored colored mansion feels like a grandiose European palace, complete with clawfoot tubs, wood accents, and whimsical Bradbury wallpaper. The building was constructed in the late 1800s, and Mark Twain was rumored to be a guest. :)
While Chateau Tivoli may feel like it’s a boutique hotel (it only has 9 guest rooms and suites!), it’s actually a bed and breakfast. The complimentary breakfast is made to order, and there’s even a daily wine and cheese reception in the parlor!
Of course, this Victorian townhouse is right in the center of all the action — it’s located in the historical Alamo Square district, and only a 3-minute walk to the Painted Ladies.
Book hotel here: Booking.com | Agoda
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Inn San Francisco
Built: 1872 | Neighborhood: Mission
With its opulent design, carved woodwork, and cozy rooms, the Inn is easily one of the most adorable Victorian bed and breakfasts in San Francisco!
From the moment you step into this pastel pink Victorian beauty, you’ll feel transported back in time — it’s quite the historical hotel experience!
The mansion was built in the early 1870s for a local entrepreneur (dubbed The Potato King) and features 27 rooms. There’s a generous breakfast until 11 am (perfect for those of us who aren’t early birds ). While most guests enjoy eating breakfast and mingling in the spacious parlor room, you can also opt to enjoy breakfast in the hotel’s lovely English gardens or rooftop sundeck.
Still not convinced? There’s also a hot tub in the garden :)
Book hotel here: Booking.com
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Mansion on Sutter
Built: 1881 | Neighborhood: Japantown / Nob Hill
One of the most modern Victorian hotels, and that’s saying something! While the exterior and lobby have retained their vintage charm, each of the 10 suites has been renovated with modern amenities like plush bedding, as well as a common fitness room. The Mansion on Sutter is also the only 5 star Victorian hotel in San Francisco!
This heritage hotel is an absolute must-see for history fans: its original name is the Payne House (there’s even a Wikipedia article written about it!) and it was originally built by a family who made their fortune during the Gold Rush.
The building is a wonderful combination of Victorian styles like Eastlake, Stick, and Queen Anne, and there’s also an on-site restaurant that’s aptly named 1881 (the year the house was built )
P.S. — It’s also pet friendly!
Book hotel here: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels
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Stanyan Park
Built: 1906 | Neighborhood: Haight Ashbury
Stanyan Park is one of the only Victorian hotels in Haight Ashbury, and is only one block away from Golden Gate Park. It’s also within a short walking distance to USF and UCSF!
The 36 rooms feature a delightful pastel yellow color, while bonus amenities include a wine hour and continental breakfast.
Book hotel here: Booking.com | Agoda
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Queen Anne
Built: 1890 | Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
One of the most popular Victorian hotels in SF is none other than the Queen Anne — in fact, even the name is a nod to its architecture style!
The building was originally used as a girl’s boarding school in its early years, before being converted into a private club for the wealthy, and ultimately falling into disrepair. Finally, in the 1980s, the building undertook a grand renovation and opened up as the Queen Anne hotel.
The hotel is elegantly decorated in elaborate architecture, large bay windows, velvet curtains, and antiques from the Victorian era.
However, perhaps the hotel’s biggest claim to fame is that it’s (partially) haunted. That’s right! The hotel is a popular place to go ghost hunting, but you won’t encounter any angry spirits here. In fact, the headmistress of the girl’s boarding school, Mary Lake, is known for gently tucking guests into bed or neatly unpacking their luggage. She only haunts her former office (Room 410), so do what you want with that information. 
Book hotel here: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels
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Hotel Majestic
Built: 1902 | Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
Gorgeous, charming, elegant… and majestic, of course! These are just a few words to describe Hotel Majestic, the oldest continuously operating hotel in San Francisco. Is it any surprise that SF’s oldest hotel is a Victorian?
The 58-room Hotel Majestic was built in 1902 and survived the famous earthquake of 1906 — luckily for the hotel, the fire stopped just a few blocks away. Also, don’t worry: it was retrofitted and is earthquake resistant :)
The overall decor feels very French and chic, with canopy beds, clawfoot tubs, silk drapes, and marbled bathrooms.
Book hotel here: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels
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Noe’s Nest
Built: 1891 | Neighborhood: Noe Valley
An absolute darling, Noe’s Nest takes the title for the most charming Victorian hotel in San Francisco! In fact, the current owner (Sheila Ash) has been running this B&B for the last 30 years, and you can easily feel the hospitality and warmth from the moment you step inside.
Nestled (get it?) in the cozy Noe Valley neighborhood, this eight-room building offers fantastic panoramic views of the city, especially the Superior Queen Room (with its own terrace!) and the Superior King Room.
The breakfast spread has everything you need to get a head start to your day, including brunch favorites like French toast and frittata.
As a bonus, Noe’s Nest is just two blocks away from the 24th St Mission BART station, and two blocks away from the Church & 24th Street light rail station (take the J railcar and you’ll be downtown in 15 minutes!)
Book hotel here: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels
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1906 Mission
Built: 1906 | Neighborhood: Mission
Located in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission neighborhood, this bright blue Victorian building offers hostel-style accommodations with private rooms and shared bathrooms.
While the building itself was constructed after the 1906 Earthquake, the interior got a complete makeover a few years ago — making this one of the most modern Victorian accommodations on our list!
Book hotel here: Booking.com | Hotels
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Grove Inn
Built: Late 1800s | Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
Originally built as a boarding house for Gold Rush miners in the late 1800’s, the Grove Inn welcomes a different kind of traveler nowadays.
This Italianate style Victorian building has been a family business for the last 40 years, and underwent an extensive makeover a few years ago. The rooms are tastefully minimalistic, with en-suite bathrooms and plenty of peace and quiet.
Best of all, the Grove Inn is just one block away from the famous Painted Ladies, and within walking distance to dozens of delicious cafes, bistros, and restaurants that are typical of Hayes Valley.
Book hotel here: Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels
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White Swan
Built: 1915 | Neighborhood: Nob Hill
The White Swan is a Victorian that goes back to its British roots in the best way possible!
Although the building dates back to the early 1900s, the decor is a gorgeous mix of colors and patterns that are reminiscent of the Swinging London and Mod movement of the 1960s.
I stayed here with my family during our annual Christmas trip to San Francisco, and we had a blast. I especially loved the massive parlor in the lobby, where we met a bunch of different travelers and snacked on complimentary scones, the hotel’s specialty — quintessentially British, right?
The hotel is within a short walking distance to Union Square, restaurants, shopping, as well as transportation links (the Powell cable car line).
Book hotel here: Booking.com | Agoda
VICTORIAN HOTELS OUTSIDE OF SAN FRANCISCO
Planning on extending your trip outside of San Francisco? No worries, there are plenty of amazing Victorian-era hotels in the Bay Area! Here are my top picks:
Sausalito
Casa Madrona (above)— An absolutely gorgeous marvel of traditional architecture (the building is from 1885!) mixed with modern elements. The spa is a must-visit. BOOK HERE
The Gables Inn — Located in the heart of Sausalito, with fantastic views of the bay and bridge. BOOK HERE
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Berkeley
The Claremont Club & Spa — A 1915 Tudor Revival building that features classic Fairmont hospitality, 3 on-site restaurants, heated pool, tennis courts, and luxe spa. BOOK HERE
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Napa
Hennessey House Bed and Breakfast (above)— A stunning Queen Anne from 1889, the Hennessey House is located near downtown Napa and feels like a home away from home. BOOK HERE
The White House Inn — Named as one of Architectural Digest’s 15 Favorite Wine Country Boutique Hotels, the White House is a three-story Victorian from 1886 that features super cozy and modern rooms, plush amenities, and a secluded pool (or enjoy a massage or treatment!)
BOOK HERE
Photo Credits: Main Photo of Victorian houses by Cosmic Timetraveler (Unsplash) | Hotel photos courtesy of hotels | Queen Anne by Smallbones (Wiki)
