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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Kyle Olsen is the former points and miles reporter at TPG. He specializes in maximizing points and miles, elite status and credit cards so readers travel more comfortably and at a lower cost.
May 20, 2022 • 9 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Quick summary
The article reviews top San Francisco hotels for redeeming loyalty points, highlighting standout options and those to avoid.
Historic and high-value properties like the Palace Hotel and Hotel Kabuki offer strong redemption rates and unique experiences.
Some hotels, despite central locations, provide poor value or underwhelming stays, such as the Courtyard San Francisco Union Square and Hilton San Francisco Financial District.
Alternative booking methods, such as using credit card points for luxury properties, can unlock additional perks and savings.
What to consider
Redemption value varies widely, with some hotels offering significantly higher value per point than others, per TPG's valuations as of June 2024.
Certain loyalty programs provide extra nights free when booking with points, enhancing value for longer stays.
Some offers and redemption rates mentioned may no longer be available.
What you'll miss from the article
Detailed comparisons of specific San Francisco hotels, including which to prioritize or avoid for the best use of loyalty points.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Whether it's a paddleboat picnic on Stow Lake or a stroll down the Embarcadero, the City by the Bay offers numerous hotel options where elite status and points can pay off.
However, many hotels in San Francisco are still struggling with the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, so you need to do your due diligence before booking a room.
In this edition of "book this, not that," we are heading to my hometown to uncover the best hotels to book on points. While we're at it, we'll share a few that you should avoid.
Book this: Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
(Photo by Kyle Olsen/The Points Guy)
This is one of the most historic hotels in the nation.
Within its walls, former President Woodrow Wilson spoke in support of the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations, former President Warren G. Harding passed away and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev spoke at a banquet during the dawn of the Cold War.
The hotel's construction is equally fascinating. Following California's gold rush, infamous architect John P. Gaynor was tasked with designing a hotel that would "outdo" all European properties. He put together a colossal interior carriage entry space for San Francisco's most distinguished elites. By 1900, this space was converted into a three-story, Parisian-style concourse (pictured above). To top it off, tea has been served in the Garden Court on Bavarian gold china since 1910 — despite the hotel's damages from the 1906 earthquake and fire. This tea time tradition still continues today.
Rooms at the Palace Hotel start at 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. You'll unlock the best redemption rate when you take advantage of Marriott's fifth-night-free perk, which would make it possible to spend five nights at the hotel for as little as 200,000 points. For five nights this month, the equivalent cash price for five nights is $2,209.19.
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(Screenshot from marriott.com)
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(Screenshot from marriott.com)
Staying here will net you 1.1 cents per Marriott point, which is notably higher than TPG's latest valuations.
Introductory rooms measure just 228 square feet, and multiple reviewers commented on the unwelcome sounds of toilets flushing from other rooms. Plus, you'll have to fork over at least 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night to stay here. For a night that costs 40,000 points, the equivalent total cash price comes in around $220. By using points, you're getting around 0.5 cents per point — significantly below our valuation.
If you're looking to stay at a Marriott outpost near Union Square, The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square is a historic four-star property that's recently undergone a renovation. It's a complete contrast from the Courtyard location.
Best of all, with rooms starting at 40,000 points, the Westin's award and cash prices generally mirror the same rates as the Courtyard. Find out if you can get into the Westin before booking the Courtyard.
If you're looking for something a bit more local, consider the Hotel Kabuki, a JdV by Hyatt property. Its Japantown location is evident in the guest rooms, which feature 1930s and 1940s Japanese-style pop art. Nari, the hotel's restaurant, offers a delectable collection of Southeast Asian dishes. Guests also enjoy access to the hotel's mediation garden and 4,000-square-foot gym.
As a Category 5 Hyatt property, award rates range between 17,000 and 23,000 World of Hyatt points per night, so you might be able to score a great redemption here.
On select dates in June, a standard room costs $669.64 per night. For the same room, you can use 20,000 points, and by doing so, you're scoring more than 3.3 cents per Hyatt point — roughly twice our valuation.
My February stay at the Grand Hyatt left me walking out the door thinking, "not so grand anymore."
While the Grand Hyatt offers the same appealing Union Square location as the previously discussed Courtyard and Westin, it's impersonal, orange and outdated. The fitness center on the 35th floor transports you back to the 1980s with fluorescent lighting and office-style ceiling panels. Also, the 2 a.m. boisterous street construction noise was totally audible from the 19th floor.
Like the Hotel Kabuki, the Grand Hyatt is a Category 5 hotel and will set you back between 17,000 and 23,000 World of Hyatt points. Cash rates are around $275 per night, so you'll probably get a redemption of around 1.7 cents apiece, which is in line with our valuation.
With an exclusive club that rivals some of the best international business-class lounges, the Intercontinental San Francisco remains one of my go-to hotels in the city. In addition to the massive indoor pool, the IHG-affiliated hotel has always been generous in providing Ambassador upgrades to its king corner rooms, which offer great views and extra space.
It's located a block from the Moscone Center and Metreonon Howard Street and provides easy access to the Bay Bridge.
Cash rates hover around $250 per night for much of summer. Alternatively, you can use around 35,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
For a given night in July, you can book a standard room for $282.58 or 39,000 points. By using points, you're getting around 0.75 cents apiece — about 50% above our valuation of IHG points.
Skip that: Hilton San Francisco Financial District
(Photo courtesy of Hilton)
Once described as the "hideous Hilton," this location is not worth considering. Beyond the dated and rundown decor, most reviews discuss unwelcome odors emerging from the HVAC systems.
Don't think you'll be getting a deal here either — the typical standard room award goes for 60,000 Hilton Honors points. Alternatively, you can book a room for around $260 per night. Once you add taxes in, you're looking at around $302 versus 60,000 points. If you opt to use points, you'll be falling about 20% below our valuation.
If you want to stay in the Financial District or Chinatown, I recommend checking out Le Méridien San Francisco, which is just down the street. An award night here only costs 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
While you can't use one of the major points currencies to book this property, you can use credit card points to check out the Taj Campton Place in Union Square. Staying at this Taj outpost, which is one of only two available in the U.S. (the other is The Pierre, New York), is a great choice if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express and haven't used your up to $200 hotel credit on prepaid reservations with American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts(minimum two night stay requirement). By booking through this program, you'll enjoy a multitude of valuable benefits beyond that statement credit, including:
Daily breakfast for two.
An experience credit worth $100 to be used during your stay.
4 p.m. checkout guaranteed.
Noon check-in, when available.
Room upgrade at check-in, when available.
Complimentary Wi-Fi.
Best of all, cash rates here are relatively low for a hotel of this caliber. It's not hard to find rooms for just $270 per night. When you redeem your $200 hotel credit and add up the other benefits you receive, the deal becomes one that's hard to pass up.
(Screenshot from amextravel.com)
When I stayed at the hotel in January, staff offered me a complimentary upgrade to a Campton Suite. Plus, the $100 property credit was enough to cover dinner and drinks for two at the hotel's restaurant.
San Francisco is a wonderful city to visit, and there are numerous great hotels to choose from.
Between the major hotel players, Marriott offers the most choices, but that doesn't mean other brand portfolios don't have their fair share of options.
If you're planning a longer stay on points, keep in mind that IHG offers a fourth night free, while Marriott and Hilton offer a fifth night free. By saving some money on the hotel, consider treating yourself to an extra Ghirardelli sundae.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
