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8 Incredible San Francisco Airbnbs for Every Style and Budget

Oct. 21, 2017
6 min read
Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach
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As the fourth most-populous city in California, San Francisco is known for its historical landmarks, architectural wonders and world-class restaurants. One of the best things about visiting this city is that it's relatively small — making it that much easier to explore all of its popular attractions. Luckily, Airbnb offers some of the best stays to get to know the Bay Area. Here are our top Airbnb rentals to really get a sense of this lively city.

Value Deals (less than $200 per night)

1. Mission District Garden Studio

Located in San Francisco oldest neighborhood, this lovely studio in Mission District is the perfect blend of Old Victorian aesthetics and modern California style. From the beautifully open patio to the serene garden, you can't help but soak up some sun. To top it off, this rental is equipped with a hot tub — an exciting feature that few city homes have. Rates from $176 per night with a four-night minimum stay required.


2. Minimalist Haven in Noe Valley

This Noe Valley apartment embodies minimalist luxury. Situated between the Mission District and Hayes Valley, this spacious one-bedroom home is large enough to ensure up to four guests privacy and comfort. It is tastefully decorated with all the amenities you'll need for your stay — like an open living room and fully equipped kitchen. Rates from $144 per night with a three-night minimum stay required.

Mid-Tier ($250-$350 per night)

3. Victorian Glamour Apartment

It won't be easy to snap out of relaxation mode in this stylish three-bedroom apartment conveniently located in Pacific Heights. Sophisticated with a classic Victorian edge, this two-bedroom abode is enveloped in comfort. Behind the Victorian architecture, this listing is tastefully renovated for today's lifestyle with a chic open floor plan flooded with natural light.This luxury unit is the perfect place for any family or group of six guests to relax and unwind for a few days. Rates from $350 per night with a three-night minimum stay required.

4. Spacious Live-Work Studio

Escape into this modern zen oasis in this spacious Western SoMa studio live-work space. Situated at the intersection of three up-and-coming neighborhoods, this listing is perfect for leisure and business travelers, looking to both work hard and play harder. Equipped with a full kitchen, backyard patio and dedicated workstation, you'll may just never have to leave. Rates from $255 per night with a three-night minimum stay required.

High Roller ($350+ per night)

5. Historic Liberty Hill Home

What better way to check out the Golden City than by having a birds-eye view from the comfort of your stay? This two-story rental graced by large windows and deck access offers a stunning view of the downtown area from multiple vantages. With three bedrooms, this listing accommodates five guests comfortably and features amenities like an indoor fireplace and gourmet kitchen. Rates from $417 per night with a three-night minimum stay required.

6. Spacious Marine District Home

Nestled in the Marina District, this two bedroom rental is surrounded by San Fran's most popular tourist attractions — like the Palace of Fine Arts, the Golden Gate Bridge and Crissy Field Marsh and Beach (famous for windsurfing). So if you're looking for a great base for your venture throughout the bay, this might be the perfect spot. Rates from $488 per night with a two-night minimum stay required.

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7. Potrero Hill Luxury Loft

Step into this three-bedroom loft conveniently located on the cusp of the bustling Dogpatch neighborhood in Potrero Hill, where travelers can indulge in a variety of restaurants and galleries nearby. Formerly a shipbuilding hub in the 1800s, the Potrero Hill neighborhood has transformed from an industrial area to a bustling epicenter of the city's best restaurants, cafes and wine bars. Steps away from a Caltrain street station, this loft is a perfect place for a family or professionals to enjoy the city like a local for a few days. Rates from $470 per night with a two-night minimum stay required.

The Showstopper High Roller ($500+ per night)

8. Spectacular Penthouse in Nob Hill

Take in the fantastic views of the city and the bay from this Nob Hill penthouse. This home rental offers unparalleled decor and exceptional amenities. Inside you'll find your own private deck with BBQ area, a stunning fireplace for the cool, foggy nights and large deck area to enjoy the San Francisco views. This penthouse accommodates six guests across three bedrooms. Rates from $720 per night with a minimum four-night stay required.

Maximize Your Purchase

There are plenty of ways to maximize your stay with points and miles. If you've never used Airbnb before, sign up through TPG to get $40 off your first booking — and the gravy train doesn't stop there. Book through the Delta portal and earn 1 SkyMile for every dollar spent on your stay, and make sure to charge the purchase to a travel rewards card to rack up extra points. Using a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred will get you 2x points on all travel purchases while the Chase Sapphire Reserve will get you 3x points on an Airbnb stay. When you combine the two, you're effectively double-dipping with your points earning.

Prices are accurate as of publication date but are subject to change. All photos courtesy of Airbnb; featured image by Karsten May / Getty Images.

What are some of your favorite things to do in San Francisco? Sound off, below.

Featured image by Getty Images

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4 / 5
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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Rewards

1 - 4X points
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Annual Fee

$325

Recommended Credit

Excellent to Good
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.