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8 Incredible San Francisco Airbnbs for Every Style and Budget

Alexa Noel

October 21, 2017 • 6 min read

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Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.

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.

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.

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Pros + cons

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Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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More details

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Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

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 $8,000 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 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.