Chancellor Hotel on Union Square

433 Powell St, San Francisco, CA 94102, San Francisco, United States

3-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.4 / 5

Chancellor Hotel on Union Square is a longstanding, family-owned 3-star hotel built for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, occupying a historic building steps from Union Square in downtown San Francisco. Compact rooms and suites, some offering Union Square views, are outfitted with ceiling fans, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, with room service available. An on-site restaurant/bar serves breakfast and lunch, plus pub fare on select evenings, and valet or off-site parking can be arranged for a fee. The location puts guests a minute's walk from the Powell Street cable car and within easy reach of the shops, theaters, restaurants and bars ringing Union Square. Major attractions such as SFMOMA, the Asian Art Museum, the Ferry Building and Oracle Park are all within about a mile, while Fisherman's Wharf, PIER 39, Coit Tower and Alcatraz Island tours are a short ride away. The hotel's blend of historic character, central positioning and attentive family-run service has made it a long-established fixture of the Union Square hotel scene.

Best for

This hotel suits budget-conscious city explorers and couples who prioritize a walkable, historic Union Square location over spacious rooms, given its compact accommodations and easy access to the Powell Street cable car. It's also a good fit for travelers who appreciate personal, family-run hospitality and small touches like a pillow menu and happy hour cocktails. Culture and sightseeing enthusiasts benefit from proximity to SFMOMA, the Asian Art Museum, the Ferry Building and Union Square's shopping and theater district.

Travel tips

Hop on the Powell Street cable car right outside the hotel to reach Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39 without a car. Because parking is limited to fee-based valet or off-site options, and downtown streets are busy, most guests will find walking, cable cars or rideshares more convenient than driving. Book ahead for popular sights like Alcatraz Island, and plan on some sightseeing being a longer walk or short cab/transit ride, since attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park are several miles out.

What guests say

Guests consistently highlight the friendly, accommodating staff and the excellent, central Union Square location as top strengths, often paired with mentions of affordable pricing for the area. Several reviewers note the rooms run small but describe beds as comfortable and bathrooms as clean, with one calling out a notably large bathtub. Extra touches like a pillow menu and happy hour cocktails also draw positive mention. No significant recurring complaints appear beyond the general note about limited room size.”

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