W San Francisco
181 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, San Francisco, United States
4-star hotel
Guest rating: 4.3 / 5
W San Francisco is a 4-star, contemporary hotel in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood at 181 3rd St, placing it in the heart of downtown arts, sports, and waterfront access. It’s a block from the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and just 81 meters from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), with Union Square about 701 meters away. Rooms are modern in style and equipped with flat-screen TVs and minibars, with Wi‑Fi available for a fee; upgraded rooms add sitting areas and/or city views. Suites expand the layout with kitchenettes and/or living rooms that include pull-out sofas. On-site, the hotel offers 24/7 room service, a hip lounge, a nightclub-style cocktail bar, and a Californian restaurant. A sleek fitness center with a glass ceiling and a mix of indoor and outdoor event space round out the property for both leisure and gatherings.
Best for
This hotel fits travelers who want a stylish, high-energy SoMa base near major cultural sights, particularly those prioritizing quick access to SFMOMA and the Yerba Buena arts district. It also suits guests who value an active on-property scene (lounge, cocktail bar, restaurant) and 24/7 room service for late nights or busy itineraries.
Travel tips
The hotel is a 4-minute walk from the nearest Muni light-rail stop, which can simplify trips to the Embarcadero/Ferry Building (about 1.3 km), PIER 39 (about 2.7 km), and other downtown stops. If you plan to attend a game or event, Oracle Park is roughly 1.2 km away and can be a straightforward walk depending on timing and crowds. Standard rooms are described by some guests as small, so consider an upgraded room or suite if you want more space or a sitting area.
What guests say
Guests frequently highlight standout hospitality, describing staff as consistently friendly, helpful, and attentive across check-in, front desk, and restaurant interactions. The hotel’s central SoMa location is repeatedly mentioned as a strong advantage for getting around downtown. Rooms are often described as modern and clean, though some note that standard rooms can feel small. A few negative notes mention wear-and-tear in some dining seating/tables and occasional odor issues in rooms that required staff attention.
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