3* Hampton Inn Downtown

There’s a pleasantly old-fashioned San Francisco feel to Kensington Park Hotel, housed in a 1925 Gothic-style building just off Union Square. Hand-painted ceilings and dark wood in the lobby set the tone before you even reach the classic, comfortably furnished bedrooms. One especially welcome feature is what you don’t get: there’s currently no amenity or resort fee. WiFi is complimentary, the rooms are relatively spacious for central San Francisco and cable cars pass close by for the wonderfully impractical-but-fun journey towards Fisherman’s Wharf. Dining can be charged back from nearby partner restaurants. The Castro isn’t around the corner, but Powell Street transport makes reaching the main gay nightlife straightforward, while Chinatown, theatres and Downtown attractions are much closer. GayMapper tip: A good pick if you like proper historic hotels but would rather spend your money on dinner than another mysterious daily “destination fee.”

There are few easier places to stay if the Castro is the main reason you’re coming to San Francisco. Beck’s Motor Lodge sits directly on Market Street in the neighbourhood itself, with the bars, cafés, restaurants and LGBTQ landmarks around Castro Street only a short stroll away. This family-run motel has been part of the area since 1958, but the rooms are comfortably modern, with air conditioning, fridges and coffee makers. There’s also a large sun deck, guest laundry and – almost miraculous for San Francisco – complimentary on-site parking. The F-line streetcar stops nearby for journeys Downtown and towards the waterfront. Dolores Park and the Mission are also easily reached, so this location works particularly well if you want to experience neighbourhood San Francisco rather than commute back every night from Union Square. GayMapper tip: If you’re driving, free parking plus a Castro address makes Beck’s unusually good value by San Francisco standards.

If your hotel fantasy involves chandeliers and a glass-domed swimming pool, Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco is happy to oblige. This grand Market Street landmark has been part of the city since the 19th century and still knows how to make an entrance. The Garden Court is the showstopper, filled with light beneath its enormous glass dome and crystal chandeliers, while the Pied Piper bar contains Maxfield Parrish’s famous namesake painting. Upstairs, the indoor pool sits beneath another glass roof, joined by a 24-hour fitness centre. Rooms continue the traditional-luxury mood with high ceilings and marble bathrooms. Montgomery Street BART and Muni are outside, making the Castro simple to reach while Chinatown, Union Square and the Embarcadero are much closer. GayMapper tip: Even if you skip afternoon tea, go and look at the Garden Court – subtle it absolutely is not.

The biggest recent reason to rediscover The St. Regis San Francisco is underground: its newly reimagined two-level spa now stretches across around 9,000 square feet, with cedar saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, a Himalayan salt room and access to the indoor infinity pool. Upstairs, the hotel remains refined rather than flashy, with spacious contemporary rooms and the famously attentive St. Regis service. Afternoon tea continues the brand’s grand traditions, while the St. Regis Bar serves its own San Francisco take on the Bloody Mary. Suite guests also receive the full Butler Service experience. SFMOMA is next door and Yerba Buena Gardens are across the street, putting you firmly in cultured SoMa. The neighbourhood’s queer nightlife is closer than the Castro scene, which is easily reached by Muni. GayMapper tip: If you’re splurging here, protect some time for the spa – using the room merely as somewhere to sleep rather misses the point.

San Francisco’s maritime history isn’t exactly subtle at Argonaut Hotel – and that’s why it works. The hotel occupies the huge historic Haslett Warehouse right on Fisherman’s Wharf, with exposed brick, nautical details and views towards Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. There are 252 rooms and suites, many with water views, plus bike rentals for exploring the waterfront. Blue Mermaid downstairs is still known for its chowders and seafood, with one of the relatively rare restaurant patios around the Wharf. The hotel is also certified as a green business. Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park and the cable-car turnaround are steps away. The Castro is across town, so nights in the main LGBTQ district require transport, but sightseeing could hardly be more convenient. GayMapper tip: If you’re going to stay at Fisherman’s Wharf, pay a little extra for a Bay-view room – otherwise you’re missing half the fun.

Shipping containers, giant games and fire pits aren't the usual Fisherman’s Wharf formula. Hotel Zephyr takes the waterfront setting and has considerably more fun with it, filling the hotel with recycled nautical materials and playful industrial design. The 361 rooms have a shipyard-inspired look, with some adding balconies or direct Bay views. The real star is The Yard, an 8,000-square-foot outdoor space packed with oversized games, sculptures and four fire pits; there’s also an indoor games room with pool, ping-pong and shuffleboard. A daily amenity fee applies, so factor that into the rate. Pier 39 is virtually outside, while the Castro and SoMa LGBTQ nightlife are journeys for later rather than neighbourhood attractions. GayMapper tip: Zephyr works particularly well with friends – fire pits, games and waterfront wandering give you plenty to do before you’ve even started sightseeing.