We absolutely loved our stay at Hotel Emblem. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is playful, artistic, and unmistakably San Francisco. It’s a quirky little boutique hotel that leans into its literary roots—with typewriters delivered to the room to send a cool letter, or a record player and some 45s, bold art, and Beat Generation touches everywhere you look.
The location can’t be beat. Union Square is a short stroll away, Chinatown is just around the corner, and the cable car line is practically outside the front door. There’s a Walgreens on the corner for anything you forgot to pack, and a liquor store just a few doors down (very convenient!). We found tons of great restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance.
One of our favorite parts of the trip? Using the Waymo driverless cars! Not only were they futuristic and fun, but they were often cheaper than Uber. It felt like the perfect complement to the hotel’s modern-meets-retro personality.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for something a little different, with lots of personality, and close to everything San Francisco has to offer.