Hotel des Arts

No hotel embodies San Francisco’s unique spirit better than this boho-leaning French Quarter retreat.

In fact, the property is like an art gallery, with most of the 43 rooms and public spaces dressed up by a rotating roster of international artists (including several from the Bay Area).

The hotel can feel borderline hostel-like – especially since rooms are on the small side and some have shared baths. But this is ground zero if character is what you’re after.

It’s in a lovely central location, across from Chinatown’s entrance and blocks from Union Square.