Offering five simple rooms and friendly service, 24 Henry feels more like a friend's house than a guesthouse in the heart of the Castro.

Offering affordable dorms and privates, comfy common spaces and a ton of cool extras, the Adelaide sets the hostel bar high.

The three-star Best Western Americania pays tribute to everything all American, with fun retro décor and tons of fun extras, including an outdoor pool

Gush alert: Artsy "types" will swoon for the literary-themed Best Western Carriage Inn, with its hip neighborhood, eclectic décor and celebration of San Francisco's favorite characters.

Located in the heart of San Francisco’s tiny Japantown, this hip, modern Hotel Tomo takes its inspiration from Japanese pop-culture.

Situated just two blocks from the popular Nordstrom Center and Market Street’s transportation hub, the two-star Hotel Bijou celebrates San Francisco’s cinematic charm.

Perched on a hill near Alamo Square, the one-star Casa Loma Hotel, which bills itself as a “European-style hotel,” gave us a sense of what happens when a hostel grows up.

With a location just a few blocks from Fisherman’s Wharf (but far enough away to avoid the touristy chaos), the easy, efficient Columbus Motor Inn offers comfort and convenience.

Set back from the street and two block from the Presidio, the basic Country Hearth Inn has something its motel neighbors on Lombard Street do not: It's quiet!

With a central location, well-appointed guestrooms and rates starting at $39, the Encore Express may just be the best value in town.

The two-star Good Hotel offers 117 cheery rooms and a philanthropic bent in the heart of the artsy SoMa district.

The Hayes Valley Inn is a two-star B&B with simple rooms, comfy common spaces and a "when you're here, you're family" vibe.

With a woodsy setting, to-die-for views, a historic building and tons of fun extras, the HI Fisherman’s Wharf is one of the coolest hostels we’ve ever seen.

Part art gallery, part hotel and all magnifique, the Hotel des Arts offers great cheapo rates and a central location with pizazz, to boot.

The centrally located Hotel North Beach offers simple rooms with a bit of a hostel feel, and rates to match.

The two-star Phoenix Hotel has a funky, youthful vibe, and has served as crash pad to up-and-coming rock stars from Joan Jett to Moby.

Set in a historic building within walking distance of Fort Mason and the great shops and eateries of the hip Marina District, the Marina Inn is a two-star hotel with spacious rooms, loads of character and very low rates.

Situated on the edge of the funky Haight district, the simple Metro Hotel offers reasonable rates, a pretty garden and friendly service.