Charming British Hotel in San Francisco: My Stay at White Swan Inn

White Swan Inn

845 Bush Street, San Francisco

After visiting dozens of boutique hotels in San Francisco, this one truly stood out, and not just because of the cozy fireplaces or the complimentary wine hour. If you’re looking for a quirky, cozy, and centrally located boutique hotel that feels like a British hideaway, White Swan Inn delivers.

The White Swan Inn describes itself as part 1960s Carnaby Street and part Cotswolds. I would add, part Grandma's house. Not in a bad way. What's not to like about grandma's house? The floral wallpaper, the hodgepodge of furniture, the portraits of the late Queen greeting you in the lobby…it all hangs together in a way that somehow works perfectly.

Adding to the appeal, White Swan Inn has been named one of Condé Nast Traveler's 21 best San Francisco hotels and Forbes' Best Bed & Breakfast in San Francisco. So it's not just me. Not bad for a place that feels like your British grandma's house.

I was able to get a room for only $119 through Booking.com (plus $65 for valet parking). Rates have gone up since my stay in 2023, so plan for a bit more these days. Still pretty good for SF, especially given what's included.

This is a great SF Nob Hill location. It is a 3-block walk to Union Square and another few blocks to Chinatown. As a solo woman traveler, I did not wander around after dark, other than to go to a restaurant across the street. Like any big city, San Francisco warrants awareness of your surroundings at night. That said, this is a well-trafficked, well-lit neighborhood and a solid base for exploring on your own.

The room itself was clean and comfortable, which is the most important thing. The bed was great. There was a gas fireplace, which came with a note instructing me to use only the wall switch to turn it on. What followed was a brief but perplexing treasure hunt around the room. I checked behind the door. I checked beside the dresser. I checked places a switch had absolutely no business being. Finally, behind a pillow on the bed, there it was. The hotel is British, after all. Of course the most important amenity was hidden and required a bit of detective work!

Downstairs, the inn has a large lounge with tables, couches, a fireplace, and a patio courtyard. Coffee and tea are available all day. From 5 to 6:30pm, they put out wine and cheese, a really lovely touch after a day of walking around the city. Breakfast is included and covers all the bases: pastries, hard-boiled eggs, cereals, oatmeal, yogurt with toppings, fruit, and toast.

As a solo traveler, I felt completely at ease in the lounge. There were other solo travelers around, plus some couples. Nobody makes you feel conspicuous for being on your own, which matters more than people admit.

Video tour of the White Swan Inn

Petite Auberge Hotel

_{863 Bush Street, San Francisco}

By the way, if you prefer to stay at a French grandma's house rather than a British grandma's house, you can check out the White Swan Inn's sister hotel next door, Petite Auberge!

Where I Dined: KeyKlub

_{850 Bush Street, San Francisco}

My San Franciscan nephew recommended this place to me, and it turned out to be right across the street from White Swan Inn, so I checked it out for dinner. I got the cheeseburger, served on challah, and it was juicy and delicious! By the way, KeyKlub only serves wine and beer—not even soft drinks! (I was able to get water.)

I would have never tried this place because from the outside it looks rundown and closed! So don't let the outside appearance scare you away.

Please let me know in the comments if you have a recommendation for any other British themed hotel in San Francisco! Thanks for reading!