Finding a place to crash near SF State is a weirdly specific challenge. Most people just pull up a map, see the university on the edge of Lake Merced, and assume they'll find a massive Marriott or a Hilton right across the street.
They don't.
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Honestly, the area around 1600 Holloway Avenue is mostly residential—think foggy streets, quiet homes, and the massive Stonestown Galleria mall. There isn’t a "Hotel Row" here. If you're visiting for graduation, a campus tour, or a guest lecture, you've gotta be a bit strategic about where you book, or you’ll end up stuck in a $50 Uber ride from Union Square every morning.
The Reality of Staying Near SFSU
Most folks don't realize that SF State is tucked away in the southwest corner of the city. It’s beautiful, sure, but it’s not the touristy San Francisco you see in movies. You won't find cable cars outside your door here. Instead, you get the Pacific Ocean breeze and a lot of eucalyptus trees.
Basically, you have three choices. You stay in a budget-friendly motel in the Sunset District, you head south to the Daly City border for a standard chain hotel, or you stay further "in" the city and rely on the M-Ocean View Muni line to get you to campus.
If you want to be able to walk to campus, your options are almost zero. The university does have some guest suites through their Conference & Event Services, which are basically junior one-bedroom apartments. They’re perfect for visiting scholars or parents, but they book up fast. If those are full, you're looking at a short commute.
The Best Hotels Near San Francisco State University (The Real Ones)
When I say "near," I mean within a couple of miles. Anything further than that and you're basically just staying "in San Francisco," which is a whole different vibe.
1. Hampton Inn San Francisco-Daly City
This is probably the most "functional" choice. It’s about 2.2 miles from campus. You aren't going to get a vintage Victorian vibe here, but it’s clean, it’s reliable, and they have an exercise room.
The biggest perk? It’s close to a BART station. If you’re coming from SFO, you can hop on the train and be here in no time. Some guests mention the neighborhood is a bit "dull"—and yeah, it’s a suburban-feeling part of Daly City—but for a university visit, it’s the path of least resistance.
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2. Mirage Inn and Suites
If you want to be close to the beach and the San Francisco Zoo while staying near the university, this is it. It’s a 2.0-star property, so keep your expectations realistic. It’s a classic motel setup.
You’re about 1.5 miles from the SFSU campus. It’s popular because it’s relatively cheap for San Francisco and puts you right by the Great Highway. Just be prepared for the fog; it gets thick out there by the water.
3. The Metro Hotel
Now, if you want something that actually feels like San Francisco, look at The Metro Hotel. It’s located on Divisadero Street.
Wait.
Is it "right" next to SFSU? No. It’s about 4 miles away. But it’s the highest-rated "boutique" style option that doesn't feel like a soul-crushing commute. You can hop on the Muni or take a quick rideshare. The area is way more lively, with actual coffee shops and bars you’d want to visit.
Why People Get Frustrated With This Neighborhood
Parking.
Man, parking in SF is a nightmare, and the area around Stonestown and SFSU isn't much better despite being further from downtown. If you’re driving in, Beck’s Motor Lodge in the Castro is a solid alternative. It’s roughly 4 miles from campus but—and this is a huge "but"—they offer free parking. In this city, that’s like finding a gold nugget in your cereal.
Another thing? The weather.
You might see "San Francisco" and pack shorts. Don't. The Sunset and Parkmerced districts are notoriously chilly. It’s "microclimate" central. You can be sweating in the Mission District and shivering at SF State 20 minutes later.
Budget Strategies for Visiting Families
If the Hampton Inn is too pricey (San Francisco rates fluctuate wildly based on tech conferences), look at the Alpine Inn and Suites. It’s south of the university near the Cow Palace. It’s basic. Very basic. But it’s often one of the cheapest spots that isn't a total disaster.
- Pro Tip: Check the Stonestown Galleria area for short-term rentals. Sometimes you can find a guest suite in a Parkmerced high-rise that is literally walking distance to the student union.
- Muni is your friend: The M-Ocean View line stops right at the 19th Ave & Holloway station. If you stay anywhere along that line (even moving back toward West Portal), your commute to campus is a breeze.
- Avoid the Tenderloin: If you search for "cheap hotels" and see something for $80 in the city center, check the cross streets. If it’s near Turk or Eddy Street, just keep scrolling. It’s not worth the "savings" when you’re trying to have a nice university visit.
What to Do While You're There
Since you're staying in the southwest corner of the city, don't just stay in your hotel room. Lake Merced is right there. It’s a 4.5-mile loop if you’re into running.
Hungry? Walk over to Stonestown Galleria. It’s not just a mall anymore; it’s basically a food destination. They’ve got Marugame Udon, Tangram Market, and a whole bunch of high-end Asian eateries that are better than what you’ll find in some parts of Chinatown.
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Actionable Next Steps for a Smooth Stay
- Check Campus Guest Suites First: Email the SFSU Conference & Event Services. If you can snag a unit there, you’ll save a fortune and be right on Holloway.
- Download the Clipper Card App: Don't faff around with paper tickets for the Muni. You'll need it to get from the West Portal or Daly City areas to the campus.
- Book 3 Months Out: If you're coming for May graduation, book now. Seriously. The entire city fills up, and the few hotels near SFSU are the first to go because they’re the only logical choice for families.
- Check the "Fog Forecast": Use a site like Mr. Chilly to see the temp difference between the airport and the university. It’s usually a 10-15 degree drop.
Stay safe, bring a jacket, and don't expect a view of the Golden Gate Bridge from your window—you're in the "Real SF" now.