Photo: Lobby / Courtesy of the property
Set in San Francisco's Japantown (one of only three left in the country), Hotel Kabuki is a boutique hotel with a contemporary Japanese design. The 15-story, 225-room hotel covers all the bases with stylish rooms, a convivial lobby, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and two great on-site dining options.
The Look of Hotel Kabuki
The lobby sets the (cozy yet modern) scene with calligraphy-motif carpeting and shōji-door wall accents. The 19-foot ceilings are supported by concrete columns, Douglas fir wood beams, and pine floors. There's also comfy seating and shelves stocked with books and vintage vinyl — as well as a Japanese garden with a fire pit and koi pond —which invites guests to linger both inside or out. In the rooms, Japanese minimalism mixes with mid-century furniture, and grey slate walls are balanced with bright pops of color from Japanese graphic prints, vintage maps of San Francisco, and art inspired by old Japanese matchbooks. The porcelain-tile bathrooms have large walk-in showers with rain showerheads. Every room has Bluetooth speakers/alarm clocks, a smart TV with Netflix, a coffee machine, and a mini-fridge.
The Vibe at Hotel Kabuki
The hotel's (somewhat) off-the-beaten-path location attracts an eclectic mix of guests, including families, business travelers, and couples. The lobby lounge often features guest DJs spinning live tunes, attracting locals and visitors alike. Nari, the on-site Thai restaurant, also draws in locals.
Who Will Love Hotel Kabuki
Japanophiles will swoon over the hotel's east-meets-west design. Additionally, intrepid travelers who want to experience one of the city's iconic neighborhoods will appreciate the eclectic mix of nearby dining and shopping options.
Who Might Not Love Hotel Kabuki
Travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring areas on the city's east side (think hotspots like Union Square, Fisherman's Wharf, and Alcatraz) may find the location more of a hindrance than a perk.
Best Amenity at Hotel Kabuki
The amenity-packed hotel takes the art of zen seriously. Guests can chill out in the beautiful open-air meditation garden. This is part of the 4,000-square-foot Gymnasium, which offers daily classes, a spacious yoga studio, and Peloton bikes.
The on-site bar — which serves sophisticated cocktails, Japanese beer, sake, and Japanese-inspired bites like fried tofu and chicken katsu sliders — is also not to be missed.
What's Included at Hotel Kabuki
A fee of $35 per night includes wifi, use of the fitness center, bike rentals, shoeshine, daily newspaper, and discounts at local businesses.
Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About at Hotel Kabuki
Valet parking costs $50 per night; self-parking is $29 per day.
How to Get a Deal at Hotel Kabuki
Be sure to check the property's special offers tab for seasonal deals, discounts, and promotions.
In the Neighborhood of Hotel Kabuki
Hotel Kabuki is within easy walking distance to dozens of bars, shops, and dining options — including some of the city's most acclaimed restaurants. If it's nice outside, enjoy the outdoors at the Japantown Peace Plaza or Alamo Square, which offers fantastic views of the "Painted Ladies" row of Victorian homes, as well as the surrounding city.
Nearest Airport to Hotel Kabuki
San Francisco International Airport is around 15 miles south of the hotel. The drive can take anywhere from 25 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic. A taxi or rideshare will cost about $40. Alternatively, take the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART for short) towards Antioch and disembark at Powell Street Station. From there, you can take the #38 bus right to the hotel; the whole ride will cost about $13 and take about an hour.
Nearest Public Transit to Hotel Kabuki
Public transportation is plentiful in the area. Muni trains that run up and down Market Street are about 20 minutes away on foot. From the bus or Muni trains, you can easily connect to BART for trips to the airport or across the Bay to Oakland and Berkeley.
Hotel Kabuki offers stylish, relaxing rooms with a Japanese-themed twist. Add in a lively on-site- bar, incredible fitness center, and wellness-centric offerings, and it's a great option in a less-trodden — but not-to-be-missed — part of the city.