Perhaps it’s odd, but the tourist mecca of San Francisco [1] is not its land of a zillion hotels. Most of the major hostelries sit down nearer to Union Square [2]. But you can stay near the Wharf or in North Beach if you choose; you’ll find plenty of chain motels here, plus a few select boutique hotels in all price ranges.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/san-francisco-and-the-bay-area
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/california/san-francisco-and-the-bay-area/accommodations/union-square-and-nob-hill