One night, hotel, and restaurant suggestions, please

Question

Hi TA forum people.

Looking for the best place to relax in comfort over night between legs of a long trip to Asia. Maybe in the $300/night range. We definitely want an airport/hotel shuttle. Two people.

We arrive at SFO 3:30 PM on a Thursday in mid September, and depart for Shanghai at 1:15 the next day. I don’t think we’ll have time to do sightseeing, but we’d like to have dinner at a good restaurant. We’d welcome breakfast suggestions too.

I’m also posting in the state forum and in the LA forum for a stay over on a return trip. Our return stop at LA will be similar, so if you have suggestions for both places, I think it’s OK to let me know here too.

You all have been so helpful in the past, I’m hoping that you’ll have good suggestions for me now too.

Thanks so much,

Teri

Answer

Hi Teri,

For a one-night stay near SFO with comfort, convenience, and a budget around $300/night, focusing on hotels that offer an airport shuttle is key since you won’t have much time to explore the city. Here are some options and suggestions for dinner and breakfast.

Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport – Located right near the airport with a free shuttle. Modern rooms, comfortable beds, and often around your price range. Great for quick check-in/check-out.
Grand Hyatt at SFO – Connected to the airport via AirTrain, sleek and convenient. Upscale feel and easy access to terminals for your early flight.
Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront – Slightly farther, but still a short shuttle ride. Bay views and a relaxing atmosphere; rooms often in your price range in September.
Hyatt Regency Burlingame – Across the bay from SFO, quiet, with a free shuttle. A comfortable, more boutique-style stay with easy access to the airport.

For dinner near the airport, since time is short, you’ll want something accessible yet high-quality:

Rasa Malaysian Cuisine (Burlingame) – Flavorful, unique dishes; casual but excellent for a short dinner.
New England Lobster Market & Eatery (Millbrae) – Fresh seafood, casual, and only a short drive from SFO.
Salito’s Crab House & Prime Rib (Millbrae) – Classic California seafood and steak, casual but nicely suited for a comfortable dinner before a flight.

If you prefer staying at the airport hotels, many have excellent on-site restaurants that provide quick yet high-quality meals, which can save time and reduce stress for an early departure.

For breakfast the next morning, most airport hotels offer full-service breakfast or grab-and-go options:

Grand Hyatt SFO – Their restaurant has a good buffet and a la carte breakfast menu.
Hyatt Regency SFO – Full breakfast with coffee and pastries; convenient before your flight.
Burlingame Hotels – Many partner with local cafés like La Boulangerie for quick, quality coffee and pastries if you prefer to step out briefly.

Since your time is limited, staying right at SFO or within a 5–10 minute shuttle ride will maximize rest and minimize stress. Booking early in September is recommended, as these hotels often fill quickly with business and connecting travelers.

Safe travels and enjoy your short stopover in the Bay Area!