Browse the program
Registration opens soon
>
25 - 30 January 2025
San Francisco, California, US

Hotel and Travel Information for San Francisco

Providing the most up-to-date information to make your travel and onsite experience the best possible
The Bay Bridge in the foreground with San Francisco city lights lining a colorful California sunset

Join us in San Francisco

San Francisco is a unique and breathtaking metropolis. The famous Golden Gate Bridge serves as the backdrop to a city that takes pride in its engaging attractions and inviting neighborhoods, which are treasures of their own. Discover the variety of sites, shops, and restaurants that reflect the city's great ethnic and cultural diversity. You will find tips for traveling to and around the city, as well as the many hotel options available to conference attendees.

San Francisco Travel is working with SPIE to help you have a safe and wonderful experience. Learn more about San Francisco Safety and Security

Make your hotel reservations


The links provided here are the only ones authorized for making reservations and you will never be contacted by email or phone unless you explicitly request. If you book your hotel room from another source, you may be subject to fraud or identity theft. 

Hotel information

We are now accepting hotel reservations for SPIE Photonics West, SPIE Global Business Forum, and SPIE AR | VR | MR 2024. Reserve your hotel room with Conference Direct — the official housing agent — where attendees receive discounted convention rates. Book your room today at the best available rates and best selection. The last day SPIE group discount rates will be available is 5 January 2025.

Please note
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be required to provide a credit card for payment of room, tax, and incidentals. If your institution is paying for your room in advance, please contact the hotel directly after this reservation system closes to make arrangements before your arrival date.

For any housing questions please contact the SPIE Photonics West official housing bureau:

  • Email: spie@conferencedirect.com
  • Toll-Free: 1 888 408 8195, Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM ET
  • International: 1 801 512 2163, Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM ET

Exhibitor sub-block request (10+ rooms)


Exhibitors seeking 10 or more hotel rooms should request a sub-block.

 

Important dates

Deadline to submit a hotel sub-block request 23 October 2024
Deadline to assign rooms with names 13 November 2024
Last day to cancel rooms without penalty 13 November 2024
Processing fee of $50 begins for each reservation canceled  14 November 2024

Reserve your sub-block

Make your travel plans


Travel to San Francisco

Discover the variety the city has to offer, from the Golden Gate Bridge to unique neighborhoods. Look below for further details on the following:

Under an evening sky, a San Francisco resturaunt is light up and a red streak out front shows the tail lights of a passing car

Travel information


Airport information

San Francisco is serviced by two international airports:

Special Alaska Airlines Group Fares: Discount Code ECMK663
SPIE is pleased to partner with Alaska Airlines to offer a special airfare discount on roundtrip air travel to and from San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC) airports for SPIE Photonics West, AR | VR | MR, and Global Business Forum 2025.

Departure City(s): Any Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air US city
Valid Travel Period: 19–31 January 2025

To take advantage of the reduced fares, please enter the Discount Code ECMK663 and the reduced fares are automatically displayed.

 


Transportation from the airport 

 


Shuttles and public transportation

  • Super Shuttle provides shared rides from SFO or OAK. Book at least 24 hours in advance and prepay with a valid credit card.
  • Airport Express Van Service offers SFO and OAK airport shuttle services.
  • Clipper Card allows you to pay for all Bay Area transit-bus, rail, ferry, and train.
  • BART, the Bay Area Rapid Transit, offers low-cost, fast, and reliable transportation to downtown, nearby airports, surrounding communities, and more.
  • San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency runs a network of fuel-efficient Muni buses, light rail Metro trains, and historic streetcars.
  • Caltrain's Baby Bullet Express Service makes it possible to travel between San Francisco and San Jose in less than an hour, stopping at a few popular stations.

 


Car rental 

Hertz Car Rental 

To receive 20 percent off the retail rate, enter “CDP 2188961” under the ‘add a discount code’ section when making an online reservation.


Parking 

Parking rates at Photonics West hotels range from $30 (self) to $60 (valet), but rates are subject to change. Please check with your individual hotel for specific parking rates during the conference week.

  • SpotHero provides reserved parking spaces throughout San Francisco.
  • Parkopedia lists all the publicly available parking lots and garages, and information about street parking.
  • Best Parking lists parking options in San Francisco.
  • Union Square Parking provides parking garage information in the Union Square shopping district.

 


Restaurant and city information

Find restaurant options and information about popular attractions. Visit the San Francisco Visitor's Guide.

View list of restaurants near the Moscone Center that are open for business, provided by the San Francisco Travel Association. 

San Francisco Restaurants (Open Table)

Family care while attending the meeting


SPIE believes that individuals with significant caregiving responsibilities should have an equal opportunity to share their research and participate in conferences and symposia.

SPIE Family Care Grants are designed to supplement caregiving costs incurred by SPIE Early Career Members who are registered to attend an SPIE meeting. See hotel details in the reservation system to find hotels that offer onsite childcare. 

Find information and apply for an SPIE Family Care Grant

Don't forget to secure your visa

Be sure to plan ahead and apply to get a visa if it is needed.