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.
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. SPIE recommends using the only official housing agent contracted by SPIE—Conference Direct—to ensure the security of your reservation.
Hotel options and reservation details will be available in late June. Book through SPIE for the best offers.
Exhibitors seeking 10 or more hotel rooms should request a sub-block. More information will be provided in June when the reservation system opens. Below is the broad timeline, which will be updated soon.
Important dates
| Deadline to submit a hotel sub-block request | October |
| Deadline to assign rooms with names | November |
| Last day to cancel rooms without penalty | November |
| Processing fee of $50 begins for each reservation canceled | November |
Discover the variety the city has to offer, from the Golden Gate Bridge to unique neighborhoods. Look below for further details on the following:
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
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.
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)
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.
