San Francisco is bracing for the annual tech spectacle known as Dreamforce, and the city’s hospitality landscape is transforming into a high-stakes accommodation battleground.

With 45,000 attendees expected, this Salesforce conference is turning even budget hotels like the Motel 6 into hot commodities. The event’s economic impact is substantial, generating $130 million in revenue for the city last year - a whopping 40% increase from 2023.

Hotel prices have skyrocketed, with some rooms commanding eye-watering rates. The Holiday Inn near Oakland airport is charging nearly $500 per night, while luxury establishments like the St. Regis are asking up to $9,000 for a one-bedroom suite with butler service. The most extravagant option? The Four Seasons Presidential Suite at an astonishing $20,000 per night.

Dreamforce isn’t just about accommodations; it’s a star-studded affair. This year’s speaker lineup includes CEOs from Google, Waymo, and Starbucks, alongside celebrities like America Ferrera and Jesse Eisenberg. Even Matthew McConaughey and Metallica are set to make appearances.

For budget-conscious attendees, Airbnb has become a strategic alternative. Local hosts like Peter Kwan are capitalizing on the conference, raising rates by 50% while still offering more affordable options compared to hotels. The average San Francisco Airbnb during Dreamforce is approximately $410 per night.

The conference represents more than just a tech gathering - it’s a critical lifeline for San Francisco’s recovering hospitality industry. As SF Travel’s CEO Anna Marie Presutti notes, Dreamforce brings significant economic benefits, attracting thousands of global attendees and supporting local businesses.

With the conference confirmed in San Francisco through 2027, it continues to be a pivotal event that showcases the city’s resilience and technological prowess.