Visitors can enjoy making a selection from a wide choice of five-star hotels in the City by the Bay. Architecturally-speaking, luxury hospitality is represented by both contemporary glass towers as well as classical grande dame properties, all in enviable locations for easy access to the best of the city’s offerings. Service? Only the best will do.
Feature Photo: The St. Regis San Francisco
Fairmont San Francisco
Atop the crest of Nob Hill, this is quintessential, pedigree San Francisco. Flags of the world adorn the classical entrance, limos navigate the driveway, and cable cars crawl by. On the front lawn, a larger-than-life statue of Tony Bennett greets passersby, a tribute to the city’s anthem, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” first performed here in 1961. Take afternoon tea with honey harvested from the beehives on the hotel’s rooftop garden and don’t miss the legendary Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar.
The property holds a 4-Key Eco-Rating from Green Key Global, affirming its strong environmental standards. It is also part of the California Green Lodging Program, reinforcing its commitment to resource conservation and sustainable operations.
TIP: Bring Fido – this is a dog-friendly hotel.
Four Seasons
Rising above Market Street at Fourth Street, the hotel’s spacious guest rooms are comfortable, distinctive sanctuaries with five-star benefits: overnight shoe shine, one-hour pressing, 24-hour laundry and dry cleaning service, complimentary Wi-Fi and an in-room safe large enough for a laptop. On the fifth floor, the MKT lounge and restaurant serves California-inspired cuisine and has 180-degree city views.
Single-use plastics in food and beverage are eliminated; comprehensive recycling and organic waste diversion programs are in place.
TIP: San Francisco now boasts two Four Seasons hotels — a second one, Four Seasons Embarcadero, is in the Financial District.
Hotel Drisco
To stay like a local takes on true authenticity at this historic Edwardian property in residential Pacific Heights, a.k.a. Billionaire’s Row. Old-fashioned tasseled keys and a gracious curved stairway speak to the elegance and hospitality of bygone days. Known for sophistication, meticulous attention to detail, and personal service, the complimentary breakfast and evening wine and cheese reception are welcome benefits. Forty-eight rooms including 16 suites. Small fitness center, no on-site restaurant.
Certified San Francisco Green Business and TripAdvisor Green Leader Gold.
TIP: Ask about the complimentary chauffeur service or bicycles (although the signature steep hills are impressive!)
InterContinental Mark Hopkins
Awarded LEED Gold for Operations & Maintenance (EBOM) - first in its brand and among California’s largest LEED EBOM hotels.
TIP: Ask about live music nights at Top of the Mark.
The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
An imposing neo-classical structure atop a steep hill (this is San Francisco, after all) is tucked away between Nob Hill, Chinatown and Union Square. Club Level Rooms come with perks: breakfast, light lunches, hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the Club Lounge. A stylish restaurant, Parallel 37, serves California cuisine and the swanky JCB Tasting Room serves flights and bubbles. Other facilities include the L’Occitane Spa and a modern fitness center/gym.
Installed a new energy system that uses heat from its own exhaust, boosting efficiency by 20% and cutting carbon emissions.
TIP: Offering an extra SF perk, a cable car stops right outside The Ritz.
The St. Regis San Francisco
This is 21st century luxury with bells and whistles, but without the grandeur of Nob Hill. An enviable location places guests in the heart of SoMa adjacent to SFMOMA, so it’s a quick walk to museums, Union Square shopping, Yerba Buena Gardens, and the Moscone Convention Center. Rooms have feather-top beds, spacious bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi.
Recognized as a certified San Francisco Green Business and California Green Lodging Program participant. Awarded the 2024 Hospitality Heroes Award for Sustainability.
TIP: Enjoy afternoon tea and Signature Butler service.
