Best Luxury Hotels in San Francisco

Best Luxury Hotels in San Francisco

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

Photo: Courtesy of Fairmont 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.

TIP:  Bring Fido – this is a dog-friendly hotel.

Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons

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.

TIP:  San Francisco now boasts two Four Seasons hotels — a second one, Four Seasons Embarcadero, is in the Financial District.

Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Drisco

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.

TIP:  Ask about the complimentary chauffeur service or bicycles (although the signature steep hills are impressive!)

Photo: Courtesy of InterContinental Mark Hopkins

InterContinental Mark Hopkins

High atop Nob Hill, Top of the Mark is the dining destination and cocktail lounge (boasting 100 different variations of a Martini on the menu) with wrap-around views to the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond. Come for sunset or Sunday Champagne Brunch. The hotel’s guest room décor speaks to a classic style with an emphasis on comfort with modern touches such as free Wi-Fi,  an in-room mini-fridge and Keurig coffee maker.

TIP:  Ask about live music nights at Top of the Mark.

Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco

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.

TIP: Offering an extra SF perk, a cable car stops right outside The Ritz.

Photo: Courtesy of St. Regis San Francisco

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. 

TIP: Enjoy afternoon tea and Signature Butler service.  

More Local Favorites in San Francisco

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