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January 29, 2007updated Jun 21, 2017

The 8 Best Hotels and Suites in San Francisco

By Chris Boyle

W San Francisco

Whether you are looking for a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare – choose from our selection

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, SAN FRANCISCO

SILKS, MANDARIN ORIENTAL SAN FRANCISCO

The Asian-influenced Mandarin Oriental San Francisco promises ‘legendary service and legendary views’, and they more than deliver on their promise.

Located in the upper 11 floors of one of San Francisco’s tallest buildings, the hotel provides guests with stunning panoramas over the city. Once elite travelers have torn their eyes away from the Golden Gate Bridge and Bay views, they’ll notice the subtle luxury throughout the hotel. An elegant décor of creams, gold and black creates a relaxing atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Take time out in the Fitness Center or eschew exercise and head straight to Silks, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, which has received rave reviews for its imaginative fusion of Asian and American cuisine. And, of course, there’s the fantastic service, which really does go the extra mile; a concierge once loaned his own shoes to a gentleman who needed footwear for a meeting.

 

TOP SUITE THE ORIENTAL SUITE

the ORIENTAL SUITEWhy we love it: It’s no surprise to find that the finest vista in the hotel can be sampled from the top suite; after all, you always give the best to the best. The private outdoor terrace spans the entire length of the suite and offers incredible views – from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge and everything in between. The master bedroom features a king-size bed and a deep-soaking jet stream bathtub, perfect for a romantic getaway, while there is a second master bedroom, which also features a king-size bed, as well as another private marble bathroom.

 

 

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  • Square footage: 2,000
  • Nightly rate: $3,500

Cliff Atkinson, General Manager

+1 415 276 9665

222 Sansome Street, San Francisco, 94104

www.mandarinoriental.com

W SAN FRANCISCO

W SAN FRANCISCO

Starwood W hotels have established a reputation for being chic and trendy, and the W San Francisco is no exception.

Hip yet sophisticated, the hotel is located in the heart of the SoMa district, next to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and across from the Moscone Center. Number one choice for the city’s young and successful, W San Francisco combines a bright, colorful décor with plenty of luxury amenities and state-of-the-art technology. The hotel opened a Bliss Spa in 2005, making it one of the few hotels in the city with truly world-class spa facilities, while the XYZ bar and restaurant is one of the coolest hangouts in the city; many of San Francisco’s movers and shakers hang out there. Sleek and stylish, W San Francisco is also one of the greenest hotels in the city, and is committed to providing a high quality service with minimum impact on the environment.

TOP SUITE EXTREME WOW SUITE

EXTREME WOW SUITE

Why we love it: The rooms and suites at W San Francisco having all been given wonderful names such as the Cool Corner Room and the Fantastic Suite, but the Extreme Wow Suite is not only the most amusingly named suite in the whole city, it’s also one of the finest. Continuing the theme of the hotel, the Extreme Wow Suite is brightly furnished and blends luxurious comfort with cool sophistication. The suite is well equipped for hosting; there is a butler pantry and dining table for six, as well as a living room and second bedroom. The spacious bathroom features two full baths and is packed full of signature Bliss treats, while the cherry on top is the superlative 31st-floor view over San Francisco.

 

 

 

  • Square footage: 900
  • Nightly rate: $1,400

Michael Pace, General Manager

+1 415 817 7878

181 Third Street, San Francisco 94103

www.wsanfrancisco.com

THE FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO

FAIRMONT SAN FRAnCISCO

Unquestionably one of the grandest hotels in the city, the Fairmont San Francisco reigns supreme from its elevated position on Nob Hill.

Located at the junction for the city’s cable cars, this historic hotel has been providing luxurious surroundings for San Franciscans and visitors for the last hundred years. The luxury begins with the spectacular lobby and continues throughout the hotel’s rooms and suites, all of which offer stunning views across San Francisco. The hotel features one of the top health clubs in the city, Club One at Nob Hill Health Club, an excellent restaurant – Laurel Court – featuring wine from local wineries, together with 55,000 square feet of function space. In addition, the Fairmont’s reputation for impeccable service makes it the perfect destination for elite travelers.

TOP SUITE THE PENTHOUSE SUITE

Why we love it: Some of the world’s elite have stayed here, including John F. Kennedy, Prince Charles, Mikhail Gorbachev, King Hussein of Jordan, Mick Jagger and Elton John, and it’s easy to see why; this enormous suite features three large bedrooms, four bathrooms, a grand piano in the living room, a two-story circular library, a formal dining room that seats 60 and a billiard room covered in Persian tiles – from floor to vaulted ceiling. Located across the entire eighth floor of the hotel, the Penthouse Suite offers sumptuous views over San Francisco and comes with a butler and housekeeper, a chef, a massage therapist and a personal trainer.

 

 

 

  • Square footage: 6,000
  • Nightly rate: $15,000

Thomas Klein, Regional Vice President and General Manager

+1 415 772 5000

950 Mason St, San Francisco, 94108

www.fairmont.com

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SAN FRANCISCO

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Opened in 2001 and renovated in 2009, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco successfully blends understated luxury with trendy sophistication to create one of San Francisco’s most popular hotels.

Located in the city’s downtown SoMa Yerba Buena cultural district, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco occupies floors 5 to 17 in San Francisco’s first 21st century skyscraper. The hotel really is a luxury affair, with each room and suite adorned with contemporary artwork and offering delightful views over the Yerba Buena Gardens or the historic downtown. Ideally situated near Union Square and the Financial District, this lavish hotel has an excellent spa, a top restaurant and bar and service beyond compare. Quite simply, Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is one of the finest establishments in the city.

TOP SUITE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Why we love it: Situated on the 17th floor of the hotel, this spacious suite offers dazzling views of Yerba Buena Gardens and the South of Market neighborhood through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Beautifully furnished, it features gold-leaf coffee tables and eucalyptus lounge chairs and comes equipped with a selection of luxury amenities, including a 50-inch flatscreen plasma television and Bose stereo. The suite can be expanded to include more than one bedroom, and features a dining area with a separate pantry, a living area and an expansive bathroom with a tub for two.

 

 

 

  • Square footage: 2,300
    Nightly rate: $8,000

Doug Housley, General Manager

+1 415 633 3494

757 Market Street, San Francisco, 94103

www.fourseasons.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON, SAN FRANCISCO

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Magnificent, lavish and opulent are just some of the words regularly used to describe the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.

The hotel, fresh from its $12.5 million renovation, is truly a statement in luxury and offers 336 guestrooms and 60 suites. Classical artwork and fine furnishings adorn the walls of the stately mansion perched on top of Nob Hill, with many of the rooms featuring enviable views over the city. The dining facilities at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco are top notch and the Spa-De-Vie is perfect for those who are looking to relax after a day’s sightseeing in the city. Ideally situated close to many of San Francisco’s best attractions and continually vying for the title of San Francisco’s finest hotel, the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco is an elite traveler favorite.

 

TOP SUITE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Why we love it: This luxurious two-bedroom suite boasts a 1,200 square foot outdoor terrace offering panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the downtown skyline; the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif. The suite is also ideal for entertaining; there’s a dining table that sits up to eight, a living room with three high-definition, LCD flat-screen televisions and even a personal wine cellar. Music lovers will enjoy the Steinway grand piano in the living room. The décor is sophisticated and multicultural, and there is a fully stocked pantry and wet bar with separate service entrance.

 

 

 

  • Square footage: 2,430
    Nightly rate: $8,000

Shelly Auyeung, Executive Assistant to the General Manager

+1 415 364 3466

600 Stockton Street at California Street, San Francisco 94108

www.ritzcarlton.com

PALACE HOTEL

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

The most historic hotel in San Francisco also happens to be one of the finest. Palace Hotel became one of the world’s most famous hotels when it opened in 1875 thanks to the opulent luxury on display, particularly in the hotel’s restaurant, the Garden Court.

Rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake along with the rest of the hotel, the Garden Court’s iconic 80,000-pane stained-glass ceiling is breathtaking. The fare on offer at the restaurant is excellent, a standard attained by the rest of the hotel, which boasts 53,000 square feet of meeting space, including three elegant ballrooms. Look out for the $2.5 million Maxfield Parrish mural of The Pied Piper of Hamlin, found in the bar of the same name.

TOP SUITE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Why we love it: Located on the eighth floor of Palace Hotel, the spacious Presidential Suite blends comfort with luxury to create an idyllic living space for elite travelers. The bedroom has a king-size bed alongside a large sitting area, while the living room boasts a Knabe baby grand piano and original decorative fireplace. The style is traditional with Belle Époque influences and there’s a dining area, card room and a kitchenette with microwave and fridge.

 

 

 

  • Square footage: 2,000
  • Nightly rate: $4,400

Clem Esmail, General Manager

+1 415 546 5045

2 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

www.sfpalace.com

THE ST. REGIS SAN FRANCISCO

Aria sitting room

First opened in 2005, the St. Regis San Francisco is one of the finest hotels in the city, and with its location in the vibrant SoMa district, also one of the most convenient. Comprising the historic landmark Williams Building and a contemporary 40-story tower, the hotel combines wall-to-wall luxury with unbeatable service; after checking in, a personal butler will take you to your room and show you around.

Ame, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, is considered by food critics to be one of the finest in the city, and those who enjoy indulging themselves will find the 9000 square foot Remède spa a haven of peace. The luxurious amenities and interior design by Yabu Pushelberg, in addition to fantastic views from the rooms and suites ensure that the San Francisco is another fine addition to the St. Regis hotel chain and one of the most sophisticated establishments in the city.

TOP SUITE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE

Why we love it: With a nod to its location opposite the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Presidential Suite is filled with art from around the world. The suite features a living room, dining room and media room, as well as a private office and expansive bedroom. Each of its five rooms are beautifully decorated with an elegant contemporary style from Yabu Pushelberg comprising rich colors and varied textures. The dining room has a table seating ten, while the media room boasts a 42-inch plasma TV and Bose sound system. Those looking to catch up on their reading will enjoy the private room’s executive chair and abundance of natural light. Best of all, however, is the staggering view from the Presidential Suite, especially at night, when the bright lights of the city twinkle invitingly before you.

 

 

 

  • Square footage: 3,200
  • Nightly rate: $7,000

Toni Knorr, General Manager

+1 415 284 4050

125 Third Street, San Francisco, 94103

www.starwoodhotels.com

TAJ CAMPTON PLACE

LUXURY SUITE

Luxury boutique hotel Taj Campton Place provides a welcome change from the larger, less intimate hotels that dominate the hospitality scene in San Francisco.

That’s not to say that Taj Campton Place isn’t as lavish as those hotels; far from it. Campton Place has a classic, century-old style that gives it a quiet exclusivity; the staff are incredibly helpful and the décor light and contemporary. The hotel also boasts one of the best restaurants in the city, the Michelin-starred Campton Place, which has been providing San Franciscans with fine dining for many years. With just over one hundred rooms and located in prestigious Union Square, Taj Campton Place provides a welcoming atmosphere that makes it obvious why the hotel was awarded the Global Traveler GT Tested Awards – Best Hotel in the United States 2010.

TOP SUITE LUXURY SUITE

Why we love it: The top suite at the Taj Campton Place continues the hotel’s theme of elegant, sophisticated luxury. The design, Contemporary California residential by Sylvia Chiang Design LLC can be seen throughout the beautifully furnished rooms. This full-floor penthouse suite, located on the hotel’s top floor, comprises a living area, dining room for eight, pantry, library and bedroom, and also offers the option of adding an additional room. The bedroom is kitted out with a divine four-poster bed and the whole suite is loaded with luxurious amenities and state-of-the-art Bose technology. With a dining room table that seats eight, the suite was made for entertaining and can accommodate a variety of events, from canapés for two to cocktails for 40.

 

 

 

  • Square footage: 1,170
    Nightly rate: $2,675

Ashrafi Matcheswala

+1 415 955 5532

340 Stockton Street, San Francisco, 94108

www.tajhotels.com

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