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by Jill Loeffler •
Are you looking for the best San Francisco luxury hotels? There are a number of options, but which ones really stand out?
Here you will find the top guest-rated high-end accommodations in the best SF neighborhoods, including downtown, Nob Hill, and Union Square.
Some of my top picks include the gorgeous Fairmont Heritage Place located in Ghirardelli Square. Others include Hotel 1 along the Embarcadero, the St. Regis in the South of Market district, and the Four Seasons along Market Street.
All offer top line amenities, onsite restaurants, spas, and excellent service.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Address: 900 North Point Street
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf
Star Rating: 5-star
The Fairmont Heritage Place is the first of the San Francisco luxury hotels on my list. It is set inside Ghirardelli Square and is a favorite among travelers for its location and its spacious accommodations.
This hotel offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments or suites, giving you quite a bit of additional room and privacy for your visit. Most units have an outdoor terrace with a fire pit and breathtaking views of the gorgeous SF Bay.
Each suite also has a kitchenette, so you can easily make your own meals or entertain guests. Other key amenities here include:
>> Read reviews from recent guests and book the best prices at the Fairmont Heritage Place.
Address: 125 Third Street
Neighborhood: South of Market (SOMA)
Star Rating: 5-star
The St. Regis is one of the newer options on the scene. This is one of the San Francisco luxury hotels that is well situated near Yerba Buena Gardens, the Museum of Modern Art, and other cultural museums in downtown San Francisco.
The top 20 floors of this 40-story building are dedicated to St. Regis guests. You get an amazing view of the city from just about any room.
Some other amenities at the St. Regis include:
>> Find recent guest reviews and the most competitive prices for the St. Regis San Francisco.
Address: 500 California Street
Neighborhood: Financial District
Star Rating: 4.5-star
The Omni is one of the best San Francisco luxury hotels in the Financial District, making it perfect for business travelers. It's also great for tourists, as it's within walking distance to the Ferry Building, Chinatown, and Union Square.
Though set in a 1920s-era bank building, once you enter the lobby, you will notice the modern feel. You'll find the rooms spotless and up-to-date. Make sure you ask for a courtyard-facing room for the best views.
The staff here will make you feel at home. If you have any questions about SF, the knowledgeable concierge staff will be more than happy to help.
Other amenities here include:
>> Read guest reviews and compare prices for the Omni Hotel.
Address: 2901 Pacific Avenue
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
Star Rating: 4-star
For a more intimate stay in a 48-room boutique hotel, check out the locally owned and operated Hotel Drisco, which offers a classic San Francisco experience.
Set atop a hill in one of the country's most expensive and exclusive neighborhoods, this 1903 Edwardian building provides an ambiance of elegance and luxury to match the billionaire residences that surround it.
Guests love this place for its exclusive feel, great views, and personalized touch.
Special amenities here include:
>> Find more information and book rooms at Hotel Drisco
Address: 999 California Street
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Star Rating: 4-star
Another one of my favorite San Francisco luxury hotels is the Mark Hopkins. This gorgeous hotel was built in 1926 and sits on top of the hill in the famed Nob Hill neighborhood.
This hotel has 16 floors of beautiful rooms and suites. Here are a few of their amenities:
The Top of the Mark restaurant and lounge is located on the 19th floor, where you can sip on your choice of 100 martinis on the menu as you gaze out at the beautiful skyline. The restaurant area serves up fresh California cuisine and has an impressive wine list.
>> Compare prices and find the best deal on the Mark Hopkins.
Address: 757 Market Street
Neighborhood: between SOMA and Union Square
Star Rating: 5-star
If you love dining, shopping, and the convenience of a bustling downtown life, the location of this Four Seasons can't be beat. You'll find it right on Market Street, in the heart of San Francisco.
This is a popular hotel for people traveling for business as well as for tourists who want to be near all the action. The rooms here are plush and spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer excellent views of downtown. Suites are also available.
The amenities here include:
>> Find rooms and more information about the Four Seasons San Francisco
Address: 950 Mason Street
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Star Rating: 4-star
Right across the street from the Mark Hopkins is another one of the popular San Francisco luxury hotels, the historic Fairmont San Francisco. It opened in 1907 and was remodeled in 2001.
Even if you don't get a chance to stay here, I'd highly recommend taking a peek inside at their beautiful lobby. The decor is gorgeous from floor to ceiling. The entire lobby is decorated in gold tones and other warm colors.
The flags outside the front entrance celebrate this hotel as the location where the United Nations charter was drafted in 1945. The staff is also more than happy to point out other key pieces of this hotel's remarkable history.
The Fairmont features 592 gorgeous rooms and suites. Some of the amenities here include:
>> See pics and read more about this hotel.
>> Find reviews and the best prices at the Fairmont San Francisco.
Address: 240 Stockton Street
Neighborhood: Union Square
Star Rating: 4.5-star
This is another one of the San Francisco luxury hotels that places you right in the middle of all the action. It's located in a landmark building in Union Square with incredible city views.
For those who enjoy the frills, the decor and ambiance are European, so you get more of a sense of old-world class, but with contemporary amenities.
Taj Campton Place features 101 rooms and 9 suites. Some of the amenities here include:
>> Book rooms at the Taj Compton Place San Francisco
Address: 8 Mission Street
Neighborhood: Embarcadero
Star Rating: 4-star
One of the newer San Francisco luxury hotels is 1 Hotel (formerly Hotel Vitale). This hotel is set along the beautiful Embarcadero waterfront with fantastic views of both the Ferry Building and the Bay Bridge.
Located about a mile from Union Square, the hotel is 8 stories high and has 200 rooms. They pride themselves on being green and carbon neutral, using beautifully reclaimed and natural materials for the luxuriously rustic decor.
Some of the amenities here include:
The on-site restaurant has a great bar with outdoor seating that is covered and heated for those chilly San Francisco nights.
>> Discover the most competitive nightly rates for the 1 Hotel.
Address: 600 Stockton Street
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
Star Rating: 5-star
Heading back up to the famed Nob Hill neighborhood, you will find another one of the great San Francisco luxury hotels, the Ritz-Carlton.
This iconic hotel is located only three short blocks from Union Square. It sits right along the California cable car line and is just steps from the Financial District and Chinatown.
The hotel has 336 luxury suites and guest rooms with downtown or bay views. Their amenities include:
>> Find out more about the gorgeous Ritz Carlton and how to book rooms
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!