Bay Area visitors will find no shortage of luxury hotels in San Francisco, from historic landmarks to contemporary properties that offer five-star accommodations, superior service, and world-class amenities.
Whether you’re sightseeing or traveling on business, these eight San Francisco luxury hotels are welcoming beacons of warm California hospitality.
Through my role as a travel advisor, you can book into all of them with value-added amenities that can include complimentary breakfast for two, resort or spa credits, room upgrades, and more at no extra cost to you.
We independently select featured hotels and may earn a commission if you book through the links below.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood is the epitome of luxury. The only AAA five-diamond resort in the city, the property has 336 elegantly appointed rooms and suites.
En suite bathrooms feature Italian marble vanities, rainforest showers, lighted mirrors, and Asprey toiletries. Pillow top mattresses are covered with crisp white linens and a down comforter. Contemporary decor and furnishings complement the blue and grey color palette.
Ritz-Carlton Club Level accommodations offer personalized service and Club Lounge access with perks such as complimentary garment pressing, food and beverage service, and a dedicated concierge.
Unfortunately, the hotel spa is temporarily closed. When it reopens, guests can experience true tranquility and internationally inspired treatments at Spa L’OCCITANE by The Bay. A menu of traditional therapies includes deep tissue massages, rejuvenating facials, and pampering for hands and feet.
Families traveling with children will appreciate the Ritz Kids program that welcomes young guests with a personalized letter and includes a packet with a coloring book and instructions for a scavenger hunt that celebrates the Ritz’s commitment to preserving culture and the environment.
Diners at Parallel 37 and The Lounge will enjoy fresh, seasonal cuisine in a sophisticated environment. Wine connoisseurs can enhance their tasting experience at The JCB Tasting Lounge with light fare from Parallel 37.
An extensive banquet menu is available for corporate events and special occasions. Board meetings, fundraisers, and weddings are just some of the large-scale gatherings that are held at the Ritz-Carlton. Its proximity to the Moscone Center makes it a desired destination for conference attendees.
Virtuoso Reservations
You can book in with Virtuoso amenities that include:
- Upgrade to next room category (excluding Club Lounge), if available and at the time of check-in
- Breakfast Credit for two guests per bedroom daily, up to $64 including tax (Including Parallel 37 or In-Room Dining)
- $100USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full, available for Parallel 37, Lobby Lounge and in-room dining only.)
- Early check-in, late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary In-Room Wi-Fi
2. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero
Note: This hotel was also Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco, and most recently Loews Regency San Francisco.
Centrally located in downtown San Francisco, the new Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero is within walking distance of many of the city’s major attractions (including nearby Chinatown). You’ll also be treated to panoramic views from all refreshed guest rooms.
Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Golden Gate Bridge are visible from the hotel’s coveted position at the top of a 48-story building, from your room, or the hotel’s Sky Bridge.
Having stayed here when the hotel was a Mandarin, I can tell you that the sunsets are outstanding (when weather permits).
Guests can start their mornings at The Lounge & Bar for breakfast and return in the evening for a hand-crafted cocktail and a hearty supper. The Lounge & Bar is also open for lunch and small bites. For a relaxing night in, curl up in bed with some exquisite Four Seasons room service or bespoke cocktails.
Four Seasons Preferred Partner Reservations
Book as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner guest and receive the following:
- Daily breakfast for two in the Hotel restaurant
- Hotel/Resort Credit* (based on room category booked):
• Guest Rooms: USD 100 credit per stay
• Suites and Specialty Suites: USD 200 credit per stay
• Private Retreats: USD 200 credit per bedroom per stay - Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in**
- Welcome note at check-in acknowledging you and your travel agency and the benefits that are being extended
- Complimentary standard Internet in all guest rooms and premium Internet in all suites
*Hotel/Resort Credit may be applied to select incidental charges incurred at the Hotel or Resort. Must be used in conjunction with the initial stay and will be applied at check-out. May not be applied towards the room rate, taxes, resort fees, service charges, conference fees, or any charges from outside vendors. Exclusions may apply; contact the Hotel/Resort for more details.
When a suite is reserved in connection with another guest room or suite, the cumulative credit (based on room category booked) value applies.
The Private Retreats credit applies to Villas and Residences with a minimum average rate per night (before Resort fees and taxes) of USD 1,000.
**Category upgrade based on availability at time of check-in excludes Specialty Suites, Villas and the Private Retreats collection of Villas and Residences.
3. Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco
Part of the Marriott family of luxury hotels, this historic hotel (established in 1875) is near the Moscone Center and Oracle Park, making it the ideal location for trade show vendors, concertgoers, and baseball fans.
Classic suites and spacious guest rooms retain original 1909 details but were recently updated to a soothing color palette with amenities that cater to the modern traveler. Luxury Collection bathrobes, designer bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi, smart refrigerators, and Keurig coffee makers are just some of the comforts guests can expect during their stay at Palace Hotel.
The staff goes above and beyond to provide guests with a memorable experience. Their professional team can assist with individual requests or full-scale event planning. Meetings, conferences, parties, and fundraisers will go smoothly with personalized booking tools and mobile check-in at your disposal.
You won’t want to miss dining in The Garden Court (San Francisco landmark #18) restaurant under the crystal chandeliers hung from a stunning glass dome. A breakfast buffet, à la carte lunch, weekend brunch, and afternoon tea are served in this sophisticated setting.
For a casual evening meal or a late afternoon drink, try The Pied Piper. Cocktails amid the rich wood paneling of the Pied Piper Grill are a century-old tradition.
Guests who want to work out while staying at this San Francisco luxury hotel will appreciate the opportunity to swim laps at the Palace Hotel Pool and work up a sweat at the 24-hour fitness center.
Virtuoso Amenities
You can book in with Virtuoso amenities that include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Full breakfast daily in Garden Court Restaurant (excludes Sunday Brunch) for two guests per bedroom, including In Room Dining (breakfast credit, max value of $60 per day)
- $100USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
4. Fairmont San Francisco
This San Francisco luxury hotel in the prestigious Nob Hill neighborhood is at the intersection of the cable car lines that take passengers to downtown, Union Square, the Financial District, Ferry Building, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Its convenient location, attentive service, and luxury amenities make it a popular hotel for family vacations, class reunions, business meetings, and weddings. With 72,000 square feet of event space, it would be difficult to imagine a more perfect setting for any special occasion.
For the ultimate indulgence, guests can book the Penthouse Suite, where rock stars and royalty have slept during visits to San Francisco in one of the city’s best luxury hotels.
If your needs aren’t quite that extravagant, but you still want a world-class experience, the Fairmont San Francisco has over 600 rooms and suites that feature down-filled pillows and comforters, plush bathrobes, Le Labo toiletries, and spectacular views of the city or the bay.
Start your day at the Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar, which has a full breakfast buffet and options available ala carte. When you return to the hotel after exploring the city, relax with a cup of afternoon tea at the Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar or dine at the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar. Keep in mind that the full afternoon tea service is available on Saturdays from 2-4 p.m.
In-room dining is also available upon request. Select menu items are prepared with ingredients from the Fairmont’s rooftop garden and beehives.
Good to know: The hotel offers suites that can suit larger families like the Junior Family Suite with two queen beds and a double sofa bed.
Virtuoso Reservations
You can book in with Virtuoso amenities that include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Continental breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom in Laurel Court Restaurant
- $100USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
*When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them after I contact you about your reservation.
Three people may stay in a Fairmont King with a rollaway, and four may stay in a Fairmont Queen/Queen, for example. You can check occupancy limits on Fairmont San Francisco’s website.
5. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
With decor inspired by San Francisco’s natural elements and a premier art collection featuring predominantly Californian artists, this redesigned hotel is an oasis of calm in the heart of the city.
Floor-to-ceiling windows in the guest rooms and suites frame views of the city, the bay, or Yerba Buena Gardens. A plush armchair near the windows is the perfect place to sip on a cup of freshly brewed coffee before heading to the MKT Restaurant and Bar for breakfast or weekend brunch. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, and late-night fare is available in the lounge. Rooftop beehives provide honey for cocktails and other menu items. Keep in mind, the restaurant is closed for dinner on Sunday and Monday.
In-room dining is available around the clock, and private dinners (perfect for business meetings or family gatherings) can be arranged in the Windows, View, and Private Den (PD2) dining rooms.
The Four Seasons San Francisco is well-equipped to accommodate both leisure and business travelers. Each room and suite has a sitting area that can be used to plan the next day’s events or reply to email from the office in addition to complimentary Wi-Fi and plenty of ports to keep devices charged.
Other services and amenities include laundry and dry-cleaning services, twice-daily housekeeping, an overnight shoeshine service, and a daily complimentary digital newspaper.
Your workouts and luxury spa treatments happen at Equinox Sports Center, the city’s top health club, which is in the same building as Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco. The Equinox Sports Club is only open to guests ages 17 and older.
Four Seasons Preferred Partner Reservations
You’ll receive:
- Daily breakfast for two in the Hotel restaurant
- Hotel/Resort Credit* (based on room category booked):
• Guest Rooms: USD 100 credit per stay
• Suites and Specialty Suites: USD 200 credit per stay
• Private Retreats: USD 200 credit per bedroom per stay - Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in**
- Welcome note at check-in acknowledging you and your travel agency and the benefits that are being extended
- Complimentary standard Internet in all guest rooms and premium Internet in all suites
*Hotel/Resort Credit may be applied to select incidental charges incurred at the Hotel or Resort. Must be used in conjunction with the initial stay and will be applied at check-out. May not be applied towards the room rate, taxes, resort fees, service charges, conference fees, or any charges from outside vendors. Exclusions may apply; contact the Hotel/Resort for more details.
When a suite is reserved in connection with another guest room or suite, the cumulative credit (based on room category booked) value applies.
The Private Retreats credit applies to Villas and Residences with a minimum average rate per night (before Resort fees and taxes) of USD 1,000.
**Category upgrade based on availability at time of check-in excludes Specialty Suites, Villas and the Private Retreats collection of Villas and Residences.
6. Taj Campton Place
This boutique hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant, a prime location at Union Square, and accolades from former guests and travel industry experts.
Sumptuous hotel rooms and suites are decorated with rich colors and metallic accents. Guests are pampered with luxuries like a bath menu and bath salts, turndown service, a pillow menu, a fully stocked mini-bar, and comfortable bathrobes and slippers.
Taj Campton Place is family-friendly and pet-friendly. Babysitting services are available for children whose parents want to enjoy a night out in San Francisco or dinner at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant. Pets up to 25 pounds are welcome with payment of a $100 non-refundable fee.
Guests can use the hotel’s rooftop gym with specialized TechnoGym equipment for an invigorating workout or explore nearby landmarks on foot. The concierge can help guests book a private walking tour or purchase tickets for area attractions.
Business guests will like the convenience of the 24-hour business center featuring high-speed Wi-Fi, modern meeting rooms, and secretarial assistance. Additional services such as car rentals, valet parking, currency exchange, and laundry services benefit business guests and leisure travelers.
Virtuoso Reservations
You can book in with Virtuoso amenities that include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (upgrade applies from California to Deluxe)
- Daily Breakfast credit of USD $25 per guest, for two guests per bedroom, in the restaurant
- $100 USD Food & Beverage credit to be utilized in the Bistro Bar or Campton Place Restaurant. Not valid for in-room dining. excludes taxes and gratuities (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
*When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them after I contact you about your reservation.
7. The St. Regis San Francisco
This landmark hotel is home to the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) and is next door to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).
Its proximity to other area museums and galleries make The St. Regis a destination hotel for art lovers visiting The City by the Bay. Art installations which complement the contemporary decor and furnishings are standard in every hotel room and suite.
Personalized butler service is complimentary for guests who reserve one of the suites. The hotel’s concierge can assist guests who want to attend a live performance at a local theater or play a game of golf at one of San Francisco’s renowned golf courses.
Leisure travelers can also enjoy the Art of Sabrage service, an evening ritual that includes opening a bottle of champagne with a saber. This ritual occurs every evening at The St. Regis San Francisco Bar.
The Grill at St. Regis is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the Lobby Lounge offers casual fare for afternoon and evening meals. 24-hour room service is available as well. The hotel swimming pool and spa are currently undergoing renovation, but these spaces are expected to be back up and running by Spring 2023.
Note: The hotel can not accommodate more than three people (including kids) in most rooms and suites. The Presidential Suite, St. Regis Suite, and Metropolitan Suite have a maximum occupancy of four people.
Virtuoso Reservations
You can book in with Virtuoso amenities that include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (excluding suite categories)
- Daily Continental Breakfast for two guests per bedroom at Grill Restaurant or room service (Maximum credit of $60 per day)
- $100USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
8. Fairmont Heritage Place
Housed in the former Ghirardelli Chocolate factory, this boutique hotel offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom residential-style suites.
Accommodations include separate living and dining areas with contemporary decor. Grocery delivery is available to stock the gourmet kitchen for guests who want to prepare home-cooked meals.
Guests who prefer to dine out will find a selection of casual and fine dining restaurants right in Ghirardelli Square. The hotel’s concierge staff can offer assistance in making reservations or help to book tickets for excursions and events.
Guests of the Fairmont Heritage Place also receive complimentary valet parking for up to two vehicles, bellman and concierge service, and daily housekeeping. A wide range of additional services are available for a fee, including package delivery, dry cleaning, in-suite dining, childcare, and airport transfers.
The living room in the three-bedroom residences can also be used to host business meetings with up to ten people. The hospitality team can arrange for catered meals, set up audiovisual equipment, and assist with any special requests. Extended stay options are available for guests staying in town for longer than seven days.
Good to know: The hotel’s one- and two-bedroom suites have a view of San Francisco Bay or the city, while the three-bedroom residences overlook the city. One-bedroom suites can accommodate up to four guests, two-bedroom suites have room for six guests, and the spacious three-bedroom residences can hold up to eight guests.
Best San Francisco Luxury Hotels on a Map
If you need a San Francisco hotel in a particular location, it helps to view them on a map.
More San Francisco Travel Tips:
*Top photo is courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Katie Dillon
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