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The Fairmont Hotel
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Nob Hill
950 Mason Street
(between California St & Sacramento St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 772-5000
950 Mason Street
(between California St & Sacramento St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 772-5000
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154 reviews for The Fairmont Hotel
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
11/16/2009
11/12/2009
19 photos
11/14/2009
6 photos
11/8/2009
11/7/2009
10/31/2009
5 photos
10/26/2009
Updated - 10/10/2009
9/22/2009
9/17/2009
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7/21/2009
9/17/2009
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1/4/2009
15 photos
Updated - 6/14/2009
12/22/2008
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5/22/2009
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4/28/2009
3/30/2009
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3/28/2009
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
Oh, the history. I LOVED walking the catacolms of this hotel. The hallways in the basements and lower levels are lined with photos from yesteryears.
The location is to die for, with easy access to so much of The City. We rented a hybrid, so overnight parking was F.R.E.E. - nice for SF. Of course, the service is impeccable. The rooms well laid out.
I was able to open the windows - letting in the chill and some of The City noise. Very nice to hear after moving away from my favorite city so long ago.
The bathroom was a bit small, with the door striking some fixture I cannot remember (but it was porcelin).
Didn't eat at the restuarant, but I went to visit the hotel night club. They were charging $10/person. Not too much, but for people staying at that hotel, I was a bit surprised they wanted to charge us. I wanted to do a walk-through to check out the nightclub, but they refused. The ladies looked fine, but the dudes looked a bit "French-showery," so we bailed.
Good value. If you like history, come stay here.
My ass is on the can right now and my tired burning feet are cooling off on the marble floor of a bathroom that is bigger than my own kitchen at home. The room is bifurcated by a semi-enclosing wall that separates the loo. The glass shower enclosure is separate from the tub. Very nice. Throw on a bathrobe and I will say that I can be in here all day!
Hello, deluxe king room... 10th floor overlooking Powell/California. The quiet day is accented by the dings of the cable car pulling up the rich asphalt of Nob Hill. The flatscreen tv shows 98 channels and the internet is free (ask me how to beat the system).
A bed is a bed and a tv is a tv. There's a desk and a couch with an ottoman. There is no mini-fridge (i guess rich people don't do leftovers). What we really like is the eco-friendly A/C. There's a little motion sensor on the unit that will turn off the A/C if it detects no motion in a period of time
I'm still most impressed by the bathroom. It's huge and really nice. Is my new porcelain palace on the Hill worth the steep hike up California or Powell? While I ponder that question, let me flush first because my legs have fallen asleep.
The Fairmont is a very old hotel - the interior architecture in the lobby is striking - they just don't build hotels like this any more! Huge vaulted ceilings with ornate designs - lots of use of natural stone.
I stayed here for five nights. Bed was comfortable, pillows were not as substantial as I like - meaning they flatten out to easily - had to stack three pillows to get the desired thickness.
Room had a large flat panel High Def. TV, a small dresser, alarm clock with iPod integration, a desk with a desk lamp, small fridge stocked with beverages, a drawer full of snacks, large closet with iron and ironing board, a robe, and more.
The first day, I noted the room was stuffy upon my arrival. I cranked on the AC. There was a digital control unit on the wall, I cranked it down to 68 - which made no difference. So I let the front desk know - they claimed to have addressed the issue - but the unit still had a hard time keeping the room comfortable. Some of the TV channels offered are HD channels.
We utilized many different rooms in the hotel for the week for meetings, breakfast, lunch, dinner. Food served by the hotel for our group meals was middle-of-the road to good.
Overall, service was good. Comfortable experience.
We had great expectations for the Fairmont High Tea. If I could give it a one word review - it would be - "pathetic."
Over priced, over hyped, run-of-the-mill pastries and sandwiches, poor service, and an ambience (for the area where High Tea is served) does not do justice to the Fairmont brand. I would have given it one-star had it not been for the quality of the tea itself. The proprietary Fairmont blend was itself worthy of 5-stars. My recommendation is to skip paying for the rest of the stuff... just buy the tea and savor it with home made cucumber sandwiches. Did I say over priced?
The Fairmont is a true relic. I haven't been here in a while, but I only have amazing memories of staying and attending events here. It's a San Francisco staple that has never compromised quality when other parts of the city have weaved in and out of greatness.
I arranged for my parent's to stay here for my Mom's birthday and not only did the personnel here take care of every last detail, but they were helpful and easy to work with.
My parents raved about the room they were in (main building) with views of Alcatraz and Coit Tower. They were even offered the car service to their dinner at Danko's.
A perfect place to check your worries at the door when visiting the city whether it's for vacation or a quick getaway.
Okay, this is a wedding related review.... What can you possibly say about Fairmont that wasn't already been said?
I've photographed there a couple of times and the one and only drawback, is that you probably should go somewhere for photos.
If however, beautiful lobby and nice surrounding area is enough, then you should be set.
They've covered thousands of weddings with mostly high end clientèle so expect great if not outstanding service.
Not only you can spend a night there, but you can decide on either indoor or outdoor wedding. So sudden rain isn't a problem, they will simply move chairs inside.
And you can party all night (well almost) long, bring your own caterer and alcohol. Is it cool? Especially for Russians. And boy, every second wedding there is Russian... Here is a sample:
http://iqphoto.com/blo...
JK
Gorgeous hotel, and a solid 4 stars. Came here for a gala event and I was very impressed with the front entrance and many of their rooms. One of their ballrooms was a bit outdated though but still was a solid, classy area.
Would definitely return here again just even to hang around, every room is nicely laid out, has beautiful interior decorations, and fancy furniture surrounding.
I had a business meeting in SF earlier this month. We all agreed to stay at The Fairmont (convenience, service, price, amenities). Another pleasant stay, for me.
We did not dine in the hotel but we did cocktails one evening in the lobby bar. Very comfortable, attentive staff and not overly expensive. We then road the cable car to dinner (and back) at Fisherman's Wharf.
There is a health club in the hotel which, also, is very convenient for a quick work out or sauna. Very friendly staff, clean facilities, not overly crowded by other hotel guests or locals (late afternoon).
Parking in the hotel is expensive (at least $50 per day) but the valets are most cordial and expeditious.
Front desk staff is great! Be sure to meet Jimmie!
FYI, try to book a room in the hotel tower. The view's of the City, the Bay and the Golden Gate are FANTASTIC!
I left my heart......once again......in SF. Thanks Fairmont! :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/17/2009
Location, sophistication, veteran (attentive and appreciative) staff, fantastic views, reasonable… Read more »
A friend and I attended a conference at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero - just right down the street from the Fairmont.
Found a great room rate deal on the web, so we decided to reserve a room here for the night instead of staying at the Hyatt. I looked on the Google map - it said that it would be a 20 minute walk from the Hyatt to the Fairmont. No problem - 20 minute walk? I can do 20 minutes!
Ok - I forgot to look at the topography map, forgetting that SF is made of hills.
After the first day of our conference, we were ready to just go to the hotel, check in to our room and relax.
We asked one of the Hyatt employees to point us in the direction in which we should be walking - he pointed down California Street and said, "That way, straight up the hill."
With backpacks and totes in hand, we started walking and then we realized that it was a climb - straight up. What looked like on the map as a straight line from A to B, I didn't realize that there was a steep hill to ascend along the way.
We did get there - after a 20 minute rigorous walk.
Oh, but that's not what this review is about, it's supposed to be about the Fairmont Hotel!
The Fairmont is a grand hotel. Our room was very spacious - even the closet was big enough for us to throw a party in. The beds were very comfy - and although I made the mistake of reserving a queen bed, the desk staff were gracious in locating a room with two double beds (I like my friend, but not that much) - which by the way was so very comfy! The bathroom was spacious with marble tile and a phone next to the commode (I personally would never talk while on the toilet, but I guess a lot of people do). The magnifying mirror was a bit scary. I personally don't want to look at myself that closely in the morning, but it is helpful is locating those annoying stray hairs that mysteriously appear on your chin.
We slept like babes that night, refreshed and ready to tackle one more day at the conference.
If I have the opportunity to stay here again, I won't hesitate, but I think I'll be bringing better walking shoes next time.
I booked the balcony suite as a part of my bf's surprise bday party. Upon checking in, they upgraded me to the Buckingham Suite, but I wasn't quite sure what the upgrade was since the room looked exactly like the photo for the balcony suite. Oh well, I'll take it! I have to say their service was top notch which is what I always look for. They threw in a gas card, champagne and strawberries. I had a lot of special requests such as a small fridge be put in the room and chilling the cake in the kitchen and bringing it up to the suite at a certain time. They were very accommodating and exceeded my expectations. When they brought the fridge up they even offered to help me blow up the balloons!
Everyone was EXTREMELY impressed with the suite. It fit about 20 of us comfortably and the balcony was something else. The view was amazing. The decor is definitely a lot more "Baroque Arts" and it had an old musty smell when I first entered. There was a foyer, bar area and separate bedroom with a king bed. The sheets....WOW. The mattress/bed...not so wow. I would have expected the mattress to be firmer. I ended up waking up with a back ache in the morning.
Here's a tip. Always ALWAYS ask if they have any special deals or promotions upon booking. All of a sudden, they do! What a coincidence! This was a perfect choice for the occasion and really ups the wow factor for any kind of event. I was impressed and VERY pleased.
I have to give The Fairmont 5*.
I hate to do it, but they surpassed - really surpassed - what most hotels do for their guests.
Let's talk rates: Normally a night at the Fairmont will fun you over $200 - it's a 4-5* hotel, but that's more than I want to pay on my personal dime. They were running a special, though - stay 2 nights, get the 3rd free. It gets better - they have what they call "a moderate room" which has a full size, rather than a queen size bed - and is supposedly "small". We took it. Our rooms were $143/night + the 3rd night free. That works out to $95/night (before taxes), or $110 after!! Crazy.
Then they bumped us to the 7th floor, and we ended up in "moderate room" adjoining suites - no view (no really, NO VIEW - there was a building almost on top of us), but a HUGE room, with a separate bedroom. These were rooms 716, and 718 if this is something you would be interested in. Why did they bump us? No idea - it was our first time staying there. We did sign up for presidents club (which gives you free Internet in the room, and free access to their very decent gym (not just a few half hearted bikes on some dust closet).
Icing on the cake: I brought a pet - now normally they charge you $25/night to bring a pet for the cleaning of the room. Instead of $25 a night, they charged a one time $25 for the cleaning, which I think is reasonable - more than reasonable. And everyone at the hotel was so courteous about the lil guy, which was a so endearing. I know dogs are a pain, and I was half afraid they would give him the evil eye.
My only nitpick was the parking. They charge $50 bucks a night which is not far from highway robbery. So much so that they tell you NOT to bring a car when you stay there. But you know what? There is a very safe, nice garage literally a block away that charges $27 every 24 hours. So even though we were there for 4 'days' total, it was 3 'days' of parking. Problem solved.
Loved the Fairmont, would totally stay there again, and do the same thing with the parking. 5*s guys
I stayed here twice for Valentine's Day (yes, with the same girl...let's keep it clean here!)
Top of Nob Hill and the area surrounding it is amazing. I think the architectural style is Beaux Arts? Either way the main lobby is incredible in its grandeur. It's also kind of cool to stay in a place that survived the 1906 earthquake (there are pictures in the hotel that show Nob Hill leveled and only the Fairmont standing).
Location: It's at the top of Nob HIll so walking anywhere is relatively difficult but you are close to Chinatown and Union Square. The property also meets at California and Powell so you can catch two Cable Car lines (if you're staying for a few days buy a muni pass and use the cable cars from here!).
Restaurant/Bar/Coffee Shop: The restaurant was rather lack-luster at least appeared to me. The Tiki Room, in the basement, is cheesy but its fun (older crowd). There is also a coffee chop that is part of the hotel (the entrance is on the outside on Powell St.) that has some pretty good coffee and other baked goods.
Rooms: The rooms in the main building are tiny. The rooms in the towers are large with amazing bathrooms. The beds aren't that soft but you get used to the firmness.
INSIDER TIP: Try to book a room in the tower...it might be more expensive but it's worth it and you're experience will be that much better.
I had the pleasure of staying as a guest at the Fairmont last September and I must say it was an enjoyable stay. What an historic hotel!! We were booked at this hotel as a part of a Lexus press tour, so maybe my experience was slightly more enjoyable since we didn't have to pay for anything. After checking into our suite on the top floor of the hotel with an amazing view, we were whisked away to the Hybrid Living Suite to tour the space. It was an amazingly "green and sustainable" type of room with all natural materials used for the decor and such. It was super cute. We finished off our stay with all-u-can-eat brunch at the Laurel Court and it was quite delish. I say the Fairmont wins in general. If you've got a bit of extra dough to shell out, definitely stay here! :)
Pretty much on par with The Palace Hotel and other 4 star hotels in S.F. Our room is pretty big and clean. The big "wtf" is that there is NO coffee maker in the room and no fridge. Don't all rooms have that these days.
The bonus is that if you register for the Presidents Club (free), you get free internet and passes to the Club One fitness studio in the building. I wish I would have known that part.
The double bonus is that our room was only $153 through Expedia!
We had the Zanzibar suite for the weekend. I proposed to my wife here.
The hotel sits on Knob Hill, so its overlooking downtown - you feel like you can jump from rooftop to rooftop. On the balcony of the Zanzibar Suite, a full moon, clouds and fog passing along below, and a bottle of Gloria Ferrer sparkling wine we picked up from wine tasting earlier that day.
Then the typically fun and filling dinner at Betelnut and a ton of drinking in the Marina with friends to celebrate.
Guys, you can thank me later for the well laid out plan...
It's hard to give the Fairmont anything less than 5 stars. If you've been to the Crown Room or stayed in the Swig Suite, you can't possibly think it's less than spectacular. If you can ever score a look-sy at the Swig Suite, I highly recommend it. The library always reminded me of Beauty and the Beast (I stayed there when I was younger, okay?).
Just went to my cousin's wedding here this weekend. Everything was done beautifully. The view from the Crown Room is insane. I'm not sure I'd stay here if I was visiting SF as a tourist because of the location- near top of Nob Hill makes for a long (pant...) walk (pant...) home! Plus, I like the Four Seasons on Market better for practicality. I'm not an old lady; I don't care about the antiques in my room. Four Seasons is more modern luxury.
This review is strictly for the restaurant/lounge in the lobby. My relatives and I decided to have dinner here and we were definitely impressed! The service was fast and the staff very friendly. We ordered their blt, their ham on ciabatta bread, sliders along with a side of onion rings. We didn't think that the portions would fill us up, but they did! I shouldn't forget to mention that what we ordered were some of the best tasting food we've ever had! A+ for Fairmont.
Solid, classic, classy & old school. The anti-boutique hotel and proud of it, yet the rooms are also well maintained (not run down).
If that's your style of hotel, you can't go wrong.
This is a beautiful old hotel. Grand lobby. I stayed in the Pakistan suite in the old building - the outside deck was at least 250 square feet. Yes, the rooms are old - but comfortable and large. Great location and two cable car lines are just outside. This is the kind of place where Pelosi lunches (protesters out front) and the Obama's stay at (secret service all around) - great fun.
NO POOL though - they turned it into a restaurant. I deduct a star for that.
Uggghhh....not a place to eat if you live in SF! What an embarrasment and a rip-off for a nice breakfast out.
WHY must they charge $.75 for the SFChronucle and then charge TAX????
There are no news stands in the area where The Comical is $.50? RIP OFF the tourists!
That is but one thing that this City should be ashamed of.
This is an absolutely beautiful Fairmont. I made the mistake of taking the train from SFO to Powell and walking up Nob Hill in the middle of the summer with luggage. enough said---bad idea.
The room, here, had an incredible unobstructed view of Alcatraz and the "Platinum level treatment" for frequent Fairmont travelers was excellent.
I'll be back, as this is one of my favorite SFO hotels, as the service was impeccable!
What is there to say about the Fairmont that has not already been said before? It's a beautiful hotel with large marble columns, antique charm, and gorgeous views of the city. The beds are what you imagine clouds would feel like when you day dreamed as a child. Hotel staff was very helpful and they did everything they could to make my stay comfortable.
I feel that this hotel was a steal of a deal compared to my most recent stay @ the Renoir. I should have definitely checked yelp before booking a room there, now I know better. The Fairmont Hotel is heaven in comparison!
While I will agree with everyone that the Fairmont is a beautiful space, I was not blown away with the catering & events department. I helped throw a corporate event at the Fairmont where we spent upwards of $15,000 (!!!) and the manager seemed very blasé about the entire thing. I mean I'm not celebrity, bride, or SF socialite but I think for the cash I was shelling out, someone should act enthused about helping to plan my event and answer my questions /return my emails! At the same time we were hosting an event at the Fairmont, we hosted something small at Jillian's at the Metreon and it was unbelievable how cordial and customer service based the events staff was there. Obviously the Fairmont can sell itself and doesn't need to rely on positive attitudes. And THEN it took 2+ weeks and about 5 phone calls to receive an invoice after the event. Again, just unimpressed.
My husband and I were looking for places to shoot the engagement pictures for our wedding and walked around the whole city and ended our search here... After 20+ places I walk in and was blown away by the beautiful stairs... At that point I could see me in my dress and my train easily flowing down the steps... I have fallen in love... If you ask my husband he is a lot more animated--"She walks in and gasps, tears start running down her cheek, and tells me it's time to go home now" My husband surprised me 2 days before the wedding to tell me we were having our night b4 and after the wedding at the Fairmont... I could not ask for me...
Breathtaking elegance, beautiful, beautiful, beautiful... The staff is extremely helpful and accommodating... We originally had two rooms with a connecting living room... Which by mid-morning wedding day, the room was trashed with clothes and shoes everywhere from bridesmaids and grooms men getting ready.... We forgot to check out of the 2nd room and all of our stuff crowded the room... They transferred all into the room we reserved for the honeymoon suite in a nice and very organized fashion
THEY ALSO GAVE US A 40% DISCOUNT AS A GIFT.... We loved them soo much we got them a huge box of chocolates from our honeymoon....
This is one of my favorite hotels to stay at in the City. The only down side I can think of is walking up that damn hill. If you walk in any direction from this hotel you will be facing a major sweaty hot walk up a hill....of course this walk also secures you a great view from your room....well worth it in the long run. The Tonga room and the bar in the lobby are both GREAT! The bar in the lobby is great cause there's a cool old school band that you can listen to while snoogling on a couch with your love. The rooms are always quite, clean and beautiful. Make sure to get a room in the new tower. We had a room in the old town once and paid to get upgraded....WELL worth it. The rooms in the new part are.....obviously newer and much nicer. The old rooms feel....well old. No complains. Will definitely be back!! Also, well worth it to become a Presidents Club member.
last year, when i graduated from college my parents came from Japan to celebrate with me. I had a friend in this hotel so he helped me get a very sweet room.
if just rate this hotel i would give them 3-4 stars...but it happened on the first night-morning.
from the long tiring trip, we forgot our bag in the lobby...the next morning we realize that we didn't have my father's $1000 camera...sooner i called the lobby and ask them if you found anything.
we all know how important it is when you lose something, EVERY MINUTE COUNTS! they put me on hold forever! i ask every employee i see and they just bring me to different section/worker...WHO IS IN CHARGE HERE???
so finally we got our part of luggage back but my father's camera--full with my graduation pictures is gone.
you would think if someone who can stay at Fairmont, they have enough money and wouldn't take anyone's stuff.....
for a hotel like this( 3-4 star hotel) in japan, this kinda s*** won't happen!
this fairmont experience has been not sweet for my parents since we lost all our graduation memory and a brand new camera....
I often stay at the Fairmont chain since the locations are excellent for work/sightseeing and I used to get nice upgrades when I was traveling for work on someone's tab (sniff, sniff... miss those days!).
I stayed at the Fairmont during my recent San Fran trip for 5 nights - I love the Nob Hill area and it's the most reasonably priced of the hotels at the top of the hill.
Super convenient since 2 major cable car lines go right in front of it. Lovely historic decor and lobby - they serve lemon, lime and cucumber water in the lobby which are yummy!
Rooms are a bit dated as most Fairmonts are (smaller bathrooms in standard rooms), but I love the history of the chain. On the plus side, water efficiency isn't that established with the showers so you can an amazing spray!! If you want modern, this is not the place for you.
Customer service is good and concierge staff are helpful. I didn't eat at any of the restos but hubby went to Tonga one night for an overpriced $26ish burger that was quite good. Solid 4*.
So I haven't been to every hotel in the world, but this is the first hotel where I actually felt like a guest. Everyone is SO nice and courteous it's amazing. We even got a free upgrade and got a room next to the elevators on one of the higher floors. I'd rather sleep next to the elevators than in b/w two noisy rooms any day!!
The giant Cal. King bed was very comfortable and their bathroom was gorgeous! The valet attendants were also really nice and accommodating.
It's really close to Chinatown and pretty much everything else and is pretty much on the top of Nob Hill. It was NOT fun walking up the hill all the way from Chinatown though! Yeah, I know there are 2 major cable car lines that go right past the hotel but they were PACKED.
I think now that it's worth it to pay more at a nicer hotel where they treat you like royalty! Definitely give this hotel a try!
Spent our wedding weekend here - the venice suite was divine!
Although we arrived well after check-in time our room was not ready, so they sent us down to the Tonga Room with a $100 credit that we put to excellent use. I was utterly exhausted and cannot remember what we ordered, but there was a lot of pineapple, maraschino cherries, paper umbrellas, rum, xxl long straws and crappy buffet food (but I'm pretty sure there was a Scorpion Bowl or two). Exhaustion + Drinks from giant bowls = Silly Girls about to embarrass themselves.
We eventually made it up to GIANT lavish room with a HUGE glamorous marble bathroom (with tons of free Miller Harris toiletries restocked everyday!) and a dreamy MASSIVE walk in closet - a perfect set up for three fashionable girls. We got a wicked $120 a night rate (+$45 parking with in/out privileges) and it was totally worth every penny (which split between 3 girls is not very much at all). It was great having a car, the hotel is perched atop a very steep hill and we screamed like little girls every time we drove down them.
Our room had a door into the next room - locked of course - but we could clearly hear the boys next door partying to their awesome "alternative music." Still feeling silly from the Tonga Room, my very mature friends pretended to take a shower together, which quickly caught the attentions of our neighbors. Long story short, there was a lot of giggling, ding dong ditch, grade school note passing and crank calls... but we never even saw their faces. The next day we found a note on our bed (elegantly placed by the maid) from the boys next door thanking us for such a amusing night and leaving their phone numbers... and so the crank calls continued for the rest of our stay...
Five stars for not kicking us out (which they had every right to do)
The Fairmont is by far one of the nicest and grandest hotels in San Francisco, if not anywhere. It embodies a combination of luxury, elegance and old-world charm you just don't find in many hotels nowadays. This is the type of hotel that makes your stay memorable. The location, albeit on top of a very steep hill, couldn't have been more ideal.
The service is exceptional. The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgable. The public areas are immaculate. Just about any type of convenience is available at your beck and call, should you choose to exercise it. Customer service is almost over-the-top and that is just stellar in my book.
I thoroughly love the rooms here. They have a modern touch without looking blatantly sterile and devoid of personality. At the same time, it offers a kind of warmth that makes you feel completely at ease and just happy to be there. Extremely comfortable bed, luxurious linens, plush towels, elegant furniture, I mean, what's not to love?!
Without a doubt in my mind, I'd stay here again in a heartbeat. Again, it's location is prime. The cable cars are located right outside if you need them but there's a lot within walking distance, if you're feeling energetic to tackle those ridiculous hills. Lastly, the views can't be beat. The hotel sits on top of a very high peak in the city which shouldn't be missed.
I have been to The Fairmont Hotel 5 times and have stayed in all kinds of different rooms here. We come here for fun. This is one of the nicest hotels I have stayed at. Even though I live locally I will always choose to come here for a vacation.
My husband proposed to me in a room that overlooked the rooftop garden. It was a total surprise for my birthday in 2006. The view was so awesome.
We then stayed here for our honeymoon the following year. We got married at City Hall then came back to our room to be greeted by champagne and chocolate covered strawberry's. We didn't get a garden view room though.
Then we went back for my birthday and for whatever reasons we felt like we needed to get away. We now have moved up to reserving suites. The Farallon Suite or the Spreckels Suite. The best rates are after New Years. Quite cheaper than the previous stay we had there. One of the things I like about the rooms is that you can open the windows. Well apparently not in the Spreckels Suite. I love opening them in when we go in the summer and listen to the city all night long. With the wind billowing the curtains.
In the bar/lounge area called the Laurel Court the drinks are so good. Air Mail is the best drink there. The day after our wedding night I got so hammered there I passed out in the bathroom in the lobby and my husband had to call my cell phone to wake me up. Thank god we were staying there because then I just went back to our room to laugh it off. Let me tell you thank goodness those bathrooms are fully enclosed because I would have just slid out onto the main bathroom floor.
This last stay our room service was lacking in service that is. They screwed up my omelet twice. My husband as always had a great breakfast. We have had the buffet breakfast in the Laurel Court. I swear I ate all of the locks and cream cheese with red onion. They have a great spread. I just hate eating with all of the rude uppity foreign or local people. I am by no means wealthy but just because you are doesn't mean you can be an ass all of the time.
The roof top garden is also my favorite. It is so beautiful. They always have amazing colored flowers. Its a majesty of architecture to figure out how that giant palm tree got there and is able to be stable enough up there to be watered. They should do a documentary about that or something.
I love this hotel. I'm saving up all of my pennies for my birthday later this year.
Now that I've finally stayed here, I can update my review and shout from the rooftops: FIVE STARS FOR THE FAIRMONT.
Keeping a long story extremely short (mainly b/c I am way too tired to write a long, witty review right now, post-the events of last night (and am in need of Aleve, a big bottle of SmartWater and some cucumbers for my eyes, if you catch my drift)), I checked into the Fairmont yesterday, all done up (as in, post-1.5hr. workout, post-tanning sesh, post-hair (BIG hair) and makeup (including fake lashes... tres dramatic), dangly, sparkly Henri Bendel hoops dripping from my ears. Oh yeah, forgot to mention... I was in full-on Lululemon uniform, pilates gear to the max., sparkly Havaianas and carrying a black overnight bag and a full-length evening gown... I have a feeling all of the people in the lobby thought I was a 'woman of the night'.
Anyway, checked into the room early so I could finish the pre-dinner primp and slip into my gown/heels upstairs... the man at the front desk graciously complimented my hoops (fabulous, if I must say so myself) and subsequently upgraded the room to a jr. suite on the 15th floor of the Tower Level, with the same exact view that you get when you kick it in the Crown Room. DOPE.
Popped right into the room, slicked on some (NARS) gloss, gave the lashes a swipe (or four) of mascara, tousled my long blown-out locks and zzzipped up my gown and I was outta there in 10 minutes flat, the door locking securely behind me.
:: 12 hours later ::
... after the perfect extra dirty martini made by B on his rooftop (BEST view in San Francisco, of any building, hands down), a windy walk to the restaurant, a long, three-course dinner plus dessert (PLUS a RIDICULOUSLY FABULOUS BOTTLE of Veuve!), followed by a ride in a white stretch limo back to the Fairmont, followed-up closely by the elevator ride straight up to the penthouse ("Swig Suite, please"), not to be overshadowed by my Presidential "rounds" (my Spinsters Presidency came into effect at 12:01am today thankyouverymuch), crashing a sales conference meeting we thought was a wedding reception, leading to a much-needed stolen moment on the terrace with B (to clear my (our) heads)), one-too-many trips to the free-flowing absinthe bar, a quarter-glass of Merlot at just the wrong moment, dashing to the Derby Suite for kobe beef burgers/pizza/fries/champagne/all-tonic vodka tonics, a warm walk up the hill to Le Club, a warm walk down the hill back to the Fairmont...
... I woke up this morning, snuggled in my soft, cloud-like bed at the Fairmont, my head resting on a feather pillow, the sun rising over San Francisco through the picture window to my left. For a second, in my satiny hot pink nightie, long hair tangly, Orbitz bubblemint gum on the dresser moment, I felt like little Eloise at the Plaza.
Man oh man.
Conclusion: the Fairmont is the most gorgeous hotel in San Francisco.
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6/3/2009
Just walking into the lobby of the Fairmont makes me feel like I've been instantly transported to… Read more »
I love the Fairmont. We all know about the old school glamour and the to die for location. I've been coming here for years for Christmas tea with grandma, Spinsters Meetings, and a very strange scavenger hunt. But the next experience is my favorite of all.
After hunting for a parking spot for what seemed like 16 hours, I find an empty spot in front of the Fairmont with a cryptic tow away sign. I figure the doorman has been there for at least a couple of hours, so I march up to him and ask if they've been towing/ticketing those spots. He assured me no, the sign had expired. He's used to dealing with out of towners, so he warns me to lock my doors and not leave anything in my car as sometimes windows get smashed out. I crack that I'd actually love to have my beat-up car stolen.
He tips his hat, smiles at me and says "Miss, we're the Fairmont. We can arrange whatever you like"
The is a hotel that puts all other hotels to shame; it's elegant, classy, a hotel that enforces a quiet, refined status of, "yup, I'm better than any place you've stayed." When I saw the rate, I decided I could pony up a few extra bucks for an experience.
The room at my crummy $125 a night rate was large, with the biggest, most comfortable bed I've slept in. (I still don't get hotels that give you HDTV's, but not HD shows to watch). They give a robe (nice touch), and generally take care of you in a class that few hotels can.
Because of its location, this is one of the few hotels in any city where the easiest way to get to it is by cable car (not kidding). This makes for an interesting weekend getaway where you can take BART right into the city from SFO, and then take the Powell Street Cable Line up the hill.
But be prepared, the place isn't cheap. Expect to pay $35 for the buffet breakfast (still, very elegant), $10 a drink, if you go down to the gift shop, it's all pricy. And $50 for parking overnight? Makes a good case not to have a car in the city.
I couldn't afford to take the hubby out of town for his 40th birthday, so we splurged on a little "staycation" at the Fairmont Hotel. To be honest, what really sold me was the Tonga Room. How I could have lived in San Francisco for nearly 9 years and not made it to the Tonga Room is beyond me, and clearly needed to be rectified immediately.
I paid in advance and so got a cheaper rate than I would otherwise. I wasn't sure what kind of room we would get - one in need of a refresh or one that had been updated. As it turned out, they gave us a suite - the Luxembourg Suite. Sweet! As others have pointed out, the rooms are very large and very comfortable with unbelievably huge closets. While there appeared to be some updating in progress, the room was not old nor dingy.
Service was speedy and courteous. Everyone on staff we spoke with was friendly and polite, even though there were a number of grumpy patrons there (people, everyone's doing their best so lighten up, 'kay?). My one nit is the cost of the food and drink. I expect to pay more for this at a hotel, but geez, it was impossible to have any meal that came in under $50 for 2 people (not including booze). That said, I was more than happy to pony up for the drinks and dessert in the Tonga Room. After 3 mai tais I even managed to get the birthday boy to dance!
I was very impressed by the Fairmont and would stay there again in a heartbeat.
One of nicest entrances I've seen in a San Franciscan hotel. Nob Hill location is great and there's plenty of things to see and walk to within a short walk.
Rooms have not seen an update in a while (I think we stayed in the older wing), which could be ok, in hotel like Fairmont and it's history considered. If you're looking for a 5-star hotel, this is not it - but probably did come close 70s and 80s. If they renovate this place, it's going to be probably one of the world class hotels.
Innovative use of the hotel swimming pool (into restaurant Tonga room) and nice lounge music and cocktails. Not too much young people rather midage couples but also families with kids and business people.
Great service everywhere in hotel and well trained staff. Can definitetly recommend any one, any age who's visiting San Francisco.
A beautiful classic hotel, luxury and elegance in a perfectly restored piece of San Francisco history.
Good customer service with friendly attentive staff. Pay for an upgrade on the room is a must, the view from ours was stunning. Facing the bay with a clear shot of Alcatraz, a total picture postcard. Bedroom lush, bed so comfortable, could have stayed there all weekend! Great bathroom products as well.
If I had to lodge one criticism it would be the Valet parking. Now, as an ex-hotelier I am no stranger to screwing money out of guests, but there is a limit. $57 is way over that point. I mean really? There can be no justification for such blatant profiteering on a pretty essential service. It would be like charging a supplement for a pillow on the bed or water in the bath.
Despite that, still worth 4 stars, I guess we should have just been smarter with parking!
This is one gem of a hotel, atop Nob Hill. A really special place to go in December as they always due wonderful decorations. Rooms are fine and service is good.
Some of the meeting rooms have some odd dimensions and can be slightly difficult to work due to the chandeliers, so make sure you get complete floor plans. The tiki bar is kind of an odd place, but I really like their coffee/espresso bar.
It was our daughter's birthday weekend, and we decided to stay here to enjoy San Francisco without having to rush home in the evening. We booked a "Fairmont Signature View Room".
Check-in was a breeze at about 7 PM on a Friday evening. We were given a very nice room on the 18th floor of the Tower wing. Our window provided a 180 degree view from left to right with the Golden Gate, Sausalito, AlCatraz, Coit Tower, and the Bay bridge in the distance. On a clear evening, amidst the sunset you can see all those beautiful white sail boats on the bay. What a breath-taking view that is hard to beat!
Service at the Hotel was great. We asked for a room refrigerator, and it was delivered within 10 minutes.
Tonga room was fun with great music, great food, and great drinks!
RIght outside the hotel you can catch the Cable car. In one direction it takes you to Fisherman's Wharf. In the other direction it will take you to Union Square. Very convenient.
Minus 1 star because the lobby bar bar-tender was unfriendly, and Valet Parking with tax was close to 60 dollars for a 24-hour period!
We'll definitely come back whenever we want to spend a couple of days in this charming city.
