Whether you seek the timeless allure of classic luxury or the cutting-edge sophistication of modern design, our guide unveils the cradle of comfort and style amid the iconic urban setting. From the historic charm of iconic establishments to the avant-garde designs of contemporary havens, the Best Luxury Hotels in San Francisco offer a celebration of the extraordinary.
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The eco-friendly 1 Hotel San Francisco, inspired by nature, incorporates sustainable elements in its design, aligning with the brand’s focus on sustainability. The interiors feature wood salvaged from industrial buildings, rustic stone, exposed brick, and terracotta. The hotel offers 186 rooms and 14 suites, including waterfront suites with expansive views and studio suites with private outdoor terraces (the top accommodation choice being the top-floor Ferry House Suite).
The hotel boasts an excellent on-site restaurant, with dinner menus centered around thoughtfully crafted seasonal small plates. Additionally, there is a wellness spa and fitness center. The commitment to an eco-friendly approach is evident in specific creative ideas, such as the bar serving ‘zero-waste’ cocktails, and activities, including the option for guests to rent an electric Audi.
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Mr & Mrs Smith | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: 1 Hotel San Francisco, CA, US. Photos (including the leading shot) © 1 Hotels
Legendary service, elegant interiors, and five-star luxuries await guests at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero, located at 345 California Center. The hotel occupies the top eleven floors of the building, and all 155 rooms and suites offer stunning city views. Some floors feature a Sky Bridge with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The restrained style of Four Seasons’ interiors in San Francisco is enhanced with bold color touches, bespoke furniture, and custom-designed wool rugs. Guest rooms feature freestanding bathtubs, and the facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness center. The hotel is conveniently situated near the Embarcadero area in the Financial District, just a twenty-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport
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Website: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero. Photos © Four Seasons Hotels
In the heart of San Francisco’s Mid-Market district, the San Francisco Proper Hotel emerges as a captivating blend of historic grandeur and contemporary sophistication. This luxury lifestyle destination revitalizes the essence of its building’s glamorous past, infusing it with a modern design that exudes energy and elegance. Each chic guest room and suite is a canvas of individuality, where personal flair takes center stage. Expansive lounge areas and intimate nooks showcase a curated mix of contrasting prints and vibrant colors, creating a distinctive and inviting ambiance.
Ascend to the rooftop bar for panoramic views that capture the essence of the city. Whether indulging in crafted cocktails or relishing contemporary American cuisine in the chic lobby restaurant, the hotel’s allure lies in its meticulous attention to detail.
Alternatively, book San Francisco Proper Hotel via Tablet Hotels |
Marriott Bonvoy | Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: San Francisco Proper Hotel, San Francisco, CA, US. Photos © Proper Hotel
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Perched in the heart of San Francisco’s bustling cultural hub, the Four Seasons Hotel beckons with a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and top-tier comfort. Its generously appointed rooms, adorned with contemporary finesse, offer sweeping vistas of the city’s dynamic skyline. Culinary enthusiasts will discover a haven in the hotel’s diverse dining choices and chic bar.
Whether surrendering to spa luxuries, unwinding on the expansive Veranda Terrace, or immersing yourself in the seamless hospitality of the dedicated staff, every facet of the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco embodies a commitment to refined living. For those seeking a seamless fusion of sophistication and convenience, this hotel stands as an emblem of urbane indulgence.
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Website: Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, CA, US. Photos © Four Seasons Hotels
Enveloped by the historic walls of a neoclassical masterpiece dating back to 1909, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco seamlessly combines classic charm with contemporary luxury. Stepping into the majestic lobby, guests are welcomed by the grandeur of marble columns, crystal chandeliers, and opulent furnishings, setting the stage for an unparalleled experience. The hotel boasts 336 meticulously designed rooms and suites that offer panoramic city views, plush furnishings, Italian marble bathrooms, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring guests are treated to refined comfort. Culinary excellence awaits at Parallel 37, the hotel’s renowned restaurant. Additional amenities include a full-service spa, a chic Club Lounge, and stylish event spaces, providing a comprehensive immersion into luxury and sophistication.
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Website: The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, CA, US. Photos © Marriott International
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Perched majestically atop Nob Hill, the iconic Fairmont San Francisco takes center stage in the heart of the city. Offering a convenient location, it’s just a short cable car ride away from vibrant Downtown, the Financial District, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the only spot where all of San Francisco’s cable car lines converge. This crown jewel of the City by the Bay presents 606 guest rooms and suites, featuring stylish furnishings and updated interiors that breathe new life into the already stunning, classic yet contemporary accommodations. The hotel boasts two distinctive venues: Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, celebrated for family-style meals and Polynesian-fusion plates, and Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar, renowned for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal California coastal cuisine.
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Website: Fairmont San Francisco, CA, US. Photos © Accor
Nestled in San Francisco’s vibrant SoMa district, The St. Regis is a 40-story architectural marvel seamlessly blending classic and contemporary design. The sleek building reflects the city’s innovation, as seen in its opulent lobby adorned with curated art. Designed by Yabu Pushelberg, the rooms and suites offer panoramic city views, merging classic and modern elements within a neutral palette. Renowned for its personalized service, including the St. Regis Butler, the hotel features Remède, a 9,000-square-foot spa, and a 50-foot lap pool, accessible 24/7 with stunning city vistas.
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Website: The St. Regis San Francisco, CA, US. Photos © Marriott International
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Cavallo Point, nestled near the Golden Gate Bridge on the site of a former U.S. Army post, is a highly acclaimed West Coast retreat. The lodge’s exterior showcases meticulous restoration efforts, preserving the original architecture of Fort Baker. Offering 142 accommodations, including historic officers’ residences and contemporary lodgings, many rooms provide breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the iconic bridge.
Setting itself apart, Cavallo Point hosts a culinary school, restaurant, and LEED-certified eco-hotel within a single facility, catering to discerning food enthusiasts and sustainability advocates alike. The hotel is also a beacon of well-being and relaxation, featuring the renowned Healing Arts Center & Spa, where guests can indulge in an array of holistic treatments.
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Website: Cavallo Point – the Lodge at the Golden Gate, San Francisco. Photos © Cavallo Point
Formerly the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, Beacon Grand has been a prominent fixture in San Francisco’s hotel scene since 1928. This historic landmark seamlessly combines historic charm with contemporary sophistication, boasting opulent interiors featuring grand ceilings, oak floors, and elegant details. With 418 beautifully designed guest rooms, including the luxurious Beacon Grand Suite with a private soaking tub and rooftop terrace, the hotel offers a captivating experience. The Beacon Lounge has attracted celebrities and politicians over the years, remaining a stylish hub for craft cocktails, live music, and world-class cuisine reflecting the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. As an iconic element of San Francisco’s Union Square district, Beacon Grand continues to stand as a landmark hotel, defining elegance and luxury for nearly a century.
Alternatively, book Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel via
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Website: Beacon Grand, A Union Square Hotel, San Francisco, CA, US. Photos © Beacon Grand
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Named after its grandeur, San Francisco’s most historic hotel exudes palatial splendor. Despite being devastated by the 1906 earthquake, it rose from the ruins to become the preferred residence for Hollywood royalty and esteemed dignitaries. Anticipate unparalleled luxury with 556 chic, dove-grey bedrooms boasting majestic high ceilings. Indulge in traditional afternoon tea beneath a gilded glass dome, illuminated by a magnificent chandelier, and experience one of the city’s most legendary nightclubs. This iconic establishment is a testament to resilience and refined elegance.
Alternatively, book Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel via
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Website: Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco. Photos © Marriott International
In the periphery of San Francisco’s vibrant Tenderloin district, the Line SF hotel seamlessly blends classic mid-century design with understated industrial aesthetics across its 236 rooms. Brushed concrete ceilings and pillars are complemented by nude leather headboards and adorned with local art, creating a distinctive atmosphere. The larger suites boast glass-encased bathrooms and luxurious free-standing bathtubs stocked with Cowshed toiletries. Each room provides expansive views of the downtown skyline through large windows.
Don’t miss out on the rooftop terrace at sundown; here, you can savor the cityscape from cozy fire pits and elegant marble tables, all while expert mixologists whip up tailor-made cocktails in the glasshouse bar.
Alternatively, book The LINE San Francisco via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The LINE San Francisco, CA, US. Photos © The LINE
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Immersing yourself in the chic atmosphere of this trendy destination at the sought-after northern tip of San Francisco may evoke the sensation of effortlessly bypassing an exclusive velvet rope. Functioning as a members’ club, it boasts 14 industrial yet lavish bedrooms adorned with striking art, plush velvet, and metal four-poster beds draped in irresistibly soft linen. The ambiance exudes a New York exclusivity, attracting a clientele distinctly San Francisco—primarily successful tech professionals. Make sure to experience the vibrant in-house restaurant, 717B, where bar-style cuisine converges with an extensive selection of Californian wines.
Alternatively, book The Battery via
Mr & Mrs Smith or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Battery, Financial District, San Francisco, CA, US. Photos © The Battery
Hotel Drisco in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights seamlessly combines historical charm and contemporary luxury within a meticulously restored Edwardian building. The opulent rooms boast plush furnishings and breathtaking views, while the hotel’s standout feature is its dedication to personalized service. Surrounded by Victorian and Edwardian mansions, the hotel provides a gateway to explore the prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood and nearby iconic landmarks. The on-site restaurant highlights local flavors, contributing to a uniquely curated experience that epitomizes the timeless elegance of San Francisco. Hotel Drisco stands as a sophisticated beacon in one of the city’s most distinguished neighborhoods.
Alternatively, book Hotel Drisco via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hotel Drisco Pacific Heights, San Francisco, CA, US. Photos © Hotel Drisco
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Hotel Kabuki, a JdV by Hyatt Hotel, nestled in San Francisco’s historic Japantown, seamlessly blends modern luxury with traditional Japanese aesthetics. Housed in a distinctive 1960s building, the hotel showcases a mid-century modern design with a Japanese twist. The glass lobby opens onto a serene bonsai garden, and its 225 rooms, some offering panoramic city views, are tastefully adorned with orchids, pop art, and Zen-inspired elements. The hotel features an authentic bathhouse and a trendy lobby bar that offers over 20 sake varieties to complement fusion bites, ensuring guests a unique and immersive experience.
Alternatively, book Hotel Kabuki, a JdV by Hyatt Hotel via
Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Hotel Kabuki, a JdV by Hyatt Hotel, San Francisco, CA, US. Photos © Hyatt Corporation
W San Francisco is a cutting-edge luxury hotel located in the vibrant SoMa district, seamlessly blending modern design with the city’s energy. Set in a sleek high-rise, the hotel’s avant-garde interiors showcase contemporary art in the lobby and offer panoramic city views from stylish rooms. The strategic location near cultural hotspots and tech hubs enhances its appeal, while personalized services, a trendy bar, and state-of-the-art facilities ensure a sophisticated and comfortable stay. W San Francisco is a beacon of contemporary luxury in the heart of one of America’s most iconic cities.
Alternatively, book W San Francisco via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Marriott or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: W San Francisco, CA, US. Photos © Marriott International
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The below shortlist makes a worthy companion to the main list.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 15/01/2024
