San Francisco, USA
This historic San Francisco landmark, with far reaching views, has dominated Nob Hill since it opened in 1907. With dramatic public spaces and housing the famous Tonga Bar, it has a spa, gym and its own honeybees
Our review
It’s a steep walk to the top of Nob Hill (or take a tram) to get to this hotel, but well worth the effort. The views are outstanding and the hotel is magnificent.
It was opened in 1907 with a tower being added in the 1960s. It oozes a charm and style of its own. In the lobby are scrolled crazed marble columns in toffee and beige, ornately gold decorated ceilings, a jazzy carpet, French Renaissance-style gold painted chairs and sofas, huge potted palms, a massive floral display and a grand staircase leading off with open fretwork iron bannisters.
When I first visited a hotel, it was for a function in the Presidential suite, with large terrace and views over the Bay. We were shown the back staircase that Marilyn Monroe allegedly used for assignations with JFK.
The hotel has beehives on the roof and produces its own honey, and is used by the hotel kitchens.
More recently, I’ve been able to have a more thorough look at the public spaces and guest rooms. Rooms are either in the main building or the tower. We looked at one of the tower suites that have among the best views. This corner room on the fourth floor had a king bed and was attractively decorated in pale blue and gold. A nice feature was a floor-mounted telescope, ideal for getting close up to the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz. The room has a Keurig coffee machine and iPod docking station. I was told that this is one of Tony Bennett’s favourite rooms.
The hotel has its famous Tonga room rainforest restaurant with floating bandstand and an ‘electric storm’ occurring at intervals. You need to book to enjoy the fun. There is also the Laurel Court Restaurant specialising in seafood. Traditional afternoon tea is also served here, a 100-year old tradition that was resurrected in 2011. Don’t miss the Caffe Centro a casual coffee shop where I enjoyed an Illy coffee.
The Fairmont is known for its excellent concierge service, invaluable if you are new to the city.
Check out the pretty secret garden with fountain, palm tree, pathways and planted beds, a little oasis in the middle of the city.
In conclusion, The Fairmont is a historic San Francisco landmark with excellent public areas and well-regarded restaurants.
Rooms
Fairmont San Francisco offers around 600 rooms including over 60 suites, housed within its grand Beaux‑Arts building and an adjacent tower. Rooms feature high ceilings, refined furnishings and marble bathrooms, with many offering sweeping views of the city skyline, San Francisco Bay or the Golden Gate Bridge. Suites provide generous living areas, premium amenities and landmark vistas.
Food and Drink
Laurel Court Restaurant & Bar serves seasonal Californian cuisine in an elegant setting inspired by European brasseries, with a focus on refined yet approachable dining. The hotel is also home to the legendary Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar, a long‑standing San Francisco institution offering Polynesian‑inspired cuisine and tropical cocktails in an immersive setting.
Additional lounge spaces provide light fare, cocktails and afternoon tea in a classic atmosphere overlooking Nob Hill.
Wellness
The hotel features a full‑service wellness spa offering massages and beauty treatments, alongside the Live Fit Gym & Wellness Spa. Facilities include a modern fitness centre, sauna and steam rooms, designed to support relaxation and wellbeing within the hotel.
Facilities
- Full‑service spa and wellness centre
- Fitness centre with sauna and steam rooms
- Restaurants, bars and lounges
- Historic event and ballroom spaces
- Concierge and transport services
- Pet‑friendly accommodation
- On‑site retail outlets
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Fairmont San Francisco is perched atop Nob Hill, where all three cable car lines converge. Nearby attractions include the Cable Car Museum, Chinatown, Union Square, the Ferry Building and scenic routes to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Getting there
Address: 950 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA
Arriving by air: San Francisco International Airport SFO (22.25 km – 13.83 miles), 21 minute drive to the hotelNorman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport SJC (75.65 km – 47 miles), 1 hour drive to the hotel
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.