Fairmont San Francisco embodies the grandeur of this historic city. It effortlessly combines impeccable service with luxurious rooms and top-notch facilities. As it’s set high atop Nob Hill, you’ll enjoy great city views and can practically hop on the cable cars from outside the hotel. When it comes to eating, you’ll find some delicious local food at the hotel’s three restaurants. Why not treat yourself to traditional afternoon tea at the weekend or visit The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar for, apparently, the best Mai Tai in the city.
Amenities
Babysitting service
Wheelchair access
Bar
Fitness Centre/Gym
Internet Access
Laundry Service
Restaurant
Room Service
Safety Deposit Box
Spa
Valet parking
Close to City Centre
Where is it
The Fairmont is located at the only spot in San Francisco where each of the city's cable car lines meet. Centrally located for Fisherman's Wharf, the Financial District and Union Square.
Hotel information
606 elegant rooms on 23 floors in 2 building with 7 lifts. All with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with pay-per-view films, WiFi*, telephone, tea/coffee-making facilities, mini-bar*, safe, hairdryer, iron and board, and bathrobes. Fairmont Rooms with 1 queen-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.
Fairmont Exterior Rooms with views of Nob Hill neighbourhood offer 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.
Fairmont Deluxe Rooms are located in the more contemporary tower building with views of Nob Hill with 1 king-size bed or 2 double beds, sleeping maximum 4 adults.
Fairmont Signature Rooms are located on the highest floors of the tower with views of the bay with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 adults.
Laurel Court Restaurant and Bar (authentic local cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and weekend afternoon teas). The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar (open for dinner Wed–Sat). Cirque Bar (Grab & Go Breakfast). Live Fit Gym and Wellness Spa* (sauna, steam room, massage and fitness classes). Room service*. 24-hour laundry service*. Babysitting service*. Valet parking $85.50 inclusive of tax per night (payable locally, subject to change).
This hotel has a resort fee of $35 plus tax per room, per day (payable locally, subject to change).
Resort fee includes use of the following amenities: - $10 credit per day at Cirque Bar coffee shop - Access to LiveFit gym + wellness - Wireless access in guest room and throughout public areas - PressReader - Access to hotel bicycles (subject to availability) - One movie per stay - Local telephone calls. Resort fee, tax and inclusions are subject to change - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.
Wheelchair accessible rooms available on request. Please note that these rooms are subject to availability and may be restricted to specific room categories and bedding arrangements. Rooms and facilities vary between hotels so please check at the time of booking. For more information and contact details please check out our Special Assistance page
*Denotes local charge.
Based on 5261 reviews
Rating summary
Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness
Traveller rating
Excellent (3141)
Very good (1068)
Average (516)
Poor (283)
Terrible (253)
Beautiful Building, But Everything Else Falls Shockingly Short
Jul 12, 2025F5979GPandrewgScottsdale, Arizona
I recently stayed at the Fairmont San Francisco, expecting a luxury experience consistent with the Fairmont brand and the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program. Instead, my stay was defined by poor management, outdated accommodations, and a disappointing experience that felt like a relentless money grab due to numerous frivolous fees.
Upon arrival,…
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I recently stayed at the Fairmont San Francisco, expecting a luxury experience consistent with the Fairmont brand and the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program. Instead, my stay was defined by poor management, outdated accommodations, and a disappointing experience that felt like a relentless money grab due to numerous frivolous fees.
Upon arrival, my room was underwhelming and severely outdated. Shockingly, I found hairs that clearly didn’t belong to me both in the bathroom and on the bed (photos attached), raising immediate concerns about cleanliness standards. The toilet paper provided was incredibly thin; almost see-through (a very strange and ridiculous way to cut costs), and hot water was temperamental, adding further discomfort to my stay.
In-room dining was a particular disappointment. The menu lacked any authentic local options, and the food quality was subpar. The Amex FHR “welcome amenity” felt like an afterthought: just bagged chocolate-covered raisins and a few tiny cookies. It was a missed opportunity to introduce guests to any of the exceptional local bakeries/chocolatiers in San Francisco.
The parking fee was absurd even by San Francisco standards; $115 to park my rental car for a single night. Unfortunately, this was just one of several frivolous junk fees that seemed designed purely to inflate my bill.
To be fair, the mattress was comfortable, and the staff members I encountered were genuinely kind. However, these positives couldn’t outweigh the overwhelming impression that this hotel is coasting on its storied history, neglecting to uphold basic Fairmont standards. As others have echoed, management appears disengaged, failing even to respond to reviews on this platform.
This property could be extraordinary, but currently, it feels more like a museum charging five-star prices without providing five-star service.
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Speak Up
Jul 11, 2025Jason P
I asked for the A/C to be fixed and engineering came right away. They told me that did a bypass and my room should cool down in a little bit. I was appreciative and excited as the room felt like a sauna. It did not cool down. The next day I called again and asked for them to look at it and give leave me a message on the room phone that it was…
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I asked for the A/C to be fixed and engineering came right away. They told me that did a bypass and my room should cool down in a little bit. I was appreciative and excited as the room felt like a sauna. It did not cool down. The next day I called again and asked for them to look at it and give leave me a message on the room phone that it was fixed and if not what they were going to do to help me. Never received any correspondence from the hotel and it still was not fixed. Highly disappointed with the situation. Three days of a warm room did not make me happy.
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Tonga Room is fantastic- the lobby is dreamy but the rooms need an update.
Jul 8, 2025Jenna CDenver, Colorado
The pillows were soft, the beds comfortable and the black out shades really worked. and of course, the lobby was as regal and as impressive as ever. The highlight was the Tonga Room for sure- a five-star tiki bar. I was disappointed the bathroom shower had mold and the room was pretty dated though.
Classic
Jul 6, 2025AmiPChicago, Illinois
As a former San Francisco resident, I have always wanted to stay at the Fairmont, a classic icon of the city. I finally got the opportunity last year, just before Thanksgiving. They had put up their gingerbread house in the lobby by then. The lobby, with its marble columns and gilded ceiling, is always iconic but the holiday decorations but it…
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As a former San Francisco resident, I have always wanted to stay at the Fairmont, a classic icon of the city. I finally got the opportunity last year, just before Thanksgiving. They had put up their gingerbread house in the lobby by then. The lobby, with its marble columns and gilded ceiling, is always iconic but the holiday decorations but it even more special.
I asked for a room in the historic building and was given a room with a lovely view of Grace Cathedral. The room had a large window and it was lovely to sit there and watch the rain.
I had breakfast daily and dinner one night at the main restaurant. Food was fine, a little overpriced but that is to be expected. Staff were helpful and efficient. Overall, a wonderful stay.
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A dream stay
Jul 4, 2025Andrea UHong Kong, China
I used to live in San Francisco and, as a teen, would often pass by the Fairmont and have always dream of staying there one day. I finally had the chance to experience the magic of the Fairmont San Francisco.
The hotel is full of charm and rich in history, and the stay was very comfortable. We booked a bay view room, and the view was simply…
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I used to live in San Francisco and, as a teen, would often pass by the Fairmont and have always dream of staying there one day. I finally had the chance to experience the magic of the Fairmont San Francisco.
The hotel is full of charm and rich in history, and the stay was very comfortable. We booked a bay view room, and the view was simply spectacular. The room itself was comfortable and equipped with everything you would need.
Services were excellent — we were always greeted with a smile and felt genuinely welcomed throughout our stay.The hotel is old and the rooms are a bit dated, but that only adds to its character and charm. It was lovely. The location is top notch! We were able to get to anywhere easily (although as you are on top of the hill, walking might not be too easy as you will have to walk back up!)
This was a wonderful, memorable stay that lived up to a long-held dream.
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