TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Luxurious. The history of the hotel was so cool to see. The tiki bar downstairs was the coolest bar I had ever been to. So many details in the design of that space. Room 2001 had a great view of the bay and bridge. Worth the upgrade. Large hotel in a great area but quiet there. On top of a large hill so hard to walk places. Taxis were lined up out front of the hotel for easy and quick access.

Ninth visit: excellent as ever. The location at the top of Nob Hill is ideal with views from the Tower rooms unequalled. If only they would bring back the buffet breakfast it would score 10/10!

What a disaster. We travel often and always book luxury hotels. This place is overrated and overpriced - surviving on an old and out dated reputation. We checked in to a very dirty, loud and outdated guest room: filthy carpet, dusty windows and surfaces, and you could hear everything through the paper-thin walls. The elevators were broken, the line to check in was a 25 minute wait with one front desk agent servicing everyone. Our experience only got worse. We ordered room service and figured a “luxury hotel” like the Fairmont would have decent quality food in house - it couldn’t have been worse. I am not exaggerating by saying DiGiorno frozen pizza would have been significantly better than the pizza they served us. The rest of the food was equally gross. We got terrible sleep in the loud and uncomfortable room and actually couldn’t wait to checkout. As we left, the valet brought our car up in the pouring rain and parked it out in the open where we got soaked getting into it. We left in a rush and when we got home we found significant damage on our previously spotless and garage kept brand new car. Fairmont referred us to some shoddy third party company called propark (who they contract with to park your car). They promptly denied our claim and never sent a letter or called us to notify us of the denial. I only discovered that the claim had been denied after contacting the Fairmont weeks later. If you ever stay here I’d suggest you take a video and pictures of your car before you check in and before you leave the property. Because they are not trustworthy, honest or professional with guest’s vehicles. I witnessed them recklessly whipping vehicles around a parking garage and speeding around city streets. I complained to an executive assistant named Kendra who was very unhelpful and took precisely zero responsibility or accountability for the damage. She refused to follow through with a phone call as she had previously promised and would only communicate by email. She “encouraged” me to file a claim with my own insurance - I was actually very shocked and surprised and the total lack of customer service from a “high end” expensive luxury hotel like this. The whole experience from start to finish was substandard. The people who work at this property and more importantly those who manage them need training and education. There are PLENTY of better hotels in San Francisco. Save your time and money and yourself from the potential stress of dealing with issues like the ones I’ve experienced. None of which should have ever happened at an expensive luxury hotel.

The hotel is beautifully decorated with classic and modern art and of course pictures showcasing its long and glorious heritage. You feel like you’re taking a trip back in time! The rooftop garden is beautiful with a great view of landmark SF buildings. The restaurant staff provide great service and nice little touches with treats from the waiters and the chefs. I highly recommend it and my family will not allow me to book a different hotel when we go to San Francisco.

What can be said besides everything was perfect. If your looking for an older, historical property with modern convenience, this is one place you should go at least once. Staff were always attentive, restaurant and bar were outstanding, room (and view of the harbor from the tower) was very comfortable. Location is great, inclduing at the intersection of all of the cable cars.