A region known for high-end everything, the San Francisco Bay Area not only has more Michelin Star restaurants than anywhere else in the country, but it also has a wide array of luxury hotels for weary travelers to lay their heads. This list covers urban resorts and luxury hotels throughout SF's 7x7 (San Francisco is roughly seven miles long by seven miles wide). Why is this list free?

Four Seasons Embarcadero (Previously Loews)
#1 of 16 Best Luxury Hotels in SF
★★★★★ | $$$

Nestled in the heart of downtown San Francisco, the Four Seasons does not fail to impress. Formerly the Loews Regency, the Four Seasons features the highest hotel rooms in San Francisco and offers spectacular views over both San Francisco Bay and the city. The hotel somehow combines modern designs and amenities with classic features to create a timeless and elegant location.

The hotel features 155 guest rooms, 7 suites, and over 5,000 square feet of public space that includes the famous 40th floor sky deck. Guests also enjoy easy access to all of the city’s major attractions, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square, and the Ferry Building

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The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco
#2 of 16 Top Luxury SF Hotels
★★★★★ | $$$

The crown jewel of Nob Hill, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco offers an unparalleled luxury experience for guests looking to stay in one of the Bay Area’s most iconic landmarks. Dating all the way back to 1909, the hotel’s central location allows its guests to walk to famous areas like Nob Hill, Union Square, and Chinatown.

Within the walls of its neo-classical building, guests are treated to newly renovated rooms that include big screen TVs, rain showers, and all the high-end bath and beauty products you can imagine. There’s a tasting lounge with a spectacular and exclusive wine selection, and an enormous and fully stocked Club Level.

Taj Campton Place
#3 of 16 Leading Luxury Hotels San Francisco
★★★★★ | $$

Perched atop Stockton Street in San Francisco's famous Union Square shopping district, The Taj Campton Place is a gorgeous throwback to classic European-style luxury hotels.

Since the hotel is comprised out of two separate historic buildings, the guestrooms can vary greatly based on their location, and with only 110 rooms, the hotel has never lost its intimate and private allure. Whether it’s a giant piece of art or an assortment of throw pillows, the classic décor and natural tones blend seamlessly with contemporary flourishes of color.

Other features include a two Michelin star restaurant that includes a seven-course tasting menu and a world famous open-air fitness center that sits atop the 9th floor roof. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the Taj Campton Place is one of the most elegant and noteworthy stops on the San Francisco hotel trail.

Fairmont San Francisco
#4 of 16 Top-Notch High End San Francisco Hotels
★★★★★ | $$

The world-famous Fairmont San Francisco is a unique luxury hotel that promises to give its guests a true vision of historic San Fran. Known to tourists for its beautiful guest rooms and fine dining, the Fairmont is also famous for its 72,000 square feet of meeting space that has been home to prestigious gatherings such as the inaugural meeting of the United Nations in 1945. The ubiquitous façade of the hotel, featuring the flags of over twenty nations, has been featured in countless films and magazines.

With 606 guest rooms and dining options for just about every taste, The Fairmont presents a unique blend of history, class, and functionality. For tourists looking to explore San Francisco, the Fairmont is the only place in the city where all the cable cars meet, meaning you can get just about anywhere from your hotel. For those interested in a little piece of history, visit the Venetian Room to see where Tony Bennett first sang his ballad I left my heart in San Francisco.

Omni San Francisco
#5 of 16 Top Luxury Hotels in SF
★★★★★ | $$

Conveniently located on the historic San Francisco cable car line, the Omni San Francisco is one of the most luxurious historic hotels in the entire city. Sitting on the grounds of the original Parrott Building, the Omni’s sumptuous décor and elegant style will make you feel like you’ve just gone back in time – or stepped onto the set of Mad Men.

The Omni provides its guests with not only the comfort of a luxury hotel, but also the convenience and trappings of downtown San Francisco. At the Omni, you’re nearby a number of sights and landmarks, and just a short walk from both the Ferry Building and the Moscone Convention Center, making the Omni the perfect choice for business travelers looking to focus or unwind after a long day.

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco
#6 of 16 Leading Luxury SF Hotels
★★★★★ | $$$

When people hear the words “Four Seasons”, they immediately think of one thing: luxury. That’s because for almost 80 years, Four Seasons has stood tall at the pinnacle of luxury hotels and restaurants, and its brand has become an international symbol of wealth and fame. And at the Four Seasons San Francisco, you’ll be able to relax in the lap of five star luxury while having access to some of the Bay Area’s greatest landmarks and attractions.

Guest rooms are thoughtfully decorated with shades of grey, blue, and white to represent the city’s fog, redwood trees, and ocean. During your stay, you can also choose to visit the city’s top rated health club or perhaps enjoy a night with the elegant, California-inspired menu at MKT Restaurant.

The St. Regis San Francisco
#7 of 16 Top-Notch Luxury Hotels San Francisco
★★★★★ | $$$

No matter where you are in the world, a stay at a St. Regis hotel is going to be one of the most comfortable and luxurious stays of your life. The elegant and timeless St. Regis San Francisco is replete with luxury amenities like personalized butler service, Frette linens, and bathrooms with soaking tubs and rainforest showers. While business travelers will love the large workstations in every room as well as the 24-hour fitness center, the real value here is for tourists who don’t mind taking their time getting out of bed. There is so much to indulge in at the St. Regis, from the indoor infinity pool and luxury spa, to the signature afternoon tea or delicious craft ingredients at The Grill Restaurant.

Despite the change of ownership due to the Marriot / Starwood merger of 2016, the St. Regis continues to lead the way in terms of modern hotel luxury. The manicured green spaces and elevated meeting rooms make The St. Regis San Francisco one of the most popular spots for weddings and events, and its close proximity to Oracle Park, the Moscone Center, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art make it the perfect hub for your high-end tourism itinerary.

Fairmont Heritage Place
#8 of 16 Best High End San Francisco Hotels
★★★★★ | $$$

Ghirardelli Square is one of the most beautiful and illustrious tourist attractions in San Francisco and is considered one of the most successful adaptive reuse projects in history. Once the site of the world-famous Ghirardelli chocolate factory, the square has been converted into a large public area that features shops, restaurants, and of course, one very special five star hotel… the Fairmont Heritage Place.

Overlooking San Francisco Bay, this residential-style, all-suite luxury hotel is one of the most breathtaking and intimate boutiques in the country. Besides one, two, and three bedroom vacation rentals, the Fairmont Heritage Place also offers unparalleled personal service that includes custom grocery delivery, excursions, and full concierge services. And in addition to vacation rentals and overnight accommodations, the Fairmont Heritage Place also offers ownership options to those looking for a second home in one of the most sought-after and picturesque parts of the city.

Palace Hotel
#9 of 16 Leading Luxury Hotels in SF
★★★★☆ | $$

Since 1875, the Palace Hotel has shone as a beacon of class, luxury, and leisure located right in the heart of downtown San Francisco. With its historic architecture and classic décor, the entire building is a total throwback to the gilded era, and stepping inside its doors, you’ll instantly be transported to another time and place. And of course the historic features are all paired with modern convenience and professional services that will make you feel pampered and taken care of.

At the time of its creation, the Palace Hotel was San Francisco’s first luxury hotel and the largest hotel in the entire world. Since then, the Palace has undergone a few major renovations, but the hotel has remained an international icon and a landmark of the city, standing tall as time has passed and the world has changed around it. Inside the hotel are the most amazing guest rooms, a sky-lit indoor pool, and two world-famous restaurants including The Garden Court, the only indoor historic landmark in the city.

Axiom Hotel
#10 of 16 Top-Notch Luxury SF Hotels
★★★★☆ | $$

Formerly known as the Powell Hotel, the new Axiom is a stylish blend of old-world style and modern technology located at the intersection of San Francisco’s historic Union Square and SoMa district. This boutique hotel is pet friendly and caters to young guests who live fast-paced digital lifestyles. Seamless technological integration is at the heart of the Axiom hotel, and the hand of tech will guide everything you touch and discover.

Of course, technology doesn’t have to come at the expense of luxury, and the Axiom prides itself on its spacious guestrooms and common areas that are comfortable and contemporary. Minimalist architecture and décor paired with recessed lighting and a soft ambiance will make you feel like you’re in the hotel of the future, especially when paired with state of the art technology like smart TV’s, Apple TV, docking stations, and complimentary fiber optic internet.

Staypineapple at The Alise San Francisco
#11 of 16 Best Luxury Hotels San Francisco
★★★★☆ | $$

Just a few blocks from Union Square, Staypineapple is a modern, boutique hotel that delivers elegance, luxury, and terrific service to its guests. Sunny, charming, and brightly colored, Staypineapple is a welcome respite from the stuffy and drab color palate of most luxury hotels. Though some guest rooms are on the small side, they all offer a number of high-end modern amenities such as iHome docks, flat screen TVs, Keurig coffee machines, and seersucker robes.

The hotel is also known for offering its guests a number of extras such as bike rentals, mini-cupcakes, and dog bowls for your four-legged friends. While there is a nice little bar in the lobby, there is no restaurant or fitness center on sight, making Staypineapple one of the more “bare bones” choices for luxury accommodation in downtown San Francisco.

InterContinental Mark Hopkins
#12 of 16 Best Luxury Hotels in SF
★★★★☆ | $$

Perched atop Nob Hill in the center of San Francisco, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins boasts a combination of grand architecture and intimate interiors that will appeal to travelers who never forget to appreciate the smaller things. The charm here is palpable. The views of the city are stunning. The staff is professional and courteous and speaks 17 different languages, helping your stay by the bay be productive and safe. Truly, the InterContinental Mark Hopkins is a one of a kind luxury hotel that will give its visitors a unique launching pad into one of San Francisco’s most upscale neighborhoods. The area surrounding the hotel is loaded with vintage shops, green parks, and access to a number of popular tourist attractions such as Union Square, Chinatown, the Mission District, and Golden Gate Park.

Hotel Nikko
#13 of 16 Top Luxury SF Hotels
★★★★☆ | $$

Hotel Nikko is a Japanese-inspired hotel that is as polished as it is modern. Situated just steps from Union square and surrounded by fabulous restaurants, coffee shops, and upscale bars, Hotel Nikko is also just two miles from the Fisherman’s Wharf and a three-minute walk from the Powell street BART station. And while it works as a wonderful hub to discover the city from, the lush accommodations can’t be overlooked, because they are among the best in the city.

As you experience the Far-Eastern charm and modern décor that has been polished into every detail of the hotel’s interior, also take some time enjoying all of the great on-site amenities that Hotel Nikko offers, including an upscale Asian restaurant and lounge and a food truck dolling out some awesome California staples. There’s also a glass-encased swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and an amazing event space.

InterContinental San Francisco
#14 of 16 Leading Luxury Hotels San Francisco
★★★★☆ | $$

Sitting right next to the Moscone West Convention Center, the InterContinental San Francisco is the perfect place to stay if you’re coming to the Bay Area for a convention or meeting and if you are looking for a luxurious and relaxing stay. A gorgeous tower of ice-blue glass, the InterContinental has 556 guest rooms and 15 suites, but each floor maxes out at 22 rooms, which allows the hotel to accommodate many guests while maintaining an intimate and boutique footprint.

Replete with gorgeous art and sumptuous wood and marble furniture, the guest rooms and public areas are touchstones of modern class and elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide spectacular views of the cityscape and San Francisco Bay, only adding to the experience. The Michelin-starred Luce Restaurant offers high-end dining and local wines without having to step outside of the hotel, and the hotel was recently honored with the first LEED EBOM Gold Certification for offering a Toyota Prius Zipcar service to all its guests. This is just one of the many ways that the InterContinental San Francisco stands apart from the crowd of luxury Bay Area hotels.

Le Meridien San Francisco
#15 of 16 Top-Notch High End San Francisco Hotels
★★★★☆ | $$

If you’re looking for luxury in the Financial District, look no further than Le Méridien; an upscale high-rise hotel with a chic, Midcentury Modern ambiance. Each and every one of Le Méridien’s 360 guest rooms have a style unto their own, creating a unique experience for all guests. From beautiful black granite countertops to gray furniture with orange accents, staying at Le Méridien feels like you’re inside of a work of art. All the usual amenities such as HD TV’s, stereo systems, and high speed internet will rival many other Bay Area hotels and give you an opportunity to live in European luxury in one of the most beautiful cities in America.

Just a four-minute walk to the Embarcadero Center and nine-minute walk to the Ferry Building, Le Méridien is also connected to the Bently Reserve conference center by a convenient sky bridge, make it a terrific staging point for guests looking to get to a conference or trade show.

Hotel Adagio
#16 of 16 Top Luxury Hotels in SF
★★★★☆ | $$

Part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, Hotel Adagio offers 171 beautiful and newly renovated guestrooms, many of which have private terraces and fireplaces. The entire hotel feels sparkling and new, and while the ornate Spanish-colonial designs may be a tribute to a bygone era, the rooms are loaded with all the modern amenities of an upscale luxury boutique. Hotel Adagio is also one of the most sought after and popular venues for meetings and parties, and its public spaces have all been spectacularly renovated and refreshed.

The hotel is a mere four-minute walk from Union Square and a ten-minute walk to the BART and Muni Metro trains at Powell Street Station. Separately, all the convenience and modern amenities make Hotel Adagio great, but its all of these things together that make it one of the most unique hotels in Union Square, and one that you have to see to believe.

WHY THIS LIST IS FREE TO USE

 

Utilizing a data and statistics from a combination of 7 sources, including aggregated user reviews & SFist staff opinions, the above list includes SF hotels that we believe provide superior services. In some cases, promotional consideration is given to SFist sponsors in the local hospitality industry as well. Each of the above locations is widely recognized as one of the top hotels in San Francisco.

 


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