The hype
Travelers are blown away by the lobby and views but often disappointed by the dated bathrooms and nickel-and-dime fees.
Fairmont San Francisco
$300-550/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential 'San Francisco movie set' experience with jaw-dropping views and a side of tiki kitsch.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable panoramic views from the Tower rooms (Golden Gate, Alcatraz, Coit Tower)
- The iconic Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar with its indoor rainstorms
- Grand Beaux-Arts lobby that feels like stepping into 1907
Quick Take: A legendary grand dame that rests on its laurels—expect million-dollar views but occasionally tired rooms and eye-watering parking fees.
Reviewed by @k_sharkie: Staying here felt like living in a piece of history. My favorite part was definitely the mornings—sipping coffee in our room while the kids played on the wide window ledge watching the cable cars and fog roll by. It’s luxury, but totally family-proof.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'historic charm' sometimes crosses the line into 'old and dusty,' with peeling paint and musty smells reported in some unrenovated rooms.
- You are a history buff who wants to stay where Tony Bennett first sang 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco'
- You prioritize a spectacular view over modern room tech
- You want a 'resort' feel within the city (tiki bar, rooftop garden, shops)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough, but recent reviews mention missed dust in corners and lingering trays in hallways.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated. Grout lines in older bathrooms can show age; some reports of 'musty' smells in unrenovated rooms.
- Maintenance: A mixed bag. The lobby is pristine, but guest rooms show wear—chipped paint and scuffed furniture are common complaints.
- Linens & towels: High quality. Frette linens are crisp and towels are plush, a consistent highlight.
- Odors & scents: Main Building hallways can have a 'vintage' (old) smell; lobby smells of fresh flowers and expensive perfume.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway conversations and doors slamming (Main Building)
- Cable car bells (street-facing lower floors)
- Internal plumbing noise
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Urban Experience Fee' includes wifi, water, and a movie, but check if it covers the Live Fit gym (policies vary).
- Tonga Room is open Wed-Sat evenings only; reservations are essential.
- Check-in is at 4pm, which is strict; early check-in often incurs a fee.
What to pack
- Comfortable walking shoes (the hills are no joke)
- Layers (Nob Hill gets windy and foggy)
- A dressier outfit for the Tonga Room or Laurel Court
Room Genie
Best picks
- Signature Bay View King (Tower Building, Floors 20-23) for the best Golden Gate views
- Main Building Balcony Suite for historic grandeur and private outdoor space
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms near the elevators in the Main Building (noisy)
- Lower floor Tower rooms (views are blocked by surrounding buildings)
- Rooms with connecting doors if you aren't using them (sound leaks)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Signature Bay View King' in the Tower Building, ideally on floor 20 or higher, facing the Golden Gate Bridge. Please avoid rooms with connecting doors.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the gym free?
It's complicated. Accor members get free access. Others may be charged $20/day despite the resort fee. Verify at check-in.
Does the hotel have a pool?
No swimming pool. The 'pool' in the Tonga Room is for the band, not guests.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, for a fee of $75 per stay. Pets cannot be left unattended in rooms.
How much is breakfast?
It's a la carte at Laurel Court. Expect to pay ~$30 for a 'Fairmont Classic' breakfast plate.
Is there AC?
Yes, but some guests report it can be weak or noisy in older rooms.
Can I walk to Union Square?
Yes, it's a short downhill walk. The walk back up is very steep; take the cable car or a taxi.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Find the secret rooftop garden accessible via the Pavilion Room hallway—it's often empty and has great views.
- ✨
Look for the hidden Mickey Mouse in the Art Deco murals at the Cirque Bar.
- ✨
The cable car stops right in front of the hotel; it's the most scenic way to get back up the hill.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Urban Experience Fee' is just a resort fee with a fancy name.
💡You can hear the Tonga Room rainstorms from the lobby sometimes.
💡The vending machines are hidden in service alcoves on some floors.
💡The 'Main Building' rooms are huge but can smell a bit like 'old museum'.
💡Room service trays sometimes linger in the hallways for hours.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Fairmont San Francisco is located and what's nearby.