Frommer's San Francisco 2012 - Matthew Poole [46]
A room designed by artist Damon Soule at the Hotel des Arts.
NOB HILL
Most of the city’s finest hotels are perched here. Nob Hill is where San Francisco’s railroad and mining barons once lived and modern barons stay during their visits.
Best For: Wealthy travelers who prefer luxury accommodations. Easy access to cable cars.
Drawbacks: Very expensive hotels, steep hills (good luck in heels), and heavy traffic on California Street.
Very Expensive
The Fairmont San Francisco ★★★ The granddaddy of Nob Hill’s elite cadre of ritzy hotels, the century-old Fairmont is a must-visit if only to marvel at the incredibly glamorous lobby with its vaulted ceilings, Corinthian columns, a spectacular spiral staircase, and rococo furniture. Such decadence carries to the guest rooms, where luxuries abound: oversize marble bathrooms, thick down blankets, goose-down king pillows, extra-long mattresses, and large walk-in closets. Its perch atop Nob Hill affords spectacular city views from every room—though the panoramic views from the Tower Suites are the best. It’s fun to indulge in afternoon tea (daily 2:30–4:30pm) in the ornate Laurel Court restaurant and lounge, which serves as the hotel’s centerpiece. A local institution that’s been around since I was a kid is the hotel’s Tonga Room, a Disneyland-like tropical bar and restaurant where happy hour hops with bands playing on a floating island in a pool, and there’s a “rain storm” every 30 minutes.
950 Mason St. (at California St.), San Francisco, CA 94108. www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco. 866/540-4491 or 415/772-5000. Fax 415/772-5013. 591 units. Main building $229–$349 double, from $500 suite; Tower $289–$469 double, from $750 suite; penthouse $12,500. Extra person $30. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $50. Cable car: California St. line (direct stop). Amenities: 2 restaurants/bars; babysitting; concierge; health club (free for Fairmont President’s Club members; $15 per day or $20 per 2 days, nonmembers); room service; free Wi-Fi in lobby. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies and video games available, hair dryer, high-speed Internet, kitchenette in some units, minibar.
The Huntington Hotel ★★ One of the kings of Nob Hill, the stately Huntington Hotel has long been a favorite retreat for Hollywood stars and political VIPs who desire privacy and security. Family owned since 1924—an extreme rarity among large hotels—the Huntington eschews pomp and circumstance; absolute privacy and unobtrusive service are its mainstays. Although the lobby, decorated in grand 19th-century style, is rather petite compared to its Nob Hill neighbors, the guest rooms are like spacious apartments; they feature Brunschwig & Fils fabrics and bed coverings, antique French furnishings, and dreamy views of the city. Be warned, however, that they are also quirky and sprinkled with downscale items; one room where I stayed had motel-quality doorknobs and a tiny, plain bathroom. Where they make up for the room deficiencies is a genuinely gracious staff and the celestial Nob Hill Spa (one of the best in the city).
1075 California St. (btw. Mason and Taylor sts.), San Francisco, CA 94108. www.huntingtonhotel.com. 800/227-4683 or 415/474-5400. Fax 415/474-6227. 136 units. $350–$500 single or double; $600–$1,350 suite. Continental breakfast $14. Special packages available. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $29. Bus: 1. Cable car: California St. line (direct stop). Amenities: Restaurant; lounge; babysitting; concierge; health club; Jacuzzi; indoor heated pool (ages 16 and up); sauna; spa. In room: A/C, TV w/pay movies, fridges in some units, hair dryer, kitchenettes in some units, minibar, Wi-Fi ($9.95 per day).
InterContinental Mark Hopkins ★★★ Built in 1926 on the spot where railroad